I don't often speak about my personal life on LinkedIn as I generally like to keep a distinct line drawn between work and home life, but as I reflect on the current state of affairs for LGBTQ+ folks in the US on this 8th anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub mass shooting, I think it is important to recognize the intersectionalities of our identities. We are all whole people and we can't always check all of the weight we carry with us at the door.... and that is okay. I spent much of my younger years in Melbourne, Florida, just 45 minutes or so from Orlando. Pulse wasn't around back then, but I did frequently spend time at Parliament House watching Darcel Stevens entertain in the Footlight Theatre and Southern Nights where I saw Carmella Marcella Garcia perform the 'Drunken 12 Days of Christmas'. I considered myself part of the Orlando LGBTQ+ community. When I went back to visit in 2010, my friends and I spent a lot of time at Pulse and had a great time there. Whether it is a bar or club, or some other social venue, the goal is to relax and have a good time with your friends and your community in safety, away from the pressures and stress of everyday life. Too often however, this is not the case for the LGBTQ+ community. The Pulse mass shooting is just one example of queer spaces being invaded by hate with horrific consequences. While overall violent crime in the US is dropping at amazing rates, the incidence of violent crime against LGBTQ+ folks continues to rise, increasing more than 19% between 2021 and 2022. Safe spaces for queer folks do not feel safe anymore. So why do I feel compelled to share this on LinkedIn today? I think it is important that we all recognize the weight that many of our colleagues are carrying with them everyday, and especially on days like today. The folks that we work with are whole people with lived experiences outside of the office, and we should not discount that reality. #PulseRememberanceDay always hits close to home for me, and it does for a lot of other folks as well. So lets lead with compassion, understanding, and grace. Not just today, but everyday. #PulseNightclub #OnePulse #HonorThemWithAction #LGBTQ
Jeremy Wilson-Herrmann, MBA, CISSP, ITIL’s Post
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🌈 Today we remember and reflect on the the #StonewallRiots of June 1969. 🔍 Understanding the Context The Stonewall Inn, located in New York City, was one of the few safe havens where the LGBTQ+ community could gather. But like many such places, it was frequently targeted by police. On June 28, 1969, the community decided they'd had enough. They resisted the police harassment, sparking a series of protests that lasted several days. 🎖️ Notable Figure: Marsha P. Johnson In the midst of this uprising, one name stands out - Marsha P. Johnson. A transgender woman, Johnson was a key figure during the riots. Her bravery and spirit made her a beloved figure and a leading voice in the fight for equality. Johnson dedicated her life to activism, co-founding the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), an organization that provided support to homeless queer youth. 🌈 The Impact The Stonewall Riots didn't just mark the end of silence - they ignited a flame. They served as a catalyst for the LGBTQ+ rights movement, both in the United States and around the world. 💬 Join the Conversation I'd love to hear your thoughts. How can we, as leaders and colleagues, ensure that we're creating inclusive, accepting environments in our workplaces? What steps are you taking to promote and celebrate diversity? #Pride2024 #StonewallRiots #Inclusion #Diversity #Leadership
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**Title: Embracing Diversity: The Power of Love and Acceptance** As we navigate the complex landscape of modern politics, one truth stands out more than ever: love knows no boundaries. It transcends labels, identities, and societal expectations, reminding us that our shared humanity is what truly matters. In a world that often seeks to categorize and define us, I find myself drawn to the vibrant tapestry of identities that enrich our society. The LGBTQ+ community exemplifies resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Their stories, struggles, and triumphs inspire a vision of a world where everyone is free to live openly and love boldly. Imagine a political landscape where every voice is heard, where diversity is celebrated, and where the love between individuals—regardless of their gender or orientation—fuels our collective progress. It’s not just about acceptance; it’s about recognizing the beauty in our differences and understanding that each unique perspective strengthens the fabric of our democracy. So why not embrace the idea that love can come in many forms? Why not wish for a world where we can all express our true selves without fear or prejudice? The more we celebrate love in all its forms, the more we cultivate a society grounded in compassion and understanding. Let’s not shy away from the possibility of a leader who embodies this spirit of inclusivity. A leader who champions the rights of all individuals and fosters a culture where everyone feels valued and cherished. I may not identify as queer, but I wholeheartedly support and uplift those who do. In my political journey, I invite you all to join me in this celebration of love and acceptance. Let’s create a movement that encourages each of us to step out of the shadows and into the light of our true selves. After all, when we love fiercely and inclusively, we not only transform our individual lives but also ignite a powerful force for positive change in our communities and beyond. Together, we can advocate for policies that protect and empower everyone, regardless of their identity. Let’s dream of a world where our differences are not just tolerated but cherished, where the richness of our experiences adds to the beauty of our shared existence. Join me in this vision, and together, let’s make love the cornerstone of our political future! 🌈❤️ #LoveIsLove #Acceptance #Diversity #PoliticalChange #TogetherWeRise
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Out & Equal is proud to celebrate Bisexual Visibility Day! Despite being the largest single-identity group within the LGBTQ+ community in the US, bisexual individuals often face significant challenges. Referred to as the "double closet," bisexual people may experience the same discrimination as lesbian and gay folks, from outright harassment at work to exclusion from workplace benefits. But they may also fear rejection within the Queer community. We can and must do more. Let's do more to understand the challenges and experiences of bi+ people. Let's elevate their stories. Let's create spaces and workplace cultures rich in inclusion and belonging where individuals feel and know that they can show up authentically. #BisexualVisibilityDay #BusinessOfBelonging
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Pride Month is a time that holds a special place in our hearts at Eden Futures, not only for our dedicated staff but also for the people we support. We see Pride Month as an opportunity to boost our conversations around equality, diversity, inclusion and respect for all. Every day we help to transform the lives of those who need our support, some of the most vulnerable people in our society. We use our experience and expertise to help people on their journey towards greater independence and live fulfilling lives. Everyone deserves a life of dignity, respect and feeling safe. That's why Pride Month is so important to us. ....But we still have work to do.... … And we’re committed to listening, learning, and continuously improving together. 💚 We have a space on our Wellbeing page dedicated to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: https://lnkd.in/gZDhmE5P On our Wellbeing page, we have created (free!) guides and booklets that we encourage everyone to look at. Some of these include: A Beginners Guide to Inclusive Language and Understanding Pronouns... We’ve added helplines and mental health resources, too. We’ll keep updating the content on here and you’ll see this growing over the next couple of weeks. In our latest edition of 🌟 Eden Together 🌟 our monthly health and wellbeing magazine, we have information about Pride Month and its history, and importantly, how you can actively support the LGBTQ+ community and contribute to a more inclusive society. All our previous magazine editions are free and available by clicking on the ‘magazine archive’ button. You’ll find information on LGBTQ+ History Month, raising awareness of the violence, discrimination, abuse, and repression of our communities, Transgender Day of Visibility, International Pronouns Day, understanding our transgender community… and more. We hope our resources are helpful to you and we can work together to build a community where everyone feels valued and heard. #DiversityAndInclusion #Wellbeing #InclusiveCommunity #WeAreListening #PrideMonth2024 #EdenTogether #SupportedLiving
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💡 Learn your DEI terminology! Today, let's talk about microaggressions. Microaggressions are the everyday slights, indignities, put downs, and insults that people of color, women, LGBTQ+ populations, or those who are marginalized experience in their day-to-day interactions with people. Microaggressions are more than just insensitive comments or generalized jerky behavior. A key part of what makes them so disconcerting is that they happen casually and frequently in everyday life, creating a cumulative (negative) impact on the psychological, emotional, and/or physical well-being of the recipients of these assaults. Some common examples of microaggressions: ❌ Telling a person of color that they "are so articulate" or that they "speak so well" ❌ Telling a transgender person that they "don't look trans" ❌ Describing a woman, "crazy" or "hysterical" ❌ Describing someone's working style as "OCD" or "ADHD" Looking for strategies to help you spot and stop microaggressions in your workplace? YW Boston can help. Learn more at https://buff.ly/3PSgkC2 #microaggressions #ywboston #diveristy #equity #inclusion
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Award Winning 🥇Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer | Inclusive Leadership Trainer, Coach and Speaker. Let’s create an inclusive future together.
🌈 **Celebrating Pride Month 2024!** As we step into Pride Month, I am reminded of the incredible strength, resilience, and vibrant diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. This month, we celebrate the progress we’ve made and reflect on the work still ahead to ensure equality and acceptance for all. A few examples include: 1. Employment Discrimination: Many LGBTQ+ individuals still face discrimination in hiring, promotions, and workplace treatment. In some places, it’s still legal to fire someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. 2. Healthcare Disparities: LGBTQ+ people often encounter bias and lack of understanding from healthcare providers, leading to inadequate care. Transgender individuals, in particular, face significant barriers to accessing necessary medical treatments. 3. Legal Inequality: While there has been progress, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage in many countries, LGBTQ+ individuals still lack legal protections in many areas, including adoption rights, housing, and protection from hate crimes. 4. Bullying and Harassment: LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately affected by bullying and harassment in schools, which can lead to mental health issues, lower academic performance, and higher dropout rates. 5. Violence: LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender people of color, face higher rates of violence, including assault and murder. Hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people remain a serious issue. 6. Mental Health: Due to societal stigma and discrimination, LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. 7. Homelessness: LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented among the homeless population. Many are forced out of their homes due to family rejection based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. 8. International Discrimination: In many countries, LGBTQ+ individuals face severe legal penalties, including imprisonment or even death, simply for being who they are. This makes it dangerous for LGBTQ+ people to live openly. Addressing these inequalities requires ongoing efforts to promote acceptance, enact protective legislation, and educate society about the importance of diversity and inclusion. Let's continue to support, uplift, and stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ colleagues and community members not just in June, but every day of the year. #PrideMonth #Inclusion #Diversity #LGBTQ #Authenticity #DEIConsulting #law
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The Stonewall Inn, which was raided 55 years ago today, was a haven for the LGBTQ+ community - away from the discrimination and oppression LGBTQ+ were facing at the time 🏳️🌈 The Stonewall Uprising started a global movement and is hailed as a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and liberation 🌎 At the forefront of the resistance, courageous individuals, including Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, led the charge for justice and equality 🙌 Its anniversary serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and inclusivity, as well as the importance of standing up against injustice. We’ve included some inspirations of ways you can help honour this time and continue striving for an LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Future. [Visual description: carousel is designed in blue, pink and yellow. Image 1: title, Stonewall Riots. Today is the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, also known as the Stonewall Uprising, which took place on 28th June 1969 in New York City when police raided a gay club called ‘The Stonewall Inn’. Image 2: The police raid caused a riot, leading to six days of protests and violent clashes with law enforcement outside the bar and on neighbouring streets. The protests that followed the raids sparked a movement. Image 3: The Stonewall Uprising became a catalyst for change, motivating communities across the United States and beyond to fight for LGBTQ+ rights and liberation. It led to the formation of LGBTQ+ organisations and the emergence of Pride marches and caused a profound shift in societal attitudes toward acceptance and equality. Image 4: What we can do differently for a LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Future: Educate yourself on LGBTQIA+ issues and history, including challenges the community still faces today, Utilise the power of collective action, just as protestors did during the Stonewall Uprising, Promote intersectional inclusivity by ensuring your LGBTQIA+ advocacy includes all voices represented within the community, such as trans folks and people of colour, Support organisations which actively fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, Push for policies and laws which protect LGBTQIA+ rights.] #StonewallRiots #PrideMonth #PrideMonth2024 #Pride2024 #Pride #DiversityAndInclusion #DiversityMatters #InclusionMatters #UnconsciousBias #DiversityEquityInclusion #DiversityInTech #Inclusivity #InclusionAndDiversity #BelongingAtWork #WorkplaceCulture #WorkplaceInclusion #WorkCulture
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🏳️🌈 As we enter the month of June, a time when individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations come together to recognize and protest the struggles faced by the queer community, we see a surge of rainbow logos from corporations. These symbols are meant to signal allyship and support for the LGBTQ+ community. However, there's a disconnect that often goes unnoticed. Despite the colorful displays of support, many of these same companies fall short when it comes to meaningful actions, such as hiring individuals who represent the very communities they claim to support. Too often, job applicants receive impersonal rejection emails that begin with "Unfortunately...". The essence of this message is to urge corporations to move beyond performative allyship. If you are going to embrace the rainbow in your branding, commit to actions that truly support the LGBTQ+ community. This means creating opportunities, providing jobs, and fostering an inclusive workplace environment for the people whose identities you are championing. A logo is not enough. True allyship requires tangible support and actions that uplift the community. Until then, the rainbow colors should be more than just a marketing strategy—they should symbolize a genuine commitment to equality and inclusion. Happy Pride Moth to everyone celebrating. #pride2024 #pridemonth #findingjobs
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Happy Pride Month from SPECTRAFORCE 🌈 This month, we're focusing on allyship and we want to share 5 ways you can be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community: - "Inviting In" - Instead of expecting someone to "come out" to you, try "inviting in"! Create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their identity. Ask yourself: "Am I creating a space where others feel welcome and valued?" - Have Conversations - Engage in open and respectful dialogue with LGBTQ+ individuals. Ask respectful questions, listen actively, and be honest about your own biases and limitations. - Be Accepting - Acceptance is key to being an ally! Treat everyone with kindness and compassion, regardless of their identity. - Have Humility - Being an ally isn't about being a hero or getting credit - it's about listening, learning, and supporting. Acknowledge your own biases and be willing to listen and grow. Remember, the focus should be on uplifting and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. - Take Action - Allyship requires action! Learn more about the issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community, confront biases and discrimination when you see it, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Support LGBTQ+ owned businesses, attend Pride events, and use your voice to speak up for justice and equality. By following these steps, we can create a more inclusive and accepting world for everyone! If you're looking for a workplace that values diversity and inclusion, consider joining our team! Follow us for more updates and fill out the form here https://lnkd.in/gXzfg-zJ to explore employment opportunities. #SPECTRAFORCE #PrideMonth #Allyship
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Streamlining SME processes with Microsoft 365 & PowerPlatform | CEO at PasynSoft | Sophisticated IT system integrations in MS Cloud
2moThank you for sharing your heartfelt reflections. It’s so important to acknowledge and support each other, especially on days like this. Sending love and solidarity