Northwestern Mutual’s Post

Did your child come out to you recently as LGBTQ ?! Were you unsure what to say? Are you unsure how of what to do now or what to say to others in your life?? Try Dr. Lulu’s 3-steps (TAD): 1. Thank them. 2. Ask them what you can do to help. 3. Decide to become an ally. You can also try her other 3 principles (ICE) 1. Inclusion 2. Curiosity 3. Empowerment

Today, I want to discuss something very serious and important. Since the concept of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) emerged, many organizations have begun hiring people from the #LGBTQ community to showcase their support. While some genuinely embrace this, others may do it for publicity. However, the issue isn't about who did what. When I started hiring candidates from this community as an #HR professional who values connection with people, I realized the immense pain they have endured since #childhood. Many have been disowned by their own parents, despite it not being their fault. Let's show empathy towards them and treat them equally, just like we treat others. This isn't about promoting #DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) initiatives but about genuinely understanding their feelings and experiences. I urge #parents to love and support their children regardless of #societal pressures. They are your blood; abandoning them for societal reputation is unjust. To anyone reading this, please treat them with #equality and #respect, just as you would want for yourself.

PARENTS, YOU NEED TO COME OUT TOO! Happy National Coming Out Day y'all! On this #Nationalcomingoutday, I want to focus on parents of LGBTQ kids and our own needs to come out as #parentallies. Many of your children will be coming out to you today. Stay ready. Know what to do, and what to say. It begins with your thoughts. What are your thoughts about the LGBTQ community? Where did those thoughts originate from? What would it mean for you to be a parent of an LGBTQ child? Try my 3-steps (TAD): 1. Thank them. 2. Ask them what you can do to help. 3. Decide to become an ally. You can also try me other 3 principles (ICE) 1. Inclusion 2. Curiosity 3. Empowerment It is no secret that parents often think they are the most important persons in their kid's lives. And enough of us parents think the reverse is the case as well. But, what if I told you that you are not? Yes, my friends, parents are not the most important persons in their kids' lives, as a matter of fact, no one should EVER be more important than YOU, in YOUR life! That said, you, as a parent, are the MOST INFLUENTIAL person in your child's life, a potentially more significant role. So, your thoughts, your words, and your actions MATTER! Thus, when your child says those most important words, "Mom/Dad, I'm gay, or trans, or nonbinary", or whatever else that they are to you, today, you MUST become an immediate ALLY! Or do you? Sadly, in my line of work, I find that many-a-parent actually do the opposite! They REPLACE THEIR CHILDREN IN THE PROVERBIAL CLOSET! Too many parents go into immediate hiding, and some actually try to push/pull their young'uns back into the closets with them. I know, I was that parent. I was you. Today, I can proudly say that I am no longer that parent, and I teach other parents how to do the same. I also help your company/place of work hold space for you as you traverse this decidedly hard journey. How do I do that? In 3 easy steps. 1. Needs Assessment 2. System Setups 3. Close Monitoring But first, you come out, and that is where I come in. A. You come out as a parent of an LGBTQ child. That takes serious introspection. B. You reach out for help because you do not have to go the road alone. c. I show you the easy way with my Becoming Program. If you or anyone you know needs some guidance with this...Please reach out. I'm here to help. Happy Coming Out Day to you and yours! Cheers! Dr. Lulu. PS: If you are looking for something fun to do today, kindly join us today at 2 pm EST for another episode of Qweer Wednezday Wizdom, our premier LinkedIn Audio event, right here on LI! And when you come in, please raise your hand, and come on stage, we'd love to hear your voice :)

I've been quiet here lately. Towards the end of last year I took a deliberate step back from speaking, writing and social media. A combination of personal and family illness, and a job which required me to be on the front lines of Trans activism on a daily basis, left me burnt out, disillusioned and, if I am completely honest, questioning my ability to continue working in this space. From a personal perspective, the break has done some good. I wish I could say the same about the wider world. I intended to return to regular contributions in early 2024, but it's just been so incredibly dark out there that I haven't been able to find the words. Trans children are being stabbed to death, and the people in power are laughing at our community. Every day, there's another news story, another political attack, another newspaper article undermining our basic human rights. This post is a reminder to check on the Trans & non-binary people in your life, because it's likely they're not okay. Whilst you're at it, check on the parents of Trans kids, the partners and families of Trans people too. It's a reminder to apply for funding to run events and programs for your workplace to help educate and support the Trans community. Read the books, watch the videos, and engage with the content. You have power, use it. As for me, I'll be here. I am teaching myself to have more balance, to prioritise my own wellness, to take a step back when I need to, but I am sure as hell not going anywhere. Here's to community, to resilience and to progress 🩵🤍🩷 (and to my wife Lori-Jade Siegel for always, always being right by my side) #LGBTQ #Transgender #DEI #DiversityInTheWorkplace

How can we empower Gen Z for a happier future? According to a recent Gallup and Walton Family Foundation survey in partnership with Arthur Brooks, nearly half of Gen Z need to be more motivated and engaged at school or work. However, meaningful experiences in these areas are vital to their happiness, personal security, and rest. Positive social connections also play a significant role in their well-being, with feeling loved, supported, and connected critical. The survey also revealed that happiness declines as Gen Z transitions to adulthood, with marriage, children, and education playing significant roles. Additionally, LGBTQ Gen Z individuals are less likely to report happiness, highlighting the importance of inclusive support. Understanding Gen Z's happiness is crucial for shaping policies and fostering a happier future. Let's work together to empower this generation and give them the tools they need to thrive. Check out the full study for more insights. #GenZ #happiness #inclusivity #futureofwork

“Making the workplace more accommodating for people who are transitioning isn't much different than what most people consider doing if they have a friend, family member, or colleague going through a difficult personal situation. Here are a few key things to remember to make the process easier for everyone.” https://lnkd.in/d_d8eBb4 Source: Insider #transgenderrights #transgenderawareness #transgenderpride #inclusionmatters #inclusivity #KelpHR #allyshipmatters #allyship #lgbtqpride

SCHEDULE A CALL WITH ME… During our call, I’ll learn more about your organization's parental support and DEIB presence. We shall answer questions like… 1. What processes do you already have in place? 2. Does your organization specifically support parents (particularly parents of LGBTQ kids)? 3. What are the obstacles you are facing in implementation? 4. Are you achieving your organizational goals of being impactful allies for FAMILIES and the LGBTQ community? Etc. I shall also share a bit about myself and how I am helping organizations like yours become champions of allyship for parents. I know, too many times, I am met with wide-eyes executives and DEIB leaders when I mention support for parents. It’s like no one thinks about us in the context of the workplace. *This is a TERRIBLE oversight.* The truth is we cannot divorce our home selves from our work selves. And it should NOT be encouraged. We are a continuum. What happens at home invariably accompanies us to work. And so, when the government is coming for your kid, there’s a problem. Your work-life balance is rocked. Your productivity and wellness are at stake, and burnout becomes eminent. AND YOU DON’T WANT THAT… So… If during our exploratory conversation, we deem that we are a good fit, we shall then explore what next steps look like 😊. Join me to co-create a safer world one family at a time. Let’s improve employee mental health, employee engagement, employee retention and overall productivity that imparts a sense of belonging at YOUR workplace, especially since you my friend, could be the next benefactor 😁. Link in comments for algorithm purposes. #parentalsupport #DEIB #peoplehelpingpeopl #worklifebalance #employeewellness #lgbtq #suicideawareness

This is real and true and important to be heard: Trans and non-binary people are under attack; pawns in an unnecessary right-wing driven culture war and constantly attacked in pop culture, political culture and other spaces with the world of safe spaces constantly shrinking. Meanwhile they and the people who love them are tired: tired of fighting a battle simply to exist in space, to be and worn down by the hypervigilance required to ensure safety. Help! Be present for your trans friends, neighbours and colleagues and their loved ones. Ask how they are. And then, if you are able: step up and use your voice. Call out transphobia and call people in to inclusive safe spaces. Help create and curate those spaces. Because this is wearying work. My network - interested in talking about this more? Reach out. We’ll talk.

💥 Is the agency business model broken? 💥 Yesterday evening I was privileged to share the stage with Fiona Lloyd and Dan Clays at the annual Outvertising Live conference to discuss how we can better see and protect LGBT talent with regards to our mental health. Anyone who knows me, works with me or has seen me speak will know how passionate I am about well-being and how it intersects with the lived expirence of being LGBT . I think our industry has the potential to change the world by shaping culture on a grand scale but at the same time that potential can only be unlocked if we ensure we put our people first. Creativity is our lifeblood and we shouldn’t be selling this based on timesheets and hourly rates. We are humans and not units of productivity. We should be selling the value of what we do, which would mean valuing each other better and creating the space and flexibility needed to invest in people, create more equity and safeguard wellbeing. To some it may seem like an impossible and radical overhaul of how we do business. And though I applaud our industry’s cultural evolution (we’ve made some strides in recent times) I question how far we can go in a system that may well be fundamentally broken… In the meantime we need to know what is possible within the spaces that do open up for change to take place. Massive thanks to Chris Dunne and Emy Mendoza for inviting me to be a part of this discussion. #mentalhealth #lgbtqia #inclusiveleadership #creativeagency

I’m running a Mental Fitness Transformation Programme for LGBT folks with the London LGBTQ Community Centre Each week we have an hour group coaching call online- a safe, supportive space to share our progress, to help us be accountable. It’s amazing to see and a privilege to guide and support people on their journey. Each week has a focus on one key part of Mental Fitness- and this week it’s all about our Saboteurs. You’ll be familiar with your Saboteurs- we all have them. Saboteurs are the voices in your head that generate stress and negative emotions in the way you handle work and life’s challenges. They sabotage your potential for both happiness and performance. You might be an AVOIDER - someone who procrastinates on boring tasks or who avoids conflict for an ‘easy life’ You might be a HYPER-ACHIEVER- someone who is good at covering up your insecurities through promoting a good image or keeping others at a safe distance. You might be a VICTIM- someone who wants to give up when things get tough or often feels like nothing ever goes right for them. Or you might be one of the other 9 Saboteur types: restless, stickler, hyper-vigilant, pleaser, controller or hyper-rational. We can learn techniques to intercept our Saboteurs, to lessen their impact. It takes practice- daily practice, and it’s not always easy. When we start to notice our Saboteurs, it seems like they appears everywhere- at work, on the tube, when we’re with our friends, when we’re trying to get to sleep. That’s why it’s a Transformation Programme- we practise new ways of responding every time they come up. We lean into the discomfort. We do our best. What Saboteurs show up in your life? Take the test to find out. https://lnkd.in/eWBYYEuh #lgbt #lgbtcommunity #mentalfitness #saboteurs #gay #positiveintelligence