Ellie Knowler’s Post

Pride Month reminder: without 🧱, there would be no 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️. Here’s just one small example of a system that needs a healthy dose of 🧱: To verify your account on LinkedIn through CLEAR, your user name must match your government ID. According to LinkedIn, verified accounts have “improved visibility” — increased visibility in searches and recommendations and more opportunities to connect and attract leads. This practice leaves trans professionals — who in many US states are barred from legally changing their government IDs to affirm their gender, — at a systemic disadvantage. For knowledge workers, LinkedIn is essential to securing employment and advancing your professional life — less visibility means less opportunity. Whoever designed this system did so without considering the existence of LGBTQ+ folks — or anyone who needs to use a different name in public for their own safety and sense of security. How can you not consider the spectrum of human identities when designing a system about identifying people?? When intolerant people rail against us waving 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️ and ask why we need parades, this is why. To demand consideration and inclusion in systems that keep us out of the equation. To remind those who refuse to accept or acknowledge us that WE ARE HERE. Consider this post a tiny 🧱 aimed at a system of inequality. The more you engage with it, repost it, tag in folks who can help amplify, the bigger it'll get until it finds the attention of LinkedIn and CLEAR . *ESPECIALLY* if you're verified: You benefit from a privilege that many trans folks don't have. Use that privilege! It wouldn’t take a lot to make the verification system more equal: a simple question on a form would make a lot of difference. But it’s also about making sure the next time someone is designing a system for humans, they don’t leave anyone out. #Pride2024 #LGBTQ #Verified #Inclusion #ProductDesign

as we kick-off #PrideMonth, I'm reminded of the journey we are on and how much more we still have to achieve. sometimes it feels like we are on a 'see saw' since the pendulum of progress swings back and forth, but we persevere. coming out is an on-going journey that never stops. with that in mind, for those of you I've never met, I'm Alex Seiler, I'm European (half British and half Swiss), born and raised in Hong Kong and been calling America home for the last 20 years. being gay doesn't define me, but it is part of who I am. I am not my sexuality, but I do celebrate it this month and every day of the year. it has created such important #community, since I haven't always felt that way (I've lived with shame, guilt and depression). today I chose to live with love and hope in my heart- otherwise homophobia and transphobia win. for companies, following the 3 C's will help your #LGBTQ+ employees feel supported all year round: ↪ Consistency: be an employer that remains consistent in your stance with LGBTQ+ employees. we don't want to fear you changing your tune the moment the geopolitical landscape changes. ↪ Care: from ally-ship to creating community internally and being open with your employees about things happening externally, this equates to safety not just for LGTBQ+ employees, but all under-represented communities. ↪ Consideration: consider us and any other under-represented group as you make any people related decisions. there are no excuses- for start ups, you can get it right from the get go if you make it a priority. for bigger companies, starting from somewhere and building off of those efforts matter. thanks to Mark Putrus for inspiring this post! #humanresources #leadership #motivation #diversity #inclusion #careers

When I think of National Coming Out Day, I think of how much has changed since it first started in 1996 - how far we’ve come and how far we have to go. Being your authentic self at work should be something everyone feels comfortable enough to do. No one should have to come to work and feel like the only way they can be themselves is in the shadows. I recognize the price many people pay not being able to be themselves at work. It can look like guarding yourself, not being able to share your pronouns or who you’re socializing with over the weekend. You might hide who you connect with, what inspires you and things you’re learning. Hiding these parts of yourself can cause you to downplay the true emotions and not honor how you’re truly feeling because you are too worried you’ll be found out. Not being able to be out at work is a thief, it steals your focus, and the ability to do your job well. It steals the feeling of ease when you’re at work having genuine conversations with your colleagues. It steals the brain space to create, to build relationships, and ultimately to thrive because you’re too busy trying to hide from them. As an out member in the community and a leader at LinkedIn, I’m constantly thinking about the ways we are creating inclusive environments. Success at work isn’t just about getting the job done. When an employee feels supported, seen, safe and heard, I believe that’s when they do their best work.    If I could share any advice with fellow executives and leaders of businesses it would be to ensure your employees have the tools and resources they deserve to succeed. Ask yourself the tough questions. How am I, how are we, as leaders intentionally creating a culture that not only allows but welcomes employees to be their authentic selves? Do you have employee resource groups in place for LGBTQ+ employees and their allies to network and build a community? With the amount of time we spend at work, everyone deserves to feel like they belong. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions, curiosity sparks learning, and when we take the time to learn about each other, we create space for all of us to coexist. #NCOD #LGBTQ+ #Inclusion #Belonging

Why 🏳️🌈 matters to me: It’s 2024, and equality is still a major issue. My lived experiences make this painfully clear: - I've been called derogatory names like "faggot" more times than I care to admit. - I've had food thrown at me while being subjected to slurs. - I've faced business refusals solely because I'm gay. - I've been told I come off as "too dramatic" because of my animated speech. - I've been asked to change my attire to appear "straighter" for the sake of being taken more seriously, despite adhering to dress codes. - I've been taunted and followed home. - My sexuality has been weaponized by employees against me during performance reviews. - I've been passed up for promotions due to my sexuality. - Leaders at work have scrutinized my personal social media, deeming my vacation photos inappropriate, while my straight female colleagues had zero problems (and yes, my socials are private, anyway). What if I told you that all of these experiences happened within the last 5 years (because, they did) which is just a painful reminder that we have WORK to do if we’re ever going to be equal. Sure, supporting our community by attending the parade, or displaying rainbow logos in June are a nice touch, but it’s not enough. Yes, please join us in our celebration, but what we REALLY need your help with (where you can show up) is by asking yourself: - How are you supporting the quest for equality? - Have you educated yourself on the history, struggles, or achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community? - Are you speaking up or advocating for those who may not have the privilege or platform you do? - Are you challenging stereotypes? - Creating inclusive space? - How are you ensuring that the discrimination I've faced isn’t happening in your company? The list goes on and on, but it’s these types of actions that will help us far greater than a pride t-shirt Pride matters to me. A lot. And until we achieve true equality, I hope it matters to you too. #lgbtqvoices #pride2024 #lgbtqia #equalityforall #diversityandinclusion #allyship #lgbtqadvocacy

Coming out is an ongoing journey, not a one-time event. For those I've never met, I'm Mark Putrus (he/him/his), a first-generation Italian-American, Gen X, husband and dad. As you can see, several intersections make up who I am. So, I'm not just a gay man. Being a gay man is something I share openly, but it hasn't always been this way. While I'm open about my identity, it's important to remember that coming out is rarely a one-and-done deal for members of the #LGBTQ+ community. It can be difficult, especially in the workplace, where seemingly casual conversations can be unexpectedly personal. As #PrideMonth celebrations begin, I think deeply about my own journey. This is a time to reflect on and celebrate the experiences that have shaped us into who we are today. Growing up, I often felt like an outsider, desperately trying to fit a mold society had crafted for me. I hoped that entering the corporate world would be different, a place where my skills and abilities would be valued above all else. Yet, I quickly learned that even in the most progressive organizations, biases and prejudices still lingered. It felt lonely at times. And the fear was real. I found strength in the vibrant #LGBTQ+ community and the friends, family, and allies that have made all the difference. But one thing stands out for me, and that's representation. This is why representation matters at work: 🏳️🌈 Visibility ignites hope: As a young person, it was hard to imagine an authentic future when every TV show and commercial was heteronormative. Seeing successful #LGBTQ+ people in the workplace shows what's possible. 🏳️🌈 Creates a safe space: Being visible in the workplace signals to people that it's safe to approach me, fostering trust and connection. 🏳️🌈 Breaks down stereotypes: Representation challenges harmful stereotypes and shows the diversity of identities within the #LGBTQ+ community. 🏳️🌈 Drives innovation: Diverse perspectives lead to better problem-solving and more creative solutions. 🏳️🌈 Strengthens company culture: Inclusion creates a more welcoming and supportive environment for all marginalized communities. At Nativo Inc., I'm proud of the inclusive culture we've built. It's a place where everyone feels valued, heard, and seen. Our focus on inclusion isn't just a box we tick; it's part of our DNA because we believe we are strengthened by our differences. We celebrate each person's unique identity and perspective, knowing that divergent thinking fuels our growth. If you identify as #LGBTQ+, remember that your identity is your superpower. In a world that still often tells us to hide, be brave enough to shine when you're ready and on your terms. Your courage paves the way for the next generation. To our allies: your support is invaluable. Thank you for standing with us and advocating for a more inclusive world. Happy Pride Month! 🏳️🌈

Hello from the other side! DeepL's 2024 Global Company Event was absolutely amazing for many reasons- the location, the weather, the inspiring keynote talks, of course the awesome people. But the standout for me was my first ever in-person Lightning Talk on the LGBTQ+ topics which are very close to my heart, and I am really quite emotional about how well it went. Setting up, I was a total mess, shaky hands, hiccups, talking at n+1 miles an hour (think how fast I usually talk, then speed it up 1.5x for nerves). The more the room filled up, the more nervous I got- especially when our CPO, CLO, CRO and Chief of Staff walked in! But my awesome colleagues from PROUD-AI and People Ops were quick to fill up the first row with friendly, familiar faces so I could just focus on them. Once I actually got into the topic- wow, what a great atmosphere. All kinds of people in the room shared their experiences with coming out, having to re-confirm and defend their identities, the way they identify themselves visually to other members of the community. All my nerves were replaced by absolute gratitude, not only for the individuals who shared their experiences, but for the safe environment DeepL has created and nurtured for us to have this kind of conversation. Not only are we able to have these conversations in safety, but they are being listened to by the people at the very top, who genuinely care. That, to me, is something very rare and special in the workplace, and long may it continue. Excited to see what PROUD-AI can do next with this kind of support and enthusiasm! #outatwork #lgbtcareers #pride

Family isn't just about blood; it's about who stands by you. 🌈 In these challenging times, the power of community and authentic connections has never been more evident. This powerful moment from the film "Listen Up!" resonated deeply during a gathering at Cathay Cineleisure yesterday evening. It was an incredible experience that underscored the importance of authentic connections forged beyond office walls. Together with our friends from Google Pride Melissa Poh and Splunk, we weren't just colleagues—we were a community. I was deeply moved by the moment when the Pakistani mother and brother stood up for their LGBTQ+ family member, urging the father to "man up." It reminded me how crucial immediate family support is in our journeys. For many of us, our Pride family is our chosen family—and that’s what this event felt like: a celebration of connection, belonging, and showing up for each other. Relaxing together, free from work obligations, revealed genuine relationships. I saw individuals show up, not out of duty, but desire. This resonated deeply with my personal values: seeking connections, allies, and being unapologetically authentic. Key Takeaways: - Supporting Each Other: How can we offer genuine support to those around us during challenging times? - Foster authentic connections: How can you build genuine relationships in your workplace? - Collaborate across communities: How can cross-company partnerships enhance inclusivity? Our journey doesn't stop here. Stay tuned for upcoming Cisco Pride events—we'd love for you to join us! 🚀 Empower with Compassion. Evolve through Exploration. Conquer with Persistence. I'm proud to be part of a community that values acceptance and inclusivity. Let's continue to support one another—both within and outside our workplaces. How do you foster authentic connections and inclusivity in your community? Share your experiences below! 💡 #Pride #LGBTQ #Authenticity #Community #Leadership #Cisco

Pride Month is around the corner. Do you know what your company is doing? For employees (especially Pride ERG leads) pitching an LGBTQ+ event or program internally for the first time, it's helpful to understand your organization's processes in advance: 1. Identify who signs service agreements (HR manager, ERG lead, etc.) 2. Determine who within legal and HR needs to review/revise vendor contracts and how long they need to review them. 3. Clarify accounting's payment preferences (checks, company cards, etc.), required documents, and processing timelines. 4. Obtain the budget range or estimate. If it is lower than quoted, consider co-sponsoring with other ERGs or reallocating from training/development budgets. If you co-sponsor with other ERGs, they may want to find a topic that better overlaps the respective groups. 5. If lacking C-Suite buy-in, collaborate with HR on a pitch deck tying the program back to the organization's mission and values. If you need help, you can consult your manager, who can likely point you in the right direction for who to speak with next. These processes can sometimes take months, and calendars can fill up fast, so contact preferred speakers and trainers well in advance when possible! #PrideMonth #LGBTQCommunity #DEI

As a 𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧𝗤 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 I wanted to see if I could ask you a favor⁉️ That is, when you read 📕our posts or watch ▶️our demo videos that you consider the impact on your business. We respect our members desire to support 𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧𝗤 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀, which is why we built a unique feature into One Source Direct. One that we believe, separates us from the crowd. This feature allows a business to identify as a 𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧𝗤 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀. This allows our members, should they choose, to only connect directly with these types of businesses. For example, you are looking for an Accountant in your area. When your NEED request, simply check box by LGBTQ Owned Business, along with any of other Specialty Ownership types, and when your request is submitted, we will send it directly to the 𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧𝗤 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 in your area. So, check out our ➡️Needs demo video, see how easy it is to send a request and let me know what you think📣. Connect we me here on LinkedIn or you can email me at scott@onesourcedirect.net. #LGBTQBiz #DiverseEntrepreneurs #InclusiveBusiness #LGBTQSuccess #PridefulVentures #QueerEnterprise #DiversityInBiz  #LGBTQLeadership #RainbowInnovation #PridefulProgress #InclusiveEntrepreneurship #LGBTQExcellence #PrideInBusiness #DiversityDriven #LGBTQPower #RainbowCEO #PridefulProfessionals #InclusiveLeadership #LGBTQEnterprise #DiverseLeaders #LGBTQInnovation  #lgbusinesssolutions #lgbtqcommunity #lesbianswhotech #lgbtqbusiness #lgbtqowned #LGBTQBusiness #PrideProfessionals 

Celebrating PRIDE 2024 with Authenticity 🌈 To me, PRIDE is about Storytelling. It is also about Courage. Most importantly, it is about remembering and celebrating our shared past and the struggles of our pioneer brothers and sisters who fought for our basic civil rights and representation. It is a time to celebrate the heroes of our movement, including Marsha P Johnson, Harvey Milk, Edith Windsor, and Harry Hay. Sharing stories is the foundation of our community. Here are a few ideas for celebrating PRIDE in your organization this year: 🌈 Host a PRIDE Storytelling coffee chat with your team. Bring the pastries, donuts, and beverages and kKick off the meeting by sharing your story of what PRIDE month means to you. This works regardless of your sexuality or identity. Then encourage others on your team to share their stories. Make the space safe, confidential, empowering, and respectful. People can share anything they choose to, but set a 5 minute time limit while avoiding cross talk. Just encourage the other team members to actively listen without judgment 🌈 Host a local LGBTQ+ Educator or Speaker from a community non-profit. It can be another form of coffee chat storytelling with a simple presentation and Q&A Session. This can also You could supplement the storytelling idea above by combining it with Idea #1. 🌈 If you are feeling really adventurous, Host a Drag Queen Story Hour with your team. It can be a delightful, fun, adventurous, and educational experience. You can find your support your local Drag Community and talent, learn, laugh, and live with your team. PRIDE is a time for celebration, community, and storytelling. It is also a time for COURAGE. How will you show up for PRIDE this year? #PRIDE2024 #AuthenticLeadership