Fannie Mae’s Post

I love that we support and celebrate inclusiveness and diversity, but honestly, I have to speak from my perspective as a CEO. I often wonder if it's me, the person, or my mindset as a Leader and a CEO. I believe the only time we will be inclusive is when no one has to wave a flag or wear a badge or a wristband. Same for disabilities, ethnicity, or colour. People talk crap even when wanting not to... 'Oh, I don't see colour...' said a mate of mine recently. 'Well, get an eye test, pal; he is as black as the Ace of Spades, ' I replied. Oh no, that's not what I meant said he. Yes, it wasn't, but why do you even have to state that? Why does it need to be said? Just be his mate. I guess what I am trying, and probably failing and inviting a load of snowflakes to pile in, is people are people. When we get to a stage where none of this is a subject matter, that is what I call inclusive. As for diversity, well, God decided that already. What's it got to do with us? There are some things I am well known for by my friends and family. One is that I have absolutely no 'Gay-Dar'. One of my good pals from past work life is now a woman, and considering our personal backgrounds, I find it extremely difficult to get my head around but equally not at all difficult to accept. It's her life; she can do what she likes that makes her happy. I couldn't give a monkey's what she chooses to do; she's still the same person as when I first knew her, apart from the blindingly obvious and having a far less deep voice. I think the longer this need to recognise everyone with their own special symbols and the like, actually the further away we get from where people aspire to be. If someone is Gay, Bi-, Straight whatever, It doesn't occur to me at all, and I am equally not the slightest bit bothered when I become aware of it. What I care about is simple. In work, are you a good colleague, a grafter who is aware that the customer pays us all and values them? In my social life, are you good company, do we share values and interests, or are you really annoying or boring? Those things are the only things that matter, or should matter. When we can take pride in not needing symbols or events like pride flag and month then and only then in my humble opinion do I reckon we have cracked it. Until then though, Happy Pride Month to everyone who feels represented and that it gives them belief they can live happily and openly. I hope I am wrong and that actually it is empowering and breaking down barriers without what I like to call 'Idiots' who haven't got the brains they were born with being like scared rabbits towards anyone who is different from them. Until then, please call out all 'Idiots' instead of looking at your feet or looking away. Failing to discourage, by its very definition, lacks courage, and that's the only difference; people of Pride Month have had to show courage; the least you can do is make that inclusive by showing your own where they do get abused by the Idiots.

“As the studies and surveys cited here demonstrate, #LGBTQ people living in #rural communities encounter the same mental healthcare challenges as other rural Americans, but the disparities in accessing resources and appropriate treatment can be even more difficult because of existing prejudices and discrimination. It’s a call to action for rural communities to come together to increase awareness and dispel the stigma experienced by LGBTQ individuals. Some ways communities can help to tackle the disparities include: In rural #healthcare – Educate the workforce, put in place inclusive systems of care, and implement policies that address discrimination. In rural schools – Implement practices and policies to support #LGBTQyouth. In local and state governments – Propose and support laws and public policies that enforce protections against discrimination of LGBTQ people.” #RuralHealth

Join us for a webinar on June 6 featuring our own Jesse Beck and Susan Potter, alongside Brian Richardson of StartOut to discuss the strategies used to tackle organizational challenges in supporting the LGBTQ community, and how they can boost their performance by focusing on the community. #Pride #FutureofWork #EmployeeExperience

Join us for a webinar on June 6 featuring our own Jesse Beck and Susan Potter, alongside Brian Richardson of StartOut to discuss the strategies used to tackle organizational challenges in supporting the LGBTQ community, and how they can boost their performance by focusing on the community. #Pride #FutureofWork #EmployeeExperience

some exciting resources available in this article

How can leaders help create a work environment that provides the foundation for the LGBTQ community to be seen, heard and included? Members of Spencer Stuart's LGBTQ Employee Resource Group share their insights: https://lnkd.in/gFyBw3eb

Join us for a webinar on June 6 featuring our own Jesse Beck and Susan Potter, alongside Brian Richardson of StartOut to discuss the strategies used to tackle organizational challenges in supporting the LGBTQ community, and how they can boost their performance by focusing on the community. #Pride #FutureofWork #EmployeeExperience