Pride month coming up has me thinking... I see more and more pronouns listed on people’s profiles every day. It makes my queer heart happy to see this. That said, I believe LinkedIn should make this a profile feature for all accounts. Showcasing pronouns shouldn’t be something that some “progressive” leaders add to the end of their profile name to be “inclusive.” It should be a global initiative by the platform to create a more inclusive community. LinkedIn has such a global

▪️ Diversity is being invited to the party. ▪️ Equity is having the means to get to the party. ▪️ Inclusion is being asked to dance. ▪️ Belonging is having your dance moves celebrated. #People #HR #HumanResources #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Belonging #DEI #Culture

Q: What can I do during this crisis that’s no cost in the area of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging? A in 3 A’s: Auscultate: Listen internally to aid in a cultural diagnosis Acknowledge: Recognize the viewpoints and experiences of underrepresented groups in your organization Audit: Methodically review your policies and processes Use this time to course-correct. Use this time to create a more equitable workplace. Use this time to become a more inclusive employer. #Pe

Washing your hands is easy, if you have access to clean water. Killing germs is easy, if you have access to and can afford hand sanitizer. Getting a paycheck is easy, if you have a salaried position. Working from home is easy, if you don't have dependents who also demand your attention. Going on a walk outside is easy, if you have access to masks or other PPEs. Taking care of your basic needs is easy, if you have access to groceries and toiletries. Social distancing is easy,

We are all affected by this crisis, but it’s important to remember our privilege now more than ever. This effects us all differently, and we must acknowledge that and support those less privileged during this trying time. I am rather lucky. Though I am located in the epicenter, I am safely self-quarantined in my apartment. So far, my partner and I are in good health and have been able to successfully socially distance ourselves. I have a salaried position where I can work fro

Allies: Stop saying “preferred pronouns.” They are not preferred. They are not suggested. They are a person’s pronouns. Respect that by instead saying, “My pronouns are x/xy. What are your pronouns?” #Diversity #Inclusion #DEI #LGBTQ #Queer #Trans #NonBinary #Pronouns #People #HR

It can be terrifying to bring your authentic self to work. I grew up in Brandon, Mississippi, a small town located in the most conservative county in the state. There was a car dealership on every corner and a church in between. I was called gay for the first time when I was 11, before I even fully understood what the word meant. I was ridiculed and bullied throughout middle school and high school. I grew up in a liberal household yet still struggled to come out. My queer br

More than anything, employees want to be heard. They want their feedback and suggestions to not fall on deaf ears. They want to be valued for their opinions and perspective. They want to be seen for who they truly are — their full selves. They want to be asked questions and have their answers be received and taken into consideration in return. They want to be able to explain their mistakes. They want to be able to acknowledge their wins. They want to be able to vent about iss

In my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working at companies that have had very identifiable workplace cultures. They all strived for inclusion with varying degrees of success. I only felt I truly belonged at two (one of those being my current company.) Belonging is so important, and admittedly, it’s hard to qualify. Belonging is not just creating an environment where people can be their authentic self at work. Belonging is also celebrating what makes them unique. Belonging

Allyship requires support AND action. There is no such thing as a passive ally. You must put in the work. You must understand your own privileges, and by doing so, learn that there are limitations that come with being merely an ally. I’m a queer man. As one, I have a deep, personal understanding of the queer experience. I’m also a strong ally for many communities. For example — I’m an ally for women’s equality. I grew up the son of a single mom, who was the first in her fami