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“But it is not bravery; I have no choice. I wake up and live my life. Don't you do the same?” And that’s what each of us do, including people with disabilities. It isn’t bravery it’s simply working with whatever one has got in best possible manner. Aria Mia Loberti, who is legally blind, walked the red carpet of Golden Globes with her guide dog, making Globes history. Casting a blind person in a movie to play a blind character is one thing, giving a platform of Golden Globe to the person for her great performance is absolutely GREAT. No, it is not great; it is basic/obvious/logical, like in case of any other performer. Atleast this once, Golden Globe ‘walk the talk’ We have a collective responsibility to ensure that equal opportunities are given to all of us without discrimination. That our infrastructure supports every individual. We as a society have to ensure that each one of us feel comfortable even in our disabilities in public domain or in this case the coveted red carpet. We all know what are the right things to do but are we actually doing those things? In words of Verna Myers- Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance. #goldenglobes #inclusion #diversity #diversityandinclusion #disability #celebratetogether

Every June, cities around the world are awash in vibrant rainbows as the LGBTQ+ community and allies celebrate Pride Month. This celebration is often associated with coming out, a pivotal moment for many LGBTQ+ individuals. However, Pride Month is about much more than that. It is a powerful affirmation of pride in oneself, a celebration of self-acceptance, and a call to embrace our authentic identities. Coming out is undoubtedly significant; it marks a personal and often transformative journey. Yet, Pride Month extends beyond this singular act. It is about recognizing and honoring the ongoing process of self-acceptance. For many, embracing their identity is a lifelong journey that involves overcoming societal prejudices, internalized stigma, and personal struggles. Pride Month celebrates the courage it takes to live authentically every day. Moreover, Pride is about visibility and representation. It serves as a reminder that LGBTQ+ individuals exist in all walks of life and deserve to be seen, heard, and respected. This visibility is crucial in fostering a sense of belonging and community, especially for those who might feel isolated or marginalized as I did growing up and even through my young adulthood. I felt I was worth less than the folks who were “normal”. At its core, Pride is about love and self-respect. It’s a declaration that everyone deserves to love and be loved, free from fear and discrimination. It's about acknowledging the worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In essence, Pride Month is a celebration of the entire journey of self-acceptance. It’s about coming out, yes, but it's also about what comes after—living openly, authentically, and proudly. It’s a time to embrace who we are and to support others in their journeys toward self-acceptance. Pride is not just an event; it's a powerful affirmation of identity, community, and love…FOR EVERYONE. I’m proud to be a part of an organization who celebrates this month with our community!

Marc Safman is one of the organizers for the upcoming event: Charting the Way Forward on Saturday, February 24, 2024. He will be onsite in New York at Medgar Evers College, CUNY. Link to more information about event: http://bit.ly/49R4bGx Quote from Marc: “There’s a fear of disabled people still, and it’s deep. And it’s one of the reasons why, even within the progressive political community, people won’t touch it. Because they don’t think that there’s votes in the disabled community.” [Image Description: Top Left: QR code with text beside it saying "Scan QR Code to left for Event Details." Top right: Charting the Way Forward Logo has white background: Top line King's Dream in blue text. Underneath is a bright orange outline surrounding two lines of black text. Topline word Disability Bottom line JUSTICE (ALL CAPS) Center: Text “There’s a fear of disabled people still, and it’s deep. And it’s one of the reasons why, even within the progressive political community, people won’t touch it. Because they don’t think that there’s votes in the disabled community.” Below the quote: Circular photo of Marc, he is standing in front of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. He is dressed formally in a beige suit with a white shirt and a yellow-striped tie. He is wearing glasses and has short dark hair. He is holding a dark brown leather bag in his left hand and is standing on what appears to be a reflective surface, as the Capitol building is partially reflected in front of him. To the right of Marc’s photo: Text "Speaker, Marc Safman, CEO of Safman Consulting"] #DisabilityAwareness #DisabilityPride #DisabilityJustice #Representation #Deaf #ASL #AfricanAmerican #Disability #Disabilities #Intersectionality #DeafBlind #Diversity #Equity #DEI #Accessibility #NYCEvents #DCEvents #VirtualEvents #Inclusion #OnlineEvents #Inclusion #BlackDisability #InclusiveImpactBranding #TheResourceKey #SafmanConsulting #BlackHistoryMonth #Community #InclusionMatters #DiversityandInclusion #AccessibilityForAll

👭 Pride with Purpose: Beyond the Rainbow 👬 As Pride Month unfolds, are you tired of being inundated with promotional messages, images, and merchandise full of rainbows, too? I’m so tired of all the rainbow logos and more every June. Don’t get me wrong; I’m a strong ally and respect those businesses whose participation is genuine and authentic. I’m not a fan of lip service or performative marketing. Yesterday, I walked past the optical shop pictured below. It’s one of many examples right now. Where are all these companies the other 11 months of the year? Yes, everyone must feel welcome. It’s also crucial to remember that genuine support for the LGBTQIA+ community goes beyond “rainbow washing.” At Spodek & Co., creating safe spaces for all identities is a year-round commitment rooted in equity, inclusion, and dignity. Our differences strengthen us, and we’re dedicated to ensuring everyone feels valued and respected, not just in June but every day. We’re far from perfect, but we try our best. This Pride Month, let’s all strive to find ways to support and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community all year round with authenticity and respect. 🌈 How is your business supporting Pride this year? #PrideMonth #AuthenticSupport #Marketing

This Pride Month, we want to take the opportunity to celebrate the individuality of everyone, whether they're a UKFCU member, UKFCU employee or anybody else. We are built on community, and that's why we're proud to recognize the LGBTQIA+ community! Check out this article to learn more about how LGBTQIA+ Americans can overcome barriers to building credit: https://ow.ly/u9hy50S7gre

Judging the AAF’s Mosaic Awards for Toledo has been an incredible journey into the heart of creativity, advocacy and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.           The raw talent displayed by the candidates was nothing short of amazing — a true celebration of the rich tapestry that makes our communities unique and vibrant. From groundbreaking creative works to transformative advocacy, these individuals and companies are shaping a future that is inclusive for all. The Mosaic Awards recognize the dedication of those who go above and beyond, amplifying underrepresented communities with depth and authenticity. Their initiatives transcend mere recognition; they create a cultural impact that resonates and sustains over time. It’s not just about representation; it’s about fostering a genuine understanding of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and Disability communities. Every winning entry showcases a unique vision, a lens through which we gain a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of the narratives that need to be heard. These creators and companies are not just promoting diversity; they’re driving systemic change through and inclusivity. Cheers to the Mosaic Awards for recognizing and honoring those who are making a difference, challenging norms, and building a world where everyone’s story matters. #AFF #MosaicAwards

Thomas will be a speaker at upcoming event: Charting the Way Forward on Saturday, February 24, 2024, link to more information about event: http://bit.ly/49R4bGx Quote from Thomas Reid : "As a society, we seem to be okay with accommodations that are easiest for us. And too often the undue burden is put on the disabled person. It’s like we fail to see the value of accessibility." Image Description for Quote Image: [Top Left: QR code with text beside it saying "Scan QR Code to left for Event Details." Top right: Charting the Way Forward Logo has white background: Top line King's Dream in blue text. Underneath is a bright orange outline surrounding two lines of black text. Topline word Disability Bottom line JUSTICE (ALL CAPS) Center: Text: "As a society, we seem to be okay with accommodations that are easiest for us. And too often the undue burden is put on the disabled person. It’s like we fail to see the value of accessibility." Below the quote: Circular photo of Thomas, Thomas Reid a brown skin Black man with a smooth shaven bald head and full neat beard with a sprinkling of salt and pepper, smiles into the camera. He wears dark shades and a Grey and black sweater with a Black turtle neck. To the Right of Thomas’ photo: Text "Speaker, Thomas Reid, Host and Producer of Reid My Mind Radio." Jourdan Saunders, MS, CCC-SLP #DisabilityAwareness #DisabilityPride #DisabilityJustice #Broadcasting #VideoProduction #Media #Representation #AfricanAmerican #Disability #Disabilities #Intersectionality #Diversity #Equity #DEI #Accessibility #NYCEvents #DCEvents #VirtualEvents #OnlineEvents #Inclusion #BlackDisability #InclusiveImpactBranding #TheResourceKey #SafmanConsulting #BlackHistoryMonth #Community #InclusionMatters #DiversityandInclusion #AccessibilityForAll #Blind #Braille #Lowvision #LargePrint #Magnification #screenreaders #WCAG #leadership #networking #brailleliteracy #sustainability #communityengagement 

I was absolutely honored to be able to contribute to Eptura's most recent blog about the importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging in the workplace. This is such an important topic to consider, especially during 🌈 Pride Month 🌈 . Thrilled to get to work for a company that prioritizes inclusion and diversity--check out the article below!

🗓️ 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

One thing I often have to remind people of, as June rolls around and rainbow flags are dusted off for the month, is that Pride is a protest. The first Pride march wasn't a march so much; it was a riot, started off at the Stonewall Bar in New York City in 1969 (a bar I recently had the pleasure of visiting). And the subsequent marches were not only joyful displays of colour and life but angry, powerful demonstrations that LGBTQ+ people had the same rights to live and enjoy life as everyone else did. One could be forgiven for thinking that the work of these protests was done. After all, London now hosts one of the world's largest marches, led by corporations who pay tens of thousands of pounds for the privilege. Wherever you turn, you can see advertising displaying Pride-themed shopping products, from micellar water to reusable coffee cups. Pride is very clearly here and it is never more on display than it is throughout Pride Month. As soon as July rolls around, however, many people seem to forget Pride. The rainbow merchandise languishes in discount sections in supermarkets. Companies and shops take out the bunting. Pride has been and gone, and business can return as usual, the yearly obligation completed. Pride Month is the most visible time for LGBTQ+ people, but our community does not disappear as soon as the calendar rolls over to July 1st. The challenges and struggles that we face are just as potent in July as they are in May. Pride itself, as a protest and as a movement, does not sleep and does not stop. More than ever, our community needs allyship, community, and togetherness. Pride marches should be spaces where we and our allies remind the world of the rights we have fought so hard to win, rights that can be taken away far more easily than they were ever earned. Pride should be a time of joy and celebration, but also a time of renewing, of committing to making the world a more inclusive, brighter place.