Chapter 10: Leading With Vulnerability: Dare to Be Yourself

Since 2007, many more presidents of institutions of higher education have come forth to be identified as proud out gay presidents. However, most of the presidents do not believe by any stretch of the imagination that discrimination and distrust does not exist for gay leaders. However, sexual minorities still face barriers on the path to leadership. And just as clearly, this matters for the society we want to create. We will all be better off if LGBTQ life experiences, needs, and values are fully reflected in decision-making positions. The presence of LGBTQ leaders in those positions is also essential to encourage aspirations among the next generation, and to counter reservations about LGBTQ capacity for leadership roles (Watson & Johnson, 2013). In an increasingly competitive global environment, no society can afford to stifle such a creative talent pool.