Next level inclusion
Our work
Our core expertise originates in LGBT+ inclusion, which we leverage for clients to show how key principles can be applied across multiple types of diversity. We work in three main areas: workplace inclusion training, research and LGBT+ communications / marketing.
Out Now’s clients know that the results we deliver for them achieve more effective inclusion outcomes which are good for employees, for customers, for shareholders and strengthens bottom-line business success.
Our approach delivers strong inclusion outcomes for our clients. Many of the world’s leading companies and brands have discovered for themselves just what makes Out Now’s diversity expertise so unique — and so valuable to their business.
Inclusion expertise
Training
With constant focus on engagement for real-world outcomes, Out Now delivers education and inclusion resources that make everyone feel supported at work.
Research
We build consistent success for clients — with strategic advice informed by Out Now's latest market research data, information and experience-driven insights.
Marketing
Award-winning marketing and communications skills to connect clients most effectively with LGBT+ customers, employees, and stakeholders.
Our approach
At a time when many feel concerned about whether they can expect to feel included or not, our work has become more essential than ever. Out Now is a diversity and inclusion specialist unlike any other. We know that a sense of feeling genuinely included and belonging is a fundamental aspect of employees and customers choosing to work for or buy from an organisation.
Lesbian, gay, bi, trans people and everyone within LGBT+ communities want to be respected, supported and included as appreciated, equal, valued members of societies, across the world.
For over three decades we have constantly redefined the leading-edge in inclusion and belonging initiatives.
We build outcomes to deliver more inclusive workplaces and more effective targeted communications.
Successful inclusion is a game of addition. Our work focuses on maximising outcomes — for all employees and customers of our clients. We believe passionately that everybody wins when people feel included in our clients’ intiatives. A sense of belonging increases people’s sense of well-being and diverse workforces and customers increases business sucess.
When employees feel they belong, they become more productive and more likely to stay with an employer.
When customers feel respected and included as part of a brand vision, they become more likely to support that brand.
Out Now’s unique expertise, experience and approach to LGBT+ workplace inclusion, education and marketing is acknowledged and supported by media, industry professionals and clients worldwide.
In meeting clients’ needs and objectives, our work involves a detailed understanding of LGBT+ people’s needs, concerns and daily lives. Our in-house research program is the world’s longest-running and largest global LGBT+ market research.
We understand that LGBT+ inclusion and marketing is not a niche issue. It is all about integrating diverse employees and consumers effectively into our clients’ mainstream marketing strategies and workplace employment initiatives. Our work across diversity groups strengthens inclusion and builds the sense of belonging, which is so valuable to modern business success.
We see better inclusion for all benefiting everybody in society.
BETTER DATAMore informed insights
Out Now’s role is to help create effective workplace inclusion strategies and marketing solutions to meet LGBT+ people’s workplace and consumer needs.
Our inclusion services build strong client results by making diverse communities feel appreciative of our clients’ initiatives, whether that be workplace inclusion training or LGBT+ consumer marketing.
We undertake the world’s longest running and most extensive global LGBT+ market research program and our exclusive market data informs our clients advice — and drives their success.
In understanding and meeting our clients’ needs and objectives we are always informed by understanding and meeting the needs of our clients’ employees or potential employees and their customers and future customers.
By building a successful, informed, relevant inclusion strategy for each individual client we strengthen their workplace inclusion outcomes by increasing the potential talent pool from which to hire and help expand our marketing clients’ results by expanding the potential customer base, by appealing to the widest possible audience.
Our team
Our founder
Ian Johnson, Principal Consultant of Out Now has more than three decades’ experience in delivering award-winning market leadership in LGBT+ insights, inclusion and global business strategies.
After graduating from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia in 1988 with degrees in Law (LLB) and Commerce (BCom (marketing)) Ian Johnson worked with Citibank and two leading law firms in Australia.
Following the delivery of successful outcomes for project-based marketing clients, Ian established Significant Others in Sydney in 1992.
Ian Johnson has established an unrivalled level of experience in developing effective gay and lesbian marketing approaches that work. He set up what is now the world’s longest established gay marketing program.
Ian’s experience sees him in high demand for client consultation and speaking engagements.
Leading-edge work includes ground-breaking tourism campaigns, research studies and communications initiatives aimed at LGBT people for leading organisations such as visitBerlin, Lloyds Banking Group, Barclaycard, German National Tourist Office, VisitMexico and VisitBritain.
Michael Wilke – Senior Consultant North America
Michael Wilke is Global Advertising Specialist at Out Now. Based in New York City, he began charting the emergence of gay marketing and advertising as a journalist in 1992. Wilke founded Commercial Closet Association in 2001 to promote advertising that respects diversity, gender identity/expression, and sexual orientation. In 2012, Commercial Closet became AdRespect.
Michael has guided dozens of Fortune 500 companies and advertising agencies. His work is cited by college textbooks, news agencies, and he is credited with coining the popular term “gay vague.” He has written for The New York Times, Advertising Age, and Adweek, He has worked for NBC, CBS, and appeared on CNN and BBC.
Susann Jerry – Cross-Platform Communications Specialist
Susann works in partnership with businesses, organisations and entrepreneurs to deliver high impact strategic communications campaigns. Her work is creative, smart, agenda setting and designed to deliver a clear return on investment.
Susann has worked in the area of human rights, equality and diversity for the past 10 years, developing content led campaigns to deliver transformational change. Her specialisms encompass technology, media, advertising and marketing, retail, professional services, research, training and education, entertainment, music, leisure, travel and tourism, non government organisations and start ups. She is a Director of the London Coaching Foundation, a grassroots sports charity working on behalf of young people regardless of their background or ability.
Lotte Jeffs – Inclusion Specialist
A renowned author, award-winning magazine writer, podcaster, commercial writer / creative, and parent, Lotte has been involved with Out Now’s work on different projects across many years.
Responsible for multiple LGBT+ focused creative campaigns for leading clients — such as German National Tourist Office and Stockholm Visitors Board — Lotte is based in London, UK and has demonstrated their immense creative talents for clients time and again.
Andres Reyes – Latin America Strategic Consultant
The vibrant Latin America region is home to millions of LGBT+ people, going about their daily lives as employees, family members and customers.
Andres has worked with Out Now as a strategic consultant for more than a decade.
Located in Mexico’s Guadalajara region, his work includes working on Spanish language projects with Out Now across multiple countries globally.
Hanna Muoniovaara – Nordic Strategic Consultant
The Nordic region is geographically part of Europe and yet its nations present a unique profile and set of opportunities which Hanna is ideally positioned to help clients with.
Based in Helsinki, Hanna brings extensive experience and knowledge of communications, research and inclusion specifically relating to people living in the Nordic region.
Sven Palys – Japan Strategic Consultant
Sven is an international consultant who has lived in Japan for years.
He is an expert on cultural matters specific to Japan’s unique culture and language and is a valuable addition to the Out Now team available to help our clients better connect with a diverse audience.
Markus Winter – Japan Strategic Consultant
Situated in Japan, Markus brings unique insights to his role.
His expertise allows him to view projects through a number of perspectives, including Japanese inclusion elements as well as the intersection between various cultural aspects, such as the evolving opportunities among the youth culture and market.
Out Now is best in the world at what we do and since our inception we have remained committed to continuous improvement. Many things in life are uncertain but one thing I know, from over three decades’ of practical experience, is that this time next year Out Now’s offering and results will be even better. We will always continue to strive and define ‘world’s best’ for inclusion and belonging.
– Ian Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Out Now