Wickes’ Post

Estate Planning: An Essential for LGBTQ Equality 🌈 🏳️🌈 As we continue to fight for equality, estate planning remains essential for protecting our rights and relationships. This Pride Month, let's focus on securing our future. #PrideMonth #LGBTQRights #EstatePlanning

🌍✈️ Poll Results Are In! 🏳️🌈   These results highlight the importance of considering LGBTQ rights in the destination when planning travel:   ✍️ Before booking a trip, 51% of respondents are very concerned about LGBTQ rights in their destination, 39% are somewhat concerned, and 10% are not concerned at all.    We value your insights, and we invite you to join us at the upcoming panel, where we'll delve more deeply into this topic: https://lnkd.in/e7-gyF_K   #LGBTQTravel #InclusivityMatters #myGworkPanel

RiSE up for PRIDE Every year, companies across the world show up in recognition of Pride. But the reality is that our LGBTQ community expect more than a once-a-year acknowledgement. They want to drive real change, where change is needed, and where better to start than the workplace. UCLA research states that 1 in 3 LGBT employees have left a job due to a lack of LGBT inclusion in their workplace. At RES, the work of RiSE has impacted our colleagues, networks, regions and businesses, and through their committed efforts RiSE have driven change and powered progress internally. Discover more about the progress of RiSE here - https://lnkd.in/ePxNZ7im #PRIDE #Community #People #Change

🌍✈️ Poll Results Are In! 🏳️🌈   These results highlight the importance of considering LGBTQ rights in the destination when planning travel:   ✍️ Before booking a trip, 51% of respondents are very concerned about LGBTQ rights in their destination, 39% are somewhat concerned, and 10% are not concerned at all.    We value your insights, and we invite you to join myGwork - LGBTQ Business Community at the upcoming panel, where we'll delve more deeply into this topic: https://lnkd.in/e7-gyF_K   #LGBTQTravel #InclusivityMatters #myGworkPanel

What is “Rainbow Washing?” Rainbow washing, defined as using rainbow colors to show support for LGBTQ equality without meaningful advocacy, is a sneaky marketing tactic. Companies often splash rainbows and LGBTQ imagery in June but forget about it later. This practice, termed "optical allyship," is wrong and unethical, especially when companies harm the LGBTQ community. How to Avoid Rainbow Washing Your Brand: 1. Stay consistent in advocacy. 2. Elevate LGBTQ voices. 3. Embrace workplace diversity. 4. Donate to LGBTQ advocacy groups. 5. Speak out against injustice. Move forward by being a genuine ally year-round, not just during Pride month. Let's strive for authentic support and allyship beyond the rainbow-colored marketing gimmicks. #HappyPride!

Today, Ari Shaw, Ph.D. represented The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law on a panel at the Milken Institute Global Conferenece on The Role of Companies for LGBTQ Rights. We are beyond grateful to Briland Graves, Brian Patrick Fano Carandang, and Richard Ditizio for making this important conversation come to life. “In the United States alone, nearly 14 million adults identify as LGBTQ . The LGBTQ community currently wields $1 trillion in spending power—a metric that is only expected to grow. As the community becomes increasingly represented in employee and consumer bases alike, what role should corporations play in LGBTQ rights? How does it inform how and when companies make business decisions?” You can watch the whole panel here: https://lnkd.in/gBnrUVS6 #MIGLOBAL

As Pride Month draws to a close, let's remember that supporting LGBTQ individuals in the workplace should be ongoing. 🏳️🌈 Read this article for tips on how to provide year-round support to your LGBTQ employees.🌟 #WorkplaceSupport #LGBTQ https://bit.ly/3VqP9AQ

What do #diversity and #inclusion have to do with business? 🌈 Besides being a crucial social responsibility, inclusive workplaces benefit from a variety of viewpoints, leading to more informed decisions and a better understanding of diverse customer needs. 🎯 A bonus: When people feel included, they are more engaged, motivated, and loyal. Sounds like a win-win to me! How do you see diversity and inclusion reflected in your workplace? ✨

Are brands pulling back on support for Pride this year? It has been a few weeks since I chatted about this with Allison Carter at Ragan Communications and PR Daily and I still believe that they are not. Rather, I think we are seeing fewer brands veering into the rainbow-washing space given the heightened risk of criticism from LGBTQ advocates (and vocal anti-LGBT activists) on inauthentic or superficial and performative allyship. However, those brands that understand that action earns trust are continuing to support Pride by uplifting their work to embrace inclusive policies, creating impact-focused purpose-driven campaigns, and promoting a culture of belonging by celebrating and uplifting their employees, consumers, and partners. These brands are not backing away from those values and there is plenty of data to show that this will continue to drive growth, as noted by this year's #ReturnOnLeadership (ROL) Index, comprised of companies with strategic clarity, alignment, focus, and a sense of meaning, showing that the ROL Index ( 49%) has outpaced both the S&P 500 ( 26%) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average ( 11%) over the past three years.

During LGBTQ History Month, we recognize and honor the people who have been examples of strength and courage and have paved the way for today’s advances for the LGBTQ community. We also celebrate the LGBTQ-owned California businesses and the contributions they’ve made to their local communities and the state! Learn more about LGBTQ History Month and how small businesses can create inclusive workspaces using the link here: https://bit.ly/3F1rL3W #LGBTQHistoryMonth #LGBTQOwnedBusiness #EmployABILITYBusinessGrant #SmallBusiness #InclusionMatters #Celebrate #CaliforniaBusiness