Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support’s Post

This latest article is more of a prayer, a hope, and a guide for aid organisations to fully embed all of the preconditions they need to proudly say that they are fully invested and able to implement diverse SOGIESC inclusion in their organisations. Of course, things don't always work in a linear fashion, and there are people inside organisations that do individual projects that are inclusive of individuals and specific communities, but that doesn't make an inclusive organisation. Many steps take energy, resources, expertise, and years of hard work. But what a great time to focus on what you can do as an aid organisation than Pride Month.

As with most emerging companies, challenges are numerous and progress is precious. It’s easy to lose your way. I wrote the song “The Place We All Belong” to express my thanks to our team at Rali for creating a culture where people are valued, appreciated, and connected to our mission and each other. The song is also a wish. A wish that it might help others create a conversation with their team or organization about what makes your place THE PLACE you all belong. If you have a chance to listen, what comes to mind for you? Do you feel you belong “right here where you are?” Do others? Is it worth a conversation to find ways to create more belonging? Are there things you are doing that are working? https://lnkd.in/ekKJd5V6 #inclusion #belonging

EMPLOYERS! CAN YOUR STAFF OPT OUT OF PRIDE, IF IT'S NOT THEIR THING? For many, Pride month is a straightforward celebration. But for other employees, it is a deeply painful time of year. As Tanya de Grunwald mentioned in her excellent piece last week (link in comments), plenty of your lesbian, gay and bisexual staff will feel alienated by the focus on 'trans' and gender identity. Female employees with concerns about the impact of 'trans inclusion' on women's rights and children's safeguarding may also resent being asked to embrace this controversial aspect of Pride. And those from religious or cultural minorities may also have strong views, but feel uncomfortable speaking up. And there are two other groups of employees that you may not have considered: 1) Parents and families of people who have decided to or want to transition. The decision to take hormones and undergo surgery isn't minor and it can often cause rifts and difficulties in families, even if the family is supportive of somebody's desire to transition. For some this decision is devastating, not only because their loved one may be a minor, but more broadly because of the life-long consequences of hormonal and surgical interventions and the psychological impact of seeing the world through a 'trans' lens. Many parents and family members do not want to have to celebrate 'trans' because from where they stand, transition is not a cause for celebration. 2) Detransitioners and desisters: these are people who at some point in their lives saw themselves as 'trans' but no longer adhere to the ideas that go along with it. Detransitioners will have undergone hormonal and/or surgical interventions to modify their bodies. These interventions have life-long consequences. For these people, the ideas behind 'trans' and the physical and psychological pain that interventions have caused them are no cause for celebration. The last thing they want is a workplace that heavily encourages people to celebrate these ideas and interventions. Now that we've highlighted this, we urge you to consider creating ways for these employees to step out of Pride activities without attracting stigma. You'll find some ideas in this video with our founder Stella O'Malley, and therapist Sasha Ayad. If these groups raise questions or complaints, please handle them with care - this is sensitive stuff. And if you can't get it right this year, please be more thoughtful next year? Thank you. https://lnkd.in/ejakq-ep

How many of our colleagues will regret having submitted themselves to gender affirming surgeries? How many colleagues will regret they followed advice given to affirm their children in a trans identity? We may have once said we celebrate Pride, but did we understand precisely what we were celebrating? Can you say out loud the following statements: I celebrate the castration of young adults. I celebrate sterilising children. I celebrate subjecting young people to dangerous and experimental procedures. I celebrate discouraging colleagues from asking critical questions. Don't rock the boat as the saying goes. I'm of the view that the Pride movement is a sinking ship. I see no evidence those involved are willing to face up to the risk they bring to companies. If those responsible for your Pride movement will not rock the boat or allow you to do so, it may not be long before Pride movements are banned in many work places. Do you agree with my concerns above, or do you think I'm being ridiculous?

There's so much to recognize and celebrate in June - Pride Month! But much more work and learning to be done. Did you know what each letter, number, and symbol stands for in 2SLGBTQIA+? We created this visual to teach us all about what's at the heart of this important acronym. #pride #happypride

The Equality Act & LGBTQ Data Inclusion Act are imperative to increase #LGBTQIA workplace equity. Email lawmakers to turn up the volume and demand our communities are seen, heard, and respected! #PrideInYourPay #LGBTQIAEqualPay https://lnkd.in/gjqkjtPt

As National Civility Month kicks off, it's time to consider the importance of respecting one another and how we can spread positivity throughout the year. This month, and every month, it's important that we take the time to think about how our words and actions can have an impact on others. #NationalCivilityMonth

🎭 Embracing Diversity: Reflecting on Purim's Lesson in Authenticity at Work 🎭 Today Sedex took the opportunity to celebrate Purim by making Mishloach Manot (Purim gift bags). Purim (which is this Sunday) is a joyous Jewish holiday marked by costumes, revelry, and the retelling of an ancient story, it's an opportune moment to reflect on its relevance to our modern workplaces. Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people from persecution in ancient Persia. One aspect of this tale often overlooked is the necessity for many Jews, like Queen Esther, to conceal their true identity in order to navigate their professional and personal lives safely. In today's diverse workplaces, many individuals still grapple with the decision to reveal or conceal aspects of their identity, including their cultural or religious background (there were times when starting in my career that I was guilty of this). While Purim's context may be historical, its lessons remain deeply resonant. We must foster environments where authenticity is not just encouraged but celebrated. When individuals feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work, they contribute more fully, innovate more boldly, and collaborate more effectively. It's truly inspiring to see the work Sedex does around diversity. Creating a safe space for people from different religions and backgrounds to come together and share their customs and beliefs with a team who are eager to learn. Let's take this Purim as an opportunity to reflect on how we can create inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued and accepted for who they truly are. Together, let's strive to make every day a celebration of diversity, authenticity, and unity. Chag Purim Sameach! 🎉 #Purim #DiversityandInclusion #AuthenticityAtWork #InclusiveWorkplaces #CelebratingDiversity

Here's how to be an effective ally during Pride Month and every month.

🎉🌟 Celebrating Juneteenth Today! 🌟🎉 On this day, we honor a pivotal moment in our history - the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth isn't just about looking back; it's about moving forward with determination and hope. Here’s how we’re embracing this day: 1️⃣ Reflect on the Past: Remember the struggles and sacrifices that have paved the way for freedom and change. 🤔📚 2️⃣ Acknowledge Progress: Recognize the steps taken towards equality and justice, understanding there's still more to achieve. 🌱⏩ 3️⃣ Commit to Action: Dedicate ourselves to the ongoing work of building a just and equitable society. ✊🏾✊🏼✊🏿 4️⃣ Celebrate Culture: Embrace and enjoy the rich cultural heritage and resilience that this day symbolizes. 🎶🎨 5️⃣ Stand in Unity: Look forward with hope, envisioning a future where equality and respect are truly universal. 🤝🌍 Let's come together in commemoration and celebration. How are you honoring Juneteenth today? Share your ways of observing, reflecting, and celebrating. 🗣️👇 #FreedomDay #EqualityAndJustice #BriannaSellsHomes #Briday