Jose Edgardo Cruz’s Post

Yes, we’re the new kid on the block… We realize that there are dozens of tourism-focused conventions to choose from each year and we recognize that we’re the “new kid on the block”. So here are one dozen reasons to join the FLOCC this August 12-14th in Coral Gables: 1. Enjoy a safe space for conversations around LGBTQ+ tourism. 2. Gain sales strategies to attract diverse groups and travelers to your business/destination. 3. Showcase your brand/destination as inclusive to meeting planners, LGBTQ+ leaders, travel agents, and fellow tourism organizations. 4. Learn from LGBTQ+ and ally experts on a variety of tourism topics. 5. Increase tourism revenues in the LGBTQ+ group and sports arenas. 6. Understand how to create personalized, authentic experiences for LGBTQ+ travelers. 7. Get inside the minds of GenZ travelers, 22% of whom identify as LGBTQ+. 8. Hear from “Ripple Effect” leaders who have positively impacted inclusive tourism initiatives. 9. Connect with tourism leaders from around Florida who are dedicated to DEI and social inclusion initiatives. 10. Understand bias in digital marketing and AI as it relates to LGBTQ+ consumers. 11. Enjoy incredible and diverse entertainment from Miami and beyond! 12. Be inspired! Not convinced yet? Then watch this!

27 May - 3 June is National Reconciliation Week, with this year's #NRW2024 theme, Now More Than Ever. This reminds us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will - and must - continue. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and reflect on the place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and rights in our nation's story. How will you be contributing to achieving reconciliation in Australia?

We find ourselves yet again dealing with violent behaviour born from bias (stoked by half truths/idiots that have jumped on the back of a hugely upsetting criminal incident) where people are being targeted due to their beliefs/faith/skin tone (not that this has ever not been the case unfortunately). How quick some ’people’ are to forget the names or even more obviously (as this might be easier for those of such low mentality) the visual aesthetic of those that are the back bone of their community be that physically in shops, the food they enjoy, the necessary services provided or the community they bring into their home through the arts - music film etc. I shared the below during Covid (on my own socials) and feel it worthy of a very pertinently timely reshare A passion for justice and inclusion can never be solely for one protected characteristic, to be driven within my field for all that is rightly due to those with SEND & additional need and to not champion those of other protected characteristics negates my work and passion. Justice is so intrinsically important to me & has been since I developed my own barometer on what I felt is socially appropriate and then formed the values I conduct myself with, that I place on my life and those I choose to be around me. Not once did my mothers background (being a Dubliner) enter or sway my choices as that was my normal, so was a diverse community growing up on a council estate in the 80s & 90s. Decades later having a kid come home to say someone has called them a racist term, having to explain the news regarding BLM during those times to now explain the nuances of the news to our eldest is upsetting. Politics is everywhere and everything yet I would say I’m not politically minded, I just desire what should be and what is fair for all. #fairerfutures #diversity #inclusion #myownviewsonly

Celebrate Diverse Holidays Acknowledging and celebrating cultural and religious holidays of all employees fosters an inclusive environment. Let's embrace and honor the diversity in our workplaces! Question: How does your organization recognize and celebrate diverse holidays? What Non US Holidays are happening this month? Nexth month? #CelebrateDiversity #InclusiveCulture

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆, 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮! 🇨🇦 In Canada, this day honors the unique cultures, heritage, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. In the USA, Indigenous Peoples' Day (often observed on the second Monday of October) similarly recognizes the history and culture of Native American communities. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁? 𝟭. 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗮:Celebrates Indigenous identity, educates the public, and acknowledges the painful history of colonialism. 𝟮. 𝗨𝗦𝗔: Replaces Columbus Day in many areas, shifting the focus to the resilience and contributions of Native Americans. 𝟯. 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: Encourages worldwide recognition of Indigenous rights and promotes cultural understanding. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺? 𝟭. 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:  Learn and share Indigenous histories and cultures. 𝟮. 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆:  Support Indigenous rights and initiatives. 𝟯. 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Participate in community events and listen to Indigenous voices. Let's celebrate diversity and strive for a more inclusive future!

#WednesdayWatch It’s such an honour being an Independent Member of Parliament. Over the years the major parties have dismissed independents, often saying that those elected as Independent can’t do anything. Well, I beg to differ. As the first ever Independent elected to represent our Federal electorate of Fowler, I have been able to raise the cost of living issues in Parliament soon after my election. I would argue one of the first MPs to do so. And I was able to do this with greater freedoms and vigour than as a member of a major Party. Through door-knocking and being a local resident for most of my life, I know that the major concern in Fowler is still the rising cost-of-living crisis that's impacting our ability to afford groceries, energy, fuel and rent. I see and hear your everyday issues. Not having to toe a party line means that I have been able to stand on the floor of the Parliament demanding the government of the day to hold them accountable to their promises on behalf of our community that is so often left behind. Last week, we saw the tensions that arise when being apart of a Party as Senator Payman left the ALP. I spoke on the Today Show on the matter. Australia, and Fowler in particular, is such a multicultural, multifaith community. We should celebrate the diversity of thought this brings, rather than let it divide us. #AusPol #DaiLeMPVoice #VoiceofWesternSydney #Independent #costofliving #CostofLivingCrisis #MulticulturalAustralia #multicultural Nine

This National Reconciliation Week, we’re honouring the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We’re encouraging our people, and the communities we operate in, to learn about our shared histories and cultures and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. This years theme, 'Now More Than Ever', is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will — and must— continue. #NRW2024 #ReconciliationAustralia #NowMoreThanEver

Yesterday I was invited to speak at an event organised by the Human Rights Consortium Scotland on the Scottish Human Rights Bill. I delved into the key areas of concern identified by our Lived Experience Group JustCitizens: ➡ Embedding meaningful inclusion in policy-making from start to finish, at every level. ➡ Invisible and visible barriers to participation in decision-making: structural inequalities, lack of opportunities for engagement, and the one-size-fits-all approach implemented in policy-formation ➡ The importance of viewing human rights intersectionally; understanding that issues cannot be viewed in silos but rather as interacting, dynamic, intersecting systems which enable and restrict equal participation. ➡ Our worries around implementation and accountability. How do we define accountability and justice? How do we enable access to justice in ways that resonate with marginalised and minoritised communities?

At the end of 2023, there were at least 2.3 million migrants in Canada (undocumented people, those on work or study permits and refugee claimants). They comprise nearly 10% of all agricultural and fishery workers and 5% of the accommodation and food service force. Migrants are not taking jobs that Canadians don’t want or where there are labour shortages - they are in jobs because some employers want an exploitable workforce, and denial of permanent resident status makes them more vulnerable to abuse (Migrants Rights Network). Equal rights to undocumented immigrants! <3 https://lnkd.in/gw-XRpVs

Australia's National Apology Day holds immense significance in acknowledging and promoting reconciliation within the nation. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging past wrongs and working towards healing and unity. On this special day, we come together as a nation to reflect on the pain and suffering experienced by the Stolen Generations and Indigenous communities. It is a time to extend our heartfelt apologies for the injustices that were inflicted upon them. It is an opportunity to recognise the resilience and strength of these communities, who have faced immense challenges since colonistation. By acknowledging National Apology Day, we aim to create awareness and understanding of the need for reconciliation. It is a day to educate ourselves and others about the past, and to commit to a future that is built on respect, equality, and justice for all. Together, we can work towards healing the wounds of the past and building a more inclusive and harmonious society. Learn more here https://buff.ly/3vNQc4Y. #Sorry #Reconciliation #Inclusion #Diversity #Australia #FirstNations #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe #SportForAll #InclusiveSport