QUEERSPACE collective’s Post

What causes LGBTQ+ people to be underrepresented in Stem, and how can we improve inclusion and retention? Join our webinar on 2 July to discuss some of the work being done towards LGBTQ+ inclusion, with Ioana Latu and Bryce Hughes. Book your place: https://rsc.li/4bhJweq

What is Straight For Equality? Straight for Equality (S4E) is an outreach and education program by PFLAG National that helps allies understand their role in supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ people. It's especially helpful for folks who may not have LGBTQ+ loved ones, but want to learn about how they can become an ally in the community or workplace. Learn more at straightforequality.org

It was a pleasure to speak at Kearney for their LGBTQ+ History Month event. I enjoyed bringing insights from the research in my new book Queering Normativity and South Asian Public Culture: Wrong Readings Only (2023) to the conversation. Nipun opened by asking about why LGBTQ+ histories are important today especially as we celebrate Pride widely in the workplace and in the UK. It was helpful provocative reminder to reflect on the difficult journey up to this point, but also the long path forward still. While the UK has in the recent past changed quite a few of its laws to make the lives of LGBTQ+ people more equitable, there is still so much work to do here to destigmatize people's lives, to build equitable and inclusive policies drawing on the laws, to resist stereotypes and cultural biases deployed to create divisions between people, especially in relation to women and trans* people, and to continue to work together towards equity for all. It is also important to place LGBTQ+ histories within the context of people's social and cultural background. Many countries are on their own journey in the struggle against the colonial legacy of British laws that remain in their constitutions and have become a part of the cultural fear of differences. LGBTQ+ histories reminds us of the many people who have struggled before us to build a more just place to be ourselves. But these histories give us a chance to place our lives, and the freedoms we enjoy, in context. It marks our responsibility to future generations and the work we still have to do to continue building towards a future where people are free to be in the wholeness of their humanity. My thanks to the team at Kearney for valuing the importance of continuous learning, engaging across so many people's knowledge and expertise, and for the work done by many to set up the conversation. I enjoyed learning from Ethan, Neil, and Nipun. Please continue having these excellent conversations! Image description: Seated on the panel right to left Nipun Dhingra, Ethan Spibey, Neil Griffiths, and J. Daniel Luther with a slide on Normativity and the normal in the background.

Did you know being queer has been common in cultures around the world since we first started making human records? Did you know the words homosexuality and heterosexuality were 'invented' in the late 19th century? How has being LGBTQ+ been shaped by the medical and scientific communities? Get the answers to these questions and more in this upcoming event. Hope to see some of you there - it's one of my favourite topics to talk about!

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

As we celebrate Pride Month, let us also urge employers to foster workplaces that are inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ+ employees. By implementing inclusive policies, providing resources for LGBTQ+ support, and cultivating a culture of acceptance, businesses can create environments where everyone can thrive authentically. Follow the link below to read the full article. https://lnkd.in/gXrHHnMP

New Year, same dedication to supporting LGBTQ+ people. Comment if you're with us in 2024. 🌈 While many individuals focus on health and career goals, it's equally important to consider resolutions that foster inclusivity and support for marginalized communities. ⬇️ Here are practical and meaningful ways to embrace LGBTQ+ allyship as you embark on the journey of the upcoming year: https://lnkd.in/eNU7UKn8 

Happy Pride Month!! As a labor union that represents over 1,500 members, SLOCEA is committed to supporting & advocating for each of them, including those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. To learn more about the labor movement’s connection to the LGBTQ+ community, check out the article on our blog written by SLOCEA labor rep, Brooke Daphne!

What is Straight For Equality? Straight for Equality (S4E) is an outreach and education program by PFLAG National that helps allies understand their role in supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ people. It's especially helpful for folks who may not have LGBTQ+ loved ones, but want to learn about how they can become an ally in the community or workplace. Learn more at straightforequality.org

3 things that I implore you to remember this Pride season. 1. Allyship is wonderful, but it is something earned, not just claimed. If you say that you are an ally, you must back that up with more than words. It must be backed up with actions. 2. Remember that being out is a privilege. To all who are unable to be out for whatever reason, or who choose to remain private about your situations, you are still valid and you still deserve to have pride. This elder-queer loves and supports you. <3 3. Please remember that while it is wonderful and AMAZING to support small and independent queer artists during Pride season and beyond, not everyone has the financial stability and privilege to do so, and purchasing a small trinket from a big box store may be cheaper, easier, and more accessible for some folx and that is OK. Don't shame people for it, because you don't know their experience or what they are going through. Also, those public corporate displays? They often matter to people who cannot be out for their own reasons. So absolutely celebrate independently, responsibly, etc. But have patience and grace for all. Happy Pride, everyone!