UCL Department of Geography’s Post

🌈 Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance - 20th November 2024 Today, we pause to honour and remember the lives of transgender individuals who have tragically been lost to violence, hate, and discrimination. This day is a stark reminder of the work still needed to create a world where everyone, regardless of their gender identity, can live safely, authentically, and with dignity. 💙💗🤍 Let’s come together to: - Celebrate the courage and resilience of the transgender community. - Challenge prejudice and champion inclusivity in all areas of life. - Speak up against transphobia and amplify voices advocating for equality. Every action, no matter how small, can contribute to a kinder, more accepting society. Let’s build a future where no one is forgotten, and everyone can thrive. We have some excellent shows on this topic so do contact us if you would like us to come to your workplace or school to discuss transphobia and homophobia. Education leads to understanding and it is the route to an inclusive society. #TransDayOfRemembrance #TDoR #EqualityForAll #LGBTQ+ #TransRights #LGBTQAwareness #EndTransphobia #InclusiveSociety

There are many commemorations that mark important milestones for queer people and their allies—Pride Month, LGBTQ History Month, Lesbian Visibility Week, and Transgender Day of Remembrance, among others. While these events are often celebrated with communal pride, National Coming Out Day holds a more personal significance. It’s an introspective moment that marks a step in embracing and celebrating who we are. Race, ethnicity, language, religion, culture, gender expression, sexual orientation, and gender identity should never be barriers to living our full lives. Coming out—or inviting someone in—is a deeply personal choice and often a significant part of reclaiming our right to live authentically and publicly. We all deserve the right to live our lives genuinely, completely, and honestly. For me, coming out hasn’t been a one-time event, but an ongoing journey. Growing up, I struggled with understanding my gender and sexuality, questioning who I am and what I want in life. While I wish I didn’t have to come out every day, today reminds me of how far we’ve come—and how much further we need to go. I encourage everyone to take meaningful steps to support the LGBTQ+ community—whether by asking for pronouns, challenging biases, or standing up against discrimination. Genuine allyship is about creating an environment where everyone can live authentically and safely, without fear or judgment. Together, we can build a more inclusive world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. #NationalComingOutDay #LiveAuthentically #LGBTQIA #BeKind #InclusionMatters #AskPronouns

As part of our celebration of Pride Month, we recognize the significant strides made toward equality and inclusion in our communities. However, we must also confront the reality that intolerance and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals persist in various spaces, including workplaces and academic institutions. Despite the progress we’ve made, there is still much work to be done to ensure equity, acceptance, and inclusion for everyone. To help bring light to the challenges still faced today, we’re highlighting the case "Breaking the Silence: Engaging Challenges Faced by the LGBTQ+ Community.” Authored by Vishal Vijay, Kanina Sophia Blanchard, PhD, Alison Konrad, and Karen MacMillan, this case explores the impacts of intolerance and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in professional and academic settings. It encourages students to employ inclusive language and mindful communication strategies to confront and discuss instances of intolerance. Furthermore, it highlights that learning to break the silence on taboo or challenging topics fosters understanding by bringing diverse perspectives into a shared conversation. At Ivey Publishing, we're committed to sharing stories that represent everyone and preparing students to tackle real challenges in the workforce. That’s why we’ve teamed up with the authors of the “Breaking the Silence” case to bring it to our readers for free. By bringing these important issues to light, we hope to foster a more inclusive and equitable future for all. This case includes a selection of mini-cases connected to queer and trans experiences based on real-life events for participants to role-play. Review it here: https://lnkd.in/gJmiSkzG #PrideMonth #LGBTQ #CaseMethod #BusinessCaseStudy

Books by and about the LGBTQ+ community are the most frequent targets of bans at public schools and libraries across the country. And these challenges explicitly state that young people shouldn’t be exposed to LGBTQ+ material. An extension of this thinking is evident in attempts by policymakers nationwide to prohibit drag shows and banning gender-affirming care. They’re also pushing to allow the deadnaming of transgender students or adults in the workplace, as well as other measures that target LGBTQ+ people. Which is why it’s essential to fight against book banning. Because books have the ability to give us a glimpse into lives and experiences other than our own. And as a result, see those whose life experience is different from ours as fellow human beings rather than a frightening Other. So, read a book from the ALA’s Rainbow List in support of Pride Month. Or choose from books that have received the Stonewall Book Award. But don’t limit choices from these lists to the month of June, show support for Pride year-round. Peruse the fabulous books on these lists here: https://lnkd.in/gEiHKPXP

Public Service Announcement: Queer is not a bad word. In recent conversations, it's clear there's a need to clarify the term 'queer' within both professional and social contexts. 'Queer' is embraced by many (myself included) within the LGBTQ+ community, not as a derogatory label, but as a proud identifier that encompasses the spectrum of sexual and gender diversities. What does 'queer' signify? 1. Identity and Empowerment: 'Queer' represents a self-affirmation that rejects traditional binaries in gender and sexuality, offering a fluid and inclusive way to describe diverse experiences. By reclaiming 'queer', the community transforms a once pejorative term into one of empowerment and resistance against discrimination. 2. Community and Solidarity: It is a term of solidarity that fosters a sense of belonging among diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. 3. Conceptual Expansion and Reclamation: The usage of 'queer' often involves challenging rigid norms and expanding the understanding of complex human identities. It also symbolizes the reclamation of a term that has been historically used negatively, turning it into a powerful expression of identity and pride. Why is this important? Understanding the context and use of 'queer' is crucial in creating respectful and inclusive environments, especially in professional settings. Educating ourselves and others about this term can prevent misunderstandings that lead to exclusion and promote principles of diversity and inclusion that enrich our workplaces and communities. Let's embrace a culture of respect and continue to educate ourselves on the identities and terms within the LGBTQ+ community. Reflect on your language and approach, and take a step towards more inclusive communication. Click the link to download my Ever-Evolving Glossary of Terms https://lnkd.in/epch-6Cm #Inclusion #Diversity #LGBTQ #Queer #ProfessionalDevelopment #DEI

Why Did Aryan Bhangar Become Anaya Bhangar? A Story of Identity and Transformation In today’s fast-evolving world, the stories of courage and self-acceptance inspire us all. Aryan Bhangar’s transformation into Anaya Bhangar is one such compelling narrative. It is not just about changing a name or appearance; it’s a testament to embracing one’s true identity despite societal challenges. 🌟 Key Highlights of the Story: 1️⃣ Why did Aryan choose to become Anaya? 2️⃣ The struggles and triumphs of a transgender journey. 3️⃣ Breaking barriers in a conservative society. 4️⃣ Real-life facts and lessons we can all learn. This video dives deep into the psychology, social impact, and facts surrounding this transformation. Through this journey, we aim to spread awareness and empathy for the transgender community. 💡 Why Watch? To understand the facts behind this transformation. To explore the journey of courage and acceptance. To reflect on how we can build a more inclusive society. Let’s celebrate individuality and diversity by sharing such inspiring stories! 👉 Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/d5QwJKHW 🔗 Don't forget to like, comment, and share to spread awareness. #Transgender #AryanBhangar #AnayaBhangar #Inspiration #LGBTQ #Transformation #Identity #Facts

🌈 Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance - 20th November 2024 Today, we pause to honour and remember the lives of transgender individuals who have tragically been lost to violence, hate, and discrimination. This day is a stark reminder of the work still needed to create a world where everyone, regardless of their gender identity, can live safely, authentically, and with dignity. 💙💗🤍 Let’s come together to: - Celebrate the courage and resilience of the transgender community. - Challenge prejudice and champion inclusivity in all areas of life. - Speak up against transphobia and amplify voices advocating for equality. Every action, no matter how small, can contribute to a kinder, more accepting society. Let’s build a future where no one is forgotten, and everyone can thrive. We have some excellent shows on this topic so do contact us if you would like us to come to your workplace or school to discuss transphobia and homophobia. Education leads to understanding and it is the route to an inclusive society. #TransDayOfRemembrance #TDoR #EqualityForAll #LGBTQ+ #TransRights #LGBTQAwareness #EndTransphobia #InclusiveSociety

IT’S ABOUT VISIBILITY, EDUCATION AND ACTION 🏳️⚧️ This Sunday, March 31, is Transgender Day of Visibility, an annual opportunity to reaffirm transgender rights are human rights.  We celebrate the achievements and resilience of transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming persons around the world.  We recognize their bravery in their hard-fought work for equality, inclusion, and the full recognition of their human rights, which continues to this day. At the same time, we underscore the work that remains to ensure that all transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming persons are able to live authentically, safely, and with dignity.  Transgender persons deserve to live free from violence, discrimination, and stigma. The number of anti-trans bills considered across the U.S. has broken records for four consecutive years. In 2023, the total number of bills considered surged more than three times the previous record. In 2024, we're already tracking 533 bills. That number is anticipated to grow. Bills are being introduced rapidly in 2024. We're tracking legislation in 41 states, as well as nationally. At The Phluid Project and GET PHLUID we call on our partners around the globe to join us in fighting for a world in which everyone can live safely and openly as themselves, and where visibility is celebrated and never attacked To learn more about strategic advising and education visit www.getphluid.com To learn more about supporting the TGNC community visit www.PhluidPhoundation.org Or reach out to me directly. It’s our duty as responsible citizens to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our freedom. Let’s commit to give each other space so that we may both give and receive inherent rights including dignity, joy, freedom and opportunity. #education #inclusion #diversity #lgbt

In other social media, I am a very “political” person and if you follow me there I have probably bored you silly with my views on a whole host of things (😉). On LinkedIn, I post less and comment only on things that are relevant to the workplace and professional life. As a gay man, I consider the place of LGBT+ folk in the workplace to be an important issue for my LinkedIn profile and I tend to “like” relevant posts on this subject and, occasionally, post something myself. There are powerful and well-funded forces active in our world today that do not want lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender folk to be accepted and open parts of our workplace communities and so it’s important that LGBT+ folk and our allies (how I love our allies!) resist this and work to normalise inclusion and acceptance. The acknowledging that someone is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender is no more pornographic or a threat to women and children than acknowledging that someone is heterosexual would be. Why am I posting this today? I was dissapointed to log on this morning and to encounter various posts, comments and shares from folk who (until this morning) I was connected with on LinkedIn, sharing homophobic and/or transphobic talking points. I didn’t engage with these people (beyond severing the LinkedIn relationship) but it reminds me of the importance of being out in the workplace - whether that means out as a LGBT+ person or out as an ally of LGBT+ people. #LGBT #OutinTheWorkPlace

It’s Pride Month once again, which is a month-long celebration of liberation and acceptance for our queer friends who have had a long history of struggle in the fight for their rights. The first World Pride happened in 2000 and is celebrated in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York, USA. To all our queer friends out there, Happy Pride! As the activist and one of the many prominent figures during the Stonewall Uprisings, Marsha Johnson, once said, “No Pride for some of us without liberation for all of us!” Hence, a society’s acceptance (or tolerance) of its queer members is a reflection of its perspective on the universality of human rights. And if you are not queer, that is totally okay. You can still celebrate Pride as an ally. Here are some tips on how to be a good ally: 1. Do not assume a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE) unless otherwise explicitly communicated. 2. Let people identify themselves on their own terms, time, and pace. 3. Be open to listening to the stories of your queer friends even if it can be difficult to relate to their experiences. 4. Use their preferred pronouns and lived names. 5. Be a safe space for them. 6. Raise awareness, disseminate relevant information, and have civil discussions involving LGBTQ+ communities. We can show support for our LGBTQ+ friends and acquaintances by simply celebrating Pride with them and advocating for their rights. #pridemonth #pride #lgbtqia #pride2024 #ally #girlpowertalk #spreadlove #inclusivecommunity #alliesmatter Penned By: Anjo A.