Cranla Warren Ph.D.’s Post

🌈 Beyond the Rainbow: Seeking Substance Over Symbols 🌈 As Pride month unfolds, we witness a surge of rainbow logos and themed merchandise. While visibility is crucial, it's essential to ask: Are these colorful displays backed by real support and inclusion? "Rainbow washing" risks reducing a powerful movement for equality to mere marketing. True ally-ship involves more than just seasonal changes in branding. It means advocating for policies that protect LGBTQI+ rights, fostering an inclusive workplace culture year-round, and supporting LGBTQI+ initiatives and charities not just in June, but consistently. As consumers and professionals, let's demand more than just surface-level support: 1. Transparency: Are companies open about their contributions and policies regarding LGBTQI+ rights? 2. Consistency: Do these companies show continuous support, or is their commitment limited to Pride month? 3. Impact: What tangible actions are companies taking to make a difference in the lives of LGBTQI+ individuals? Let’s celebrate Pride by supporting those who support true change, every day of the year. #PrideMonth #LGBTQRights #CorporateResponsibility #AuthenticAllyship

Another day, another #PrideMonth. But for us, the celebrations ring hollow. How can we feel pride when each day brings new threats and attacks on our existence? The anti-trans #legislation keeps piling up - banning gender-affirming care, making the use of a public restroom a frightening, anxiety-ridden act, and even criminalizing parents who support their trans kids. Our rights are being stripped away, bit by agonizing bit. And the hatred...dear god, the hatred. From lawmakers, media, and even our families and former friends. The slurs, the threats, the outright dehumanization. It's suffocating. We can barely breathe under the weight of it all. We try to stay strong, to keep fighting. But some days, the darkness feels overwhelming. The despair creeps in, whispering that we are alone, that we'll never be accepted, that we don't deserve to exist. So I'm begging you - don't just fly a rainbow flag for one month, then move on and forget us. We need you to be our #allies year-round. Speak up, take action, and fight these discriminatory laws with everything you've got. To companies: Pride month posts and celebrations mean nothing without concrete #policies to hire, retain, and protect your LGBTQIA+ employees. Donate to LGBTQIA+ organizations and causes, and leverage your economic power against hateful legislation. To allies: We can't do this alone. Rally your friends, your family, your communities. Protest, call your representatives, drown out the voices of hate with an overwhelming roar for #justice and #equality. We are broken and battered, but we are still here. Still fighting to live authentically as our true selves. Please, we are crying out - don't abandon us. Stand with us. Stand WITH us. Our lives and humanity depend on it. #LGBTQIA #Allyship #Humanity #DoBetter #BeBetter #ProudTransMan

🏳️🌈 October is LGBTQIA2+ History Month! 🏳️⚧️ As we celebrate the incredible contributions of the LGBTQIA2+ community, it’s important to remember that this month isn’t just about reflecting on the past but also about shaping a future built on inclusion, equity, and respect. Understanding the history of this movement helps us recognize the #strength and #courage of those who have fought—and continue to fight—for #equality. Their #bravery reminds us that progress is never a straight line, and #allyship means showing up not just in moments of celebration, but in everyday actions and advocacy. Let’s take this opportunity to: 🌈 Honor the trailblazers who have paved the way for change. 🌈 Educate ourselves and others on the significance of LGBTQIA2+ rights. 🌈 Stand as allies, creating spaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and heard. Together, we can continue the work of creating a world where everyone can live authentically and without fear. #LGBTQIA2HistoryMonth #InclusionMatters #DiversityAndEquity #Allyship #HumanRights

Happy Pride Month! How can you support LGBTQIA+ individuals in your workplace? 🏳️🌈 Listen. If a concern is raised or they open up about actions that make them uncomfortable, don't write it off. Listen, digest, and look at how you can contribute to a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. 🏳️🌈Put it in stone. Do your policies reflect the rainbow flag you added to your company's logo this month? If not, it's a good idea to give your handbook and policies a touch up. 🏳️🌈Implement inclusive technology. I once had to put up months of fighting with an #hris to ensure that my employee's dead name would not be visible to the entire company. Companies are putting efforts towards allowing Preferred First Names but not last names, which can possibly be equally triggering for certain members of the community. How can you ensure inclusive technology aligns with your inclusive policies and beliefs? 🏳️🌈As Ice Cube suggests, check yo self. Reflect on your own interactions and natural biases (this is good for biases harmful against members of the LGBTQIA+ community but also people of color and women or other marginalized groups such as those with disabilities). Do you have biases and, if so, do they manipulate decisions that may not allow someone to be hired, to move up, to feel included or valued, etc.? Then hold yourself and others accountable. 🏳️🌈Advocate. "Hear something, say something" sounds tired, but it is a pillar for change. Stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves or for those are speak but are not heard. Combat prejudice, celebrate differences openly and loudly, and promote education. 🏳️🌈Help the community. Look into organizations such as Safe Austin or The Trevor Project to spread awareness, donate to good causes, learn, and give resources to those who may be in need. Remember that you don't have to be part of the community, but you can allow others to have basic freedoms and spaces to contribute to a thriving society without fear ❤️ Learn more about Pride Month's history here: https://lnkd.in/gp-7s6eY #pride #pridemonth #inclusivity #allyship #people #LGBTQ #DEI #humanresources

As PRIDE Month kicks off, it’s essential to remember that being an ally to the 2SLGBTQ+ community is a year-round commitment. True allyship goes beyond performative gestures in June and involves continuous learning, support, and advocacy. Here are a few ways to be a genuine ally throughout the year: Educate Yourself - Take the time to learn about 2SLGBTQ+ history, issues, and diverse experiences within the community. - Seek out books, articles, documentaries, and resources created by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. Show Up - Attend events, rallies, and marches supporting 2SLGBTQ+ rights. - Be present and vocal in your support, both online and offline. Listen and Amplify Voices - Listen to the stories and experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ people without interrupting or centring yourself. - Use your platform to amplify 2SLGBTQ+ voices and share their content. Advocate for Change - Support policies and initiatives that promote equality and protect 2SLGBTQ+ rights. - Challenge discriminatory practices and language whenever you encounter them, whether in the workplace, social settings, or online. Support 2SLGBTQ+ Businesses and Charities - Choose to support businesses owned by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. - Donate to charities and organizations that work towards 2SLGBTQ+ rights and support. Create Inclusive Spaces - Ensure your workplace, social groups, and online communities are inclusive and welcoming. - Advocate for inclusive policies and practices that support 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. Reflect and Grow - Continuously reflect on your actions and words. Are they supportive and inclusive? - Be open to feedback and willing to make changes to be a better ally. Being an ally is about action, not just words. It’s about standing up for what’s right, even when uncomfortable. I know we can create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. And I commit to showing up for the 2SLGBTQ+ community every day, not just during PRIDE Month. #PrideMonth #LGBTQAlly #Inclusion #Diversity #Support #ContinuousLearning #LGBTQRights #EqualityForAll #ShowUp #Listen #Advocate #Educate #InclusiveSpaces [Image: Matisse stands in front of a PRIDE installation at the Scarborough Town Centre. The installation features two PRIDE flags that form a large rainbow heart.]

Happy Pride Month! Every year, June is our opportunity to celebrate, honor, commemorate, and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. We take a moment to reflect on the past. We pay tribute. We spend time in community with each other. We dance! We remember that each one of us, regardless of our sexual orientation or identity, is worthy of #belonging. So where do we start the celebration? There are so many impactful (and fun) ways to celebrate #Pride. Here are my top three ways to get involved this month: 1. Get Out There: Be a part of your community. Support your local Pride events. Attend fundraisers, parades, marches, and festivals. Donate your time or money. Write your local legislators. Get involved. And read books! 2. Gain Local Knowledge: Do you know the history of Pride Month where you live? What are some of the struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community in your town or city? What are the some of the issues currently being faced right in your backyard? We need to all be better educated because knowledge is key to change. 3. Be an Ally: Stand in solidarity, whether you're a part of the LGBTQ+ community or an #ally. Use your voice and privilege to always speak up. While going to events and celebrations is always a great time, keep in mind that this month is about the fight for #equality, justice, and the right to be who you are. Let's embrace this spirit of diversity and inclusion during Pride Month and beyond. Because when we do, we create spaces where we can all be free to live authentically and thrive. Because love is love, is love, is love. Happy Pride! 🌈

Business and nonprofits, this one's for you. A Harmony membership awaits you! We invite you to explore our comprehensive lineup of member benefits that offset the entire cost of membership dues in discounts alone. Click the link to discover your options today! #Membership #Business #LGBTQ https://bit.ly/3tQDyOt

🌸 Happy International Day of Pink! 🌸 Today, we’re rocking pink to stand up against bullying, discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia. It’s more than just a colour; it’s a symbol of solidarity, acceptance, and love for everyone, regardless of who they are or who they love. 👚 How You Can Support: • Rock That Pink: Throw on your favorite pink shirt or accessory and share your pic! Let’s flood our feeds with pink and spread the word. • Learn and Share: Dive into stories, listen to others, and share why it’s crucial to stand against bullying and discrimination. • Speak from the Heart: If you see someone being treated unfairly, say something. Your voice can make a difference. • Be an Ally: Stand up for LGBTQIA+ friends and family today and every day. Celebrate and support them with love and respect. • Give Back: If you can, support groups that help LGBTQIA+ youth or work against bullying. Every bit helps! 🏢 How Businesses Can Pitch In: • Go Pink at Work: Encourage team members to wear pink and share their pics! It’s a fun and visual way to show support. • Walk the Talk: Adopt policies that truly support diversity, equity, and inclusion. Let’s make our workplaces safe and welcoming for everyone. • Team Up: Partner with local LGBTQIA+ and anti-bullying groups. Host events, workshops, or fundraisers together. Collaboration is key! • Give Back to the Community: Use your platform and resources to support programs that help fight bullying and promote LGBTQIA+ rights locally. • Learn Together: Organise workshops or talks for your team. Let’s continue to learn, grow, and foster an inclusive environment together. Let’s make today and every day a celebration of love, acceptance, and unity. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe, valued, and free to be themselves. 💖🌈 #InternationalDayOfPink #StandUpAgainstBullying #LGBTQ+ #Inclusion #Unity #LoveWins Donavan Hutchinson

Think of the last time you walked into a room full of people and just froze. Your heart races as you realize you don’t know any of them very well; they all seem to know each other, and you wish the ground would swallow you whole. As the sweat starts to gather at your brow, a face peers up at you, smiles, and says, “You can sit with us!”. The wave of relief that follows as you sit at a table of smiling strangers takes you out of your middle school nightmare, and into a sense of belonging. Many things have changed since that middle school nightmare, but one of the most important changes is that we no longer wish to “fit in.” We now wish to be accepted for who we are—who we truly are. June is the month that we celebrate Pride and there is no better time to practice acceptance. There is no better time to invite someone to “sit” with you, to make someone feel like they belong, just the way they are. June is National Pride Month, which is rooted in the Stonewall riots, which took place over several days beginning on June 28, 1969. We want to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community in 911 and those helping to make the future safer for our young LGBTQ+ community. Your support is more than just a shirt purchase. It’s a direct contribution to the safety and well-being of young LGBTQ+ individuals. We understand that Pride Month is about more than rainbow logos, and this year we are utilizing our platform to help bring recognition and funding to an incredible organization. We are partnering with Zebra Youth, a nonprofit organization that assists young (ages 13-24) LGBTQ+ people facing homelessness, bullying, isolation from their families, and physical, sexual, and drug abuse with individualized programs to guide them to recovery and stability. A portion of our profit from this tee will be donated directly to their mission! Check out our new special Pride Month design (and alllll the color and size options) at our online store and support two great organizations as we show our support with the incredible LGBTQ+ first responders! #911derWomen #EmpowerPride #YouCanSitWithUs #PrideMonth #AcceptanceMatters #ZebraYouth #SupportEquality #LGBTQFirstResponders #LGBTYouth

🌈 Looking for ways to be an ally for the #LGBTQIA+ community even after #PrideMonth ends? Here are some meaningful ways to show your support and make a positive impact: 1️⃣ Educate Yourself: Learn about LGBTQIA+ history, terminology, and issues. Knowledge is power! 2️⃣ Listen and Support: Be there for your LGBTQIA+ friends and family. Listen to their experiences and support them without judgment. 3️⃣ Speak Up: Challenge homophobia, transphobia, and any form of discrimination when you see or hear it. Use your voice to advocate for equality and inclusion. 4️⃣ Show Up: Participate in LGBTQIA+ events, pride marches, and allyship programs. Your presence matters! 5️⃣ Use Inclusive Language: Respect people's pronouns and use inclusive language that affirms everyone's identity. 6️⃣ Donate and Volunteer: Support LGBTQIA+ organizations through donations or volunteer your time to help their cause. Being an ally means standing up for love, acceptance, and equality. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world. 🌟❤️🧡💛💚💙💜