Link: LGBTQ Insurance Network

#LeedPride2024 is this Sunday! 🎉 Spectrum (DAC Beachcroft’s #LGBTQ network) and #LINKUpNorth invite you and your family to join us for a Pre-Pride Network Event before the parade sets off outside Leeds Town Hall. Breakfast and mimosas will be served whilst you hear from a couple of our guest speakers about Pride and as you network with other LGBTQ and ally colleagues. The event is free and spaces are limited - so please RSVP to claim your place ASAP: https://lnkd.in/eMmTvpsX With special thanks to Aon and DAC Beachcroft

How (and why) to celebrate #InternationalNonBinaryPeoplesDay this Sunday. As with many aspects of the #LGBTQ and #gender experience, #pronouns and #nonbinary identities have become a political hot potato. While this may increase awareness around what non-binary is, it also obscures non-binary identities, generates wariness, and confuses many people who would be allies. Today, the term “non-binary” embraces the gender identities of those who simply don’t feel male or female. There are many prominent voices in traditional and social media keen to question the validity of these identities, but there are many more voices seeking to accept them that get drowned out. This is why we want to celebrate International Non-Binary People’s Day – and encourage you to join us. If you are non-binary and feel able to publicly celebrate, we’d love you to comment on what being non-binary means to you – or why celebrating your identity is important to you. If you’re not non-binary, we encourage you to embrace your non-binary friends and co-workers with a few practical tips: 1. Think about what non-binary identities are and why they exist “#Pronouns are important from a #female perspective, as they play a crucial role in affirming and validating a person's #genderidentity. Using the correct pronouns helps to recognize and respect a person's self-identified gender, allowing them to feel seen, acknowledged, and included in society,” says Sarah LaWall, MBA, Gallagher Bassett and committee member at Gender Inclusion Network (GIN). 2. Reflect on the struggles that non-binary people may face “For many individuals, including #cisgender women and #transgender women, being referred to by the correct pronouns is an essential aspect of their identity and sense of self. It affirms their gender identity and helps to reduce feelings of #dysphoria or discomfort that may arise when their gender is #misgendered or invalidated,” Sarah adds. “Furthermore, pronouns are an important tool for advocating for #genderequality and dismantling gender stereotypes. By using the correct pronouns, we can challenge the assumption that certain traits or roles are inherently tied to a specific gender, promoting a more inclusive and equal society for all genders.” 3. Educate yourself on the non-binary experience Reach out to friends, co-workers or family members who identify as non-binary and listening to what they have to say. You can also read about non-binary experiences. Here are some helpful resources on pronouns: https://lnkd.in/efGdRtfQ Here's a list of workplace training courses that could help: https://lnkd.in/e3hHVHZB "The courage, resilience, and unique perspectives of our non-binary colleagues make our workplace stronger and more vibrant," says Link: LGBTQ Insurance Network Co-Chair Maxim Cook. "Let's celebrate their identities, amplify their voices, and ensure that everyone feels seen and valued."

#UKPrideMonth2024… what a month! We don’t often do recaps of #Pride here at Link: LGBTQ Insurance Network. But this year seemed bigger, more significant somehow. So, just we wanted to say ***Thank You*** …to all Link members, sponsors and supporters who helped make that happen. Our first big moment for the month came on 20th June, when Guildhall Events of the City of London Corporation opened its doors to over 300 people. Alderman Tim Hailes FKC JP gave a short address about the importance of #Pride, and of the #City becoming ever more #inclusive. After that, the Pride flag was raised above the Guildhall, a brass band played, and the evening continued with a celebration of #inclusion and d#iversity. This was the first such event to celebrate #DEI ever held at the Guildhall, and as a symbol of openness and progress – of the importance of inclusion and of the existence and significant contributions of #LGBTQ people within the City – it was a spectacular and moving event. (You can read more about that here: https://lnkd.in/eVEY4KvA) Of course, that wasn’t all for Pride Month. Far from it. Next, on 29th June, came Pride in London itself – one of the largest and most uplifting celebrations of Pride anywhere in the world. The turnout was fantastic. The atmosphere was warm and convivial. Heck, even the London weather managed to come through for once! Take a look at the photos and join us in celebration of a wonderful and powerful #PrideMonth2024. Here’s to many more to come. And if you were there for the Guildhall event or joined us for Pride in London, please share your thoughts and memories below. How was it for you? What do you remember most? What made you smile? And thanks again to all of you – every single person – who supports us and is part of our wonderful community. Ki Insurance, Brit Insurance, MS Amlin Insurance – as well as the City Belonging Project at the City of London Corporation. Thanks also to: Tim Hailes FKC JP, Dr. Joanna Abeyie MBE CC She/Her, Benjamin Johnson, Emily Garland, Maurice Rose, Andrew Taylor, Maxim Cook, Keith Bottomley CC, Marie-Helene Tyack, Ninette Meyer, Catherine Drummond, Drew Hutchinson, Erik Johnson, Wayne Page, Chloe Jardine ACIPD, Amanda May, CIP, Fiona Freund 📸, Samantha Musiyiwa, Sarah Juillard, Michaela Gibson, Eames Group, John McNamara FCA, Samantha Jayne Nelson, Claire Ladwa, Mark Gettleson, Amanda G Hilton, Anique Buddhdev

Only 24 hours to go... Have you reserved your place yet? Only a few spots left: https://lnkd.in/d4cn7sFT

Is your workplace doing enough to support your #LGBTQ employees? Why do many LGBTQ employees still struggle with #comingout in the workplace - even in 2024? With new Financial Conduct Authority and Bank of England PRA #diversityandinclusion policies due for publication later this year, what is likely to change in the next 12 months? Join Link: LGBTQ Insurance Network and Projective Group as we discuss these and other key questions about navigating the #queer experience of the modern #insurance workplace this Thursday evening! Places are free but strictly limited - so reserve yours here: https://lnkd.in/d4cn7sFT Also, if you know anyone in your network who might want to come along, please forward them the link above. Matthew Fivelman, Maurice Rose, Melissa Hawkes-Blackburn, Benjamin Johnson, Andrew Taylor, Ninette Meyer, Michaela Gibson, Anique Buddhdev, Catherine Drummond, Marie-Helene Tyack, Amanda G Hilton, Erik Johnson, John McNamara FCA

Join Link: LGBTQ Insurance Network and Projective Group on Thursday 11th July for a fun evening of networking, drinks, and discussion - with a great view over London! Places are free but limited, so don't delay: https://lnkd.in/d4cn7sFT

Join Projective Group and Link: LGBTQ Insurance Network for an evening celebrating #LGBTQ #inclusion. The evening starts with drinks on Projective Group’s terrace, followed by a panel session sharing #queerexperiences and discussing the future of #inclusivity. Our speakers include Matthew Fivelman, UK People Lead at Projective Group, Melissa Hawkes-Blackburn, ICON Strategic Solutions Diversity Role Model Ambassador, and Link Co-Chair Maurice Rose. It promises to be a very interesting discussion, followed by an opportunity to network with attendees drawn from across the London insurance world. for more information and to book your free place, visit: https://lnkd.in/d4cn7sFT

Just a few of the fantastic images of this weekend's #PrideinLondon event. Thanks to everyone who came and took part! Link: LGBTQ Insurance Network

We only have a few wristbands left if you want to join us for #PrideinLondon this weekend. You must wear a wristband to attend the parade this year, and we have a few available at Link: LGBTQ Insurance Network: https://lnkd.in/d_aPQ7df Please don't wait too long because we're likely to run out soon! #LondonPride #PrideinLondon Maurice Rose, Maxim Cook, Benjamin Johnson, Ninette Meyer, Marie-Helene Tyack, Catherine Drummond, Erik Johnson, Andrew Taylor, Amanda G Hilton, Michaela Gibson, Anique Buddhdev, John McNamara FCA

Exciting upcoming event: Navigating Queer Experiences in the Workplace Join Projective Group and Link: LGBTQ Insurance Network, for an evening celebrating #LGBTQ #inclusion. Speakers Matthew Fivelman of Projective Group, Jac Bastian of Diversity Role Models, and Steve Lawrence of Liberty Specialty Markets as they discuss the often tricky issue of navigating queer experiences in the workplace. What can workplaces do to be more proactively inclusive of their #LGBTQ employees? What do colleagues, peers, and managers to help? What are the biggest challenges and how do we all come together to help solve them? Come along to get the answers to these and many more questions: https://lnkd.in/d4cn7sFT