Renewal by Andersen’s Post

As #PrideMonth2024 comes to an end, let’s remember to continuously celebrate and support the LGBTQIA community all year-round. At YLD, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and continuously strive to improve our support for the LGBTQIA community. We host regular learning sessions with our team, and together with community advocates we explore new ways to support the LGBTQIA community together. Let's keep the discussion going: How are you supporting the LGBTQIA community? Comment below! #PrideMonth #pride #inclusivity

Ever seen these blunders in creating safe spaces for our LGBTQIA friends & fam? 🤔💭 We gotta do better, folks! Because we all can🌟🤗 Creating a welcoming environment is key for everyone to thrive. 🌈💪 If you're ready to lead the way in inclusivity and some real equity, let's chat! 🗣️💬 Drop a comment if you've seen these mistakes or others! 👇🗨️ And hey, if you're looking to level up your leadership and inclusivity game, hit me up! 📲🤝 Let's make positive changes together! 🚀🏳️🌈 #InclusiveLeadership #SafeSpaces #LGBTQInclusion #JulioCRoman "Safe spaces can no longer be bound and limited to physical locations, but they must be found and created in each of us, allowing us to transcend the limitations of walls, rooms, and buildings"

Every June, cities around the world are awash in vibrant rainbows as the LGBTQ community and allies celebrate Pride Month. This celebration is often associated with coming out, a pivotal moment for many LGBTQ individuals. However, Pride Month is about much more than that. It is a powerful affirmation of pride in oneself, a celebration of self-acceptance, and a call to embrace our authentic identities. Coming out is undoubtedly significant; it marks a personal and often transformative journey. Yet, Pride Month extends beyond this singular act. It is about recognizing and honoring the ongoing process of self-acceptance. For many, embracing their identity is a lifelong journey that involves overcoming societal prejudices, internalized stigma, and personal struggles. Pride Month celebrates the courage it takes to live authentically every day. Moreover, Pride is about visibility and representation. It serves as a reminder that LGBTQ individuals exist in all walks of life and deserve to be seen, heard, and respected. This visibility is crucial in fostering a sense of belonging and community, especially for those who might feel isolated or marginalized as I did growing up and even through my young adulthood. I felt I was worth less than the folks who were “normal”. At its core, Pride is about love and self-respect. It’s a declaration that everyone deserves to love and be loved, free from fear and discrimination. It's about acknowledging the worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In essence, Pride Month is a celebration of the entire journey of self-acceptance. It’s about coming out, yes, but it's also about what comes after—living openly, authentically, and proudly. It’s a time to embrace who we are and to support others in their journeys toward self-acceptance. Pride is not just an event; it's a powerful affirmation of identity, community, and love…FOR EVERYONE. I’m proud to be a part of an organization who celebrates this month with our community!

#ALLY: One that is associated with another as a helper: a person or group that provides assistance and support in an ongoing effort, activity, or struggle. Being an #ally of the LGQBT community means actively supporting and advocating for the rights and well-being of everyone in that community. To be an effective ally, we should work to educate ourselves on the diverse identities within the community, the history of LGBTQ rights movements, and the ongoing issues they face. If I'm honest, this is an ongoing effort for me. Not just within the LGBTQ community, but understanding the history, diversities, and ongoing issues of those of different races, origins, religions, and abilities. I am working every day to become a better ally, and proud to work for a company that is doing the same. Taking actionable steps is vital in demonstrating genuine allyship. Here are some practical ways from my friends at TriPride TN to support the LGBTQ community: ➡ Educate Yourself: Continuously seek knowledge about LGBTQ issues, terminology, and experiences. Read books, attend workshops, and engage with credible resources to deepen your understanding. ➡ Listen and Amplify Voices: Actively listen to the experiences and stories shared by LGBTQ individuals. Amplify their voices by sharing their narratives, achievements, and struggles. Centering their experiences helps create space for authentic representation. ➡ Stand Up Against Discrimination: Speak out against homophobia, transphobia, and any form of discrimination. Challenge stereotypes and biases, and be a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights in your personal and professional life. ➡ Use Inclusive Language: Be mindful of the language you use. Respect and use individuals’ chosen pronouns and gender identities. Avoid assumptions or making insensitive jokes or comments that may perpetuate harmful stereotypes. ➡ Support LGBTQ Organizations: Contribute to and volunteer with local LGBTQ organizations that provide support, resources, and advocacy for the community. Your involvement helps amplify their impact. ➡ Foster Safe Spaces: Create and promote safe and inclusive environments where LGBTQ individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination. Be an ally in your personal relationships, workplaces, and social circles. Happy Pride Month, everyone! #safespace #PRIDE

As we navigate #PrideMonth🏳️🌈 , it's crucial to understand the significance of events like Pride Month and commit to practicing authentic LGBTQIA allyship at work. Swipe across 👉 to understand how you can make a meaningful impact beyond just Pride Month. Read the full article here 👉 - https://lnkd.in/e9eVQbbC #Inclusiveworkplace #employeewellbeing #inclusionmatters

This lovely article series by Remarkably celebrates Black History Month in the US and LGBTQIA History Month in the UK. I am fortunate to work with a team that views #inclusivity and #intersectionality as fundamental components of brand building, strategy, and learning and development, not just buzzwords!

Marsha P. Johnson: 'No Pride for Some of Us Without Liberation for All of Us' 🏳️🌈 Marsha P. Johnson's powerful words serve as a reminder that true pride and progress come from lifting each other up, hand in hand. Inclusivity isn't just a buzzword; it's a commitment to a brighter future where every voice is heard and valued. As a coach, I wholeheartedly embrace this message. My workshops are meticulously designed to build bridges and foster understanding among diverse individuals. We delve deep into the unique experiences of neurodivergent and LGBTQIA communities, promoting acceptance and celebration of every individual's identity. In our collective journey towards liberation and equality, no one should be left behind. It's not just about some of us; it's about all of us. Together, we can create a world where pride knows no bounds, where every person is free to express their authentic self, and where diversity is our greatest strength. Let's continue Marsha P. Johnson's legacy by working hand in hand to build a more inclusive and equitable society. Your voice matters, and together, we can ensure that no one is left behind in our pursuit of progress and liberation. 🌍🌈 #InclusivityMatters #PrideForAll

Me at 30 🎉 ✅ Amplifying LGBTQIA voices ✅ Building inclusive communities ✅ Leading with pride and purpose 🌟 10 years can change everything. Don’t give up. 🌟 Real talk, friends – leadership in community organizing is no joke, especially for us in the LGBTQIA family. 🏳️🌈 It's about lifting each other up and making sure everyone's heard even when it goes against the grain that serves YOU. 📢 Wanna make a difference and change the world? Let's chat! Let's create spaces where we all belong. 💬 #LGBTQLeadership #InclusiveCulture #SafeSpaces #JulioCRoman "Safe spaces can no longer be bound and limited to physical locations, but they must be found and created in each of us, allowing us to transcend the limitations of walls, rooms, and buildings"

#Pride is less than a month away, and once again the haters have ramped up their campaign against businesses such as Target from selling Pride merchandise, and one again some of my fellow members of the #LGBTQ community are complaining about these companies apparently backing down from the haters. My question to those members of the LGBTQ community who complain about #Target and other companies shifting their policies towards selling Pride merchandise is what should a publicly traded company do to protect it's employees and property from some Trumpanzee wearing a MAGA hat two sizes too small so it doesn't cover the point on their head from potentially causing harm to their employees or property? Do you really expect a Target employee who's paid minimum wage to stand up to and possibly take a punch or worse by some attention seeking knuckle dragger who's recording their stomping a styrofoam Pride display just so they can get some views on YouTube? The responsible answer to my question is "NO!" One solution to the problem which I am suggesting to the LGBTQ community who want to purchase Pride merchandise from a business which is trying to deal with haters while both protecting their employees and property, as well as showing some support by offering Pride merchandise is, if possible, purchase Pride merchandise from the business's web site if it is offered. To that end here is the URL to Pride merchandise being offered by Target: https://lnkd.in/g7a8AzCi You can also purchase Pride merchandise from local businesses as well, to show your support of their supporting Pride. While you may not be too happy with the solution I am proposing you can take some joy from the fact it is a potential solution the haters, and it helps keep hardworking employees safe from harm, and more importantly it sends a message to the haters that they can't stop Pride or keep the LGBTQ community from celebrating Pride. I may or may not get some negative remarks from other members of the LGBTQ (or trolls pretending to be members of the LGBTQ community 😉 ), but I take pride in offering a solution to keeping Pride safe, and to show the haters the LGBTQ community can out whit them without too much effort. PS: Also consider that complaining about companies like Target shifting their policies regarding Pride is also what the haters want. PPS: Hate is bad for #business. Stand up to it or find ways around it. #LGBTQCommunity #AcceptanceMatters #NoToHate