Sandhiya Thiruvengadam’s Post

📚🌈 Representation matters, and it's never too early to start teaching our children about diversity, love, and acceptance. As homeschooling parents, we can shape our kids' worldviews through the books we read together. That's why I'm excited to share my latest blog post: "18 Must-Read LGBTQ+ Middle-Grade Books for Understanding and Acceptance" In this post, I've curated a list of incredible middle-grade books featuring LGBTQ+ characters and themes. These stories encourage empathy, compassion, and open-mindedness while providing vital representation for LGBTQ+ youth. By reading these books with our children, we can: ✅ Foster a love of reading ✅ Promote inclusivity and allyship ✅ Encourage open, supportive conversations ✅ Expand our worldviews I've even created a free printable list of all 18 titles to help you diversify your homeschool reading curriculum. Click the link below to read the full post and download your free book list! https://lnkd.in/eZi8Tghe Let's work together to create a kinder, more understanding world, one page at a time. 📖💕 #Homeschooling #LGBTQ #MiddleGradeBooks #RepresentationMatters #ReadingList

The start of a new month marks the end of Pride Month 2024 so lets recap what we learnt this month: As individuals from diverse backgrounds, it is natural for us to have different perspectives on Pride Month. However, it was crucial for us to also recognise the privileges we may hold and the experiences of marginalised communities. Pride Month goes beyond being a mere celebration. It served as an opportunity for all of us to reflect on our own biases, educate ourselves about the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and actively contribute to the movement for inclusivity and acceptance. By taking the time to understand the struggles, discrimination, and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, we were able to foster empathy and compassion. Pride Month encouraged us to stand in solidarity with those who have faced adversity due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. But for us, it goes further than this, it is Inclusivity that lies at the heart of the LGBTQ+ movement and is a fundamental value we must uphold during Pride Month and beyond. It means recognising that diversity extends beyond sexual orientation and gender identity, encompassing race, ethnicity, religion, ability, and more. Inclusivity is about creating spaces where all individuals feel seen, heard, and valued, about fostering a sense of belonging and actively working to dismantle barriers that prevent equal opportunities and representation. We used this month as a reminder to embrace inclusivity in all aspects of our lives, championing equality and 'pride' for all. #PrideMonth #Pride2024 #Inclusion #WeAreMLC

🌈 Embracing the spirit of Trans Awareness Week with the dynamic Max Siegel: a beacon of LGBTQ+ and Transgender inclusion, whose impactful journey spans speaking, consulting, content creation, and activism. I was privileged to share a panel with Max, which was both educational and insightful. He collaborates with organisations on both internal and external Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and LGBTQ+ initiatives. Their approach is a harmonious blend of lived experience, education, and genuine conversation, echoing through his various roles as a consultant, speaker, and content creator. Navigating topics such as authentic leadership, cultural equity, diversity and inclusion, Max's advocacy extends to LGBTQ+ marketing, sobriety, travel, and combatting online abuse. Explore Max's diverse array of services, from guiding companies on DEI initiatives to advising on LGBTQ+ marketing strategies. Max Siegel is not just a speaker; he's an agent of change, an advocate for authenticity and empathy in leadership. Dive into his insightful talks, each a journey into the realities of being Trans in today's world. "Trans In Real Life" offers a profoundly personal fireside chat, delving into Max's transition – from coming out to surgery, hormones, and navigating the complexities of life as a trans person. Gain invaluable insights into being a trans ally, using correct pronouns, and fostering trans inclusivity within organizations. Max's "LGBTQ 101: The Importance of Pride Month" provides a rich exploration of LGBTQ+ history, examining current legal and social attitudes globally. Through a lens of lived experiences, Max sheds light on the significance and power of corporate activism, sharing his own experiences as a proud Trans man. For businesses gearing up for Pride campaigns, Max offers expertise in "How to Run Pride Marketing Campaigns Which Don’t Suck." Uncover the five key elements of an authentic LGBTQ+ pride campaign, ensuring genuine connection with the community and avoiding the pitfalls of rainbow-washing accusations. In Max Siegel, we find not just a speaker but a catalyst for change. A transgender man, LGBTQ+ inclusivity consultant, and speaker, Max shares insights on all things transition, travel, and neurodiversity. Join Max on a journey of empowerment, acceptance, and celebration. Book Max here https://lnkd.in/ePAQ2Jay - #transawarenessweek #LGBTQ+ #InclusionSpeaker #MaxSiegelJourney

We ask LGBTQ individuals to give one word to explain the ideal office environment for them. Here is what they suggested. 🤗 Fun: Makes you smile every day. 😁 Accepting: Okay with our differences. 😍 Supportive: Providing resources and encouragement. 🤠 Non-discriminatory: Equal opportunities without bias. 😇 Chill: Never remind you you're different. Creating an ideal office environment isn't just a dream—it's a necessity. LGBTQ+ individuals deserve workplaces where they feel safe, accepted, and empowered. But let's face it, we still have a long road ahead. According to recent surveys: 🚫 40% face workplace harassment for being LGBTQ+ 🗣️ 2/3 report hearing homophobic comments at work 🛑 1/5 faced discrimination by their Managers/HR But change is possible, and it starts with acknowledgement. As one anonymous designer at a startup rightly puts it, "The most important factor for a better office environment is to accept that it can never be ideal and should require effort. Unless it is acknowledged, it will never improve." Ankita Mehra, an out and proud member of the queer community, emphasizes the importance of continuous sensitization and awareness. "Queerphobia will always exist," she says, "but the only way to effectively change mindsets is through consistent efforts—reality checks, interactions with queer employees, and ongoing education." Let's create environments where everyone can thrive, regardless of who they are or whom they love. Together, we can strive for better. 🌟 #LGBTQ+Inclusion #WorkplaceEquality #DiversityandInclusion

It’s the start of Pride month - June is dedicated to celebration and commemoration of the LGBTQIA+ community! How can you be part of it as an ally? At Resolve, we have been dedicated to supporting the LGBTQIA+ communities through empowering change makers and advancing our work to promote allyship. You can also take action today to be an ally! 1. Use others’ preferred pronouns He/him, she/her or they/them? Different pronouns exist for a reason: to express identities; so use them properly! Using the right way to address others’ can go a long way in making others feel respected. If you’re not sure what pronouns are appropriate, always ask first with a simple “Hey! What pronouns do you use?” 2. Read and share social media posts about LGBTQIA+ community Other than scrolling through endless funny cat videos, you can also educate yourself on equality. Actively seek out content related to the situation faced by minorities and find out more about how you can help them through following accounts dealing with relevant matters (like ours)! 3. Respect others autonomy Consent is key! Don’t disclose others’ private information without their approval – that includes their sexual orientation and gender identity. Don’t be that person who “outs” others accidentally. Download our free equality toolkit now for more tips to be a better #ally: https://lnkd.in/gzrgFYtt 

This week is Trans Awareness Week 🏳️⚧️ Internally, we’ll be shining a spotlight on the transgender community both in and outside of CloudCall, honoring their journeys, triumphs, and the resilience that defines their experiences. Externally, though, we know that Transgender Awareness Week is not just about recognizing the challenges faced by the transgender community; it's about amplifying their voices, fostering understanding, and creating a global workplace culture that embraces diversity in its truest sense. 🌐 We all need to make a conscious effort to create environments that are welcoming and respectful of all gender identities. And this year, as we’ve been working on our very first Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, we’ve made some significant changes that we’re incredibly proud of. At CloudCall, as one of our key company values highlights, we embrace diversity. We value all voices and perspectives knowing that differences in thoughts, experiences, and backgrounds, leads to innovation, not uniformity. We are working hard to not only be more diverse and inclusive within ourselves, but to become a business that others can look to for guidance when improving their own inclusivity and diversity initiatives. Here are a few ways that we’re ensuring our transgender community thrives: 1️⃣ Education and Awareness: We provide all employees with the information they need to support and advocate for the transgender community. 2️⃣ Inclusive Policies: All of our policies are reflective of the diverse workforce here at CloudCall. This means that our policies use gender neutral terminology (including our family policies), and we have an extensive trans inclusion policy for those transitioning at work. 3️⃣ Allyship: All CloudCall employees are encouraged to support their transgender colleagues by actively listening, respecting pronouns, and creating a safe space for open conversations. 4️⃣ Engage and Celebrate: This week, all employees have been invited to attend a talk from trans advocate Max Siegel, hosted by Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (enei), and the LGBTQ+ STEM conference. As we’re coming to the end of 2023, we’re committing to making our workplace a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued for who they are. We have so many more plans to further improve our inclusivity and diversity throughout 2024 and beyond! #TransAwarenessWeek #Inclusion #DiversityandInclusion #TransRights #EqualityInWorkplace #Allyship #PrideatCloudCall #BeingmeatCloudCall

🌈 Celebrating 30 Years of Pride - A Journey of Inclusion and Empowerment 🌈 This June, as we commemorate the 30th anniversary of Pride Month, Dyslexia Desk Business Hub stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. Our mission has always been to champion inclusivity, diversity, and support for every individual, recognising the unique strengths and challenges we all bring to the table. 🌟 Inclusion for All: At Dyslexia Desk, we believe in creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered. Just as we advocate for neurodiverse entrepreneurs, embracing the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community enriches us all, fostering creativity, innovation, and unity. 💪 Empowerment through Support: Our passion extends beyond just business support; it's about building a community where everyone can thrive. We're committed to breaking down barriers, whether they're in the back office or societal, ensuring that every voice is not only heard but celebrated. 🌍 Unity in Diversity: This Pride Month, let's remember that our differences are our strengths. Together, we can create a more inclusive, understanding, and vibrant world for all, regardless of who we love or how we identify. Dyslexia Desk is more than a business hub; it's a community where inclusion, support, and empowerment are at the heart of everything we do. Here's to celebrating every colour of the rainbow, not just in June, but every day. Happy Pride Month! 🏳️🌈 #Pride2024 #InclusionForAll #DyslexicDeskCelebratesPride #DyslexiaDesk

National Coming Out Day-10/11 Another day, another thing to celebrate. Wednesday is National Coming Out Day (NCOD) in the U.S., a day meant to bring attention and support to members of the LGBTQIA+ community and the many ways they choose to share their identifies with the world. Celebrated annually on October 11th, this day commemorates the journey of self-discovery and the courage it takes to openly embrace one’s sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression. National Coming Out Day now stands as a beacon of support and acknowledgement for those who have bravely shared their authentic selves with the world. It is also a reminder that many individuals within LGBTQIA+ communities face ongoing challenges in the journey towards self-expression. The term "coming out" is abbreviated from the commonly used phrase "coming out of the closest," a metaphor used to describe the process of an LGBTQIA+ person revealing their identity to the people around them. While the term sounds like it refers to a single moment in time, being "out" can mean something different for everyone and often includes a longer process of accepting one's own identity before sharing with a chosen group of people and the world at large. References: https://lnkd.in/gdcSscwb     International Girl Child Day 2023: When is International Day of the Girl 10/11 International Girl Child Day 2023 Theme: The theme of International Day of the Girl 2023 is "Invest in Girls' Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being," according to the official website of the United Nations. This year, at a time when we are seeing a range of movements and actions to curtail girls’ and women’s rights and roll back progress on gender equality, we see particularly harsh impacts on girls. From maternal health care and parenting support for adolescent mothers, to digital and life skills training; from comprehensive sexuality education to survivor support services and violence prevention programs; there is an urgent need for increased attention and resourcing for the key areas that enable girls to realize their rights and achieve their full potential. References: https://lnkd.in/gXip-zyH https://lnkd.in/gUkDztxS

Celebrating Pride Month 🎉  : Embracing Inclusivity 🤝  and Uncovering Unconscious Biases 🤔 June is Pride Month 🏳️🌈, a time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and promote visibility and acceptance. As we join in these celebrations, it's essential to focus on inclusivity and the impact of unconscious biases.   Inclusivity: A Cornerstone of Pride 👥 Inclusivity means creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. It’s about ensuring that all voices, 🗣️especially those historically marginalised, are heard. By embracing diversity, we enrich our communities and foster a sense of belonging for everyone.   Addressing Unconscious Biases 🔍 Unconscious biases are hidden judgments that influence our behaviour. Acknowledging and addressing these biases is crucial for true inclusivity.   Steps to mitigate unconscious biases:   Self-Reflection: Reflect on your attitudes and beliefs 🧠 Education: Learn about LGBTQ+ history and struggles 📚 Active Listening: Engage with and listen to LGBTQ+ individuals 👂 Inclusive Language: Use gender-neutral terms and respect pronouns Challenge Stereotypes: Question stereotypical representations 🙅♀️ Advocate for Change: Promote inclusive policies and practices ⚖ Moving Forward Together This Pride Month, let's commit to fostering inclusivity and challenging our unconscious biases. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.   Happy Pride Month! 🌈 #PrideMonth #Inclusivity #UnconsciousBias #LGBTQ #CelebrateDiversity #EqualityForAll

🌈 Happy Pride Month! 🌈 As we celebrate Pride Month, it's crucial to remember that lifting all voices and embracing diversity enriches our communities, workplaces, and lives. This month is more than just a celebration; it's a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and the need to support each other, especially LGBTQ+ colleagues. Creating inclusive workplaces where everyone can be their authentic selves is vital for fostering innovation, creativity, and productivity. Let’s take this opportunity to amplify voices that often go unheard, share stories that inspire, and stand together in solidarity. In my own journey, I have fostered that same diversity by uplifting voices, holding seminars and organized annual drag shows with past companies to showcase the amazing history and communities we have here in the DMV area. These experiences continue to show me the power of inclusion and the incredible talent and strength within my LGBTQ+ community. Let us also honor and remember the trailblazers who have paved the way to where we are now. Their courage and resilience have opened doors and inspired countless individuals to live openly and proudly. Here are a few ways to get involved and show your support: Listen and Learn: Attend webinars, read articles, and engage in conversations to understand the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Support LGBTQ+ Businesses: Purchase from LGBTQ+-owned businesses and support initiatives that promote equality and inclusivity. Be an Ally: Speak up against discrimination and advocate for policies that protect LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace and beyond. Let's make Pride Month a time of celebration, education, and action. Together, we can create a world where everyone is valued and respected for who they are. 🎉🏳️🌈 #PrideMonth #InclusionMatters #LiftAllVoices #LGBTQ+ #CelebrateDiversity 🎉