Allegion’s Post

I’ve been thinking a lot about this quote from Laverne Cox: "We all have the right to a world that's free of hate and violence." This month is a celebration, but it’s also a reminder of the challenges the LGBTQIA community still faces. Those of us who aren’t part of this community have certain privileges that we often take for granted. Simple things, like holding hands with a partner in public or talking about our relationships at work, are freedoms that many LGBTQIA people don’t always feel safe enjoying. ⚠ Imagine having to hide who you are for fear of rejection or violence. ⚠ - That’s a reality for too many people. For those of us in positions of leadership or influence, it’s crucial to use our privilege to create environments of acceptance and support. This can mean advocating for inclusive policies, actively standing against hate, and simply making our workplaces and communities more welcoming. Creating a safe and inclusive environment isn't just about big gestures; it’s also about small, everyday actions: 1️⃣ It’s about listening, learning, and standing up for others. 2️⃣ It’s about making sure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. As Pride Month wraps up, let's not let the spirit fade away. Let’s commit to being allies in our daily lives. Because when we all stand together, we move closer to a world that truly is free of hate and violence. 🌈 #NaazWarriorPrincess #Pride #PrideMonth

Although I am in the early years of my professional career, I cannot express enough gratitude to work at such an amazing, inclusive, and open-minded place like About Fresh. I cannot imagine working at a more inclusive workplace, filled with allies and big colorful hearts. I am feeling extra filled with pride during this pride month, as my partner Steph and I celebrate another year out & proud in our personal and professional lives. While many people are not as fortunate as I am in this area, I hope people take moments this month to reflect and think about how they can be more inclusive or more of an active ally to all people in the LGBTQIA (and beyond!) community. Here are some ways to become a stronger ally:  1. Educate yourself - find out the history and current struggles of people in this community  2. Don’t assume you know what someone needs - you know what they say about assuming! 3. Practice active listening - try to digest the information before creating a response  4. Ditch putting people into boxes - boxes are out, and spectrums are in! 5. Recognize your privilege - use that power for GOOD!

Affirming Advisor™ celebrates Pride Month, recognizing all of the advisors, firms, and all those within and beyond our profession who create safe spaces for others. We are grateful to the growing number of advisors and firms worldwide who join is in helping advance the work in helping the LGBTQIA community and allies achieve their financial goals. #pride #financialplanning #wealthmanagement Dr. Charles ChaffinDr. Brad Klontz

Happy Pride Month! It’s a time for us to celebrate the contributions and joy of our LGBTQIA colleagues and community. At Challenger, we like to lead with our values, and we believe in creating a culture that is open and safe for everyone. We’re debuting a special version of our logo and an updated LinkedIn banner, plus an email signature for our employees to use throughout the month. Symbols like these matter. But what matters more is going beyond artwork to listen, reflect, and take action. That’s why we’ll also be sharing stories from our Challenger community, reflecting on what Pride means to them, on our website throughout this month and at events in our offices, like our trip to the Chicago Cubs’ Pride Night on June 17. Society today is deeply polarized, and many members of the queer community feel less safe than they did a few years ago, as they face harassment, rhetoric, and increasingly, legislation that limits their rights and access to health care and support. Some companies engage in rainbow-washing or choose not to acknowledge Pride because they’re afraid of criticism, boycotts, and in some extreme cases, violence. I understand that fear, but giving into it doesn’t lead to anything positive. We don’t always get it right, but we’re willing to listen and learn. It’s important to embrace vulnerability as leaders, welcome authenticity, and focus on listening and building spaces where people feel comfortable and can bring their whole selves to work. That’s the culture we want to foster here, and one that allows our LGBTQIA colleagues to feel like they belong not just in June, but every day. Tell me how you honor Pride at your organization in the comments!

As we celebrate this vibrant and empowering month, it’s important to remember the significance of pride and the impact it has on so many. Visibility & Representation: Pride Month provides a platform for LGBTQIA individuals to be seen and heard. Representation matters, and seeing diverse identities celebrated helps to normalize and validate the experiences of LGBTQIA people. Community & Support: Pride events and activities foster a sense of community and belonging. They offer a safe space for people to connect, share their stories, and support one another. Advocacy & Education: Pride month is an opportunity to educate others and advocate for equal rights. It highlights the ongoing struggles and achievements of the LGBTQIA community, paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting society. Self-Expression & Authenticity: Being able to be yourself without fear of judgement or discrimination is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. Inspiration & Empowerment: Seeing others live authentically and proud can inspire and empower individuals to embrace their own identities. Continue to support and uplift one another. Not just during Pride month, but all year round. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe and free to be themselves 🌈🏳️⚧️

🗓️ June is one of my favourite months of the year 6️⃣ 🌈 While I read posts celebrating Pride Month, I realize is also the 13th anniversary of the Ruggie’s “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. “🔖 The intersection of both occasions is clear: business have a vital role towards the inclusion of LGBTQIA people. And businesses are built by the people! As I reflect on my journey towards an LGBTQIA ally, here are some steps I have taken: ➡️ I took time to educate myself on language use or historical events such as the Stonewall riots. ➡️ I tried to ask and listen before stating. Because only members of the community can say what feels right - or wrong. ➡️ I worked to challenge and unlearn the biases ingrained in my upbringing. ➡️ I started to speak out against exclusive statements or microagressions. Today beyond my corporate role, I continue on my learning journey. 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈Because the basics are in the Human Rights Declaration: all human beings are equal. #pridemonth #humanrights

October 11 is National Coming Out Day. It is a day to recognize and celebrate what is a very significant, brave and vulnerable moment in the life of a person who identifies as LGBTQIA . But coming out isn't a one-time thing. Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA will come out multiple times in their life as they start new jobs, make new friends or introduce themselves in a variety of situations.   If someone comes out to you, it is a sign that they believe you are a safe person to confide in. Check out these tips for how to respond if a friend or loved one comes out to you: https://bit.ly/3iGFio8.

It is Pride month again! One thing I learnt this year was that the Q in LGBTQIA could as well be Questioning for an Ally. The journey from a bystander to an ally is not an Immediate transition. There are questions, debates, self doubt and survival instincts that kick in especially when it is time to take a stand or voice an opinion. Standing up for someone else is not easy! It takes practice. You may be at one of these many places: 1. From the LGBTQIA community dreading what this month is going to bring in the name of allyship 2. An active ally, walking on a thin line between fake pandering corporates and the real deal 3. A seasonal Ally who remembers having pledged to do more than add a rainbow to your display pic every Pride month 4. A new Ally, highly inspired to start a new journey. 5. A bystander wondering what the fuss is all about Wherever you are, you have my empathy. Because everyone is trying! Take one empathetic action this month that moves you closer to being an Active Ally and closer to creating an inclusive environment! Chandra Duraiswamy thanks for getting the ball rolling! #ArchesInTheRainbow

Did you know that 1 in 5 LGBTQIA individuals face negative comments at work, and over a third feel pressure to hide their true selves? (Stonewall) These realities are unacceptable. 🌈✨ This Pride Month, let's celebrate progress while acknowledging the work to be done for LGBTQIA inclusion. Inclusive workplaces benefit everyone. Here's how you can be an ally: 🏳️🌈 Speak up: Challenge discrimination and promote acceptance. 🏳️🌈 Educate yourself: Learn about LGBTQIA experiences and history. 🏳️🌈 Promote open dialogue: Create safe spaces for honest communication. Let's work together to foster a work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. #PrideMonth