Powin’s Post

Today marks the 54th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in the United States. Six days that reshaped the conversation around LGBTQIA+ rights. It is important however to acknowledge that activism for equal rights, freedom, and treatment did not begin on 28 June 1969, nor did it end. Stonewall in reality was the culmination of years of activism. And while Pride Month draws to a close, the celebration of and importance of pride should not stop. In the tech industry, tech companies like Hewlett Packard have often been at the forefront championing internal nondiscrimination policies even when it wasn't popular to do so. New technologies have also helped improve the connectivity, visibility, and safety of the LGBTQIA+ community. Yet, technology has also been used to perpetuate and amplify harm. There is much to do to ensure true diversity, equity, and inclusion. I'm committing time to learn, reflect on the importance of solidarity, my personal role to help enable a more just and fair society, and invite all to do the same. See below for a great article. #pridemonth #lgbtq #pride2023 #wearehpe

As a queer, non-dual, Black person of color (POC), I'm passionate about celebrating the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. It's crucial to recognize the unique experiences of non-binary individuals, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. Embracing queerness and non-binary identity requires immense courage, particularly in a world that often insists on fitting people into narrow boxes. This post is inspired by the countless times I've collaborated with #BoysWontBeBoys, and (Rikkert van Huisstede) Within my practice I come across a fair amount of intersectionality of queerness and being a person of color which adds complexity to the narratives I feel comfortable with. We must create inclusive spaces that honor and uplift the voices of queer, non-dual, Black, and POC individuals. It's also essential to acknowledge the agency of our own narratives. By sharing our experiences and speaking our truths, we empower ourselves and pave the way for future generations to live authentically. By actively listen to the stories of those who have been marginalized, uplift non-binary individuals, we create environments where everyone can thrive as their true selves. This way we can celebrate queerness, honor non-binary vulnerability, and champion the agency of our narratives. By doing so, we move closer to a world where every individual is valued, respected, and embraced for who they are. After profound conversation with the amazing Danique Jaspers, and an lovely photoshoot that puts all this into perspective, I feel like I can continue this breathtaking (positive and also negative sometimes) path to decolonising and queering the narratives. #Queerness #NonBinary #LGBTQ+ #Intersectionality #Empowerment #OwnYourStory

Happy #Pride Month! 🌈 This is me. For those who don't know, I am a proud queer/gay man, pronouns he/him/his (will respond to any used respectfully). These are my #rainbow accoutrement. 🙂 Why do I have these? I make it a goal to wear a rainbow accessory every day at work. I do this for 3 main reasons: 1. To help give a face to an underrepresented population. 2. To identify myself as a safe space for other #LGBTQIA+ individuals. 3. To show my #pride in a part of myself that some might have me hate. While this month is a time to #celebrate, it is also a time to #reflect on how far we have yet to go. LGBTQIA+ individuals are being discriminated against, attacked (both physically and politically/legally), and murdered simply for being (especially transgender individuals, especially black transgender individuals) According to various sources, the United States does not even rank in the top 10 safe places for LGBTQIA+ individuals to be in. As a country that boasts itself as the "land of the free" this is disgraceful. How are you celebrating Pride month? What can you do to support the LGBTQIA+ individuals in your life? #PrideMonth #Queer #Gay #LGBTQ #Diversity #DEI #Inclusion #Pride2024

It’s Pride Month once again, which is a month-long celebration of liberation and acceptance for our queer friends who have had a long history of struggle in the fight for their rights. The first World Pride happened in 2000 and is celebrated in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York, USA. To all our queer friends out there, Happy Pride! As the activist and one of the many prominent figures during the Stonewall Uprisings, Marsha Johnson, once said, “No Pride for some of us without liberation for all of us!” Hence, a society’s acceptance (or tolerance) of its queer members is a reflection of its perspective on the universality of human rights. And if you are not queer, that is totally okay. You can still celebrate Pride as an ally. Here are some tips on how to be a good ally: 1. Do not assume a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE) unless otherwise explicitly communicated. 2. Let people identify themselves on their own terms, time, and pace. 3. Be open to listening to the stories of your queer friends even if it can be difficult to relate to their experiences. 4. Use their preferred pronouns and lived names. 5. Be a safe space for them. 6. Raise awareness, disseminate relevant information, and have civil discussions involving LGBTQ+ communities. We can show support for our LGBTQ+ friends and acquaintances by simply celebrating Pride with them and advocating for their rights. #pridemonth #pride #lgbtqia #pride2024 #ally #girlpowertalk #spreadlove #inclusivecommunity #alliesmatter Penned By: Anjo A.

Happy Pride Month! As an ally, I have been educating myself about LGBTQIA2S+ history over the years. This history is not talked about as often as it should be, even though LGBTQIA2S+ individuals have faced immense persecution and discrimination simply for being themselves. Our history includes many instances of horrible treatment toward those who were seen as different. Pride Month is about so much more than parades, drag shows, beads, drinking, and love. It's a time for everyone to learn about the struggles and progress made by the LGBTQIA2S+ community. For example, do you know what all those letters stand for? (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Trans, Queer and Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender, and Two-Spirit). In honor of Pride Month, here are some resources to learn more about the community: Websites: APA: LGBTQ+ History - https://lnkd.in/eyJp3Vsr The Trevor Project: Resources - https://lnkd.in/eH4j3MjB Books: The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle by Lillian Faderman Stonewall: The Riots that Sparked the Gay Revolution by David Carter Radically Gay: Gay Liberation in the Words of its Founder by Harry Hay Gay New York: Gender, Urban Culture, and the Making of the Gay Male World 1890-1940 by George Chauncey Films and Documentaries: Stonewall Uprising documentary - https://lnkd.in/eaykGYCq Milk (2008 film available on Amazon Prime) The Birdcage (1996 film, starring Robin Williams, available on Amazon Prime and Peacock) Keep in mind that much of LGBTQIA2S+ history touches on topics of criminalization, racism, misogyny, discrimination, oppression, and similar issues. Be prepared for some heavy content. #PrideMonth #LGBTQIA2S #Allyship #LGBTQHistory #EqualityForAll #LoveIsLove #Pride2024 #InclusionMatters #SupportLGBTQ #CelebrateDiversity #HumanRights #LGBTQCommunity #LearnAndGrow #PrideEducation #LGBTQResources #StandWithPride #DiversityAndInclusion #PrideAwareness #LGBTQSupport #PrideAndProgress

🌈 Let the pride month companies Marketing campaigns start! 🌈 - which I don't mind at all, don't get me wrong! There's a lot of controversy regarding the pride month marketing campaigns, like switching the company's logo into a rainbow version, or stating their support to the LGBTQ+ community on a short LinkedIn post. Some people think it's hypocrite, like it's just another cold way of making money by taking advantage of an oppressed group's fight, while the reality in the company doesn't match with what they're stating. But, while I can understand that way of thinking, I still think this is better than nothing. At least, this controversy is creating debate and is forcing people to talk about the Queer cause! Pride month, to me, is the time of the year where the queer cause is present in (almost) everybody's daily life, and that generates reflection in them. Even if your company only changes the logo, or if they go beyond and brings up the discussion and uses this time to rethink what could they do better in order to support the Queer community, it all has an impact. Therefore, do share Queer content, do share your opinions, do share your stories, and do think about how can you become even more respectful and inclusive with Queer people. 👉 And, let's not forget: Pride month is not just about sexual orientation, but also about identity and expression! So, it's not just about "love is love", but also about "being". #pride #queer #lgbtq #pridemonth

🖤 National Coming Out Day 2023: Breaking Barriers Together 🏳️🌈 Yesterday many celebrated National Coming Out Day. Today I want to share a message of love, pride, and unity. My journey as a Black queer man has been filled with both triumphs and challenges, but it has made me who I am today – someone unapologetically me. I am fortunate enough to come from a loving and supportive family unit that embraced and affirmed me on my journey -- especially my siblings in the photo below. They are my biggest cheerleaders and I never take for granted how lucky I am to have them in my corner. This is not the reality for far too many LGBTQIA2S+ people especially queer youth. We all share in the responsibility of changing that reality.  This day isn't just about sharing our personal stories, it's also about recognizing the power of unity and collective action. At a time where anti-lgbtq+ sentiment is growing and our freedoms remain under constant attack, we must unite to ensure progress is not reversed 🌈 🌎 🗣 On this National Coming Out Day, I'm calling on each and every one of you to take action. Share your stories, amplify the voices of those still struggling to be heard, and be allies in the fight for equality. 🏛   Let's lobby for LGBTQ+ rights, not just locally, but on a global scale. 👐🏽  Let's foster safe spaces for dialogue and understanding, where gender identities are celebrated in all their beautiful forms.  💪🏿 Let's support organizations that champion the rights of our community and the intersections of our identities. 🤝  Let's remember that our strength is in our unity, and that our fight must include all members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. We will go farther together. 🔵 Together, we can change hearts and minds. We can dispel stereotypes and foster understanding. 🔵 Together, we can break down the barriers that hold us back. We can advocate for equal rights and representation. 🔵 Together, we can create a world where love knows no boundaries, where acceptance is the norm, and where every individual can live their authentic life. So, let's come together, not just today, but every day, to create a world that celebrates diversity, embraces love, and ensures equality for all. #NationalComingOutDay #LGBTQ+ #Unity #Equality 

🏳️🌈 Today, inclusivity in the workplace is widely embraced. But take it from someone who came out at 29: That’s only recently true. To younger generations, I hope the idea of spending the first 9 years of your working life as anything but your full self sounds bizarre. Recent news makes me fear otherwise. After decades of progress advancing LGBTQ+ rights, a vocal minority is threatening to roll it back. Schools and libraries are being forced to ban books that feature LGBTQ+ content. Plays and performances with even vaguely queer themes are being grossly misinterpreted and silenced. Drag performances are being banned. When simple stories or conversations that amount to “queer people exist” are vilified as pornographic, we’re moving in the wrong direction. Because even if they don’t represent most Americans, these decisions have a ripple effect. Anything that encourages people to love and embrace who they are is a good thing. Avoiding those conversations under the guise of protecting kids is doing anything but. Because whether it’s a classroom or a conference room, our environments tell us what to do. For years, my environment told me it was best to hide who I was. Let’s do better. At Foxbox, we’ve worked hard to make inclusivity a top priority. But it’s never perfect. There’s always more that can be done. Sometimes it means simply not letting the vocal minority always be the loudest voice in the room. #pride #pridemonth2023 #diversity

It’s important for me to be an ally not just during Pride Month, but every month, because I believe in a country that doesn’t discriminate and that treats everyone equally. Being an ally means showing up for people, particularly LGBTQ+ people, and demonstrating our support. People have the right to live and work authentically, whatever that may look like for them. I joined the Human Rights Campaign and proudly display their logo on my car to demonstrate my support, but my allyship doesn’t stop there. Love is love. I—and now my children who are 14 and 11—have several friends, loved ones, fellow classmates, colleagues and AFSP board members who identify as LGBTQ+. I want to bring my kids up in a world that not only accepts people for who they are, but also celebrates everyone’s unique traits and differences. I feel like in many ways, we have regressed in this area and it’s so disheartening to see the negativity and not only a lack of acceptance, but active hatred, against people. We all have only one life to live, so why not let others live theirs? There’s no need to judge or to berate or discriminate against someone when it truly doesn’t impact or affect your own life at all. Just be a good and compassionate human. Actively listen, sign petitions that make sense and request equal rights, show up for people and make it known that you do not tolerate hate or discrimination on any level. If we can all start doing more of this, our country and the world would be a far better place. Please take the time to do your part. #PrideMonth #LGBTQ #ally

🏳️🌈 Pride month 🏳️🌈 is much more than changing logos and creating pride themed promotions. Pride month is a time for us to celebrate what makes us different and to remember the challenges that LGBTQ+ people have faced and will face in the future. Pride month is a time for us to remember the painful past, reflect on the pain of the present, and plan for a better future. Yet, pride month is still much more than that. In my life, I always knew I was different. I didn’t act the same as my peers, I didn’t feel the same feelings as my peers, and as a transgender woman, I was stuck in a body that didn’t match how I felt mentally. Growing up in the US state of Alabama, I felt nothing but fear. Conformity was the only thing that seemed to matter in my part of the country. I couldn’t dare be something other than what someone must assume of me by looking at me or hearing my voice, because the humiliation, embarrassment and bullying would never end. I thought there was something wrong with me, that I was a failed human. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I met other people like me, and I learned to open up and become the real person that was inside of me. I felt like I could be something, I could be anything! For the first time, I felt like I belonged. Pride month is about showing others that they too can be themselves, whoever they are. Lifting LGBTQ+ up and allowing those around you to feel safe, supported, and comfortable. The thing I am most proud of at Edera is our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. At Edera, DEI is not a line item, it is a core founding principle. When we started Edera, we committed to each other that we would become a beacon of hope and change in this industry in both our people and our technology. I am proud to say that our founding team is incredibly diverse, and we are a majority LGBTQ+ team. This is how we change the narrative: we remake it. #pride #dei #lgbtq #edera