Kendo Brands, Inc.’s Post

🗓️ June is one of my favourite months of the year 6️⃣ 🌈 While I read posts celebrating Pride Month, I realize is also the 13th anniversary of the Ruggie’s “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. “🔖 The intersection of both occasions is clear: business have a vital role towards the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people. And businesses are built by the people! As I reflect on my journey towards an LGBTQIA+ ally, here are some steps I have taken: ➡️ I took time to educate myself on language use or historical events such as the Stonewall riots. ➡️ I tried to ask and listen before stating. Because only members of the community can say what feels right - or wrong. ➡️ I worked to challenge and unlearn the biases ingrained in my upbringing. ➡️ I started to speak out against exclusive statements or microagressions. Today beyond my corporate role, I continue on my learning journey. 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈Because the basics are in the Human Rights Declaration: all human beings are equal. #pridemonth #humanrights

The power of diversity and inclusion is that it connects us all together as we strive to been seen, heard, and valued for who we truly are. June marks the celebration of Pride and serves as a reminder of all the progress we've made in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. 🏳🌈 It also serves as a rallying point for us to come together and protect that progress while also working towards an even more inclusive future for all. Join us virtually in community on June 26: https://lnkd.in/eb9fbdAA The Winters Group is excited to continue the momentum from our recent Justice for All Summit ✨ by hosting the first of several virtual learning labs open to the public this year! Our first lab, Pride for Past, Present, and the Future, will be held on Wednesday, June 26, from 2-3:30 ET on the topic of Justice for the LGBTQIA+ Community in today’s world. Our panel of experts will bring insights from their lived experiences and their work in a variety of fields and organizations to shed light on the current state of LGBTQIA+ experiences, what is needed in this unique moment from allies and coalition-builders, and where we are headed in the future. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eb9fbdAA * As a Black women-owned and led business, we want to ensure we are honoring the time, lived experiences, and thought leadership of our panelists and team. In the spirit of equity, we are not mandating a specific price for this event. Our suggested price is $75 for the 90-minute session, but you are free to select any amount above $5. (No one will be turned away, regardless of ability to pay. If you would like to request a free registration, please reach out to us.) #PrideMonth2024 #Allyship #Pride #DiversityAndInclusion

#Pride is less than a month away, and once again the haters have ramped up their campaign against businesses such as Target from selling Pride merchandise, and one again some of my fellow members of the #LGBTQ community are complaining about these companies apparently backing down from the haters. My question to those members of the LGBTQ community who complain about #Target and other companies shifting their policies towards selling Pride merchandise is what should a publicly traded company do to protect it's employees and property from some Trumpanzee wearing a MAGA hat two sizes too small so it doesn't cover the point on their head from potentially causing harm to their employees or property? Do you really expect a Target employee who's paid minimum wage to stand up to and possibly take a punch or worse by some attention seeking knuckle dragger who's recording their stomping a styrofoam Pride display just so they can get some views on YouTube? The responsible answer to my question is "NO!" One solution to the problem which I am suggesting to the LGBTQ community who want to purchase Pride merchandise from a business which is trying to deal with haters while both protecting their employees and property, as well as showing some support by offering Pride merchandise is, if possible, purchase Pride merchandise from the business's web site if it is offered. To that end here is the URL to Pride merchandise being offered by Target: https://lnkd.in/g7a8AzCi You can also purchase Pride merchandise from local businesses as well, to show your support of their supporting Pride. While you may not be too happy with the solution I am proposing you can take some joy from the fact it is a potential solution the haters, and it helps keep hardworking employees safe from harm, and more importantly it sends a message to the haters that they can't stop Pride or keep the LGBTQ community from celebrating Pride. I may or may not get some negative remarks from other members of the LGBTQ (or trolls pretending to be members of the LGBTQ community 😉 ), but I take pride in offering a solution to keeping Pride safe, and to show the haters the LGBTQ community can out whit them without too much effort. PS: Also consider that complaining about companies like Target shifting their policies regarding Pride is also what the haters want. PPS: Hate is bad for #business. Stand up to it or find ways around it. #LGBTQCommunity #AcceptanceMatters #NoToHate

Embracing Pride Month: Celebrating Progress, Acknowledging History, and Fostering Allyship As Pride Month unfolds, it's a time to celebrate the vibrant diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community and honor the courageous individuals and allies who have paved the way for progress. Embracing Pride goes beyond festivities; it's an opportunity to shed light on the historical struggle and to draw inspiration from those who have fearlessly championed basic human rights in the face of adversity. Reflecting on history, we are reminded of the relentless advocacy for equality that has taken place globally. This calls for profound acknowledgment of the unwavering resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies in the pursuit of fundamental human rights. It's a moment to recognise the pain and suffering endured, and to harness the lessons learned to fuel our commitment to do better. In today's world, the stark reality persists that many individuals still face disrespect and discrimination based on their identities. While we acknowledge milestones like the legalisation of same-sex marriage in orthodox religion-based countries, the cultural shift towards acceptance and inclusivity lags behind. This highlights the pressing need for sustained action to bridge this gap and cultivate a society where everyone's identity is respected and valued. Amidst the ongoing journey towards equality, allyship emerges as a powerful force for change. It's not only about visible support but also about driving transformation behind the scenes. By propelling the entrance of the LGBTQIA+ community into spaces where systemic change can be realised—be it political forums, cultural representations on screen, or global speaker platforms—allyship becomes an indispensable catalyst for progress. Drawing inspiration from the profound words in "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse": “I can't see a way through,” said the boy. “Can you see your next step?” “Yes.” “Just take that,” said the horse. Let's carry the spirit of bravery and magnificence forward as we continue to champion inclusivity, celebrate love, and strive for a world where all identities are embraced and respected. And let's take the next step, together. #PrideMonth #Equality #Inclusion #Allyship

As we step into Pride Month, I want to take a moment to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community. 🌈 Pride is more than just a celebration; it’s a powerful statement about love, identity, and the freedom to be oneself without fear. It’s about recognizing the struggles, honoring the courage, and supporting the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. As an ally, I stand in solidarity with my LGBTQIA+ friends, colleagues, and the global community. I am committed to learning, listening, and lending my voice to advocate for inclusivity and diversity in all spaces. How can you become an ally, you ask? 😇 There are so many things you can do to be a better ally. 1. Educate yourself. 2. Listen and learn. 3. Be mindful of pronouns. 4. Practice inclusivity when you address the room. 5. Give up those “jokes” that are hurtful to the community. 6. Shame those movies that make fun of the community in a slapstick stereotypical way. 7. Call out discrimination when you see one. 8. Be humble, learn from mistakes, challenge your biases. 9. Support LGBTQIA+ causes. 10. If you are a reader like me, incorporate books by authors from LGBTQIA+ community in your bookshelf. (You can always ask me if you need reading recommendations) And if you are still on the fence about becoming an ally, no pressure. I hope you become one, someday. Till then, be open minded, be supportive. Otherwise, just get out of the way of progress, equality and equity. Let’s use this month to reflect on how we can all contribute to a world where everyone can live authentically and love freely. Let’s continue to educate ourselves, speak up against discrimination, and celebrate the beautiful spectrum of human experience. Happy Pride Month! #PrideMonth #Inclusion #Diversity #Allyship #archesintherainbow Chandra Duraiswamy

Brands coming out at Pride is more vital than ever 🌈 For a long time, many queer people have directed understandable scepticism toward brands and businesses’ involvement in Pride festivities, whether it be marching in parades, hosting panel discussions or releasing limited edition products. Regardless of this, there’s no questioning the impact that visible mainstream allyship can have. For example, a Tesco Express donning rainbow flags including in its most rural of stores, or Virgin Atlantic releasing an all-inclusive travel ad ✈️ Until recently, it felt like brands and businesses were part of a proactive wider effort to change hearts and minds. They were setting precedents and, loudly and proudly, telling customers and consumers that queer people are deserving of equal love, respect and safety. Today, it feels like that’s shifted. Instead of these brands moving the dial on the public, we’re starting to see examples of them being bullied out of their efforts by loud (and very online) minorities of bigots, in particular transphobes. The latest high-profile example of this is Target in the US, who moved their Pride displays from the front to the backs of stores after conservative activists vandalized them. Target has since confirmed it will be scaling back its Pride activities for 2024 🎯 At a time where so many of our media outlets and ‘leaders’ continue using LGBT lives to sell stories, stoke division and act as political footballs, it’s more important than ever for brands and businesses who declare themselves inclusive to come out and Pride (and beyond) stand up for us publicly. #pride #pridemonth #pridesponsors #brandsatpride #pridepartnerships #pridecampaigns

While some marketing tactics have become commonplace during Pride Month, true inclusivity requires a deeper and long-term commitment. 👉🏾Swipe to see our actionable tips for crafting impactful Pride Month campaigns that go beyond surface-level gestures. Want more insights? Read the full blog at this link, and let us know: Which brands do you think have successfully championed the LGBTQIA+ community and its history during Pride Month? https://lnkd.in/g_czVUiJ #PrideMonthMarketing #InclusiveMarketing #AuthenticStorytelling #LGBTQIARepresentation

Pride Month is a time to stand together, celebrate diversity, and show that love is love. 🏳️🌈 Why Showing Support Matters: Visibility Equals Empowerment: Your support empowers those who see it, knowing they are accepted and celebrated. Fostering Inclusion: Promoting an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Starting Conversations: Simple gestures can spark meaningful conversations about equality, acceptance, and the importance of being an ally. Building Community: Being part of a global movement, standing in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. Supporting Change: Contributing to support LGBTQIA+ causes and organizations, driving real, positive change. The Power of Pride Merch: Wearing Pride merch shows your support in a visible way, helping to increase awareness and spread the message of love and acceptance. Get Involved: Show your true colours this Pride Month. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and loved. 🌈✨

🌈 Celebrating a Week of our diverse Motherfunners! 🌈   So far this week to mark #IDAHOBIT on May 17, we’ve been profiling our amazing LGBTQIA+ Motherfunners and sharing their stories and embracing their uniqueness.    Today meet Troy Dunford, the Venue Manager of one of our oldest and most beloved venues, Strike Frankston! Q. Why – in your opinion – are days against discrimination like IDAHOBIT still important?   A. As much as we have progressed as a society to be more inclusive and accepting of all people, there are still those out there who are uninformed or misinformed about the LGBTQIA+ community and don't understand or see the struggles we go through in day to day life.    Q. Can you tell us about an instance when someone was an effective ally to you, and how it made you feel?   A. The biggest instances for me when someone has been an ally is when I tell them I am part of the LGBTQIA+ community and they say something as simple as "that's cool", because they are just accepting of me as a person rather than making a fuss.     Q. Tell us about your experience as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community at Funlab ?  A. I've been with Funlab for a short time so far, but the pronoun badges, Rainbow Tick accreditation, gender affirmation leave and so much more made it feel inclusive and safe from the day I joined!     Q. What is your top tip for someone just starting out in their LGBTQIA+ allyship or inclusion journey?  A. Recently I had someone concerned because they wanted to support the LGBTQIA+ community by simply wearing a pronoun badge and an ally pin but were scared of what people might say to them. I explained that this is how LGBTQIA+ people feel most days without ever wearing those badges, so showing that small act of solidarity goes a long way for the community!    

Affirming Advisor™ celebrates Pride Month, recognizing all of the advisors, firms, and all those within and beyond our profession who create safe spaces for others. We are grateful to the growing number of advisors and firms worldwide who join is in helping advance the work in helping the LGBTQIA+ community and allies achieve their financial goals. #pride #financialplanning #wealthmanagement Dr. Charles ChaffinDr. Brad Klontz