Wildlife Studios’ Post

Top tips for championing inclusivity during Pride month...and beyond! 🌈 Be an ally, learn about LGBTQIA issues to enhance your understanding and support of the community. 🌈 Examine and challenge your own biases to cultivate a more inclusive mindset. 🌈 Confront discriminatory language or behaviours, promoting respect and acceptance. 🌈 Utilise inclusive language and pronouns to foster a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. 🌈 Listen to LGBTQIA experiences and concerns with empathy and without judgement. 🌈 Advocate for policies and practices that promote equality and protect against discrimination. LGBTQIA inclusion should take place 365 days of the year. This is why Lifetime Group has its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy in place to make sure we’re always considering the rights and needs of the LGBTQIA community when decisions are being made, and to avoid any kind of ‘performative allyship’.

Every year, Pride Month brings us together to celebrate the incredible progress made for the LGBTQ community. But it’s also a reminder that our journey is far from over. Real progress in inclusivity means learning from our past mistakes and striving to do better. As we continue this journey, organizations play a crucial role in fostering environments where everyone feels safe and valued. Let’s keep pushing forward, celebrating our victories, and acknowledging the work that still lies ahead. Here are some tips that can help build true allyship: https://lnkd.in/gUKCY8Nz

June is a powerful month. Not only is it the start of summer vacation, but also the month when we recognize Juneteenth and Pride (also it's the birthday month of my only nephew and niece- proud Titi 😊). This is a crucial time for companies to step up and not just see these events as days off or to celebrate, but as opportunities to reinforce their commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). As we know, Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is also a day that should remind us all of the ongoing fight for racial equality and justice. Similarly, we celebrate Pride in June to honor the LGBTQ community, but also should shine the light on the continued struggle for equal rights and acceptance. How Can Companies Meaningfully Recognize These Events? 1. Educate and Raise Awareness: - Host educational workshops and webinars about the history and significance of Juneteenth and Pride. - Share resources and stories that amplify Black and LGBTQ voices. 2. Celebrate and Show Support: - Organize virtual or in-person events to celebrate cultural and identity milestones. -Encourage employees to participate in local or virtual Pride and Juneteenth events. 3. Volunteer and Give Back: - Partner with local organizations focused on racial justice and LGBTQ rights for volunteer opportunities. - Offer paid volunteer days for employees to engage in community service related to these causes. 4. Foster Inclusive Work Environments: - Review and update company policies to ensure they are inclusive and supportive of all employees. - Establish or support Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for Black and LGBTQ employees. 5. Continuous Improvement in DEI Practices: - Conduct regular DEI training and make it an integral part of the corporate culture.Implement mentorship programs that support underrepresented groups within the company. - Commit to diverse hiring practices and create pathways for career advancement for all employees. Recognizing Juneteenth and Pride Month is more than just a moment - so take the time to learn, do more and do better. #Juneteenth #Pride #DEI #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #WorkplaceCulture #Advocacy

#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

As we celebrate Pride Month, a friendly reminder that there is no playbook for being LGBTQ in careers and community roles. Each journey is unique, filled with its own set of challenges and triumphs. Without a clear roadmap, the allyship we receive becomes even more crucial. Allyship in our professional and community lives isn't just about understanding; it's about actively creating environments where everyone can advance and succeed. I'm incredibly thankful for the colleagues, leaders, and community members who go beyond words, showing up with actions that foster inclusion and belonging. Their support has made a significant impact on my ability to bring my authentic self to work and to my community roles. In any field, whether it’s tech, corporate, nonprofit, or community organizations, allyship is essential. It’s about breaking down barriers, advocating for inclusive policies, and ensuring that every individual feels seen and valued. The presence of allies helps bridge the gap where career and community guidance is lacking, offering support and understanding in an ever-evolving landscape. I’m deeply grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to step into leadership roles. However, I recognize that not every member of the LGBTQ community has had the same foundation for success. This disparity underscores the importance of allyship in helping create opportunities for all in both careers and community roles. For me and many others, knowing we have allies who stand with us makes all the difference. It empowers us to navigate our paths with confidence, knowing we’re not alone in our journeys. Here’s to celebrating the allies who help pave the way and to continuing to build communities and workplaces where everyone can shine authentically and succeed professionally and personally. Not just today, but everyday. Happy Pride y’all 🏳️🌈

C3 Embraces Inclusion for All   At C3, we champion the power of diverse and inclusive experiences to drive innovation, creativity, and progress. As we enter June, a month with significant meaning for the LGBTQ community, we take this opportunity to reflect on and honor their personal and professional journeys in the construction industry.   We recognize that this month isn't just about festivities and parades; it's about acknowledging the struggles, resilience, and victories of LGBTQ individuals worldwide. It's about creating safe spaces where everyone can be authentic without fear of discrimination or judgment.   In our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment in the construction marketplace, we stand with our LGBTQ colleagues, partners, and clients. Everyone deserves equal rights, respect, and dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, religious, or political alignment.   As we recognize Pride Month, let's not just stop at celebrating but recognize the great work that must be done to safeguard the workplace for all diverse thoughts, ideologies, and experiences. Let's use this platform to advocate for inclusion, acceptance, and respect. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels valued, accepted, and celebrated for who they are.   C3 Recognizes Pride Month!

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for allyship in various facets of life, including workplaces, social circles, and communities. This awareness stems from the acknowledgment of systemic inequalities and the realization that genuine progress towards equity and inclusion requires collective effort. Historically marginalized groups, such as people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities, have long faced discrimination and marginalization in society. Recognizing the need for allies to stand in solidarity with these groups is a crucial step towards dismantling systemic barriers and fostering a more equitable world. The concept of allyship is rooted in social justice movements and activism, where individuals have historically come together to advocate for change and challenge oppressive systems. Allies play a vital role in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, advocating for their rights, and actively working to dismantle oppressive structures. However, allyship is not just about offering passive support or token gestures; it requires ongoing education, self-reflection, and a willingness to challenge one's own biases and privilege. In the workplace, cultivating allyship is essential for creating an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and included. Research has shown that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, productive, and better equipped to solve complex problems. However, achieving true diversity and inclusion requires more than just hiring a diverse workforce; it necessitates creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Allies can play a critical role in advocating for inclusive policies and practices, challenging microaggressions and biases, and creating opportunities for marginalized voices to be heard. Join us to discuss Cultivating Allyship on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 7:00 pm. Register: https://bit.ly/EAWALLYSHIP

🌈 June is Pride month 🌈 Pride month is all about acceptance, equality and celebrating the work of LGBTQIA people. It's also an opportunity to raise awareness about LGBTQIA history and educate people LGBTQIA topics.   For the most marginalised groups in the LGBTQIA community, we are seeing backwards trends to progress. The trans community are facing laws being passed across the world to make inclusion and transition an even more difficult topic and process than it already is.   There are also rising numbers of trans murders and violence. Those who are part of the ‘silent letters’ groups within the community (including non-binary, agender, gender queer) also face discrimination, harassment, and erasure.   Although a key symbolic symbol, Pride month isn’t just about rainbow flags because LGBTQIA inclusion should take place 365 days of the year. This is why Lifetime Group has our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy in place to make sure we’re always considering the rights and needs of the LGBTQIA community when decisions are being made, and to avoid any kind of ‘performative allyship’.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for allyship in various facets of life, including workplaces, social circles, and communities. This awareness stems from the acknowledgment of systemic inequalities and the realization that genuine progress towards equity and inclusion requires collective effort. Historically marginalized groups, such as people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities, have long faced discrimination and marginalization in society. Recognizing the need for allies to stand in solidarity with these groups is a crucial step towards dismantling systemic barriers and fostering a more equitable world. The concept of allyship is rooted in social justice movements and activism, where individuals have historically come together to advocate for change and challenge oppressive systems. Allies play a vital role in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, advocating for their rights, and actively working to dismantle oppressive structures. However, allyship is not just about offering passive support or token gestures; it requires ongoing education, self-reflection, and a willingness to challenge one's own biases and privilege. In the workplace, cultivating allyship is essential for creating an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and included. Research has shown that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, productive, and better equipped to solve complex problems. However, achieving true diversity and inclusion requires more than just hiring a diverse workforce; it necessitates creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Allies can play a critical role in advocating for inclusive policies and practices, challenging microaggressions and biases, and creating opportunities for marginalized voices to be heard. Join us to discuss Cultivating Allyship on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 7:00 pm. Register: https://bit.ly/EAWALLYSHIP