Foodservice Women's Alliance - FWA’s Post

Together, We Rise Against Hate Yesterday, we received a call that deeply troubled us. It was from our members at Lancaster Pride , informing us about a distressing situation unfolding in our beloved city. The news left us shocked, horrified, and deeply saddened. At The Candy Factory (TCF), our doors are open to everyone. Hate finds no refuge within our walls. Our community is more than just words; we embody our values through action. Our members are actively working on the ground, striving for positive change for everyone. It's imperative that we, as a community, rise together against hate, fostering a culture of support and inclusivity. Supporting organizations like Lancaster Pride is crucial as they lead the hard work, advocating for equality, justice, and love. By standing with them, we amplify our collective voice against discrimination and reinforce our commitment to a world where everyone is valued and embraced. Let us unite in our efforts, for when we stand together, we are stronger, louder, and unbreakable. At TCF, we stand firm in our values of community, openness, accessibility, collaboration, and, above all, kindness. This post is not just a statement—it's a testament to our commitment. We live by our values every day and offer our unwavering support to our LGBTQ+ community. Together, we will continue to foster a community where everyone is welcome and kindness prevails. 💪🌈 #CommunityStrong #LancasterPride #KindnessOverHate

This holiday season, your spending can make a meaningful impact. Here are five reasons to support queer-owned businesses — during the holidays and throughout the year. 1️⃣ You want your spending to reflect your values. 2️⃣ You care about keeping queer people in business. 3️⃣ You're looking for inclusive and affirming products and services. 4️⃣ You believe in building a more equitable future. 5️⃣ You believe marginalized communities deserve more representation. Every purchase helps uplift queer businesses and strengthens our community. 🌈 💬 Who are your favorite queer-owned businesses? Tag them below so we can support them together! #LGBTQBusinessOwner #LGBTBusinessOwners #QueerOwned #QueerOwnedBusiness #LGBTQOwned #QueerOwnedBusinesses #LGBTQBusiness #LGBTQBusinesses #ShopQueer

🌈 New Insightful Read! 🌈 Dear Community, Every morning, you might wake up feeling the weight of past labels, mistakes, and misunderstood identities. You might feel out of place, even in spaces that claim to welcome everyone. I understand how heavy that burden can be because I've faced similar challenges—being seen as just a collection of traits rather than as a whole person. In our latest thoughtful exploration, "Empathetic LGBTQ+ Acceptance: Transforming Lives with Understanding," we delve into how you can navigate these feelings. It’s draining, isn’t it? Constantly feeling the need to explain or justify your existence. I recognize the exhaustion that comes with having to perpetually defend your right to simply exist. You deserve a life where your actions truly reflect your values, free from the burdens of past painful experiences, rejection, and guilt. You’re not alone in this journey. Together, we can help you acknowledge your feelings, understand your experiences, and find the strength to transform your life. Let’s embrace our complexities, celebrate our identities, and transform our lives together. 📖 Discover more in our latest post: Empathetic LGBTQ+ Acceptance: Transforming Lives with Understanding 🤝 Engage with our Safe Harbor Support Network: Learn how you can become a part of our supportive community. 📞 For personal consultations or to discuss how we can assist you or your organization, contact us at contact@safeharbor4me.com or call (314)-704-2541. #LGBTQAcceptance #MentalHealthAwareness #PrideMonth #DiversityAndInclusion #SafeHarborCounseling #ProfessionalDevelopment #CommunitySupport #TransformativeChange

📢 Let's talk about the impact of negative rhetoric on social media. 🛑 I see a lot of anti Pride Month posts, some even with images of drag queens yelling at normal Joe types of people. I suspect that most of us have not been yelled at by a drag queen and perpetuating such images only increases misunderstanding and stigma. When we spread harmful stereotypes and derogatory comments about any social group, we aren't just sharing opinions—we're perpetuating hate and division. This kind of rhetoric can lead to real-world consequences, including discrimination, violence, and mental health struggles for those targeted. As Brene Brown so well stated, it is hard to hate people when we are face to face with them. My challenge to you, should you be uncomfortable with Pride Month, is to talk with someone who identifies as LGBTQ+ and ask them what this month means for them. Be curious. Move in closer. You may find you can understand their point of view and realize who they are is not a threat to you. Let's use our platforms responsibly and promote understanding and respect. Together, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate online community. 💪❤️ #SpreadLove #EndHate #PositiveVibes #SocialMediaResponsibility

5 questions that advisors should be ready to address: 1. What is your experience working with LGBTQIA+ clients, and how many have you served? 2. Have you previously worked with same-sex couples? 3. How inclusive is your firm regarding LGBTQIA+ employees? 4. Could you provide insight into the specific financial obstacles LGBTQ+ individuals encounter? 5. Can you discuss the state laws affecting effective financial planning for LGBTQIA+ individuals? #affirmingadvisor Dr. Brad Klontz

JD Valladares-Williams story about Levain Bakery's considerate email struck a chord with me. It's a powerful reminder of the impact of brand authenticity in marketing. In a world flooded with promotions, small acts of empathy stand out. They not only honour diverse experiences but also resonate deeply with individuals, cultivating a sense of connection and trust. As marketers, our choices shape perceptions and influence emotions. Let's use our platforms not just to sell but to uplift and include. When we lead with authenticity, we don't just gain customers; we build communities. #BrandAuthenticity #MarketingWithHeart #EmotionalConnection

Any idea where the last six months have gone? Because I’m finding it hard to believe we’re over half way through 2024 already. I do love June, though. Of all the months, I’d say this is my favourite. There’s a selfish reason for that—myself and Xander Willcox both celebrate our birthdays in the first week of the month. But June is also special for another reason. It’s Pride Month 🌈. As a bisexual woman, Pride gives me space to be my complete, authentic self, in a community that loves and supports without judgement (Cambridge Pride is one of my favourite days of the year because of this). It’s a month of celebration that I fully embrace. But it’s also a time to reflect on the challenges we face. The truth is, Pride exists because LGBTQIA+ people are not fully and freely accepted without prejudice. Discrimination means queer people are more likely to experience violence, sexual assault, unemployment, poverty, and mental health issues. As a business owner, it is important for me to use my privilege to promote diversity, inclusion, and equality. And give a platform to conversations. Because for every queer person celebrating, there’s another who can’t. If raising awareness turns one person into an ally, it’s another step towards a better life and future for the LGBTQIA+ community. Keep celebrating. Keep talking. Keep fighting. Keep being you. 🏳️🌈💖 #Diversity #Inclusion #Equality #PrideMonth #LoveIsLove #Authenticity #VisibilityMatters #NeurodivergentAndProud #XW3D #SummerBirthdays

Starting Pride Month on a reflective note, we recognize the significance of recent milestones: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) and Pansexual Awareness & Visibility Day. 🌈 IDAHOT, established in 2004, reminds us of the ongoing battle against discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. It sets the stage for Pride season, urging us to unite, resist, support, and heal, bringing forth a positive change. 🌈 Pansexual Awareness & Visibility Day, observed on May 24th, amplifies the voices of pansexual individuals, combating prejudice within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Pansexuality, encompassing attraction irrespective of gender, emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusivity in all spheres of life, including workplaces and service delivery. 🌈 Moreover, as May draws to a close, we acknowledge Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting mental health's crucial role in our overall well-being. By cultivating open conversations and education, we can eradicate the stigma surrounding mental illness, ensuring those in need receive the support and treatment they deserve. This Pride Month, let's educate and be aware ourselves of the struggles we've had but the journey that still lay ahead of us, and most importantly recognize the intersectionality and understand where we lie in that. Let's celebrate by listening, speaking up and lifting others! #PrideMonth #IDAHOT #PansexualVisibility #MentalHealthAwareness #Intersectionality

🌈 It’s Pride Month… How Are Kids Experiencing It In Your Halls? During June, the mental health of our marginalized students deserves some special attention. For some, annual celebrations can be filled with great joy. For others, however, the increased attention on LGBTQ+ issues can increase pressure on their lives. Public discourse on the subject sometimes forces them to more deeply consider who they are and how they want to show up in life. Not all kids feel adequately prepared for this. According to the CDC, suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death among 10-14-year-olds and the third among those ages 15-24. This issue is even more critical for youth who identify as gay, queer, or trans – with higher percentages experiencing suicidal ideation. To support these valuable members of our communities, we must ensure adolescents know where to turn. Our state-of-the-art HELPme platform effectively offers crisis text lines, teletherapy, essential local resources, and opportunities to anonymously report bullying. Our hope is that tools like this create safer, more inclusive environments where all youth know we have their backs. 👉 Learn more crucial strategies in our new blog, at: https://hubs.ly/Q02z0rxt0 #PrideMonth #LGBTQyouth #MentalHealthMatters #NoChildLeftBehind

Celebrating Pride Month: Embracing Love and Tolerance! 🩷🧡💛💚💙🩵💜🤎🩶 Happy Pride Month! 🌈 This month, we celebrate love, diversity, and the courage to be our true selves. It's a time to honor the LGBTQ+ community and acknowledge the progress we've made, while recognising the work still needed to achieve full equality. Prejudice has no place in our society. It causes harm, fosters division, and stifles potential. In contrast, a tolerant and inclusive society benefits everyone. When we embrace diversity, we create environments where all individuals can thrive, innovate, and contribute their unique perspectives. Let's continue to champion acceptance, support one another, and build a world where everyone feels valued and respected. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future. 🏳️🌈 #PrideMonth #LoveIsLove #InclusionMatters #Diversity #EqualityForAll #RuralMentalHealthMatters image description for accessibility: Pride flag animation with the logo of Rural Mental Health Matters on it. Words Happy Pride Month 2024, Be Proud Of Yourself written on it.