Please Connect Me’s Post

Check out my article on the importance of making Wills, specifically for LGBTQ+ cohabitees

Are you a member of the LGBT community, currently cohabiting and don't have a Will?? If the answer is yes, there’s several reasons why you should consider making one. Solicitor, Katy Morgan and Principal Associate, Lorraine Wilson, outline the importance of LGBT cohabitants having a Will. Read our insight: https://lnkd.in/etGd5VX7 #cohabiting #cohabitation #familylaw

Today marks National Coming Out Day It was inaugurated in 1988 by Robert Eichberg and Jean O'Leary. Their belief focused on the idea that homophobia thrived in silence and ignorance, and thus people are far less likely to perform phobic behaviours if they know someone who is LGBT+. Coming out is not always the easiest thing to do, nor is it always the safest, let alone the fear it can provoke.We cannot expect everyone to come out because of the net gain that can create. Instead for those who feel unable to come out, we must offer support and solidarity. Allyship for coming out is LGBT+ people supporting and educating, creating a safe environment for everyone, so that when people are ready they can come out and feel fully supported by us.    NCOD is a reminder of how much we as a community owe each other and need to create support systems for each other! #NationalComingOutDay #LGBTQIA+ #EqualityForAll #DiversityAndInclusion

Why is Understanding the Nuances of LGBT Community Important? 🌈 In this video, we delve into the importance of understanding the diverse identities within the LGBT community, including the reasons behind the existence of various letters and the significance of their own guidelines and frameworks. Join us to explore the need for visibility, recognition, and inclusivity in advancing their cause. #LGBTCommunity #DiversityAndInclusion #UnderstandingIdentity #VisibilityMatters #RecognizingInclusivity #LGBTQLife #EmbracingDifferences #AdvancingEquality #InclusiveSociety #KnowingNuances

I was absolutely delighted to be invited to be part of the first Azets Live Round Table celebrating Pride Month in the UK, in fact we recorded it only last week in July, because Pride isn't just one month (in fact not all of the countries in Azets celebrate in June - they do so on other dates), but importantly its something we should be celebrating and speaking about every month (alongside many other important topics). a massive thank you to Julie Gunnell for being an amazing host and ally. ❗ ❗ ❗ A couple of things really struck me being involved in this short but impactful session:- 1. Its not an easy thing putting yourself out there and discussing your struggles and challenges - but we did it, because its important for people to see that real people are behind these things and perhaps our stories can help another person going through similar! Shaun Croxall & Amber Yates (my partners in crime) were brave and inspirational sharing their stories, I was very proud to do this with you! 💖 2. People are truly interested in listening and learning how to become Allies - we had amazing engagement from people, good questions and good wishes - we really appreciated all of them! 🙌 3. Maybe just maybe we can help another human being just by being our authentic selves and sharing a little bit of ourselves. There is so much more I could say, but I want to say thank you to everyone who attended, those who have sent their wishes, their questions and offered a hand of support. And to those people in the LGBTQ+ community don't suffer in silence, there are those who want to help, give support and be your ally. To those of you who want to be allies, ill share what I shared with our colleagues..... 🌈 Be an Ally: Actively show support for LGBTQ+ rights and issues. This can be as simple as using inclusive language, wearing pride symbols, or participating in LGBTQ+ events and initiatives. 🌈 Listen and Learn: Take the time to listen to and understand the experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Educate yourself about LGBTQ+ issues and be open to learning from others. 🌈 Challenge Discrimination: Speak up against any form of discrimination or insensitive remarks, even if they seem minor. Your support can make a big difference in creating a respectful and accepting workplace. 🌈 Promote Inclusivity: Advocate for policies and practices that promote inclusivity and support our networks. 🌈 Offer Support: Let your LGBTQ+ colleagues know that they have your support. Sometimes, a simple expression of solidarity can make a big impact.   By taking these actions, non-LGBTQ+ colleagues can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment. Finally, a massive shout out to the #AuthenicallyAzets network group, you are doing amazing things and to Rebecca Flynn & Samantha Graham for supporting with the event!!!! And of course to Jordan Evans our IT superhero - Thank you #Azets #Pride

Monday Myth Busting MYTH: LGBTQ+ people cannot become foster carers In LGBTQ+ adoption and fostering week, we want to celebrate our LGBTQ+ carers. In a recent survey*, 32% of LGBTQ+ people stated that they are interested in fostering a child but 19% said they were “unsure if they would qualify because of their sexuality”. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community is not a barrier to fostering a child and diversity is valued at Fitzgerald Fostering. If you are interested in fostering and live in Berkshire or the surrounding area, please contact us today. Click on the link to find out more: https://lnkd.in/eGE7_cVA (*Source: Pink News, Alarming number of LGBTQ+ Brits are worried they can’t foster due to ‘their sexuality’, 16 January) #LGBTQAdoptionAndFosteringWeek #lgbtqfostering #lgbtqinclusion #fitzgeraldfostering #inclusivefostering #fosteringuk #fostering #fosteringquestions #mythbusting #fostercareawareness #fostercarejourney

Astonishing Truth About LGBT Funding 💔💰 Join us in this weeks episode as we expose the harsh reality of funding disparities in the queer community! It's time to challenge homophobic attitudes that inhibit support for queer voices. Discover how we can foster inclusivity and empowerment! Let's spark a conversation! #LGBTFunding #QueerCommunity #SupportQueerVoices #EqualityMatters #HomophobiaAwareness #LGBTQSupport #InclusiveFunding #Empowerment #SocialChange #QueerAdvocacy

Encouraging LGBT+ presence in sport. 📄 In a report by Energise Me and Bournemouth University, they found that LGBT+ participation in sport and exercise is far lower than that of heterosexual people. We need to do more to encourage LGBT+ inclusion in both participation in sports and in the workforce. Why is this? Sport places such a heavy emphasis on gender and often have invisible barriers to those who identify as anything other than heterosexual. Read the full report on our Community of Learning page to find out more about the problems we face as well as how you can help: https://lnkd.in/exFdnfxC #GettingSussexMoving #Sussex #Pride #Wellbeing #Fitness

Are you looking to level up your inclusive programming to represent LGBT+ residents 🏳️🌈 and unsure where to begin? We created this guide just for you! 💪 Our latest blog walks you through actionable advice to get you started. https://hubs.la/Q02qZxVl0 #LGBTSeniors #ProgressiveProgramming #AcceptanceIsKey #StartWithInclusion #SupportEquality

What happens when a support worker and the person they support are part of differing communities? 🤔 Their client may want support going to an LGBT+ event, while their support worker doesn't identify as part of the LGBT+ community and won't know what to expect. Support workers regularly provide support in unfamiliar situations. How can they best prepare themselves? Should the person they are supporting provide them with information beforehand? A panel of people with disability, support workers and family members are coming together this Thursday to share their thoughts and experiences on these questions. When: 12:30pm - 2:30pm ACDT, Thursday 28 March Register here: https://lnkd.in/gq7_Z9gk More questions to consider: - What if someone wants support to attend a religious event, but their worker isn't religious? - What if someone has a worker come along to a family event, and has to work out how to act and what to expect in a different cultural setting to their own? This event will be held in online via Microsoft Teams and is designed for support workers in particular, but also family members and anyone who is exploring the concept of what it means to ‘support’.