Jeff Ocasio’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.

Doing it right!

LGBTIQ+ inclusion in commercial paddlesport business ⏰ Tune in to tomorrows confernece session, taking place at 10am! The LGBTIQ+ community is complex and diverse. This introductory webinar aims to provide an understanding of LGBTQ+, its history, and the challenges that the community has faced, past and present, in engaging with paddlesport activity. This webinar will explore: 👉 LGBTQ+ terminology 👉 The value of sport and physical activity for the LGBTIQ+ community 👉 LGBTQ+ role models in sport 👉 The barriers that persist for LGBTIQ+ in sport and physical activity 👉 Top tips for creating environments that are inclusive of and for LGBTIQ+ communities

How can we support the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth? According to Jasper Liem, LCSW, Executive Director of Attic Youth Center, we can start by recognizing young people as whole humans who deserve to not only be included, but to lead youth-geared programs, services, and solutions! What would the future of LGBTQ+ health hold if we dismantled power dynamics and trusted the expertise of our youth? Watch the rest of our Connecting Conversations event for more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/etugjYF5

🌈 Celebrate being you! 🌈 In 2024, we're honoring the remarkable contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in Medicine and Healthcare. From historical figures to present-day trailblazers, their impact is undeniable. 🏥 It's crucial, especially in a world plagued by hate crimes and discrimination, that we listen and learn from lived experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. Let's come together under the scope of understanding and actively support our LGBTQIA+ people. 💙 Read more: https://lnkd.in/ezYRSAC4

Happy #WorldAdoptionDay! 💞 It's also #NationalAdoptionMonth. Everyone deserves a loving home. Adopting is a powerful decision for anyone to make, including LGBTQ+ folks. Whether you’re wondering how to get started, which agency to pick, or what adoption can mean for your family, we have resources to help. https://lnkd.in/eQ_b5rMd

Check out this post I just wrote for our practice! #lgbtqcommunity #lgbtqrights #lgbtqsupport

“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

Are you considering LGBTQ+ adoption? It can be complex emotionally and legally. Having an experienced attorney by your side is crucial. Litowich Law in Salem provides trusted representation for various adoptions, including those involving LGBTQ+ couples: https://zurl.co/BjDE

Image Description for the blind and visuallyimpaired: Background has vertical rainbow colors, white cursive lettering on top reads "We Stand United in the fight for INCLUSION". The word "inclusion" is in rainbow colors.