Pride Month – Go Beyond the Cupcakes

Why is June Pride Month:

Pride Month takes place in June in recognition of the Stonewall Riots in New York in June 1969, the first Mardi Gras then took place on the ninth anniversary in 1978 so it is about recognising the movement. ?

What is it about:

?This is a time to reflect on the journey, celebrate progress, and work towards greater acceptance and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia and worldwide. Despite significant advancements, it is crucial to remember the challenges and work that still needs to be done.

Only Recent Progress in Australia:

• Homosexuality was only decriminalised in all states by 1997
• Same-sex couples could not adopt in most states until 2018
• Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2018.
• The forced divorce requirement for transgender people transitioning was only removed in all states in 2019
• ?The "gay panic defence" for murder was only finally abolished nationwide in 2020
• Transgender individuals in NSW, QLD, and WA still face legal barriers to changing their sex on birth certificates without gender reassignment surgery

Global Perspective:

• ?At least 67 countries have anti-LGBTIQA+ laws that criminalize same-sex relationships
• ?At least 9 countries have laws criminalizing forms of gender expression
• 7 countries impose death penalties for same-sex conduct

Just because we have rights here it does not mean we can be who we are wherever and whenever we want. ?

Embracing Diversity and Lived Experiences:

In celebrating Pride Month, it's important to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable being their authentic selves. We must acknowledge that many people may still face challenges and lack acceptance within their communities. It's essential to bring diversity into our thinking, approaches, and practices, fostering an inclusive culture for all.

Building Inclusive Workplaces:

To drive meaningful change, organisations should move beyond token gestures and prioritize creating inclusive workplaces that value diverse perspectives and lived experiences.

Avoid Rainbow Washing:

Superficial support, known as rainbow washing, should be avoided. Instead, organizations can take tangible actions, including:

• Conducting DEI surveys and feedback sessions to assess diversity and inclusivity
• Organizing events that build awareness and provide platforms for sharing stories and experiences
• Regularly reviewing practices and policies to ensure inclusivity
• Cultivating psychologically safe workplaces where individuals can be their authentic selves
• Establishing employee groups for support, connection and insights

Let’s do it together

As we celebrate Pride Month, let's not only recognise the progress made but also commit to creating inclusive workplaces where everyone feels accepted and valued. By going beyond surface-level support, we can build environments where diverse voices thrive, and authenticity is celebrated. Together, through genuine actions, advocacy, and celebrating diversity, we can create a future of equality for all.

Feel Free to Get in Touch

If you're interested in learning more or discussing anything further, send me a direct message or contact me via email at [email protected] we would be more than happy to help.

Let's work together to make a real difference in embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity.

#PrideMonth #DiversityandInclusion #InclusionMatters #BuildPX #BuildingPride

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