M.V. Lee Badgett’s Post

🌈 Powerfull intersectional LGBTQ+ tech content → Lesbians Who Tech & Allies Pride Summit 2024 Just attended my 7th LWT Summit last week and had yet another amazing, enlightening, inspiring, insightful experience. In case you missed it, you can still access the recordings here: https://lnkd.in/dTqnhuid #LWT #LWTSummit #LGBTQ #tech #AI

You should speak up! 🔈Even about the things and experiences that do right by you. Inspiring inclusion also begins by speaking up, and Krishna Kranthi Akula is doing exactly this! 🙌 Now it's your turn, speak up and let us know in the comments how you are inspiring inclusion. Learn more about #LifeAtDell here - https://dell.to/4asgxUT

Small gestures of inclusion can mean the world to someone. You might forget your contribution, but they might remember you for it. To be seen, respected and acknowledged speaks deeply to our sense of identity and belonging. The best kind of inclusion makes people feel more authentically themselves. Here are some inclusive actions... 📌 Ask someone if you can get them a tea or coffee 📌 Include them in a conversation if they get left out 📌 If they get cut off, get them back into the meeting What inclusive gestures from others have made an impact on you? #InclusiveLeadership #inclusion #belonging

Reflections on my LGBTQIA+ Empowerment Programme & London Pride - PART 1 So far in this programme, I have attended events with the underlying theme of empowerment, such as a human rights forum and a queering academia conference, and there is much more to come. I have learnt so much about queer history and the current affairs affecting the queer community globally. As heavy as it is to hear it talked about, I want to know where rights are being taken away and where progression is being hindered. I am also grateful to hear about the small wins, seeing success stories for myself, and enjoying queer joy and the celebration of this community’s strength, perseverance and hope for the future. We all feel the weight of the endless issues many queer people are forced to face, but it is lighter when we carry it together. Queer joy for many is a necessity to enjoy life while fighting uphill battles, and experiencing losses and trauma that come from homophobia & transphobia (and misogyny, racism & xenophobia that accompanies them). Regardless of some of the commercial motivations (which do NOT define my experience and the many others who feel they need to celebrate and at least acknowledge and bring attention to Pride; while I am aware of pink washing, I will not allow corporations to deter me from enjoying Pride month for what it stands for within the queer community, taking the opportunities for queer-based activism, and holding people & companies accountable all year-round), Pride Month has given these issues platforms to those raising awareness and taking action, and has brought with it visibility incomparable to the rest of the year, and I am thankful for that and the subsequent positive impact. And I welcome reminders of all of these things I need to work on and understand how I can be a better ally. I appreciate the education that will come about each Pride month as long as you are paying attention to the people who are using their voices. I want to work on using my privilege. I want to use my voice and I am trying, and is very much a working progress as I try to balance a lot in my life, but I see the impact others have and I know it’s possible to find it and use it.  

Despite progress in 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, queer & trans leaders are still underrepresented on corporate boards. This article from The Conversation Canada sheds light on the lack of 2SLGBTQIA+ representation at the highest levels of business. Two key takeaways from the article: 🏳️🌈 Representation Matters: Diversity at the decision-making table leads to better decision outcomes. 🏳️⚧️ Room for Change: We must continue pushing for inclusion and equity in corporate leadership. Let's amplify queer voices and champion equality in all aspects of life! Share this eye-opening article to spark conversations and inspire change.⬇️

Hot take for #IWD: Don't focus on diversity. I’m so happy the theme for #IWD is #inspireinclusion because we talk about this 👏🏼all the time👏🏼. It’s great that inclusion is getting a spotlight, but the truth is that organizations need to be SHOWING their people that they’re being inclusive all day, every day, in everything they do before they have the right to brag about diversity. How do we get to a place where inclusion is systemic? It’s not enough to show up for disparate events and activations for women’s day and black history month. Organizations need to embed inclusion everywhere - in their products, operations and yes, of course, in their leadership and people practices. Then Diversity will come. Happy International Women's Day! #IWD #inspireinclusion #HRinsights #DEI #inclusion

#TheMorningInclusive Pride Started as a Riot, Let Us Not Forget As the sun rises on a new day, let’s boldly acknowledge that Pride Month ignited from the embers of rebellion. It began not with a parade, but with a riot—a fierce stand against systemic oppression and violence faced by the LGBTIQ+ community. The Stonewall Riots of June 1969 were a defiant outcry for dignity and equality, marking the birth of a movement that would echo around the world – PRIDE! This origin story is crucial—it’s a powerful reminder that the freedom to be our authentic selves is not a given—it’s a right that was fought for. Pride Month is not just about parades and celebrations; it’s a time to remember the struggles and to honor the courage of those who stood up for the right to live openly and truthfully. Inclusivity means creating a society where everyone can be their bold, authentic selves regardless of their identity. It’s about valuing each person’s unique contributions and ensuring that all voices are heard and respected. We foster innovation, empathy, and a deeper cultural understanding when we embrace diversity. The quest for belonging is deeply woven into the fabric of our being. It’s where we find comfort in being seen, where our voices resonate with others, and where our existence is affirmed. Belonging empowers us to face adversity, contribute meaningfully to society, and weave our lives' narrative. It’s the foundation upon which we build our lives and pursue our dreams. As we commemorate Pride Month, let’s recommit to the pursuit of an inclusive world—a world where the right to belong isn’t just accepted, it’s celebrated. Let’s honor the legacy of those who rioted for change by continuing their fight, ensuring that every day is a step toward a society that embraces every individual. We must continue to push for progress, not just in June but every day, because every step towards inclusivity is a step towards a more vibrant, innovative, and compassionate world. Here’s to the rioters, the trailblazers, and the dreamers. Here’s to a future where everyone belongs. Happy Pride Month! #LGBTIQ #Pride #Authenticity #HumanRights #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity #Equity #Accessibility NOTE: This image was created with Copilot to summarize this text

You should speak up! Even about experiences that do right by you. Inspiring inclusion also begins by speaking up, and Krishna Kranthi Akula is doing exactly this! 🙌 It's your turn, let us know in the comments how you are inspiring inclusion. #LifeAtDell https://dell.to/3TRDhsb https://dell.to/43zDh34

I attended the Engaging with Supplier Diversity session of the UScellular Inclusion Summit. We discussed why inclusion of small and minority-owned businesses are important to UScellular. We learned how to get involved and make a difference in this important space for our business in this session about Supplier Diversity. Learn more about our commitment to diversity. #InclusionIsHowWeDO #USCCInclusionSummit #usccemp

2SLGBTQIA+ people remain underrepresented and undervalued by corporations and other organizations. Diversifying your board is one important step towards increasing representation and diversity in your organization. However, diversity itself is not enough. To attract and retain members of underrepresented and marginalized communities, you most foster an inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplace. #idea #dei #diversity #inclusion #2slgbtqia