Welcome to Out & Equal’s first Non-Monogamous/Polyamorous Community Engagement Group Roundtable of 2025.

CEGs offer year-round opportunities for intersectional identity groups to build shared awareness around common challenges and strategies and inspire each other through individual stories. Hosted by Lily Lamboy (she/her) from The Modern Family Institute, Ari Linder (they/them) of Merrill Lynch, and Stacy Kelly (she/her) from Bank of America.

5% of American adults, or about 10 million people, currently practice consensual non-monogamy and one in five adults in North America will engage in ethical non-monogamy at some point in their lives. Despite this prevalence, people face significant stigma around being honest with their relationship structures and face discrimination, othering, and family rejection when their relationship orientations are uncovered or disclosed. With the exception of with their “close friends,” the majority of ethnically non-monogamous respondents in a 2023 survey were “not at all open” or only “somewhat open” about their non-monogamous identity or relationships in every area of their life surveyed – such as with parents, employers, and faith communities, and extended friendships and acquaintances. Typically, respondents reported concealing their non-monogamous relationships in order to avoid experiencing stigma and discrimination, and many fear that they will be fired or alienated should they come out.

It’s why safe places like Out & Equal’s Non-Monogamous/Polyamorous CEG are important. Through these vital support networks, which are centered on community and open dialogue, individuals can feel seen and validated. They can tap into and build the strength that lies within to show up authentically at work, advocate for themselves and others, and thrive.

This CEG is available for O&E partner contacts and companies and community and non-profit organizations. You must self-ID with the group.