Bentley Motors’ Post

Thanks for helping reveal our 2024 PRIDE vehicles today François Dossa. It genuinely gives me great pride to work for a company that provides support for diversity networks such as ours, and has such visibility in it’s leadership. Working with Fei Gu as Co-lead for creative within the JLR PRIDE network, we’ve worked hard on designing the vehicle liveries for our 2024 pride season. We've had a number of great designs for pride vehicles in the past, but one consistent piece of feedback we had from people in our PRIDE network was that they wanted to see more colour! As a community we are bright & diverse, the pride progress flag represents that, and so we wanted to include all colours of the progress flag to represent all members of the LGBTQ+ community. In this election year, there is already a great amount of noise over LGBT+ rights and issues being debated in public - Trans rights & healthcare, a ban on conversion therapy, relationship & sexual health education in schools to name a few. It is important to acknowledge the noise that has created and what it can do to our mental health to have our rights and existence up for debate. As a network and a community, we need to support each other and cut through all of the noise, and we also need to engage with allies to help us do that. As proud creators of modern luxury, we should feel emboldened to show our colours, and proud to stand and be visible. We certainly believe this year's PRIDE vehicles are visible! And we hope you do too. (Also found 5 mins to throw together a REAL quick animation)

I was delighted to speak on this panel about LGBTQ+ inclusion in tech at Adobe, alongside IBM, Microsoft and Stonewall. Some key takeaways: - Learn about experiences that are different from your own. Who aren't you hearing from? Intentionally diversify your feeds, listen, learn and amplify. - Don't let fear of getting things wrong lead to inaction. Fail fast, move forward and be an active ally for marginalised communities. - Be aware of cultural sensitivity - what works in the UK wont necessarily work elsewhere and safety and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people is paramount. - Micro-inclusions are powerful - normalising the use of pronouns, using gender neutral language in policies, having gender neutral facilities in workspaces can make a huge difference. - Instead of LGBTQ+ folks "coming out", workplaces should create a safe, inclusive environment in which LGBTQ+ people feel able to "invite people in". What other takeaways would you add to this list Liz Ward, Alexia Konstantinidi, John Lilly, Tim Jarman, Emma White?

Happy Pride, everyone! 🏳️🌈 As an LGBTQ+ founder, I'm proud of the strengths we bring to the table; at work, and in our lives. We've had to navigate societal barriers and find novel solutions just to live authentically — and that's even more true for the trans, Black, and Brown members of our community. Our ingenuity is a powerful force — we think outside the box and embrace risk. LGBTQ entrepreneurs expand possibilities for everyone, yet there's a massive underinvestment in our ideas. Less than 1% of VC funding goes to LGBTQ+ founders, which is especially stark when coupled with the fact that only 0.5% went to Black-founded companies and ~2% to women-founded firms in 2023. Nearly 10% of Americans identify as LGBTQ+. This Pride month, let's celebrate the trailblazing spirit of LGBTQ+ innovators and recommit to dismantling the systemic barriers that still hold us back. Our community's creativity and determination can fuel transformative change — but only if we get a true seat at the table (and are listened to). It's time to double down on investing in LGBTQ visions for a more equitable world!

Pride Month starts today, and I have some thoughts to share. It’s very easy to think that we’ve made significant progress, that equality has been achieved, with pride month a time for rainbows, glitter and ABBA. Unfortunately, it took only a few scrolls of a local shopping park’s pride month post to make it abundantly clear that there is still so much to fight for. Three years ago I participated in a Pride video for Network Rail titled “Do I Offend You” and three years later unfortunately I think my existence along with my other LGBTQ+ family still offends others. We are still told not to shove it down throats, that we should keep our queerness “to ourselves” or “at home”, or asked with sly smiles when straight pride month is. As a queer person during pride month I ask my allies to of course enjoy and support a pride parade. However please don’t just participate in the fun consumerist parts of pride. Please reflect on your allyship in a time where our rights are being constantly threatened. The UK has dropped to its lowest ever rating on the ILGA-Europe map over the last theee years, due to the limitations on gender affirming care and failures to deliver on the banning of conversion practices. All too often the LGBTQ+ community, particularly the Trans community, are used as political cannon fodder, despite making up 5% and 0.5% of the population respectively. This has resulted in hate crimes increasing by over 100% to the LGBTQ+ community over the last five years. And lastly, we are not free until we are all free. Intersectionality is fundamental and critical to achieving true equality, equity, diversity and inclusion. Sometimes that requires decentering ourselves from the conversation which can be challenging however is necessary to be better and make real change. Think on how you can make space for marginalised voices in your workplaces and communities. And I’ll leave it at that along with a link to Stonewall who continue to do great work and have some must have reading for Pride Month. Remember, Equality is not a pie, there is plenty to go around. Happy Pride 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 https://lnkd.in/eAhDMm-w

Happy pride month! 🏳️🌈❤️ As we step into this vibrant month of celebration, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of visibility for queer individuals in the office space. As a proud lesbian and poly person, I understand the profound impact that being seen and acknowledged can have on an individual. It's about more than just being present; it's about creating a space where we can all feel safe, supported, and free to express our true selves without fear. While we celebrate Pride, we must also confront the rise in hate crimes in Norway (as well as the rest of the world), a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for true equality. Let's stand united against such hate and advocate for a society where love and acceptance prevail. Visibility matters. It paves the way for understanding, acceptance, and change. This Pride, let's commit to fostering an environment where every voice is heard, every identity is respected, and every person can thrive. Here's to celebrating our unique journeys and the collective progress we've made. #Pride #Inclusivity #Visibility

This year's ADCOLOR Conference and Awards theme is Double Down & Double Up. This is a perfect message for brands looking at their LGBTQ inclusion efforts. Consumers are increasingly more likely to be LGBTQ, know and be allies to LGBTQ people, and support LGBTQ inclusion despite the perceived risk painted this Pride season. I am taking the stage with my fellow ADCOLOR Honorees Cheryl Guerin, Tariq H., and Raquel Willis to discuss the growth opportunity and cultural impact of LGBTQ-inclusive products, advertising, and consumer engagement. It continues to be a critical time for our community. LGBTQ commitments not only impact our acceptance but are future-proofing and business growth strategies. It's time for brands to Double Down & Double Up on LGBTQ inclusion. #ADCOLOR2023 #ADCOLORAwards

Every June, cities and communities across the globe come alive with vibrant colors and celebrations in honor of Pride Month. This annual event commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Pride Month is more than just a celebration; it’s a powerful reminder of the progress made and the work still needed to achieve full equality. The parades, festivals, and events provide a platform for visibility and acceptance, inviting everyone to join in the celebration of diversity and the fight for equal rights. Yet, Pride Month is also a time for reflection. While we celebrate the strides made toward inclusivity, we must acknowledge the challenges that persist. Discrimination, prejudice, and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals remain significant issues. Pride Month offers an opportunity for allies to educate themselves, advocate for change, and support the LGBTQ+ community in meaningful ways. By participating in Pride events, sharing stories, and fostering open conversations, we can all contribute to creating a more inclusive and accepting society. Incorporating Pride into our daily lives goes beyond the festivities of June. It involves continuous support for LGBTQ+ rights and recognition of the community’s contributions. From workplace policies that ensure equality to educational programs that promote understanding, there are countless ways to make a positive impact. Let’s use the energy and spirit of Pride Month to fuel year-round efforts toward a more just and equitable world for everyone.

🌈 It’s Pride month, and the opportunity to recognise and celebrate #inclusion and #diversity within #communities, the workplace and the construction industry. For many years the LGBTQ+ community has been working towards inclusion, representation and acceptance, and this year’s #Pride theme - ‘Reflect. Empower. Unite’ - recognises how far the LGBTQ+ community has come, and the work that is still needed to ensure inclusion. We fully support the evolution towards a more open and accepting community, and the strides that the UK #construction sector has been making in recent years to embrace diversity and encourage a more inclusive environment in what has historically been a straight, male dominated industry. Many organisations within construction are now taking steps to change attitudes and outdated perceptions to ensure employees within the LGBTQ+ community are equally respected, represented and included within their workforce. Our day-to-day business is centred around the wellbeing of people and recognising diversity is really important to us. We are proud to support this month’s celebrations, reflections and hopes for a more diverse future. 🌈 #communities #wellbeing #diversity #inclusivity

In the real estate industry, we hold a lot of power to the inclusiveness of cities and how the buildings cater for different needs. If we only build for the "average", which none of us really are, then we also make a decision not to address all the potential customers out there. Or lose the best potential employee who chooses not to apply. 💡 Biases are not easy to work with because our brain uses a lot of shortcuts whether we want it or not. And sometimes it feels easier to not say anything, when feeling unfamiliar with LGBTQ+ topics. Many of us grew up in a different environment, where the vocabulary and knowledge did not exist. But let's all be curious to the world of opportunities when we can learn more. As individuals, we thrive only when we feel like we belong and feel safe, both physically and mentally. All of us want to be part of the team and no one wants to feel attacked, questioned, or left out. If you think that is what you will face at a new workplace, work dinner, or party, you will choose not to go. That is essential to recognize at workplaces, too. Happy Pride Month, everyone!

I love that we support and celebrate inclusiveness and diversity, but honestly, I have to speak from my perspective as a CEO. I often wonder if it's me, the person, or my mindset as a Leader and a CEO. I believe the only time we will be inclusive is when no one has to wave a flag or wear a badge or a wristband. Same for disabilities, ethnicity, or colour. People talk crap even when wanting not to... 'Oh, I don't see colour...' said a mate of mine recently. 'Well, get an eye test, pal; he is as black as the Ace of Spades, ' I replied. Oh no, that's not what I meant said he. Yes, it wasn't, but why do you even have to state that? Why does it need to be said? Just be his mate. I guess what I am trying, and probably failing and inviting a load of snowflakes to pile in, is people are people. When we get to a stage where none of this is a subject matter, that is what I call inclusive. As for diversity, well, God decided that already. What's it got to do with us? There are some things I am well known for by my friends and family. One is that I have absolutely no 'Gay-Dar'. One of my good pals from past work life is now a woman, and considering our personal backgrounds, I find it extremely difficult to get my head around but equally not at all difficult to accept. It's her life; she can do what she likes that makes her happy. I couldn't give a monkey's what she chooses to do; she's still the same person as when I first knew her, apart from the blindingly obvious and having a far less deep voice. I think the longer this need to recognise everyone with their own special symbols and the like, actually the further away we get from where people aspire to be. If someone is Gay, Bi-, Straight whatever, It doesn't occur to me at all, and I am equally not the slightest bit bothered when I become aware of it. What I care about is simple. In work, are you a good colleague, a grafter who is aware that the customer pays us all and values them? In my social life, are you good company, do we share values and interests, or are you really annoying or boring? Those things are the only things that matter, or should matter. When we can take pride in not needing symbols or events like pride flag and month then and only then in my humble opinion do I reckon we have cracked it. Until then though, Happy Pride Month to everyone who feels represented and that it gives them belief they can live happily and openly. I hope I am wrong and that actually it is empowering and breaking down barriers without what I like to call 'Idiots' who haven't got the brains they were born with being like scared rabbits towards anyone who is different from them. Until then, please call out all 'Idiots' instead of looking at your feet or looking away. Failing to discourage, by its very definition, lacks courage, and that's the only difference; people of Pride Month have had to show courage; the least you can do is make that inclusive by showing your own where they do get abused by the Idiots.