The Arc of the United States’ Post

Excited to join Inc. Magazine and my fellow panelists M.V. Lee Badgett and Marc Coleman for an important conversation on the LGBTQ+ community and economic freedom and empowerment. It’s an important topic at a precarious moment for our movement. Back in 2011, I helped lead the campaign for marriage equality in New York. Our win there created enormous momentum that culminated in the Supreme Court granting us the freedom to marry in all 50 states. It felt like continued progress was inevitable. I no longer feel that way. The Court that overturned Roe has already signaled that Obergefell could be in similar jeopardy. The onslaught of anti-trans state legislation continues. We still haven't passed the Equality Act. LGBTQ+ people have insufficient representation in the C-suite and in corporate boardrooms. Nearly half of employed LGBTQ+ Americans still believe being “out” at work could hurt their careers. Things could still get worse. The "anti-woke" movement and the prospect of another Trump presidency loom large. Many corporate leaders are stepping back or staying silent at the very moment we most need them to champion equality and opportunity for all. And this is all happening at a time when almost three-fourths of Americans support marriage equality and policies that protect LGBTQ+ Americans from discrimination. This Pride season, we can't take our progress for granted. It's time for our community and our allies to champion inclusion loudly and proudly in our workplaces, in our communities, and from the businesses we support.

#TheMorningInclusive GLAAD’s ‘Here We Are Now’ Campaign In a world where 71% of Americans say they have never met someone who is transgender, the gap in understanding and connection is palpable. This void is often filled with misinformation and harmful rhetoric, creating barriers to empathy and support. GLAAD’s ‘Here We Are Now’ campaign is a beacon of hope and inclusivity, aiming to bridge this divide. The campaign provides a platform for transgender individuals to share their stories, their triumphs, and their challenges. It’s not just about putting a face to the statistics; it’s about humanizing the experiences that are too often relegated to the margins of society. ‘Here We Are Now’ is more than a campaign; it’s a movement. It’s a call to action for all of us to listen, learn, and grow. By amplifying transgender voices, we can begin to dismantle the stereotypes and biases that have long silenced them. We can create a world where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. As professionals, we have the power to make a difference. We can foster inclusive workplaces, support policies that protect transgender rights, and educate ourselves and others. We can be allies in the truest sense of the word, standing alongside our transgender colleagues, friends, and family members. Let’s take this opportunity to reflect on what inclusivity means to us. How can we contribute to a world where every person has the chance to tell their story? The ‘Here We Are Now’ campaign is a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a more inclusive society. Join the conversation. Share your story. Support the cause. Because here we are, and now is the time to stand together in solidarity. #HereWeAreNow #TransRightsAreHumanRights #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility https://lnkd.in/e8ScJsWs

🌍 Time for a Inclusion Revolution 🌍 Fashion should reflect all of us, but the numbers show a different story: 🔸 Only 5% of magazine covers in 2021 featured Black, Asian, Hispanic, or Middle Eastern models. 🔸 78.2% of models at New York Fashion Week 2021 were white. 🔸 The LGBTQ+ community made up just 2% of fashion campaigns in 2020. 🔸 Models with disabilities were in only 4% of luxury campaigns. 🔸 Size inclusivity was present in just 32.3% of Spring 2021 campaigns. These stats need to change. Let’s commit to supporting brands that prioritize diversity, inclusion, and representation. Together, we can reshape the industry to truly reflect our world. It’s time to celebrate every facet of humanity! 🌈👗 www.diversecitymodels.com #DiversityInFashion #InclusionMatters #RepresentationMatters #FashionForAll

Channel 4's 'Mirror On Transgender' study with The Diversity Standards Collective, Wavemaker and Karo has revealed that transgender people feature in less than 1% of adverts. Suggestions it makes include featuring fewer stereotyped, getting the small details right, not sensationalising 'transness' and keeping in mind that the community is far from a monolith. "Advertising holds tremendous influence, which is why we need to see more ads with positive, creative and thoughtful portrayals of Transgender people. Doing so not only has the potential to shift perceptions, but would also connect brands with Transgender people in a way they haven’t been able to so far" - Samantha Cannons More insights here 👉 https://lnkd.in/edxQrt-f #advertising #equality Featured image: E45's award winning campaign with T&Pm

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has unfortunately become a buzzword, but let’s be clear: demonizing DEI does more than undermine fairness for all; it specifically promotes racial exclusion and fuels bias. The problem? By eliminating DEI, we're not just targeting Black individuals, but also stripping away equitable treatment for ALL protected classes—women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and more. DEI is not just about "checking a box." It’s about cultivating fairness, inclusivity, and equity in the workplace—qualities that lead to stronger, more innovative, and competitive companies. Simply put, DEI practices are best business practices. If we truly want to see growth and change in our corporate cultures, we need to understand that diversity and inclusion aren't optional—they are essential. Register for my next course with the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) or message me for information on our upcoming workshop designed to transform corporate cultures for the better. Let’s build better workplaces together! #DEI #EquityInBusiness #BestBusinessPractices #WorkplaceInclusion

🌈🇺🇸 As June kicks off, brands will seek to show off their LGBTQ+ allyship by adopting the rainbow iconography associated with Pride Month. How impactful have these efforts been so far?    This new ranking uncovers which brands LGBTQ+ Americans are more likely to consider purchasing – across automotive, food and beverages, beauty, retail, travel, video gaming & more. Among the brand leaders: Ben & Jerry's, Target, Subaru of America, & more.    Get the full report here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dTPKA4M6

Pride lights the way for a world free from discrimination and bias. It empowers us to create change, challenge norms, and forge a path towards a more inclusive and accepting society. As a digital marketing agency passionate about accessible and inclusive marketing, Pride is one of our favourite times of the year! It is a celebration of difference, the freedom to be yourself and being thankful for the rights the LGBTQIA+ community fought for, not only regarding queer and trans folk, but all minority groups. Pride is a time where we come together to continue raising awareness for a better future that recognises intersectionality, where everyone is treated equally no matter their gender, sexuality or capabilities.  [Image description: Text at the top says “Pride lights the way for a world free from discrimination and bias. It empowers us to create change, challenge norms, and forge a path towards a more inclusive and accepting society.” Below it says “Accessible pride everyday” and in the bottom right is the text “Pride Month 2024”. A rainbow is at the bottom of the screen.] #PrideMonth #AccessibilityMatters #DisabilityPride #InclusivePride #AccessibleLove

Intersectionality is a key concept in any type of inclusion work. We must acknowldge that many folks have lived experiences and are impacted by multiple types of identities and types of inequity. This is a case where the total impact is NOT always the sum of its parts. Being transgender and autistic, or having a disability and being of an immigrant community. These intersections play a large role in the overall impact on the body and spirit of these folks. It is a nuanced concept, and it adds to the complexity of equity work, but our efforts to meet people where they are will be worth the dividends of having a space and team where all folks are seen and acknowledged for their full selves.

Creating a respectful and inclusive post about the value of transgender individuals, including those who identify as shemales, in society is essential. 🌟 **Embracing Diversity: The Value of Transgender Individuals in Society** 🌟 Hello LinkedIn community, Today, I want to shine a light on the incredible contributions of transgender individuals, including those who identify as shemales. Their resilience, talent, and perspectives enrich our society in countless ways. 🌍💜 **Question of the Day:** How can we create more inclusive environments for everyone? Share your thoughts below! 🗣️🌈 Transgender individuals play vital roles in various fields: - **Innovation:** Many trans individuals are leading groundbreaking work in tech, science, and the arts. - **Advocacy:** They are powerful voices advocating for equality, human rights, and social justice. - **Creativity:** The unique experiences and perspectives of trans people bring fresh and innovative ideas to the table. 🔹 **Pro Tip:** Support and inclusion start with understanding and respect. Take the time to learn about different identities and experiences. **Your Turn:** How can we better support our transgender colleagues and friends? Do you have any experiences or stories to share about the positive impact of trans individuals in your life or workplace? Let’s discuss and promote inclusivity together! Drop your thoughts in the comments below. ⬇️ #DiversityAndInclusion #TransRights #SupportTransLives #InclusiveWorkplace #EqualityForAll