Celebrating Pride Month presents a clear opportunity to double down on our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Novle, Community Activators, has the vision of serving as a bridge to diverse communities to achieve synergies that advance everybody’s opportunities.
These efforts, of course, include the LGBT+ community.
When Activism Started
Gay and lesbian activism gained more traction in the 20th century. A turning point for gay liberation happened in 1969 when patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York, fought against a police raid. The Stonewall Uprising ignited a series of protests but, more importantly, gay activism. In the following decades, there has been gradual recognition of LGBT+ individuals and their contributions to society.
But much more need to be done.
“It is important to celebrate Pride Month and the contributions of the LGBT+ community,” said Carlos Velasco, Novle founder and CEO,” but it is more important to take our celebration into practical terms and transformative actions.”
“We must send a clear signal that our community and businesses stand for LGBT+ rights, which ultimately are human rights.” Carlos Velasco
Performative allyship vs. authentic allyship
To display a rainbow banner is not enough. Businesses must sincerely support the LGBT+ community in their corporate culture, HR practices, product marketing, and corporate communications.
There are many sad stories of companies who say they support diversity. Their marketing may be pro LGBT+ while their CEO is caught expressing homophobic comments. Or another company that donated campaign funds to ultra-conservative politicians who oppose transgender athletes.
In contrast, companies must do a deep analysis of their practices. They should question themselves: Is my organization inclusive and integrating all its members? Are my company policies sensitive to the needs of the LGBT+ community? Do we provide a safe place for all our employees? Is my company a trustworthy ally?
“I believe is important to be asked how you identify yourself, how do you want to get called, and what pronouns you use.”- Lizbeth
There are good resources to boost policies that are inclusive and LGBT+ friendly. You may find 14 ways to create an LGBT-inclusive workplace and An Employer’s Guide to LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Workplace great tool kits to start or continue with inclusive work environments.
Recognizing Diversity
“At Novle, we are equipped to support businesses, through our marketing and consulting services, in their quest for diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are sensitive and care about the LGBT+ communities, and we want all businesses and companies to be pro-active allies and advance their issues,” said Carlos.
“Recognizing diversity in all aspects is a great step into integrating everybody, and we are ready to show your company how to be inclusive,” said Carlos Velasco.
Novle also adopts good diversity practices. “This is the first company I worked for where we sat down and talked about important things. This is something I appreciate a lot and makes me feel valued, respected, and part of the team, which is deeply appreciated,” said Lisbeth, Novle team member.
Diversity Makes Sense
These equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts are good for business.
The benefits of diversity are widely researched and acknowledged. LGBT+ purchasing power is estimated to be near $1 trillion. Moreover, 71% of LGBT+ individuals and 82% of allies say they are more likely to purchase goods or services from a company that supports LGBT+ equality.
Never underestimate the power of a community and its allies. People are constantly watching for discrepancies in corporations’ messages versus their actions.
Organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign Foundation issues a Corporate Equality Index where it rates the workplaces on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Equality. They are expanding their efforts to rate companies in Mexico with an extended index called HRC Equidad Mexico.
LGBT+ best practices must be implemented in all companies and organizations because we want to advance human rights in its beautiful diversity.
“We must send a clear signal that our community and businesses stand for LGBT+ rights, which ultimately are human rights,” concluded Carlos Velasco.
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