?? Pride @ Work: Creating Safe and Inclusive Workplaces for All

Hello beautiful people!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Pride month and enjoying the first weeks of summer. I am finally moving around again after my knee surgery. I even travelled to Washington D.C. last week for the CNBC CEO Council Summit. It was an eye-opening that filled me with both optimism and urgency.

As a bonus, I reconnected with my former boss and friend, Andy Mooney. It was a wonderful experience, and I can’t wait to take this new knee out for another All Pride tour this summer!

This week’s post is about a topic near and dear to my heart: creating safe, welcoming workplaces for all. Please reply to let me know what you think!

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? One Big Thing: Pride @ Work

Do you feel safe and comfortable bringing your whole, AUTHENTIC self to work?

Although we’ve made major strides in the last 40 years (I didn’t come out in the workplace until I was 26), there are still too many workplaces that directly or inadvertently force people to hide their true colors. Everyone deserves a safe, welcoming work environment.

Business leaders should recognize that inclusiveness is not just the right thing to do… it is very good for business. Back in December, McKinsey released it’s fourth impact report on diversity and inclusion. They found significant evidence that both gender and racial diversity correlate with better financial outcomes.

This is the data that anti-LGBTQ lobbies don’t want us to see because it proves that their “Go Woke, Go Broke” claims are just plain wrong. Unfortunately, the bullying is having its intended effect, as many major corporations plan to scale back their Pride visibility this month, including Target.

Given that 2024 is an election year, it is no surprise that anti-LGBTQ rhetoric is heating up—along with an explosion of legislation targeting gay and trans people.

What this means is that community leaders and allies need to step up and be MORE visible in our support for diversity, equity, and inclusion. We must do more to fill the vacuum left by (former) corporate partners. We cannot let the void be filled by hatred.

Continuing the Conversation:

Inclusion in the workplace is a topic of the utmost importance.

That’s why I am hosting a LinkedIn Live event next Tuesday, June 18 on the subject:

??Pride @ Work: Creating Authentic and Inclusive Work Places for All | LinkedIn

I will be joined by my friends Adam Powell (co-founder of Allstora) and Erica K. Anderson (CEO of The New Savant) for a discussion about bringing your FULL self to the workplace and giving your teams permission to do the same.

The event is free. RSVP here!

?? Leader Spotlight: Michael Rendon, National Board of Governors, Human Rights Campaign

Michael Rendon serves as a National Board of Governor for the Human Rights Campaign. The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality and liberation for the LGBTQ+ community.

Michael leads Membership, Volunteer Engagement, Community Engagement, Political Action, Fed Club, DEI, and has served as the Gala Co-Chair and Silent Auction Co-Chair for the past three years for the San Antonio Steering Committee. Michael is also a founding member of HRC’s new group HRSi which serves the Latine/x communities and uplifts the voices of our LGBTQ+ gente. Michael was recently awarded the Building Comunidad Award and Pride Leadership Award in Washington, D.C. at the HRC National Leadership Awards and Equality in Action Convention

Michael is a Relationship Banker III for Broadway Bank, one of the largest financial services companies in San Antonio. Michael proudly serves on their Diversity Inclusion Council – as the first gay Latino Member for the council. He strives on building a more diverse, more inclusive workplace, and provide equal opportunities for every employee regardless of background. Michael started Broadway’s Pride Celebration in 2021. He also serves on their Care Corps Committee and works with hundreds of non-profits for the bank in creating everlasting impact and giving back to the community. Michael recently was honored with the Rockstar Award, Voice of the Customer Award, and Care Corps Award from Broadway Bank.

Michael earned a bachelor’s degree from Angelo State University in Public Relations and Journalism. When he is not fighting for equality, he loves traveling with his husband Michael Morales and spending time with their family and friends.

?? What I'm LOVING ??????

• Toll Brothers Pride ERG. I was honored to join Toll Brothers last October for their National Coming Out Day celebration. This month, they updated their website to celebrate Pride and support ALL of their employees. Toll Brothers show Allyship through educational opportunities, inclusive employee benefits, and charitable giving. Thank you for the support!
• A year later, KC’s LGBTQ community feels sanctuary city declaration pays dividends. Sanctuary cities are so important, especially in a state like Missouri that is so hostile to the LGBTQ community.

? What's Worth Fighting For

• Target’s Performative Allyship. Last year, I wrote an essay in defense of Target when they came under fire for their PRIDE merchandise. I also said that I expected more from such a historically staunch ally. This year, Target has taken another step backwards in their support for the LGBTQ+ community. I am finding it difficult to defend them again.
• Human Rights Campaign: We Show Up campaign. As an avid supporter of the Human Rights Campaign, I am thrilled about their new Equality campaign: We Show Up. Learn more, support, and buy some merch!
• The most and least welcoming states for Gay and Trans people. Overall scores have DECLINED across the United States in the past year, with hundreds of pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation being proposed across the country.

?? Read All Pride, No Ego. A USA Today Best Seller!

• Allstora (Queer-owned online bookstore)
• Amazon
• Barnes and Noble

Love the book?? It would mean so much if you would leave a review.

Until next time...

Jim