bluebird bio’s Post

Do you want to improve the field of LGBTQ+ aging? Please help SAGE better understand the current experiences, needs and resiliencies of LGBTQ+ older people in the U.S. Take the “State of LGBTQ+ Aging Survey" and share within your networks. https://lnkd.in/gqPDn6Y6

🌈 Celebrate being you! 🌈 In 2024, we're honoring the remarkable contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in Medicine and Healthcare. From historical figures to present-day trailblazers, their impact is undeniable. 🏥 It's crucial, especially in a world plagued by hate crimes and discrimination, that we listen and learn from lived experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. Let's come together under the scope of understanding and actively support our LGBTQIA+ people. 💙 Read more: https://lnkd.in/ezYRSAC4

LGBTIQ+ inclusion in commercial paddlesport business ⏰ Tune in to tomorrows confernece session, taking place at 10am! The LGBTIQ+ community is complex and diverse. This introductory webinar aims to provide an understanding of LGBTQ+, its history, and the challenges that the community has faced, past and present, in engaging with paddlesport activity. This webinar will explore: 👉 LGBTQ+ terminology 👉 The value of sport and physical activity for the LGBTIQ+ community 👉 LGBTQ+ role models in sport 👉 The barriers that persist for LGBTIQ+ in sport and physical activity 👉 Top tips for creating environments that are inclusive of and for LGBTIQ+ communities

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.

What causes LGBTQ+ people to be underrepresented in Stem, and how can we improve inclusion and retention? Join our webinar on 2 July to discuss some of the work being done towards LGBTQ+ inclusion, with Ioana Latu and Bryce Hughes. Book your place: https://rsc.li/4bhJweq

For members of the LGBTQ+ community, becoming a parent often requires numerous steps. Barriers exist no matter the path parents hope to take. Not only can it be an overwhelming process, but it can also be very costly. Let's walk through some options together with this short financial guide for LGBTQ+ parents-to-be: https://hubs.li/Q0273Hkn0

Discover practical steps for advancing LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare in our latest blog by Alex Sheldon, Executive Director of GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality. From staff education to advocating for patient rights, learn how physicians can create inclusive practices. https://lnkd.in/g4j4dgr4

I wrote this article for the Matthew Shepherd Foundation (Matthew’s Place) on how important it is to vote, especially for our younger generations. Voting is your voice, vote with pride! Read the full piece here: https://lnkd.in/eU9VZhbx To learn more about Matthew Shepherd's story and many other stories by and for LGBTQ+ youth, check out their website: https://lnkd.in/envjRSzj

Did you know being queer has been common in cultures around the world since we first started making human records? Did you know the words homosexuality and heterosexuality were 'invented' in the late 19th century? How has being LGBTQ+ been shaped by the medical and scientific communities? Get the answers to these questions and more in this upcoming event. Hope to see some of you there - it's one of my favourite topics to talk about!

Being an ally is critical to helping the LGBTQ+ community. Of course, it is more than marvelous Pride Days. Dive into LGBTQ+ awareness and education for allies so you can make a difference. Here is your guide on how to be a good LGBTQ+ ally.