Richmond Wellbeing’s Post

"As we celebrate Pride Month, I've been reflecting on the phrase 'Nothing for us without us.' Recent events have shown me the importance of this mantra. Well-intentioned allies planned events for LGBTIQ+ individuals without consulting them, resulting in hurt feelings and disregarded emotions. While building allyship is crucial, we must do so without causing harm. Let's center the community at the table and listen to their voices. It's not about what we think is best for them, but about amplifying their needs and desires. In this month of Pride, let's celebrate freedom on their terms, not ours. Let's acknowledge the struggles and resilience of LGBTIQ+ individuals and support them in their fight for equality. Let's strive for true allyship, where we listen, learn, and amplify the voices of the community. Together, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society for all. #PrideMonth #NothingForUsWithoutUs #Allyship #LGBTIQPlus"

🌈 **Understanding Allyship in the LGBTIQ+ Community** 🌈 In a recent conversation with Scyne Advisory's ☂ Rainbow Umbrella Network ☂ we highlighted the importance of being an effective Ally within the LGBTIQ+ community. Allyship, to me, is more than just offering support—it's about genuinely listening to others’ experiences and creating spaces where their voices are empowered and heard. Through our Diversity Council membership, we at Scyne have access to a wealth of resources. Recently, they shared an insightful article on "The Impact and Responsibility of Effective Allyship" that I found particularly powerful. I'd love to hear from you—where have you experienced or witnessed impactful Allyship? Let's keep this important conversation going. 🔗 *The Impact and Responsibility of Effective Allyship*(https://lnkd.in/gTNG6tX8) #Allyship #DiversityAndInclusion #LGBTIQ+ #Empowerment #ScyneAdvisory

The fear of those who are different from us, whether in their beliefs, expressions of affection, skin color, or cultural heritage, can be detrimental when it results in the majority ostracizing certain groups. This erosion of societal trust and appreciation for diversity obstructs the collective progress of communities. This situation is observable in various regions globally, where the proliferation of misinformation, conspiracy theories, violence, and the absence of genuine intellectual discourse exacerbate divisions instead of fostering constructive dialogue. As traditional media outlets recede, online narratives have emerged as the primary source of information. Often disruptive and motivated by profit, these narratives tend to amplify the most extreme viewpoints. Rational individuals must oppose this surveillance-driven environment of post-truth media, politics, and ideologies that propagate uncivilized conduct.

Pride Month may be over, but this is where the real work begins! 🌈💕 Recognise that our responsibility to be true allies to the LGBTIQ+ community needs to continue every day. Here are four steps we can take to be better allies: 1️⃣ Educate Ourselves: Continuously learn about LGBTIQ+ issues, histories, and experiences. Knowledge is the foundation of understanding and empathy. 2️⃣ Speak Up: Challenge discriminatory comments and behaviours when we see them. Silence can be perceived as complicity. 3️⃣ Support LGBTIQ+ Voices: Amplify the voices of LGBTIQ+ individuals and support their initiatives. Representation matters. 4️⃣ Create Safe Spaces: Foster environments where everyone feels safe to express themselves authentically, whether at work or in our communities. Let's commit to these actions and ensure that our colleagues, friends, and family from the LGBTIQ+ community are heard, feel safe, and can hold hands in public without shame. 💘 #LGBTIQ+ #TalentQuarter #Inclusion

🌟 Exciting News from R&R and Lyft! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership between R&R and Lyft, aimed at enhancing the transportation options available to our military service members. This collaboration introduces a specialized 'last leg' ride service tailored specifically for the unique needs of the military community, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. This service will work in unison with our normal shuttle service as an option for those seeking a ride focused on them. Women+ Connect. 🚗 About the Service: Our initiative ensures that every ride is not only convenient but also a safe, respectful, and welcoming experience. Military personnel can now request rides that cater specifically to their needs, free from any form of harassment. 🌈 Inclusivity at its Best: In our commitment to support diversity and inclusion, we provide an environment where everyone, regardless of their identity, can feel safe and supported. This service underscores our dedication to the LGBTQ+ community within the armed forces, ensuring they receive the utmost respect and care. 🤝 Join Us: We invite all service members to experience this new standard of transportation, designed with your security and comfort in mind. Spread the word, and let's ride together in solidarity and respect. More details are coming soon and will be available to all users of the Lyft Platform. #Lyft #MilitarySupport #Inclusivity #Partnership #RidewithPride

POSSIBLE THREAT TARGETING LGTBQ+ COMMUNITY AND ALLIES DURING PRIDE CELEBRATIONS. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have both issued warnings about a possible threat targeting those individuals attending #Pride events this year. If your company are getting involved or promoting Pride events, it's important that employees are aware of the risks and how to protect themselves as much as possible. This might include providing personal safety, situational awareness and active shooter training. Get in touch if you would like us to assist. You can read more information about this and previous high-profile attacks in the link below. https://lnkd.in/eFY3uNvd #LGBTQ+ #Pride2024 #travellersafety #personsafety

Pride Month is a celebration of LGBTQ2+ pride, rights, and culture, so to ignore the unique ways IPV & GBV impacts these folks would be to invalidate their unique and nuanced experiences. Like many other marginalized groups, the statistics around GBV are startling and indicate that an intersectional approach needs to be taken in the work to eradicate violence within this community - starting by an honest look at the stats. Only then can we start to address why these numbers are the way they are, and what can be done to protect LGBTQ2+ folks, support LGBTQ2+ survivors, and prevent GBV in the LGBTQ2+ community!

The conversations are happening around the world. As FIFA increases its marketing of the new FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, USA and Canada, the spotlight is on more of the social and economic tangibles that are part of such an event. We all must do our part and in New Jersey the issue of LGBTQ+ and the upcoming tournaments is out in the open and rest assured there are many of us continuing the conversation of inclusion, diversity and equity in all sports. #weare26 #njdbac #fifanodiscrimination https://lnkd.in/ejHPf2pi

Today is International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT). This year's theme is, "No One Left Behind: Equality, Freedom and Justice for All." IDAHOBIT is a global initiative that works to raise awareness about discrimination, violence, and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. Check out the may17.org website (https://buff.ly/4dfNtT3). An inclusive approach was taken to determine this year's theme. LGBTIQ organizations around the world were a part of the discussion, and this year's theme, allows for advocacy and celebrations in many forms – be it from human rights defenders, LGBTIQ civil society groups, millions of people in our communities, and our allies. #IDAHOBIT #inclusion