C&G Partners’ Post

Doing it right!

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.

Celebrating Pride Month helps LGBTQ+ identifying youth and adults feel safe and welcome within your home, school, Club or community. Plus, creating a safe place where people can be themselves benefits all – when people see others included, they are more likely to feel included, too. Here are some ways to celebrate Pride Month: Sharing Pride Month with Kids: 9 Ways to Celebrate Pride Month (bgca.org)

🌈 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

3 things that I implore you to remember this Pride season. 1. Allyship is wonderful, but it is something earned, not just claimed. If you say that you are an ally, you must back that up with more than words. It must be backed up with actions. 2. Remember that being out is a privilege. To all who are unable to be out for whatever reason, or who choose to remain private about your situations, you are still valid and you still deserve to have pride. This elder-queer loves and supports you. <3 3. Please remember that while it is wonderful and AMAZING to support small and independent queer artists during Pride season and beyond, not everyone has the financial stability and privilege to do so, and purchasing a small trinket from a big box store may be cheaper, easier, and more accessible for some folx and that is OK. Don't shame people for it, because you don't know their experience or what they are going through. Also, those public corporate displays? They often matter to people who cannot be out for their own reasons. So absolutely celebrate independently, responsibly, etc. But have patience and grace for all. Happy Pride, everyone!

Join me, Mell B, Rudi Landmann, Adrienne Steward, and Fiona Demark at the PSA Convention for a transformative session on "Embracing Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Public Speaking." Let's explore deliberate inclusion, respect for diverse experiences, and engage in open, educational discussions with trailblazers from First Nations, disabilities, and LGBTQ+ communities. 🤝 Depart with practical tips, strategies, and resource guides to revolutionize your approach to public speaking!

This was one of the biggest ah-ha moments I've had coming out of a Comm Convo. Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I often have big ideas and then dig in to work really hard and make it happen. No humble-bragging; my point is the opposite. A weakness with my M.O. is that it's easy to get tunnel vision and not appreciate signs of progress and small wins, because I'm always working toward something else. I think this is why change -- when it comes to more important issues like achieving true equity in [fill in the blank with any industry name here] -- seem elusive. Yes, while it's inarguably important to not lose sight of those master goals, we can do our part to create safe spaces for those in our own communities. Especially in our role as communicators in an industry with human health at its center, we are super well-positioned to lead by example. And the ah-ha moment for me specifically was that seemingly small gestures can have real, meaningful impact, and that shouldn't be taken for granted or worse, sacrificed because we're too busy trying to convince other people to do the right thing.

As a very proud mother of a gay daughter, I’m celebrating Pride 2024 - it’s an opportunity to come together in love and friendship, as well as a moment to reflect on past struggles and ongoing efforts required to achieve true equality. Fostering an LGBTQ+ inclusive and supportive workplace is so important. And the advantages go beyond ensuring that everyone of all sexualities and gender identities feel safe, supported, valued and included – it enhances business productivity and profitability. “The case for establishing a truly diverse workforce, at all organizational levels, grows more compelling each year….The financial impact—as proven by multiple studies—makes this a no-brainer.” Havard Business Review Nov-Dec 2020

How we create a non-discriminatory atmosphere for our LGBTQ+ patients? To create a non-discriminatory atmosphere for LGBTQ+ patients, ensure staff receives diversity training, implement inclusive policies, display LGBTQ+ affirming materials, use inclusive language, and respect privacy and confidentiality. Regularly assess and update practices to foster a welcoming environment.