Celebrating Pride and Fostering Inclusion for LGBTQ+ Staff at Your Nonprofit

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community's rich history, diversity, and ongoing fight for equality. Still, for many LGBTQ+ professionals, Pride can be a bittersweet

reminder of the challenges they face in the workplace.

A recent study by myGwork, led by social psychologist and LGBTQ+ mental health researcher Marc Svensson, revealed concerning statistics:

• Nearly half (45%) of LGBTQ+ professionals globally reported experiencing depression at some point in their lives. This number jumps to an alarming 59% for bi+/plurisexual individuals and 53.3% for transgender and non-binary professionals.

• Less than half (46.4%) of LGBTQ+ employees felt their managers fostered a truly inclusive environment where they could be themselves. Conversely, nearly all managers (93.4%) believed they created an inclusive space.

This disconnect highlights a crucial issue: unconscious bias can create a workplace environment where LGBTQ+ employees feel like they can't be authentic. This, in turn, can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression.

How Your Nonprofit Can Celebrate Pride and Promote Inclusion:

• Educate Yourself and Your Team:  Hold workshops or training sessions on LGBTQ+ identities and allyship. Consider partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations for these workshops.

• Review Policies and Procedures:  Ensure your non-profit has inclusive policies regarding non-discrimination, parental leave, and bathroom access.

• Celebrate Pride Authentically:  Organize events that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and its contributions to your non-profit's mission. Partner with local LGBTQ+ organizations for these events.

• Promote Open Communication:  Encourage open dialogue about LGBTQ+ experiences within your organization.
  

Need support and encouragement to create a more inclusive workplace? Let's collaborate! We are a passionate and experienced boutique consulting group dedicated to supporting non-profits like yours. We are a company owned and managed by historically marginalized people, including People of Color, Women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We believe that all employees deserve to feel valued and supported, and we understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ professionals, especially in the non-profit sector.

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Happy PRIDE!