IKEA’s Post

Today is International Transgender Day of Visibility! Did you know that Nova Scotia is the most gender-diverse province in Canada with Halifax ranking #2 for most gender-diverse cities?! Today, we stand in solidarity and shine a bright light on the achievements of the transgender community. Today isn't just about recognition; it's a call to action. It's about educating, supporting, and fighting for the rights and respect that everyone deserves: -Educate yourself and others on the issues facing the trans community. -Support trans voices, artists, authors, and businesses. -Advocate for inclusive policies and practices in your community and workplace. -If you can, consider donating to organizations that are doing critical work for trans rights and support services. For those looking for spaces, community, resources or ways to get involved, check out a few local organizations: prideHealth: https://lnkd.in/e9Hw9ztD Halifax Pride Simply Good Form Inc. Canadian Mental Health Association Toolkits: https://lnkd.in/emqtxazp Venus Envy: venusenvy.ca Cape & Cowl Comics: capeandcowlcomics.ca Comment below any info, resources, or trans-owned businesses you'd like to share. Together, we can make a difference.

About 5 percent of young adults in the U.S. are trans. Forty four percent of U.S. adults say they personally know someone who is trans and 20 percent know someone who is nonbinary. As society progresses, more and more people are choosing to come out, and we must ensure their safety and wellbeing as they do so and help build a world in which they are not only accepted but embraced. Trans rights are human rights! Bet Tzedek supports trans rights by hosting a regular name and gender marker change clinic. You can uplift the trans community by donating to Bet Tzedek: https://lnkd.in/dN8NVZ4N #HumanRightsAwarenessMonth

Every day, thousands of refugee families in America face unimaginable challenges. This Giving season, we invite you to be the beacon of hope for our LGBTQ-displaced families. Join us in making a difference this Giving season. Your support will not only transform the lives of LGBTQ+ displaced families but also contribute to a safer and more inclusive future. Here's how you can help: Donate: Your financial contribution will directly impact the lives of LGBTQ+ displaced families. https://lnkd.in/epd3CCV9 Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network, raising awareness about the challenges these families face. Volunteer: Get involved in our activities and events, and be a part of the change. Let's come together and be the change that LGBTQ+ displaced families urgently need. https://lnkd.in/ekQ2G-iM Your support matters more than ever.

To my former colleagues who are still healing from toxic workplaces: I see you, I care about you, and I’m so proud of those who rode out the past 8 years trying to create positive culture change. I especially appreciate those who publicly tried to make amends for the harms that Bethany has perpetuated against the LGBT community. But please do not sacrifice your own mental and physical health for an organization that has pushed for the criminalization of the lives of your colleagues. No job is worth it. And it’s clear that any forward movement that had been made for equality is being erased under new leadership. Know your value, know your values, and don’t compromise either of them. There are plenty of social sector jobs where you will be celebrated for who you are. Where you will be supported, and where you will be able to make positive change for ALL of your neighbors- not just the ones that your managers deem palatable. If I worked with you, no matter how closely or for how long, and you need a reference in order to escape a toxic workplace, my inbox is ALWAYS open. https://lnkd.in/gcFKkybC

Our Among Friends program at Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services in operation since 2007, has been dedicated to serving asylum seekers who face persecution in their countries of origin due to their sexual orientation. Sadly, in recent years, state-sanctioned homophobia has escalated in some African nations to the point of imposing the death penalty on individuals identifying as 2SLGBTQ+. This has led to a surge of refugees fleeing these countries. Many of them have come to Canada, a country that champions diversity and inclusion. Over the past two months, as the City of Toronto's shelters reached their capacity and began turning away these refugee claimants, our Among Friends program has consistently received more than 150 - and at times, even over 200- participants every week. The sudden surge in demand for our services has placed immense pressure on our programs and services, which have historically struggled with insufficient funding and resources. The organization's decision not to turn away anyone in need is commendable; however, it has the potential to lead to staff burnout and resource depletion, and it is not sustainable without additional help. We are reaching out to you with an urgent plea for support, be it a large or small contribution, to help us keep our doors open for the city's most marginalized population: https://lnkd.in/gED-HM4H #Support #donate #LGBTQ+ #Program

https://lnkd.in/gsTDYe2w In today's viciously and violently changing world, the importance of creating spaces where everyone belongs cannot be overstated. As we strive for real inclusivity and equity, it's crucial to focus on the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ newcomers, particularly those fleeing homophobic environments in their home countries. Many LGBTQ+ individuals embark on perilous journeys, leaving behind everything familiar to escape persecution. They seek safety, acceptance, and the freedom to live authentically. Some countries, like the US are seen to sometimes be moving backwards in certain jurisdictions, and are enacting laws that undermine LGBTQ+ rights, Canada must also remain vigilant against similar rhetoric and legislative threats. Our legal framework protects LGBTQ+ individuals, allowing them to thrive. However, we must recognize that waves of homophobic rhetoric still occur, threatening the progress we've made. The fight for equality and acceptance took centuries to achieve. We cannot afford to lose ground now. We owe it to our employees, colleagues, teams, and future generations to maintain and enhance these protections. By fostering an environment where everyone feels safe and valued, we can set a powerful example. This includes providing support for LGBTQ+ newcomers, ensuring they have access to resources, mentorship, and a community that welcomes them with open arms. It's not their responsibility to ask. It's our responsibility to educate ourselves, challenge discriminatory attitudes, and advocate for policies that uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals. If this weekend is of any value other than time off work, let's use our platforms to amplify the voices of the LGBTQ+ community and stand in solidarity against any form of discrimination. I still believe in no uncertain terms that we can create a world where everyone belongs. Let’s seize this moment to lead with compassion, integrity, and unwavering support for our LGBTQ+ colleagues. The future of our workplaces—and our society—depends on it. #Inclusion #LGBTQ #Diversity #HumanRights #Belonging #Leadership #Canada #Equality #Newcomers

Today our we presented the results of our LGBTQIA+ survey. Some worrying statistics which show that prejudice and harassment still exists. Part of the purpose of the survey was to discover how we at Citizens Advice Gateshead might be able to help. We discovered that while 68% of respondents knew about Citizens Advice only 37% knew what sorts of services we provide. Then sadly 45% of respondents weren't sure if they would be comfortable coming to see us for information, advice and guidance and from the comments we surmised that people were worried about their confidentiality and being "outed". So our event today was timely and we had some really good conversations with our guests including Fighting With Pride - LGBT+ Military Charity, AKT and Pride in Mind about what the next steps might be. One of our first next steps is our dedicated drop-in for LGBTQIA+ people which is taking place Sunday 1st October between 10 and 2. If you'd like to know more about our project or about the drop-in then please drop me a message. #lgbtqsupport #inclusivespaces #pride

The greatest journey is the one of reflection and action. 🔴This #IDAHOBIT 2024, let’s spotlight a critical issue: 70% of #LGBTQ+ #women and #non-binary people face discrimination at work. It's more than a statistic; it's a call to action. 🔴Discrimination at work affects #mental #health, #career growth, and daily well-being. This IDAHOBIT, we're calling on everyone, especially #workplaces, to strive further. 🔴Join us in pushing for greater #workplace #empowerment this IDAHOBIT. Share this message, #educate your peers, and take #action. Together, we can build a future where every LGBTQ+ person is #valued and #respected. Read our short #blog here: 🔗https://lnkd.in/ejXeRKtM #IDAHOBIT #IDAHOBIT2024 #SisterActGala #LGBTQIAplus #RoleModels #Allies #LGBTGreat

During this #IDAHOBIT day, and with the EU elections ahead, let's strive to build inclusive and respectful societies that position equality on top of the human rights agenda. A society where everyone can be who they are, and love who they want. And data-wise, LGBTQI+ #children face discrimination because of their sexual orientation (71%) and gender identity (51%). Let's do our best for them to live without fear of violence and/or discrimination. #MissingChildrenEurope has launched a nezw project that aims to support LGBTIQ+ children who are at risk of being homeless, running away or being forced to leave their home. #IDAHOBIT2024

Wow! I’m blown away by the news of that donation, hopefully it helps many people. A powerful show of support by Qantas ! A story like one that we’ve watched unfold lately is very eye opening to the need for our society to be supporting all people through domestic and family voilence (DFV) and providing education and awareness that it’s not just women who can experience this and it’s not just heterosexual relationships etc. I’ve worked for a number of years trying to expand the conversation that DFV /intimate partner violence is not specifically gendered violence and tried to advocate that it’s a disservice creates a gap, and creates a silence that poses risk and harm, by only speaking it about it this way. I am deeply saddened that there had to be a public issue to trigger this conversation in some spaces it should have been already, i hope that whatever we needed to change now has for society to be more ready to support people who of diverse family and relationship situations… This type of Violence isn’t just about gender it’s about control, and the desire/need to take it, fear of losing it etc. whilst the flawed constructions of gender and peoples belief about gender inform their beliefs around control and who they believe they should control and or influence on, DFV is not just gendered violence. The venn diagram can massively overlap, but they need to be discussed educated supported as different issues to create safety space and ability to save lives etc.