ICON Strategic Solutions’ Post

Pride month is winding down, but, as we’ve highlighted this month, so many amazing organizations and people support the LGBTQ+ community all year long. Out & Equal is celebrating these folks with their Outie Awards. If you know of a person or group who “is advancing LGBTQ+ workplace equity, inclusion, and belonging in measurable ways,” consider nominating them for an Outie! #pride #dei #belonging #humanresourcesmanagement https://lnkd.in/gskbgTre

Inclusion is like a muscle. The more you use it the stronger it gets, and the stronger you can get. Over time if you lift enough, you find yourself capable of lifting all kinds of things. Here on LinkedIn I “lift” disability inclusion and I follow others who do the same. Collectively we move our frontiers by having an open mind, exploring, challenging assumptions & biases, learning, and sharing. We also practice and promote allyship. Nothing revolutionary there. In fact, advocates for civil rights, gender equality, and other flavors of inclusion are doing the same thing for their communities. And that’s my point – we are doing much the same thing. When one of us does better, we all do better. That’s why I am celebrating today! Fidelity recently received an Equality100 score for being a leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion. The ground broken over the past few decades on LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the workplace has made other forms of inclusion more intuitive. In fact, I believe disability inclusion would not be where we are today without the pioneering efforts and growing pains of decades of LGBTQ+ inclusion. So thank you LGBTQ+ inclusionists for your decades of leadership and thank you Fidelity Investments for prioritizing authentic #inclusion. 

Why We Support Pride Month: Embracing Diversity: We recognize that a diverse workforce brings a wealth of perspectives, fostering creativity and innovation. Supporting Pride Month helps us celebrate the unique identities of our LGBTQ+ employees and ensures everyone feels valued and respected. Promoting Equality: By advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, we contribute to a more just and equitable society. Our support for Pride Month aligns with our commitment to stand against discrimination in all its forms and to promote equal opportunities for all. Creating a Safe Space: We strive to create an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. Celebrating Pride Month is part of our ongoing efforts to build a workplace culture where diversity is celebrated and inclusivity is the norm. Strengthening Community: Participating in Pride Month events and initiatives allows us to connect with the broader community and show our solidarity. It’s a chance for us to give back, support important causes, and make a positive impact beyond our office walls.

A thriving workplace is all about inclusion, and QPride is energizing this vision at Qualtrics. 🌈 QPride is our ERG (we call them Qgroups) dedicated to building an environment where LGBTQ+ voices are amplified and everyone experiences belonging. From innovative training sessions to vibrant community events, QPride is making sure that every one of us feels acknowledged, involved, and empowered. Experience the difference at Qualtrics, where each day is an opportunity to grow and celebrate together. Learn more about QPride: https://bit.ly/3xsV5S0

Recognition matters because representation matters! Full disclosure: I worked on this program for nearly two years. I understand its integrity and know from experience that winners often go on to do even more amazing things (I.e., inclusive leaders pay it forward!). Out & Equal’s Outie Awards recognize inclusive leaders and strategic initiatives that are making positive changes in their workplaces (and beyond!) for LGBTQIA+ talent, and others! There are so many champions out there doing great work! Often quietly and without much support. Apply and help recognize these champions, while amplifying their efforts as role models for others to follow! #recognitionmatters #representationmatters #inclusiveleadership

A thriving workplace is all about inclusion, and QPride is energizing this vision at Qualtrics. 🌈 QPride is our ERG (we call them Qgroups) dedicated to building an environment where LGBTQ+ voices are amplified and everyone experiences belonging. From innovative training sessions to vibrant community events, QPride is making sure that every one of us feels acknowledged, involved, and empowered. Experience the difference at Qualtrics, where each day is an opportunity to grow and celebrate together. Learn more about QPride: https://bit.ly/46xyEbe

Earlier this year, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation released a groundbreaking report detailing steps for businesses to go beyond workplace inclusion and become true allies in action. It's not just about policies; it's about actively supporting and uplifting LGBTQ+ communities. Let's turn words into actions and make a meaningful impact together. #HBAimpact #pridemonth #genderequality #healthcare https://ow.ly/YVmH50S0jRz

As we celebrate Pride Month, let us also urge employers to foster workplaces that are inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ+ employees. By implementing inclusive policies, providing resources for LGBTQ+ support, and cultivating a culture of acceptance, businesses can create environments where everyone can thrive authentically. Follow the link below to read the full article. https://lnkd.in/gXrHHnMP

The journey towards LGBTQ+ justice, equality, and inclusion, has never been easy. We’ve faced countless challenges, naysayers, and setbacks. But, with the support of our allies, we’ve persevered.  Over the last two decades, we’ve achieved what once seemed impossible: workplace protections, marriage equality, greater representation across every major platform, and a shift in hearts and minds towards greater acceptance and inclusion of our community. As we celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, it’s important we remember our progress and our accomplishments. They remind us how strong our community can be and renew us for the important work ahead.    And let’s always remember that together, we’re powerful. Together, we can build a future centered on inclusion and belonging. Together, no one can stop us.  #LGBTQHistoryMonth

2023 completed my first full year at #Zoetis. For most of us we think about how our work impacts the company and some times forget to recognize how the company impacts us. #zoetis has made a positive impact on me. From our executive leadership that walks the talk when it comes to colleague development to my team members that teach me daily, I am #zoetisproud. #manymoretocome