In 2025, the PROUT AT WORK Foundation presented the Queer Network Awards to committed networkers for the eighth time. On the evening of the first day of the conference, a total of four networks were honoured in the categories Big Impact Initiative, Rising Star, Global Leader Network and Sustainability.
The Winners of the Queer Network Awards 2025
BIG IMPACT INITIATIVE AWARD:
pride at munich re
This year, the Pride at Munich Re employee network is receiving the award in the BIG IMPACT INITIATIVE category. The network launched the initiative ‘Column of Voices – BREAKING NEWS’. A homemade advertising column with self-designed posters drew attention to polarisation in society and the role of language and the media. As part of an exhibition, supplemented by an accompanying book, visitors were encouraged to think critically about the way they consume and share information. The initiative was rounded off by a TOGATHERING with PROUT AT WORK with the aim of promoting dialogue and developing approaches to overcoming social polarisation. The focus was on building bridges and strengthening mutual understanding.
RISING STAR AWARD:
bunt@dwd
The BUNT@DWD network of the German Weather Service is being awarded the RISING STAR Award this year. The network implemented a social media campaign during this year’s Pride season that achieved a very wide reach – even outside the queer community. Under the title ‘CSD Weather’, the network published a weather forecast for the CSDs in major German cities on all of the German Weather Service’s social media channels one day before the parade. This enabled the network to reach people who previously had little contact with Christopher Street Day or queer issues in general.
GLOBAL LEADER NETWORK AWARD:
global ing rainbow lions
The GLOBAL LEADER NETWORK Award recognises the Global ING Rainbow Lions network, which is currently active in 23 countries, including Australia, Singapore, the Philippines, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, the United States and many more. The network reaches over 86% of employees worldwide, which corresponds to more than 54,000 colleagues. At the heart of the global structure is the Network Board, which was established over two years ago. It brings together representatives from each local network to coordinate efforts, share best practices and amplify collective impact. This year, a two-day global conference was held in Warsaw, where 14 local networks from around the world met to discuss the future of queer inclusion in the company.
sustainability AWARD:
out pfizer employee network (open)
OPEN, Pfizer Germany’s LGBTIQ+ network, has been honoured with the SUSTAINABILITY Award from the PROUT AT WORK Foundation. With Pride@Work Awareness Sessions, sharing personal stories on Coming Out Day, and creative formats such as queer gaming after-work events, the network has been creating emotional connections and low-threshold opportunities for conversation for almost a decade. As part of the Pfizer DE&I team, OPEN is an integral part of the onboarding process for new employees. Senior leaders also show great appreciation and are actively involved. The focus is on promoting a working environment in which all employees can be themselves and develop their full potential.