Sarah Murphy’s Post

I love that we support and celebrate inclusiveness and diversity, but honestly, I have to speak from my perspective as a CEO. I often wonder if it's me, the person, or my mindset as a Leader and a CEO. I believe the only time we will be inclusive is when no one has to wave a flag or wear a badge or a wristband. Same for disabilities, ethnicity, or colour. People talk crap even when wanting not to... 'Oh, I don't see colour...' said a mate of mine recently. 'Well, get an eye test, pal; he is as black as the Ace of Spades, ' I replied. Oh no, that's not what I meant said he. Yes, it wasn't, but why do you even have to state that? Why does it need to be said? Just be his mate. I guess what I am trying, and probably failing and inviting a load of snowflakes to pile in, is people are people. When we get to a stage where none of this is a subject matter, that is what I call inclusive. As for diversity, well, God decided that already. What's it got to do with us? There are some things I am well known for by my friends and family. One is that I have absolutely no 'Gay-Dar'. One of my good pals from past work life is now a woman, and considering our personal backgrounds, I find it extremely difficult to get my head around but equally not at all difficult to accept. It's her life; she can do what she likes that makes her happy. I couldn't give a monkey's what she chooses to do; she's still the same person as when I first knew her, apart from the blindingly obvious and having a far less deep voice. I think the longer this need to recognise everyone with their own special symbols and the like, actually the further away we get from where people aspire to be. If someone is Gay, Bi-, Straight whatever, It doesn't occur to me at all, and I am equally not the slightest bit bothered when I become aware of it. What I care about is simple. In work, are you a good colleague, a grafter who is aware that the customer pays us all and values them? In my social life, are you good company, do we share values and interests, or are you really annoying or boring? Those things are the only things that matter, or should matter. When we can take pride in not needing symbols or events like pride flag and month then and only then in my humble opinion do I reckon we have cracked it. Until then though, Happy Pride Month to everyone who feels represented and that it gives them belief they can live happily and openly. I hope I am wrong and that actually it is empowering and breaking down barriers without what I like to call 'Idiots' who haven't got the brains they were born with being like scared rabbits towards anyone who is different from them. Until then, please call out all 'Idiots' instead of looking at your feet or looking away. Failing to discourage, by its very definition, lacks courage, and that's the only difference; people of Pride Month have had to show courage; the least you can do is make that inclusive by showing your own where they do get abused by the Idiots.

In a landscape where LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States face numerous hurdles, one critical concern often remains overlooked: the underappreciation of LGBTQ+ community centers. Despite being essential lifelines, these centers frequently operate in the shadows, their profound impact on LGBTQ+ lives often unacknowledged. Denise Spivak, CEO of CenterLink, brings attention to this pressing issue, highlighting the immense value these centers hold. She underscores their role as crucial support networks for struggling LGBTQ+ youth, offering services like affirmative healthcare and fostering a strong sense of belonging. Spivak's insights emphasize the urgency of recognizing and supporting these centers, ensuring that their invaluable contributions to the LGBTQ+ community are fully recognized and valued. To gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal topic, read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eiQ3xUaV . Let's come together to ensure these centers receive the acknowledgment and support they truly deserve. [IMAGE: Featuring a text excerpt from Denise Spivak's article against a backdrop of dark blue gradient with the LGBTQIA+ flag.] #SupportLGBTQCenters #RecognizeTheirImpact #EmpowerTheCommunity 👏🌈

During LGBTQ+ History Month, we recognize and honor the people who have been examples of strength and courage and have paved the way for today’s advances for the LGBTQ+ community. We also celebrate the LGBTQ-owned California businesses and the contributions they’ve made to their local communities and the state! Learn more about LGBTQ+ History Month and how small businesses can create inclusive workspaces using the link here: https://bit.ly/3F1rL3W #LGBTQHistoryMonth #LGBTQOwnedBusiness #EmployABILITYBusinessGrant #SmallBusiness #InclusionMatters #Celebrate #CaliforniaBusiness

Be an ally. Be Kind. We ALL have one thing in common, we are all human beings first. Yet, so many different people continue to experience discrimination for a multitude of reasons. Financial wellness in the LBGTQ+ community face unique challenges and setbacks-- we all deserve to have access to financial products and services in an equitable environment. The 2024 LGBTQ+ Financial Wellness Report's key findings are a rude awakening that there is much work to be done for better financial inclusion. *Roughly half (48.15) of LGBTQ+ adults say they are financially unwell, compared to one-quarter (25.7%) of the general public. Both BIPOC and younger (age 18-24) LGBTQ+ adults are even more likely to say they are financially unwell. *Three in ten (30.8%) LGBTQ+ adults say they have experienced discrimination while accessing financial services *Roughly half (48.15) of LGBTQ+ adults say they are financially unwell, compared to one-quarter (25.7%) of the general public. *Nearly 60% (59.7%) of LGTBQ+ adults have annual household incomes below $75,000. "The data underscore the need for our economic empowerment programs, especially for younger BIPOC LGBTQ+ folks. I hope the data are a call to action for organizations serving our community. Given what we know about who is struggling the most, these organizations have an opportunity to center BIPOC young adults by being culturally responsive, trauma informed, and offering voice and choice to young people.” Maruka Rivers, Director of Economic Empowerment Programs at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation How is your credit union being an ally? If not, reach out and get involved.

In our latest report, we asked a sample of LGBTQ+ Americans whether they used traditional or non-traditional pronouns and the importance of people using their personal pronouns to identify them. For more insights into the LGBTQ+ community, download here: https://bit.ly/3Qa1vfV

Estate Planning: An Essential for LGBTQ+ Equality 🌈 🏳️🌈 As we continue to fight for equality, estate planning remains essential for protecting our rights and relationships. This Pride Month, let's focus on securing our future. #PrideMonth #LGBTQRights #EstatePlanning

“As the studies and surveys cited here demonstrate, #LGBTQ+ people living in #rural communities encounter the same mental healthcare challenges as other rural Americans, but the disparities in accessing resources and appropriate treatment can be even more difficult because of existing prejudices and discrimination. It’s a call to action for rural communities to come together to increase awareness and dispel the stigma experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Some ways communities can help to tackle the disparities include: In rural #healthcare – Educate the workforce, put in place inclusive systems of care, and implement policies that address discrimination. In rural schools – Implement practices and policies to support #LGBTQyouth. In local and state governments – Propose and support laws and public policies that enforce protections against discrimination of LGBTQ+ people.” #RuralHealth

Celebrate #Pride by supporting LGBTQ+ small businesses all year round! Here are a few tips to get you started:

Join us for a webinar on June 6 featuring our own Jesse Beck and Susan Potter, alongside Brian Richardson of StartOut to discuss the strategies used to tackle organizational challenges in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and how they can boost their performance by focusing on the community. #Pride #FutureofWork #EmployeeExperience

Join us for a webinar on June 6 featuring our own Jesse Beck and Susan Potter, alongside Brian Richardson of StartOut to discuss the strategies used to tackle organizational challenges in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and how they can boost their performance by focusing on the community. #Pride #FutureofWork #EmployeeExperience