Tom Donahue, CIMA®, CPWA®’s Post

ICYMI: upEND Movement's Reflections on Pride 2024 "As 2024 Pride comes to an end, it is impossible to ignore all of the ways U.S. policy –here and abroad– continues to make the world unsafe for LGBTQ people, especially those who exist along the margins of other oppression. For exactly these reasons, upEND is committed to developing abolitionist solutions and alternatives that create a better, safer world for all." https://lnkd.in/gtfEdTqt 

It’s Pride Month, and the celebration cannot just be a celebration because people are committing hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community daily. In my hometown, the rainbow crosswalk was vandalized with tire marks and spray paint. In the City of Poulsbo, Washington the downtown Pride flags were slashed. These acts are only a small sample of the violence committed against Gay and Trans people worldwide. Much of it is being delivered year-round in the form of anti-gay legislation in Congress. We are reminded this year that Pride is not just a celebration, but a perpetual battle for recognition, equality, and justice. We are also reminded that LGBTQ+ people still are not safe in their downtown neighborhoods, at their local nightclubs, or at work. Despite the hate, the Queer community is thriving. More people are out of the closet than ever, and the community is strong. The Bend rainbow crosswalk will be repainted, and the Poulsbo pride flags were sewn back together. Until the LGBTQ+ community has equal rights though, we have work to do. The ACLU is tracking all of the anti-LGBTQ legislation in the US: https://lnkd.in/gqs9m532 You can use this information to: - Call your state representatives and share your opinion - Inform your voting decisions in the upcoming election Are you in a state that has been impacted by anti-LGBTQ legislation? How has that impacted Pride Month so far? #Pride #June #Queer #LQBTQIA

Ever wondered about the origins of Pride Month? So here's a quick trivia: "The first Gay Pride wasn’t a parade. It was a march." In 1969, being gay was a criminal offense. And up until 3 years prior, it was illegal to sell alcohol to a gay person. So many of the establishments where LGBTQ+ people congregated operated without liquor licenses and were frequently raided by the police. On June 28, 1969 conflict broke out between police and LGBTQ+ people at a raid on a NYC gay bar called The Stonewall Inn. As news of the raid spread throughout the city, thousands of protesters gathered at Stonewall in an outcry that fundamentally changed queer activism and visibility. You can make a BIG impact on queer youth. Here’s a statistic I love: LGBTQ youth who report having at least one accepting adult were 40% less likely to report a suicide attempt in the past year. LGBTQ+ activists stood up against injustice and sparked a movement that continues to inspire us today. This Pride Month, let's honor their legacy by understanding the history behind the rainbow. #AmySaloner #ParentingTeens #MentalHealthMatters #parentsupport #resilientfamily #resilientteen #SupportLGBTQYouth #PrideCommunity #SupportEquality #EqualityForAll #PrideMonth #AcceptanceSavesLives #InclusiveLanguage #EducateYourself #SafeSpace #Allyship #LoveIsLove

June is a month of vibrancy, love and solidarity as we continue to celebrate Gay Pride Month. It is not just a celebration, it’s a statement of resilience and a demand for equality and a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility and representation. It’s a month dedicated to honouring the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting on the progress made towards equality, to raise awareness about the issues faced and unfortunately still acknowledging the work that’s still needs to be done. Here’s some ways to show your support: Learn the History: Educate yourself and others to promote understanding and acceptance Be an Ally: Show your support in everyday by using inclusive language, standing up against discrimination and be a safe person for LGBTQ+ individuals to talk to. Attend Pride Events: Participate in local Pride parades, festivals, and events. These celebrations often include marches, performances and speeches Display Symbols of Pride: Wear or display symbols such as rainbow flags, pins or clothing to show your support. Voice your Support: This could involve contacting your representatives about relevant legislation, participating in peaceful protests or using social media to raise awareness. Donate: Contribute to organisations that work on important issues like healthcare, housing, legal rights and support services Let us embrace the spirit of Pride this June and every day, striving for a future where love and equality triumph over prejudice and hate. #PrideMonth #LoveIsLove #LGBTQIA #Pride2024 #Equality #LGBTQCommunity #Diversity #Inclusivity #Support #Rights #Educate #Celebrate #TheWorldIsYourOyster

What is Pride Month? Pride Month, which takes place from June 1 to June 30, is a time to shine a spotlight on LGBTQ voices, celebrate LGBTQ culture, achievements, and activism through a variety of planned activities. These events include film festivals, art exhibits, marches, concerts, and other programs held throughout the month. During this month, the LGBTQ community and its supporters come together to highlight LGBTQ voices, raise awareness about issues of inequality, and honor the memories of those lost to violence and the AIDS crisis. Why is Pride Month in June? Pride Month is observed in June to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, a significant event in LGBTQ history. In the late 1960s, being openly gay was largely prohibited in most places, and in New York, for example, the mere presence of LGBTQ individuals was considered disorderly conduct, effectively banning gay bars. On June 28, 1969, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a popular bar with a diverse LGBTQ clientele, took a stand when the police raided the establishment. This confrontation sparked days of riots and protests, known as the Stonewall Uprising. One year later, on the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, thousands of individuals flooded the streets of Manhattan for the Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day March, which is recognized as the first gay pride event in history. How did Pride Month originate? Pride Month began as Gay Pride Day, which was initially celebrated annually on the last Sunday in June before evolving into a month-long commemoration. As awareness grew, an increasing number of activities and events were organized to encompass the entire month. Over time, Gay Pride Day transitioned into the month-long recognition known today as Pride Month. The official designation was solidified in 1999 when President Bill Clinton declared June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. This declaration was made to acknowledge the accomplishments of the LGBTQ community and show support for its members. What is the symbol of pride? The rainbow flag, designed by prominent San Francisco activist Gilbert Baker, is widely acknowledged as the symbol of LGBTQ pride. Baker created the flag to represent the diversity of humanity, symbolizing all genders and races. The six colors of the rainbow flag each symbolize a distinct element of the LGBTQ movement: life, healing, sunlight, nature, serenity, and spirit. @agingheroes @transpainter #pridemonth #celebratelgbtq #equityandinclusion

Why do we need a whole month for Pride? last year my Pride flag was ripped from our upstairs window. It was late at night, we were getting ready for bed and we heard a loud bang. I thought someone was breaking in and it took a moment to realise what had happened. Just a scrap was left behind. The window was damaged. In order to even reach the flag whoever did it would have had to climb up the wall or take a running leap for it. It took effort. It was pointed. A neighbour found the rest of the flag dumped down the road. So they didn't grab it for themselves. They just didn't want it there. It left us shook for weeks, worrying about our safety and the security of the house, but determined not to let it stop us showing solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. The amazing Amanda S. and Dean Bland, co-chairs of the LGBTQ+ employee resource group at my then-employer were absolutely amazing and sent us words of encouragement and a new flag when I shared what had happened. The groups support meant the world. I'll admit, I'm nervous about putting up a flag again this year. I've had a little one inside the window but didn't feel comfortable leaving the bigger one up all year after that. But I will put it out again. And I'll try and keep it there this time. So this is why we need a whole month for Pride. This is why we need safe spaces at work. This is why we need to be vocal about LGBTQ+ rights. Because though it might not seem like much to you, this act impacted me and my wife for a whole year. Because LGBTQ+ folk still face discrimination and hardship. Because transfolk are under attack by the very people supposed to protect them. Because young people die too often, either at the hands of violence, systemic failure or hopelessness. Pride is a protest. Protest isn't meant to be comfortable. If Pride makes you uncomfortable, consider why. Image description: The ragged corner of a rainbow Pride flag forcefully torn down. #Pride #transrightsarehumanrights

The recent threats against the LGBTQ+ community in Idaho, as reported by The Washington Post, highlight the ongoing struggle for equal rights and social acceptance. It is concerning that certain political groups are attempting to limit the fulfillment and well-being of individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. As responsible citizens, it is crucial to exercise our democratic right and vote in the upcoming November elections. By doing so, we can collectively oppose those who seek to undermine the rights and happiness of marginalized communities. It is essential to support politicians who advocate for inclusivity, equality, and the well-being of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This June, we celebrate the vibrant diversity that makes our community so unique. We believe that everybody’s authentic story is at the heart of their brand, and we are proud to highlight the great work from some of our LGBTQ+ talent. Read our new blog post: https://lnkd.in/g26hQXh8 #CSM #celiasiegelmanagement #voiceacting #voiceover #pridemonth #pride #talentspotlight #celiasiegel #newblog #blog #blogpost #brand #branding #vobrand #voachiever #brandingtips #voiceoverbrand #juneblog

An interesting and thoughtful article for #Pride season - about inclusion in law firms and what still needs to be done.

‘We’ve gone a long way but are by no means complacent.’ Travers Smith partner and senior LGBTQ+ champion Daniel Gerring discusses with Legal Business the importance for law firms to avoid complacency and how they should continue to persevere with LGBTQ+ inclusion. Amy Ulliott reports. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gZC_S_rA #legalbusiness #law #lawyers #pride #pridemonth