Morgan Sandner Beatty’s Post

We're so happy to represent so many speakers all across the LGBTQ+ community. For Pride Month, we've been featuring some of their fresh, new perspectives. And today, we have YouTuber, writer, and digital activist Jackson Bird. This quote from Jackson feels especially relevant with the recent rise of LGBTQ+ representation in film. According to GLAAD's most recent annual study tracking the quantity, quality, and diversity of queer representation in media, of the 350 films tracked, over 28% contained at least one LGBTQ+ character—the highest percentage covered in the 11 years GLADD has conducted the survey. The number of trans characters also hit a record high (albeit, that number was only 12). LGBTQ+ representation in media has certainly been improving, but there's still a ways to go. For instance, over half of the LGBTQ+ characters in the study had less than five minutes of screentime. As we push towards greater equality and liberation, let's remember that, as Jackson says, the most surefire way of telling more and better queer stories is by hiring more queer creators. To book Jackson to speak at one of your events, click here: https://lnkd.in/gdrabFSm

If LGBTQ+ professionals in your organization are defaulting to the behaviors listed below, you might not have as inclulsive of a workplace as you want. Reflect on elements of your organizational culture, procedures and practices that might serve as barriers to inclusiveness. Take feedback seriously and share how you will use it.

🌈 Supporting PRIDE, for a publisher like Springer Nature, has to mean supporting both research in LGBTQ+ areas; and also supporting LGBTQ+ researchers, in all disciplines. You’ll see this when you visit Springer Nature’s dedicated PRIDE 2024 hub. Specifically, on this page, you will find: 👉 Interviews with Pioneering Researchers: Gain insights from Sel J. Hwahng, Assistant Professor of Women, Gender, Health, and Sexuality at Towson University, Maryland, Nancy Williams, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Claremont McKenna, and Kelly Stevens, Associate Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Washington. 👉 Curated Publication Lists: Explore literature that delves into the intersectionality of identity, the evolution of cultural norms, and the profound impact of legislative changes. 👉 And Much More: Dive into a wealth of content designed to inform, inspire, and support the journey towards equality. https://lnkd.in/gZGYEY4R

If you're looking for an insightful and moving read, we highly recommend “Queer Intentions” by Amelia Abraham. Amelia takes you on a personal journey through LGBTQ+ culture, traveling across various countries and engaging in heartfelt conversations with LGBTQ+ individuals from all walks of life. Each chapter is a blend of accessible writing, queer theory, statistics, history, and personal stories, offering something truly unifying and outstanding. It's a book that moves you, educates you, and brings a deeper understanding of politics, religion, spirituality, capitalism, education, and exploitation within the LGBTQ+ community. A must-read for queer individuals and allies alike. If you're curious about LGBTQ+ culture, this book covers everything from drag, to pride, to survival, and even explores the concept of a queer utopia. Happy reading! #Pride #Allyship #DGLRecommends

The Human Rights Campaign continues to advance and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in this report that explores current leading practices on LGBTQ+ corporate citizenship. This is a "whole-of-business concept, taking into consideration what companies do internally as well as how they use their power, influence, budgets and business activities for good." What can you and your company do to drive inclusion for LGBTQ+ people across all facets of society?

As Pride Month continues, we reflected on a few of the actions that allies can take to create an environment where every LGBTQ+ employee feels respected and valued, inside and outside of work. * Stay Engaged: Read reputable sources like GLAAD, Human Rights Campaign, and other advocacy organizations that allow you to regularly update your knowledge and stay informed about evolving language and social contexts. * Create Your Environment: Advocate for inclusive policies such as gender-neutral facilities and non-discrimination clauses. Further, promote LGBTQ+ role models and events within organizations, to celebrate diversity and inspire others to embrace inclusive practices. * Build Meaningful Connections: Build relationships by creating a space where individuals feel comfortable sharing their experiences without fear of judgment. Further, show up at their events. This demonstrates solidarity and reinforces commitment to standing with their community. * Advocacy and Personal Growth: The role of allies can extend beyond personal and professional interactions. For example, it is important to stay informed about legislative changes and actively support pro-LGBTQ+ initiatives. While these actions may be simple, they all contribute to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and everyone can live authentically. Read the full list here! https://lnkd.in/eMJHMXuC

Just in time for the end of 🌈 Pride Month, our friends at LGBTQ+ Victory Institute released their 2024 "Out for America" report. It is packed with insightful stats and data visualizations. We're happy to share it while highlighting a few notable findings: • Every state (plus Washington, D.C.) has at least one out LGBTQ+ elected official serving, totaling at least 1,303 LGBTQ+ elected officials nationwide. • Along with the good news, a caveat: At least 38,193 more LGBTQ+ people must be elected to achieve equitable representation. • Of particular interest to our mission: There are currently 235 LGBTQ+ state lawmakers (and only Louisiana, West Virginia and Idaho have no out legislators). Follow LGBTQ+ Victory Institute or go to https://lnkd.in/ehJwd25S to access the full report Of course, we acknowledge we must keep fighting for justice and fairness, but we also welcome this opportunity to celebrate milestones of progress. 🌈 Happy Pride!

Pride Month starts today, and I have some thoughts to share. It’s very easy to think that we’ve made significant progress, that equality has been achieved, with pride month a time for rainbows, glitter and ABBA. Unfortunately, it took only a few scrolls of a local shopping park’s pride month post to make it abundantly clear that there is still so much to fight for. Three years ago I participated in a Pride video for Network Rail titled “Do I Offend You” and three years later unfortunately I think my existence along with my other LGBTQ+ family still offends others. We are still told not to shove it down throats, that we should keep our queerness “to ourselves” or “at home”, or asked with sly smiles when straight pride month is. As a queer person during pride month I ask my allies to of course enjoy and support a pride parade. However please don’t just participate in the fun consumerist parts of pride. Please reflect on your allyship in a time where our rights are being constantly threatened. The UK has dropped to its lowest ever rating on the ILGA-Europe map over the last theee years, due to the limitations on gender affirming care and failures to deliver on the banning of conversion practices. All too often the LGBTQ+ community, particularly the Trans community, are used as political cannon fodder, despite making up 5% and 0.5% of the population respectively. This has resulted in hate crimes increasing by over 100% to the LGBTQ+ community over the last five years. And lastly, we are not free until we are all free. Intersectionality is fundamental and critical to achieving true equality, equity, diversity and inclusion. Sometimes that requires decentering ourselves from the conversation which can be challenging however is necessary to be better and make real change. Think on how you can make space for marginalised voices in your workplaces and communities. And I’ll leave it at that along with a link to Stonewall who continue to do great work and have some must have reading for Pride Month. Remember, Equality is not a pie, there is plenty to go around. Happy Pride 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 https://lnkd.in/eAhDMm-w

🏳️🌈 Happy Pride 🏳️🌈 From my family to yours. There are many ways that you can show support for the LGBTQ+ people in your life. At work: - Add your pronouns to your email signature or share your pronouns when introducing yourself to new friends or colleagues. - If you hear an anti-LGBTQ+ comment or joke, speak up and explain why such comments or jokes are harmful and offensive. - Integrate inclusive language into your regular conversations and professional interactions. (E.g. Don’t ask someone: What does your husband/wife do? Instead ask: What does your spouse do?) Most importantly, take time to learn what it truly means to be an ally and show up for your LGBTQ+ co-workers, family, and friends. Not only in June, but all year. ✨

This week is #TransgenderAwarenessWeek 🏳️⚧️ There are 1.6 million trans people living in the U.S. and one in five Gen Zers identify as LGBTQ. That number isn’t small. If businesses want to attract great talent, keep that talent, and have organizations where everyone thrives, employers need to do more to support the transgender community at work. If you’re a manager, here’s what you can do to support team members who are transitioning. #transgenderawareness #lgbtqia #management