Fast Company announces its Queer 50 list for 2023

Podcast Summary

• Exploring the Queer Fifty list's themes of trans rights, DEI, and work culture: The Queer Fifty list highlights individuals and companies advocating for trans rights, abortion access, and reproductive justice, as well as addressing DEI and work culture issues.

  Despite the unexpected change in weather conditions, the Most Innovative Companies episode continued to highlight various themes and trends in business and technology. One of the main themes that emerged in this year's Queer Fifty list, discussed by Fast Company staff writer Pavitra Mohan, is the fight for trans rights, abortion access, and reproductive justice. Another significant focus is on DEI and work culture, with several individuals on the list working to address these issues. The episode also showcased the impact of the current political climate on LGBTQ rights. Additionally, the hosts apologized for their previous episode's inaccurate weather-related comments and encouraged listeners to sign up for Fast Company's new newsletters, AI Decoded and Work Smarter.

• Advocacy for LGBTQ and Reproductive Rights Continues: Advocates like Amber Hikes and v Pappas push for change and innovation in the face of challenges, focusing on workplace microaggressions and trans and LGBTQ rights in law enforcement and prison systems. Their resilience highlights the importance of continued activism and support for these causes.

  Despite the ongoing challenges and legislative attacks against LGBTQ and reproductive rights, activists and advocates continue to push for change and innovation. For instance, Amber Hikes, a former community organizer and LGBTQ Affairs officer in Philadelphia, advocated for trans and LGBTQ individuals' rights in interactions with law enforcement and prison systems. After feeling burnt out, Hikes moved to the ACLU to focus on addressing microaggressions in the workplace through the concept of restorative inclusion. Another notable figure is v Pappas, who is currently at the forefront of various issues, although we couldn't speak directly with them during the conversation. The ongoing efforts of these individuals and many others demonstrate the resilience and determination of advocates in the face of adversity. Additionally, the increased volume of anti-LGBTQ and anti-abortion rights legislation serves as a reminder of the importance of continued activism and support for these causes.

• Three Women Driving Growth and Innovation in Tech Companies: Vi Zhang of TikTok focuses on monetization and creator support, Jen Wong of Reddit transforms the platform into a profitable business, and Leila Sturdy of Capital G makes smart investments in tech companies, all making significant impacts in their respective companies and industries.

  These women - Vi Zhang from TikTok, Jen Wong from Reddit, and Leila Sturdy from Alphabet's Capital G - have made significant impacts in their respective companies by driving growth, monetization, and strategic investments. Vi, a former senior executive at YouTube, took a risk and joined TikTok during its early days, becoming COO and later interim CEO. She's focused on monetizing the platform and supporting creators. Jen Wong joined Reddit to transform it into a profitable business, and now they're exploring revenue streams beyond advertising. Leila Sturdy, a rising star at Capital G, has been instrumental in making smart investments in companies like Duolingo, Stripe, and Chief. She recently became the managing partner, a notable achievement in the male-dominated VC world. These women's stories highlight their ability to adapt, innovate, and succeed in their industries.

• CEO Liana Guzman leading the charge for LGBTQIA healthcare access during pandemic: CEO Liana Guzman of Folx Health is expanding telehealth services to make LGBTQIA care more accessible and convenient, with a potential B2B partnership model to further expand access.

  Liana Guzman, the CEO of Folx Health, is leading the charge in making healthcare more accessible for the LGBTQIA community, particularly during the pandemic when telehealth became a necessity. Guzman, who has a background in heavily regulated industries, was drawn to Folx by its mission and the opportunity to make a real impact. The company, which offers affirming and expert care, saw the pandemic as an opportunity to expand its telehealth services, making care more accessible and convenient for those who have historically faced discrimination and violence in healthcare settings. Folx's business model includes a B2B aspect, indicating potential partnerships with larger healthcare organizations to further expand access to care for the LGBTQIA community. The pandemic has highlighted the need for more flexible and inclusive healthcare solutions, and Folx is at the forefront of this movement.

• Folx Health Expands into B2B Sector for Inclusive Healthcare Solutions: Folx Health, a D2C brand for LGBTQIA healthcare, expands B2B to meet employer demand and address inadequate care for this community.

  Folx Health, a company focused on providing inclusive healthcare solutions for the LGBTQIA community, started as a direct-to-consumer brand but has since expanded into the B2B sector due to high demand from employers looking to improve their offerings. Folx Health's enterprise solution has attracted companies like Chronosphere, with the process involving a combination of inbound inquiries, proactive outreach, and member referrals. The company's careful handling of sensitive health information is crucial, considering that one in ten adults identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA community, with that number doubling for Gen Z. Folx Health's strategic expansion into the B2B sector aims to address the issue of inadequate care for this community, which is often inclusive on paper but not in practice. The company's early days in the B2B sector indicate promising growth, with the typical process involving either a company reaching out or Folx Health initiating contact based on D2C member data.

• Telemedicine and Hims & Hers make hormone therapy more accessible: DEA's telemedicine policy extension supports Hims & Hers' efforts to provide convenient hormone therapy through in-person and telehealth services, with an average cost of $130-$400 a month.

  Telemedicine has become increasingly important during the pandemic, and companies like Hims & Hers are working to make it more accessible. For large multinational companies with many employees, satisfying in-person prescription requirements can be challenging. The DEA's recent extension of telemedicine policies is a positive sign that these requirements may become more flexible. Hims & Hers is partnering with national providers and organizations like Planned Parenthood to offer both in-person and telehealth services. The cost of hormone therapy through Hims & Hers varies, with an average of around $130-$40 a month, but can be higher with additional medications. The company makes money through prescription sales and doctor fees. Despite these efforts, some states may still require in-person visits, and Hims & Hers is preparing for this possibility. Overall, the company is committed to making hormone therapy more convenient and accessible for those who need it.

• Navigating Healthcare Payers with Carbon Health: Carbon Health, a membership-based healthcare service, has faced challenges in signing with payers but is making progress and looking forward to upcoming partnerships, recognizing the importance of expert, affirming care for the community.

  Carbon Health is a membership-based healthcare service that provides personalized care experiences through a team of practitioners and care teams. They currently operate as a cash pay business but plan to start accepting health insurance from July 1st, 2023. The process of signing with different payers has been challenging due to the heavily regulated healthcare industry, but Carbon Health has had significant success in building relationships with payers, who recognize the importance of this expert, affirming care for the community. The company is also excited about upcoming partnerships with payers and employers, which they believe will help shift the broader healthcare landscape. Pavitra, the guest on the podcast, shared that she is keeping tabs on Vanderpump Rules, a reality TV show, and has recently discovered a love for trash television after watching Floribama Shore and Real Housewives of Potomac.

• Finding joy in sports and politics: People find solace in sports and are intrigued by the merger's politics, creating an engaging dynamic for enjoyment and distraction.

  People find joy and relaxation in various ways, such as watching their favorite sports or teams, even during challenging times. NBA basketball brings joy to the speaker, and they are particularly fond of Jayson Tatum and historically, Kevin Durant. Meanwhile, the ongoing merger between PGA Tour and LIV Golf, despite not being the speaker's area of interest, has sparked curiosity due to the significant player salaries and geopolitical implications. The fusion of sports and politics creates an intriguing dynamic, and the speaker expresses a potential interest in exploring this topic further in future episodes. Overall, people seek enjoyment and distraction from the world's challenges, and the merger's politics add an interesting layer to this pursuit.