Bryan J. Plescia’s Post

It's the first week of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. I've seen so many amazing videos on social media of Pride celebrations, parades, concerts, and parties. But it's not just about celebration; Pride represents resilience, courage, and solidarity. It serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by those who came before us, paving the way for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today. LBGTQ+ Pride Month can provide hope for a more inclusive future, where everyone can live authentically without fear of discrimination or persecution. It's about embracing who we are unapologetically and affirming our right to thrive in every aspect of our lives, including our professional endeavors. More important than parties and celebrations, Pride is a call to action. There is still so much work that needs to be done. As a gay professional and business owner, it's important for me to advocate for equality and diversity in the workplace, challenge outdated norms, and create a more inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential. We keep going until every LGBTQ+ person and any individual feeling marginalized can live and work without facing prejudice or discrimination. www.riverhorseco.com #Pride #LGBTQ+ #Partnerships

As the spotlight shines brightly on the LGBTQ+ community across numerous organizations throughout this dedicated month, we are poised to harness this momentum. Our mission extends far beyond the boundaries of a single month, and we must seek to avoid performative activism and instead cultivate an environment of inclusivity that remains permanent, transforming our workplaces and wider society. EDGE insights explore Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) by considering both gender and intersectional equity. By removing homogeneity and looking at an individual’s own and unique traits – we can expressly recognize the differences that determine how a person experiences their time in, and contribution to, the workplace. This underscores the importance of recognizing LGBTQ+ identities and how these shape the workplace experience. For guidance on how your company can broaden your approach to gender beyond a binary perspective visit: https://lnkd.in/g4YhdYmq #EDGEmpower #DEI #InclusiveWorkEnvironment #LGBTQ #GenderEquality

🌈 Celebrating Pride Month at GS As we kick off Pride Month, it's crucial to recognise both the strides society has made and the ongoing challenges for the LGBTQ+ community globally and here in the UK. Globally, the top challenges include: ·      Discrimination and Violence: Daily threats to safety and well-being. ·      Legal Inequality: Many countries still lack legal protections for LGBTQ+ rights, with some even criminalising same-sex relationships. ·      Healthcare Disparities: Significant barriers to accessing appropriate healthcare. In the UK: While the UK has made significant progress since decriminalising homosexuality in 1967, challenges remain, particularly around trans rights and the rise in hate crimes. Higher rates of mental health issues persist due to discrimination and stigma, with the Black LGBTQ+ community facing even greater disparities. Disabled members of the LGBTQ+ community face unique barriers in accessing mental health services, compounding their marginalisation. Allyship and Advocacy: Pride Month is a time to celebrate, but also to ally with the LGBTQ+ community. Public sector leaders hold immense power in shaping societal norms, thus advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Their allyship sends a strong message of acceptance and inclusion, fostering empathy and encouraging positive changes in policies and legislation. This Pride Month, GS is thrilled to release a series of interviews with inspiring LGBTQ+ societal leaders. Their insights will guide us in building a more inclusive and supportive society. It has been a pleasure to amplify their voices, so please look out for them! Happy Pride!! #PrideMonth #LGBTQ #EDI #DEI #Equality #Inclusion #Allyship #HappyPrideMonth #PrideatGS

Pride Month is a celebration of LGBTQ+ diversity, but the journey towards self-acceptance can be complex. Today, I want to share a powerful passage from Kacen Callender's novel "Felix Ever After" that resonates with many LGBTQ+ experiences: "Existing in the in-between spaces had become a familiar ache in my chest, a constant thrumming under my ribs. It wasn't a bad feeling, exactly, but it wasn't good either. It was a feeling of existing on the periphery, of never quite fitting in anywhere, of being a puzzle piece that didn't quite match any set. Even within the LGBTQ+ community, I felt like a question mark, a maybe, a not-sure-yet. But maybe that was okay. Maybe existing in the question marks was better than pretending to have all the answers." This passage beautifully captures the feeling of isolation and uncertainty that many LGBTQ+ individuals face as they navigate their identities. It highlights the concept of "in-between spaces," a powerful metaphor for the struggle to find a place where you truly belong. A Must-Read for Everyone: "Felix Ever After" is a powerful story not just for the LGBTQ+ community, but for everyone. It reminds us that the journey of self-discovery is rarely linear, and that embracing the unknown can be empowering. #PrideAndAllyship #LGBTQBooks #RepresentationMatters

There are few corporate initiatives as important as creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.     According to EY, Gen Z is six times more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ compared to Gen X, and with Gen Z making up 30% of the workforce by 2030, this underscores the growing necessity for inclusive policies in the workplace.    While we celebrate and uplift the progress that has been made over the past few decades, we simultaneously acknowledge that we as a society have a long way to go in ensuring that every workplace embraces diversity, promotes equity, and empowers all individuals.     Our work in this space inspires deep hope for what's to come. We see the tides of change growing stronger each and every year as forward-looking organizations take bold steps towards a future that celebrates everyone.  #IgnitingBoldFutures #Inclusivity #PRIDE #LGBTQ

There are few corporate initiatives as important as creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.     According to EY, Gen Z is six times more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ compared to Gen X, and with Gen Z making up 30% of the workforce by 2030, this underscores the growing necessity for inclusive policies in the workplace.    While we celebrate and uplift the progress that has been made over the past few decades, we simultaneously acknowledge that we as a society have a long way to go in ensuring that every workplace embraces diversity, promotes equity, and empowers all individuals.     Our work in this space inspires deep hope for what's to come. We see the tides of change growing stronger each and every year as forward-looking organizations take bold steps towards a future that celebrates everyone.  #IgnitingBoldFutures #Inclusivity #PRIDE #LGBTQ

What Does the “+” in LGBTQ+ Really Stand For? It’s More Than a Symbol. The “+” in LGBTQ+ is a powerful reminder that our community is incredibly diverse and goes beyond the letters L, G, B, T, and Q. It represents the countless identities and experiences that are often marginalized or left out of mainstream conversations. This includes intersex, asexual, aromantic, non-binary, pansexual, genderqueer, and so many more. In a world where identities are constantly evolving and expanding, the “+” ensures we remain inclusive and open-minded. It's a symbol of respect for everyone who doesn’t neatly fit into the categories that society has historically recognized. By acknowledging the “+”, we affirm that every person has a place in our community, regardless of how they identify or whom they love. Let’s continue to educate ourselves and others about the richness of our community and make sure that the “+” is never just an afterthought but a central part of our advocacy and allyship. Join us in embracing the “+” and recognizing its significance in fostering a truly inclusive world. #LGBTQPlus #Inclusion #Diversity #Pride #MistLGBTQ

🌈 Happy Pride Month – a time to celebrate love, diversity and equality!   We are proud to be an organisation that encourages LGBTQ+ colleagues to be their true selves.   But there's still a way to go when it comes to equality in the workplace...   Despite rainbow colours taking over social media every June, Human Rights Campaign has found that:  ➡️ 46% of LGBTQ+ workers don't feel comfortable being out in the workplace. ➡️ 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ workers have experienced coworkers suggesting or implying they dress in a more 'appropriate' way. ➡️ Negative interactions often don't get reported due to the belief that nothing will be done.   This month, we are taking the opportunity to raise awareness of the equity, diversity and inclusion challenges LGBTQ+ workers face and highlight some of the inspiring charities doing vital advocacy, support and activism in this space.   But Pride is not just a month, it is how we treat each other and allow each other to be completely themselves every day.   #PrideMonth #LGBTQ #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Belonging

I've had the privilege of meeting many inspiring LGBTQ+ business leaders over the past few months. However, I've noticed a common theme in our conversations. Many of these leaders express feeling like they're on the outside, not part of the traditional straight, white male networks. But when I ask how they leverage their own LGBTQ+ network, I often get silence. Digging deeper, it becomes clear that they actually have a strong queer network, but they're not tapping into it enough for business purposes. Not to mention that they are working on actively expanding and utilizing their LGBTQ+ network. It's time to stop lamenting about not being part of certain networks and start utilizing the power of our own LGBTQ+ business networks. They're stronger than we realize. Let's make the most of our connections and support each other in our professional endeavors. #LGBTQ+ #BusinessNetworking #SupportEachOther #LGBTQLeaders #LGBTQEntrepreneurs #IdentityVentures

June is Pride Month—a time to celebrate love, authenticity, and the beautiful diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. It's a month dedicated to recognizing the struggles and triumphs of LGBTQ+ individuals and the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance. Pride Month reminds us all to live openly and honestly, embracing our true selves and supporting others to do the same. It's about honoring those who have paved the way for greater acceptance and fighting for a future where everyone can live without fear of discrimination or prejudice. Here are some meaningful ways we can all celebrate Pride Month: ✨ Listen and Learn: Take time to educate ourselves about LGBTQ+ history and the challenges the community still faces today. ✨ Support and Advocate: Stand up against discrimination and support policies that promote equality and inclusion. ✨ Celebrate Diversity: Attend local Pride events, marches, or virtual gatherings to show solidarity and celebrate the richness of our diverse community. ✨ Share Stories: Use our voices to amplify LGBTQ+ stories, spreading messages of love, resilience, and hope. Pride is not just a celebration; it's a call to action. Let's commit to creating a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels seen, heard, and valued. Happy Pride Month to all! Let's celebrate with pride, love, and unity. 🌈 #PrideMonth #CelebrateLove #LGBTQ #Equality #Authenticity #LoveIsLove #Stayvibey 🌸