OWL Services’ Post

On June 12, 2016, the world stood still as we learned about the horrific attack at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. 49 beautiful humans left this realm in an act of hate and violence. Today, we honor them: Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, who danced with her son; Stanley Almodovar III, a pharmacist; Amanda Alvear, who could have saved herself but would not leave the club without her friend. Each name represents a life full of potential. One quote from the mother of Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo resonates so deeply with me: “He didn't just go out that night to dance; he went out to celebrate who he was." This celebration of self is the essence of what the month of June and the celebration of Pride represents. It’s not just parades and rainbow flags. It’s a powerful declaration of existence and agency, a stand against the forces that seek to marginalize and erase. Celebrating Pride reminds us that we are still fighting for a world where everyone feels included, valued, and safe to be their whole selves. It’s about honoring the bravery it takes to live openly and authentically in a world that can often be crappy. It's about the courage to say, "I am here, I matter, and I won't be silenced." At work, celebrating Pride isn't just about putting up a flag or making a social media post. It's about creating environments where LGBTQ+ employees feel truly supported and valued every single day. This means advocating for policies that protect against discrimination, fostering inclusive cultures, and standing up to hate everywhere. Personally, Pride is important because it’s a testament to resilience and love. Professionally, it’s essential because diverse and inclusive teams drive innovation and growth. When people feel safe and valued, they bring their best selves, their biggest ideas, and their loyalty and commitment to work, leading to more creative, productive, and successful organizations. Today, let’s honor the victims of the Pulse tragedy by continuing to activate a world where love wins over hate. Let’s use our platforms, our voices, and our actions to create change. Remember, celebrating Pride isn't just about June—it's a year-round commitment to equity and justice. #PulseRemembrance #PrideMonth #LoveIsLove #LGBTQ+ #Belonging #WorkplaceEquity

My #Pride 🌈 bling which I ordered #online from Target arrived today! So what's the big deal with my receiving two rainbow themed SanDisk®128GB On the Go USB drives? Well there are a few things that the #LGBTQ community, it's #Allies, and businesses should consider regarding Pride #merchandise: 1) There are always alternatives when having to deal with difficult circumstances such as the backlash #Target and other large retailers are experiencing when showing support for Pride and the LGBTQ community while having to protect their #employees and #property from hateful thugs and vandals. The alternative I am demonstrating is you can buy Pride bling online if it's available (and it should be available.) 2) #Businesses should consider the online option when they feel threatened by the haters. You can still show your support for the LGBTQ community, while both testing the market if you are new to supporting the community, and protecting your employees and property if you are a publicly traded company who has to answer to stockholders and lawyers. Hopefully this does not to sound too mercenary, though to keep things on topic for LinkedIn, it will be good for your #business and #revenue stream. 3) Now for those of you who use the term "rainbow washing" towards large corporations supporting Pride may I suggest you support #local LGBTQ friendly businesses, and if they have an online presence then let your friends who live too far away to frequent the business know there is an alternative and convenient way to support the business. It never hurts to support local when you can. To be successful as both a community and as a business you should always try to find at least one alternative solution to a potential problem because if you're successful then the problem will just go away 😉. Now for those of you who are asking why I purchased 128GB USB A/C drives, will I'm a #geek / #techie / #nerd, and you always need extra USB drives. Right? And as a #Bisexual I like the fact they are USB A and USB C drives (Please LinkedIn, don't ban me for that double entendre🙄 ) #Queer #Lesbian #Gay #Transgender #Pride2024

Are you familiar with the abbreviation #DEI? It stands for “#Diversity, #Equity & #Inclusion” - three core values that guide the design of everything for people: public spaces, workplaces, leisure activities, patterns of communication, and more.   In human terms 😊, it means creating a society where no one is treated differently—neither worse nor better—based on their gender, age, family and professional status, parenthood, education level, sexual orientation or gender identity, origin, wealth, language, religion, health status, or ability.   June is a time for celebration and raising awareness for LGBTQ+ people. The workplace exposes us to diversity, and at Sollers, we deeply care about the society we build within our company. We recognize the importance of an inclusive atmosphere, which is closely connected to employee well-being and mental health, as well as attracting and retaining talent.   So today and always, we want to say that everyone is welcome at Sollers 🤲   #PrideMonth

June is when many companies change their logo to include the Pride flag. 🏳️🌈 I always wonder how included their LGBTQ+ employees truly feel in those companies, and how well they are represented across the management team. Our community can (and often will) hide in plain sight. By disguising our sexuality, we hide a piece of something that makes us unique. We will never be as natural as someone who is able to be their true self at work. When the topic of husbands, wives and children comes up, we may deflect… but then also instantly become a target of suspicion, people instinctively feel we are hiding something. When promotions comes up, no person is ever fully judged on their professional skills alone. We are judged also for our interpersonal skills. So if we are perceived as different, what does that do to our chances of a promotion? I am often surprised how many leaders still today hide their sexuality in order to protect their careers… in the process doing more harm than good, and depriving our community of true role models. Ultimately we cannot blame these managers, but we should look at their leaders who have created an unsafe working environment. I truly hope that when we see our Pride flag represented by companies here on this platform, that those leaders also truly engage with their LGBTQ+ communities. That those companies dig deep and question what they are doing to make their workplace more inclusive. This is really hard, I realise that, but we still have a long way to go. 🏳️🌈 ❤️

PART III (teaser alert) - I’ve mentioned that I’ve got something new coming….It was actually inspired by a post I shared on LinkedIn a few months ago. I shared how my professional and personal lived experience came into alignment with my focus on helping LGBTQ+ and underrepresented people confidently thrive in their careers by being fully themselves. I also shared two career coming-out stories, which did NOT go as planned…and unfolded in sitcom-like fashion. Something unexpected happened in response to the LinkedIn post. Friends who know me well said, “I had ZERO idea you went through that.” They spoke of the blind spots that exist for them as cisgender, white, and heterosexual. They were grateful to hear my stories, gain more understanding and begin to shift their awareness. I started to think about the countless underrepresented people and the stories that unfold as we navigate our careers as outsiders. And how we inevitably tuck these stories away, not wanting to dwell on our other-ness.  We keep pushing forward. And, while this perseverance is understandable, it keeps the richness of our full humanity out of view…. These musings led me directly to the something-new I’m doing. I look forward to sharing the full details next week. Thank you to the LinkedIn community for being such an important part of my journey 🙌 #comingsoon #rippleeffect #growwithapro #stories #campfire #music #underrepressented #marginalized #alignment #awareness #community

Beyoncé's approach to diversity offers valuable lessons for corporate America. 🐝 Her work, particularly her Renaissance tour and movie, showcases a true embrace of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Looking at her dancers, staff, and collaborators, you see a representation of many different types of people. Beyoncé understands the nuances within diversity and the importance of intersectionality. She welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ communities, creating a sense of belonging for everyone. This inclusive approach is something companies should strive to emulate. It's about creating an environment where everyone feels they can be part of something exciting, where they can learn, grow, and express themselves freely. Moreover, Beyoncé's success demonstrates the power of knowing and valuing your customer base. She makes her audience feel at home in her concerts and everything she does. Companies need to adopt this understanding, recognizing the diversity of their customer base and ensuring representation in their workforce. By following Beyoncé's example, corporations can create more inclusive, dynamic, and successful environments that celebrate diversity in all its forms. #BeyoncéInspired #CorporateDiversity #InclusiveBusiness

This year's Target Pride month merchandise is a perfect example of performative allyship. The Peach Fuzz was created by Elizabeth Hudy and currently operates out of San Francisco, California. They partnered with Target for Pride month and one of the designs was originally "Support Your Sisters, Not Just Your Cis-Ters" but the actual merchandise Target is selling just says "Support Your Sisters." From their Instagram post (@thepeachfuzz.co): "It is such a tremendous privilege to have even been considered for this project, but boy it sure does feel like a sick joke when you put everything you’ve got into over 20 designs only to have the final product be two watered down and brandless items. I went to my car and cried after I got my stuff. I know I should be proud of myself, and I’m sure I will be eventually, but I don’t think I let all of the disappointment hit me until now. The lgbtqia community deserves so much more than vague love merch shoved at the back of the clothing section. And LGBTQ artists deserve to be highlighted with actual PRIDE!" When you give in to pushback, you are pushing us back in the closet. When you erase trans identities from your merchandise, the message you are sending is that we are not palatable. True allyship is UNCOMFORTABLE. Why? Because by speaking up and being an ally, you expose yourself to the discrimination and hate we experience everyday. It's meant to give you perspective on what it's like to be an LGBTQ+ person in this world, and let me tell you, at times it is incredibly difficult to exist. Performative allyship centers you and your comfort. Be about it. Do better. First slide has the original design, the second has the Target version. #allyship #performativeallyship #lgbtq #pridemonth #target

At Work, Show Off Your True Colors! 🌈 75% of LGBTQ+ professionals hide parts of their identities from employers, did you know that? 😉 Let’s celebrate uniqueness and smash the mold!  Since I work in [Your Profession], I've seen the value of genuineness. Accept and value every aspect of your identity, since a diverse and inclusive workplace fosters success. 🌟 💡 Are you prepared to be among the top 1% on LinkedIn? Whether you're an expert in project management, marketing, or coding, tell your own narrative. Let's spread acceptance like wildfire! 🌊✨ Your expertise is about bringing your full self to the table, not just your abilities. 🚀 Become a part of the inclusive workplace movement! 🌈 Leave a remark with your ideas about promoting diversity in the workplace. Together, let's inspire, connect, and create a community that values individuality! 🤝 #InclusiveProfessionals #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceInclusion

June is widely recognized as Pride Month, a time to celebrate and honor the LGBTQ+ community. It's a month filled with love, acceptance, and a powerful reminder of the progress made towards equality, while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead. It's important to remember that Pride Month is not only for the LGBTQ+ community but for all allies as well. Allies play a crucial role in championing equality and advocating for the rights of their LGBTQ+ friends, family, and colleagues. By standing up against discrimination, we can create an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued. While we celebrate the progress made, it's crucial to acknowledge that there is still work to be done. LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face challenges, including discrimination, lack of legal protections, and societal prejudice. Pride Month reminds us of the importance of advocating for equal rights and striving for a world where everyone can live authentically and without fear. During this month, let's not only celebrate the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community but also educate ourselves about the history and struggles they have faced. By understanding the experiences of others, we can foster empathy and promote a more inclusive society. Happy Pride Month! 🏳️🌈

It is Pride Month, and I am thankful to work at a company where we keep the conversation going not only in June but all year long. 🏳️🌈 In 2024, Showpad's Pride ERG will host a special session for our book club, Pride & Prose. 📚 This time, we're diving into James Baldwin's masterpiece, 𝘎𝘪𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪'𝘴 𝘙𝘰𝘰𝘮. It was the most voted book from an internal poll of our Employee Resource Group. This will be the second meeting of our book club, and we will combine it with our monthly activity, 🌈 Rainbow Brews & Chats, a safe and inclusive space where we discuss LGBTQ+-related topics based on short videos. It is a place to ask questions, learn, and gather the tools to become better advocates, fostering a sense of belonging and support. If your company doesn’t host LGBTQ+ initiatives, be the one who changes it. And yes, I am looking especially at you, fellow Executive Assistants. DEIB is not just a buzzword. It is about giving voice to those who don’t always get the chance to speak—a lot like us, but unfortunately, in many ways, even harder. By leveraging our EQ, ability to connect people, and interpersonal skills, we can drive meaningful change within our organizations. Let’s use our unique positions to foster inclusivity and support for all. Remember: together, we are stronger. 💪🏼 #DEIB #DiversityEquityInclusionBelonging #Showpad #ExecutiveAssistants #ERG #EmployeeResourceGroup