The Pride Month Porch

This month, I came on the Porch solo to talk about my experience as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.


There were several reasons we held a special Porch session:

1. Representation. There were folks on the call from all different backgrounds. I work with many leaders who are working hard to understand someone different than them. I also know many folks who are closeted for fear of losing their job, their stability, and their community. I did this to create a safe place for those that have known me for years.
2. To talk about implicit bias and learn about how the brain categorizes information naturally. We really can't stop how our brain categorizes information but we can choose how we interpret it!
3. To give some direction for how business and non-profit leaders can be more supportive of their LGBTQIA+ teammates.

If you are looking for ways to support your LGBTQIA+ colleagues, here are some starting points:

1. Spend quality time with LGBTQIA+ folks and show up to events that are designed to celebrate them. It shows us that you’re safe and you care about our well-being.
2. Know that actions speak loudly. If you put a pride flag pin on your jacket, we notice it. You are sending us a clear signal that you get it.
3. Be mindful of the language used when talking about families, whether you are speaking to adults or children. Many folks do not live with their mom and dad in the same houses. This could be from divorce or death, or maybe there wasn't a mom and dad to begin with. Using language about "moms and dads" makes it hard for many people to feel like they belong.
4. Establish an employee resource group. There is power in numbers and representation matters! Find a champion in a senior leadership position to give the group a voice. You can find more information about that here.

Know that your words and actions matter. Teens are at risk and are watching the way we speak and act around LGBTQIA+ issues. There is plenty of research available but two important sites I'd like to highlight:

1. LGBTQ Youth are more likely to be bullied at school - HRC  
2. LGBTQ Youth are more likely to attempt suicide - The Trevor Project 

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