Raleigh Convention Center’s Post

For some people it can still be tough to "understand" diversity, just as it is to me to understand this lack of understanding. In honor of Pride, I'd like to share some insights from Mari Luukkainen's excellent presentation at Maria01 Summer Breakfast. For some, these numbers hopefully help bridge that gap in the context of startups. ⚡ LGBTQ+ inclusive companies are 4.6 times more likely to attract talent. ⚡ Diverse teams generate 73% higher innovative revenue shares. ⚡ Diverse teams have a 25% higher likelihood of financial outperformance. ⚡ LGBTQ+ founded companies create 36% more jobs. ⚡ LGBTQ+ founded companies achieve 44% more exits. ⚡ LGBTQ+ founded companies register 114% more patents. Happy pride! 🌈

Read these 4 tips in finding an LGBTQ+ friendly company! #BeeYourself

myGwork surveyed over 2,000 Gen Z students and recent graduates, collecting perceptions and experiences of LGBTQ+ inclusion in their place of study/work. Inclusive workplaces are preferred by LGBTQ+ students and graduates of Generation Z, according to new research. 💠36% of students and graduates worldwide identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. 💠75% of LGBTQ+ students and graduates have reservations about working for a company where they can’t be out at work. 💠42% of LGBTQ+ students and graduates have witnessed LGBTQ+ discrimination at their place of work or study. 🌈 From seeking out LGBTQ+ inclusive companies to valuing diversity training, these insights highlight the growing importance of supportive workplaces. ⬇️ Download the complete report: https://lnkd.in/eB7mAxCb #NewResearch #WorkingWithPride

A Month of LGBTQ+ Icons: George Takei As a queer person of color and an iconic figure in queer culture, George Takei's influence surpasses his on-screen presence as a star actor in Star Trek. Takei's unwavering openness about his identity not only sparks crucial conversations about LGBTQ+ representation but also sheds light on the intersection of race and sexuality. His journey from experiencing discrimination to becoming a prominent advocate underscores the importance of creating inclusive workplaces that honor diversity in all its forms. Takei's resilience and advocacy offer profound lessons for embracing diversity and fostering belonging in professional settings. His courage to speak out against prejudice and promote understanding has paved the way for greater inclusivity in the workplace. Takei's ability to infuse humor into his activism reminds us that championing diversity can be impactful and enjoyable.

Creating a safe space for LGBTQ individuals 🏳️🌈 is about fostering an environment of understanding 🤝 and taking meaningful action 🌟. It's important that everyone is recognized 👀, listened to 👂, and appreciated 🙏 for their authentic selves. Building inclusive communities involves creating connections 🔗 and removing barriers 🚫. If you're looking for support on how to better foster inclusivity 🌈, consider exploring resources like 'OUT OF SPACE' 📚. Together, we can work towards a world 🌍 where everyone has the opportunity to flourish 🌸. Inclusive environments extend beyond physical spaces 🏠; they are cultivated within each of us 🧠, enabling us to go beyond the confines of walls, rooms, and buildings 🏢.

Knowledge is power, and without the conscious decision to increase your own learning you will never be able to help support anything or anyone without the proper groundwork. I came across two or three great reminders in this course. 1) Acknowledge your privilege – This one hit me like a ton of bricks, for it is truly the best and only place to start any Allyship. This is probably the main reason so many people don’t join the fight in support, is because it would take some self-reflection that may open their eyes as to how much privilege they might actually be receiving. 2) Am I speaking with or for my peers in my Allyship? All too often when we want to hit the ground running with our newfound knowledge, we forget that we are there to “support” and not necessarily to start correcting everyone for apparent misnomers. Finally, a great place to start is always with something small. When we possibly greet people for an apparent meeting, try starting the meeting by saying “Greetings friends” vs “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen” as a sign of your own personal growth in trying to create an environment that is inclusive and open. You might find that as you create these micro changes in your day-to-day routine, that before long you too will start to feel like an Ally to all in support of our LGBTQ+ community and friends. Just finished the course “Understanding and Supporting LGBTQ+ Employees” by Rhodes Perry! Check it out: https://lnkd.in/gMxRNFAg #lgbtq #allyship.

12 Days of Holiday Hacks! Day 10: Navigating LGBTQ+ & BIPOC Networking Tips for Connection and Empowerment 🤝 1️⃣ Find Safe Spaces: Seek out LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-friendly networking events, organizations, or online communities. Connecting in spaces that celebrate diversity fosters a sense of belonging. 2️⃣ Authenticity is Key: Be your true self when networking. Authenticity creates genuine connections and opens doors to opportunities that align with your values. 3️⃣ Build a Supportive Circle: Surround yourself with a network that uplifts and understands your unique journey. A supportive community provides valuable insights and encouragement. 4️⃣ Engage in Mentorship: Seek mentorship from individuals who have walked a similar path. Their guidance can be invaluable as you navigate your personal and professional growth. 5️⃣ Amplify Each Other: Support fellow LGBTQ+ and BIPOC professionals. Amplify their voices, celebrate their successes, and foster a culture of mutual empowerment. Remember, networking is not only about career advancement but building a community that reflects your diverse identities! 🚀 #LGBTQNetwork #BIPOCNetworking #CommunityMatters

A year ago, I posted the typical ranges for corporate LGBTQ+ speakers that my friend/colleague Rex Wilde and I worked on as part of a larger project. I was happy and surprised by the wonderful conversations it sparked. Because my name has since changed, and I'm getting more requests for Pride Month, it feels like a good time to revisit this topic. However, given recent events, I'd like to discuss it differently. I know the backlash against DEI, JEDI, DEIB, IDEA, etc. (with probably as many variations in acronyms and initialisms as for the LGBTQ+ community) has built steadily over the last few years. Many companies are backpedaling on the work, including those that committed to it back in 2020. One of my friends brilliantly said you'll lose people no matter what. WHO do you want to lose? 1. If you cut ERG budgets and fire the people you hired to oversee your DEI programming and initiatives, your employees (including those practicing allyship) will see that it was all performative and likely leave for another company unafraid of doing the work. 😔 ➡️ 🏃 (I truly wish there was an additional running emoji in the other direction 😅) 2) If you double down on your commitment to DEI and see it as a foundational investment in improving your workplace culture, the employees who share your company values will stay, and you'll attract more like-minded talent. 💪🏼 🙌🏽 👍 Who do you want to lose? #PrideMonth #LGBTQTrainer #Allyship

"Who do you want to lose?" My dear friend Charlie Ocean, MSW poses this question and I love it. So often, organizations are jumping to "be inclusive" by hosting a Pride event without doing the work needed to be more than just a performative ally. Employees see this. Clients see this. This week, one of my many businesses was listed on a Zionist website as someone to not do business with. And friends: I couldn't be prouder and more delighted. Because if I lose folks who are okay with genocide, then I am doing the work... the work that none of us want to do but we must do to address the perpetual inequities in society. Pride month is right around the corner. Y'all need Charlie, period. Reach out and get them on your books before it's too late and they're full (yes, this is guaranteed to happen). I'm also available and my books are filling up, too. If you're currently accepting clients for Pride Month offerings, let me know below. Or if you know of folks who are, please tag them below. I'll compile folks and post a list next week, as well as a resource on my website. Thank you, Charlie and Rex Wilde, for your time, energy, and expertise with this project. It's much needed, not only for organizations, but for queer folks who are unsure of how to price their services. Much love. ❤️ Image description: A table with budget ranges in US dollars for corporate LGBTQ+ speakers based on the research Charlie and Rex headed up last year. At the top is Charlie Ocean (they/them), Charlie's photo, and a link to https://queer.training. Training: $2,000 - 8,000 per session. Panelists: $500 - 5,000 per panelist. Keynotes: $2,000 - 15,000 per speech. Consulting: $150 - 500 per hour. Recorded Session: $3,000 - 10,000 (per recording and length of access). Fees may vary based on factors like estimated attendance, the number of sessions, length, whether public or private, late notice, customization, bundles, and the speaker's experience. #LGBTQ #PrideMonth #ERG #DEI #IDEAS #Allyship

Pride Month: Things Leaders Must Consider 🏳️🌈Do your LGBTQ+ employees feel SAFE? Safe at work Safe in meetings in person or virtual Safe to speak their POV Safe to use the bathroom Safe to share Safe to NOT share 🏳️🌈Do your LGBTQ+ employees feel HEARD and SEEN? Are they taken seriously? Are they considered for leadership? Are they put in a box? Are they being used? Do you know the difference between support and opportunistic PR? No matter how many rainbow logos and newsletters (which ARE important to see), just know that there’s a certain recurring fear and trauma that LGBTQ+ employees bring with them to work every day. There are experiences a “straight” identifying white male, for example, will never have or even have to think about. Remember why Pride exists: all members of minority groups have to shout louder, work harder, demand constantly just to get to the starting line. Just to get a seat at the table. Our society has come a long way, but has much much further to go. Love is love because anything less is not worth bringing into our lives. Anything less than love is wrong. Anything less than love taints and destroys. Be mindful of your words and actions. Always. Not just in June. ❤️