alice + olivia’s Post

As we honor Pride Month, let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made, recognize the invaluable contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, and pledge to continue our efforts in creating a more just and inclusive society for all. Together, we can build a future where everyone can be their authentic selves, and equity in all aspects of life, including healthcare, is a reality. https://lnkd.in/eRwGpsxg https://lnkd.in/ejZsPCJ8

It’s a critical time for LGBTQ+ groups, and unrestricted revenue helps organizations at the frontlines accomplish more, like responding rapidly to evolving situations. NEW Pride Agenda and Funders for LGBTQ Issues share their thoughts about it >> ✳ "Independent revenue generation helps our organization respond more rapidly to emerging crises in our community and engage in more direct advocacy work with ease. It allows our organization to have strategic reserves and flexible spending power." - Elisa Crespo, Executive Director, New Pride Agenda ✳ "In a critical moment for LGBTQ communities nationwide, independent revenue streams empower our organization to move creatively and with flexibility amid a constantly shifting landscape." - Amara Reese-Hansell, Member Engagement Officer, Funders for LGBTQ Issues 🔗 Read about our inaugural LGBTQ+ cohort to build power through revenue generation! https://bit.ly/4630dYB

In a landscape where LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States face numerous hurdles, one critical concern often remains overlooked: the underappreciation of LGBTQ+ community centers. Despite being essential lifelines, these centers frequently operate in the shadows, their profound impact on LGBTQ+ lives often unacknowledged. Denise Spivak, CEO of CenterLink, brings attention to this pressing issue, highlighting the immense value these centers hold. She underscores their role as crucial support networks for struggling LGBTQ+ youth, offering services like affirmative healthcare and fostering a strong sense of belonging. Spivak's insights emphasize the urgency of recognizing and supporting these centers, ensuring that their invaluable contributions to the LGBTQ+ community are fully recognized and valued. To gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal topic, read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eiQ3xUaV . Let's come together to ensure these centers receive the acknowledgment and support they truly deserve. [IMAGE: Featuring a text excerpt from Denise Spivak's article against a backdrop of dark blue gradient with the LGBTQIA+ flag.] #SupportLGBTQCenters #RecognizeTheirImpact #EmpowerTheCommunity 👏🌈

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.

Heading back to school can be a stressful time for LGBTQ+ youth. This week’s blog offers some supportive strategies for both parents and helpers. 7 Tips to Create a Safer School Year for LGBTQ+ Youth.  https://lnkd.in/e4_bH8Uz   If you found this helpful, check out CTRI’s workshop, Gender and Sexual Diversity in Youth. Its goal is to enable helpers to create more affirming, accessible, and welcoming environments for those who identify as LGBTQ+.   https://lnkd.in/ehihDeJV

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!

In a time where we are seeing escalating disinformation, lobbying, stigma, and violence directed at LGBTQ+ people, especially trans people, drag artists and creatives, and those who are gender expansive, it’s more important than ever that our communities stand united in supporting one another through our events. As LGBTQ+ communities, we know that opportunities to connect with one another are important for our wellbeing and help us create safer, healthier communities. This is something we are passionate about. ACON has developed a useful guide for LGBTQ+ organisations to offer tips and advice for some ways that you can make decisions about initiatives and plan your events in ways that support both your safety, and the safety of the communities you work with and for. Check it out here: 👉 https://ow.ly/nS3z50PEQyo We are also doing further work supporting LGBTQ+ community safety and will be closely engaging with community partners. If you'd like to express interest in contributing to this work, or receiving further resources about community safety, then please fill out this form here. 👉 https://ow.ly/lZ1L50PEQyp

From The Human Rights Campaigner Specific findings from our 2023 Youth Report can help parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth better support their loved ones. In this one pager, you’ll find the data and next steps that speak to your specific experience to help you better support the LGBTQ+ youth in your life: hrc.im/YRParents2023

Allies within the LGBTQ+ community are crucial in promoting equality, safety and inclusion for all LGBTQ+ people. This module will discuss how you can create safer spaces (wherever that may be) for LGBTQ+ people by avoiding assumptions, removing tokenism and challenging discriminatory behaviour. Find out more about the individual modules we have on offer on our website - https://buff.ly/3QjiAU7

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.