5 Things to Know and Do to Support the LGBTQ+ Community

Later this month will mark the 54 anniversary of the?Stonewall Riots?–?six days of unrest in NYC that remained the catalyst to the existing Gay Rights Movement. Although good progress has been made in terms of LGBTQ+ rights and equality in our country since that fateful night in 1969, there is still?a lot of work that needs to be done.?

To help you celebrate we're re-sharing our?5 Things to Know and Do?to continue to support and fight for equal rights across the LGBTQ+ community.

5 THINGS TO KNOW

1. 1 in 5 – the number of LGBTQ+ women living in poverty.?
2. The Williams Institute
3. LGBTQ+ individuals are much more likely to experience eating disorders.
4. Center for Discovery
5. 38-65% of transgender individuals experience suicidal ideation.
6. Center for Transgender Equality
7. Among males who have eating disorders, 42% identify as gay.
8. Psychology Today
9. 15% of LGBTQ+ Americans report postponing or avoiding medical treatment due to discrimination, including?transgender-specific coverage exclusions.
10. The Center for American Progress

5 THINGS TO DO

1. Educate yourself.?Learn about the history of?LGBTQ+ people in our country and the significant?milestones?and issues that impact their lives. Organizations like?GLSEN?and GLAAD?offer insights, news, and resources related to the LGBTQ+ community and their movement.
2. Advocate.?If you witness discrimination or a hate crime targeted towards someone within the LGBTQ+ community, say something. Becoming an ally both in your community and?in the office?is critical to the success of the LGBTQ+ movement.?Learn more here.
3. Celebrate.?Attending in-person and virtual events happening throughout the year, hosted, and including representatives from the LGBTQ+ community can help you become more involved and add value to their overall efforts.
4. Support.?Don’t have time to attend an event? Check out important LGBTQ+ initiatives like?The Trevor Project?and the?Human Rights Campaign.

Understand your biases.?An important part of being inclusive and understanding of all is to openly and honestly consider and discuss pervading unconscious and unintentional biases. Need some help??Catch a sneak peek of our course?Exploring Unconscious Bias with Vernā Myers?to learn how to recognize and interrupt bias.