Workforce Opportunity Services’ Post

Today, we mark the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots – a night that ignited a global movement for LGBTQ rights. But Stonewall wasn't just a riot; it was a catalyst for change, a defiant roar against years of oppression. The courage of those who stood up that night continues to inspire us in the ongoing fight for equality. However, to truly understand the movement's legacy, we must go beyond the headlines. Here are some book recommendations to deepen your understanding: 🔹 Stonewall by David Carter: This book likely provides a strong foundation for understanding Stonewall. By referencing multiple sources and placing the event in context, Carter helps to create a well-rounded picture. 🔹 A Stonewall Reader by Edmund White: This collection allows you to examine the event through the lens of the people who were there. By reading police reports, newspaper articles, and personal accounts, you can get a sense of the different perspectives on the event. There are numerous books available that delve into the Stonewall Riots and the LGBTQ rights movement. Which book would you recommend to learn more about the Stonewall Riots and the LGBTQ rights movement? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below!

Happy 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 Month! As it’s the start of June, my Wednesday Word of the Week has to be 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲. The first Gay Pride Parade took place in New York City on 28th June 1970, the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots – the event that brought the gay rights movement to the attention of the world. 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 became the word that represents many annual LGBTQ events, whether a celebration of identity, diversity, and dignity, a protest for equal rights and respect, or a memorial for those lost to AIDS or homophobic violence. As far as we’ve come in terms of LGBTQ rights since then, there is still a long way to go. Many LGBTQ people experience unacceptable discrimination because of their gender identity or sexuality, and homophobia, transphobia and biphobia are common in the media and on social media. 64 countries still criminalise private, consensual, same-sex sexual activity, 12 have the death penalty, and 14 criminalise the gender identity and/or expression of transgender people. This is why it’s important to remember 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 is a protest for human rights first and foremost, not just a celebration. How are you supporting 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 this month? #CopywriteRight #WednesdayWord #originoftheword #wordorigins #Pride #PrideMonth #PrideMonth2024

🏳️🌈 💻 Our SAMbot project reveals that content related to LGBTQ rights was correlated with online abuse and some of the highest periods of engagement during the 2023 Toronto Mayoral by-election. 🔎 Our latest findings point to a concerning trend in abusive anti-LGBTQ rhetoric emerging at the forefront of Canadian political conversations. This is also a trend supported by our past research. 📑 Dive deeper into these and other findings by visiting the Samara Centre’s latest SAMbot project: Engagement and Abuse on Toronto's Digital Campaign Trail: The 2023 Toronto Mayoral By-election Report. 📒➡️ https://lnkd.in/gnrS-Xwe

As a retail professional and an out and proud member of the LGBTQ community, I've noticed a surprising lack of Pride displays and merchandise at several stores this year. While doing some research, I came across an article from Bloomberg with some interesting statistics... - Worldwide LGBTQ Buying Power - $3.9 Trillion - Americans are 2 times as likely to support pro-LGBTQ brands - Americans are 4.5 times as likely to work for pro-LGBTQ brands Despite the political backlash of the past couple years, Americans overwhelming support LGBTQ freedom in their purchasing power and buying decisions. Why are brands and retailers OK with missing out on such a lucrative market?

It is unconscionable, during this time of sharply increased anti-LGBTQ violence and threats—propelled by rhetoric from extremist politicians, Fox News, and many of these candidates—that the debate moderators offered up only one clumsy question about our community, and zero questions about the real issues facing the LGBTQ community. The candidates were not asked about upholding marriage equality, about protecting LGBTQ students in school, about access to proven lifesaving healthcare for transgender people, about the record-breaking 500-plus anti-LGBTQ bills this year, about violence against LGBTQ people and allies, or about the warped priority of demonizing drag queens and LGBTQ books instead of going after the leading cause of death for young people in this country: guns. Instead moderators took the opportunity to misgender and insult transgender student athletes. #GOPPresidentialDebate #LGBTQ

Russia's LGBTQ Community Faces Potential Designation as "Extremists" A Threat to Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms The potential designation of Russia's LGBTQ community as "extremists" has sparked fear and concern among members of the community, who worry that it could lead to further persecution and discrimination. The ruling, which is expected to be issued by the Supreme Court on Thursday, would follow a request from the Justice Ministry to ban the activities of the "international LGBTQ social movement." If the court rules in favor of the Justice Ministry, it would mark a significant escalation in the government's crackdown on LGBTQ rights. It could lead to the arrest and prosecution of LGBTQ activists, as well as the closure of LGBTQ organizations. It could also make it more difficult for LGBTQ people to access essential services, such as healthcare and education. The Justice Ministry's request to label the LGBTQ movement as "extremist" is based on the claim that it promotes "non-traditional sexual relations" and "undermines traditional family values." However, LGBTQ rights advocates argue that the request is simply a pretext for further repression of the LGBTQ community. The potential designation of the LGBTQ movement as "extremist" has been met with condemnation from human rights groups around the world. Amnesty International has called it a "blatant attack on freedom of expression and association," while Human Rights Watch has warned that it could have a "chilling effect" on the work of LGBTQ activists. The ruling comes at a time when LGBTQ rights are under threat in many parts of the world. In recent years, there has been a wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation in countries such as Hungary, Poland, and Uganda. The potential designation of the LGBTQ movement as "extremist" in Russia is a worrying sign that this trend is continuing. #LGBTQRights #HumanRights #Russia #Equality #Justice

STONEWALL DAY 2024 - The anniversary of the Stonewall Riots is an important day in the story of the LGBTQ rights movement. Today is Stonewall Day, marking the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots on June 28, 1969. After a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a New York gay bar, the LGBTQIA community resisted arrest and protested against systemic discrimination. At that time, homosexuality was illegal in the U.S., and businesses could be shut down for having gay employees or patrons. The protests, lasting several days, are seen as a crucial turning point in the fight for LGBTQIA rights globally. Trans women of color, such as Marsha P. Johnson and 17-year-old Sylvia Rivera, led the riots, playing vital roles as thousands gathered in solidarity, chanting “gay power” and “we shall overcome.” Stonewall’s impact was profound, igniting the modern LGBTQIA rights movement and inspiring global advocacy. This is why “Pride is a Protest” is often seen on social media, reminding us that Pride Month began as a fight for civil rights and equality. The anniversary is also time to reflect on the progress that has been made, and to recognize that there is still more work to be done. #stonewallday #stonewallriots #lgbtqrights #prideisaprotest #marshapjohnson #sylviarivera #transrights #gaypower #equalityforall #lgbtqhistory #pridemonth #loveislove #lgbtqcommunity #civilrights #protestforrights #pridemonth

🚨📢⚠️ OFFICIAL STATEMENT! ⚠️📢🚨 In light of the recent surge in transphobia, feminicide, and violence against transgender individuals globally, we stand in unwavering solidarity with the trans community. It is deeply distressing to witness the alarming rise in hate crimes based on gender identity and expression. We urgently call on stakeholders, security bodies, and governments worldwide to prioritize the protection of trans individuals as human beings. We demand thorough investigations into documented cases of violence and femicide against trans people. Holding perpetrators accountable is crucial for justice and sends a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated. To ensure the safety and well-being of trans individuals, we advocate for enhanced legal protections: Strengthen and enforce legal measures that explicitly protect transgender individuals from discrimination, violence, and hate crimes. Together, let us strive for a world where everyone, regardless of gender identity, can live free from fear, violence, and discrimination. It is our collective responsibility to advocate for justice, protect trans lives, and foster a global community built on equality and respect. In solidarity, Team at ITWAM. By Morganna Atoms (She/ Her/ Hers) P.R, Communications and IT Associate - ITWAM. CC. GAFIDYN RAE WESONGA. Uganda Key Populations Consortium (UKPC) Pan Africa ILGA ILGA Oceania ILGA Asia ILGA-Europe Trans Intersex History Africa Trans Wellness Project TransAmsterdam Foundation 🏳️⚧️ Action for Trans Refugee kenya United Nations UN Women African Queer Youth Initiative

🚨 ⚠️📢 OFFICIAL STATEMENT 🚨⚠️📢 In light of the recent surge in transphobia, feminicide, and violence against trans and gender diverse individuals globally, we stand in unwavering solidarity with the trans community. It is deeply distressing to witness the alarming rise in hate crimes based on gender identity and expression. We urgently call on stakeholders, security bodies, and governments worldwide to prioritize the protection of trans individuals as human beings and citizens of respective nations. We demand thorough investigations into documented cases of violence and femicide against trans and gender non-conforming people. Holding perpetrators accountable is crucial for justice and sends a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated. To ensure the safety and well-being of trans individuals, we advocate for enhanced Legal Protections: Strengthen and enforce legal measures that explicitly protect transgender and gender-diverse individuals from discrimination, violence, and hate crimes. Together, let us strive for a world where everyone, regardless of gender identity, can live free from fear, violence, and discrimination. It is our collective responsibility to advocate for justice, protect trans lives, and foster a global community built on equality and respect. In solidarity, Team at ITWAM - Uganda. Communication through Morganna Atoms, P.R, Communications and IT Associate at ITWAM. C.C. Uganda Key Populations Consortium (UKPC) Pan Africa ILGA Het Actiefonds ILGA World Action for Trans Refugee kenya Trans Intersex History Africa African Queer Youth Initiative TransAmsterdam Foundation 🏳️⚧️ Trans Wellness Project