Issue #37 Monday, 19 February 2024
Welcome to the latest issue of the LGBT Great News Digest, a short briefing on the 5 LGBTQ+ news stories that you need to know about right now. Firstly, here are three forthcoming LGBT Great updates for you: 1: Top 30 Under 30 Awards 2024 – Empower Colleagues LGBT Great’s brand-new Top 30 Under 30 is a Project 1000 Initiative. The programme seeks to spotlight the incredible work of the next generation of future leaders, who are blazing new trails for diversity, equity, and inclusion across their organisations. Nominate Today | Amplify on LinkedIn 2: Aromantic Awareness Week Webinar – Build Awareness This Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week, join LGBT Great for an insightful and engaging exploration where we delve deeper into what it means to be Aro/Ace. Register Here | Amplify on LinkedIn 3: History Month Webinar: Celebrating Trailblazers and Illuminating the Future Join this industry webinar to explore and learn about the significance of LGBTQ+ and Black History Month in the context of the financial and professional services industries. Register Here | Amplify on LinkedIn Watch out for our next Digest issue on, Monday March 4th, as we look to a month-long celebration of National Careers Week, Trans Day of Visibility and Neurodiversity Celebration Week. Together, we can go far! Best wishes, LGBT Great Team ___ Enjoyed this Digest? Click HERE to provide your feedback. |
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| 1. US SEC rules shareholders have right to question LGBTQ+ employee healthcare benefits at companies |
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In a recent development, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has decided that shareholders held the right to raise questions about healthcare benefits for LGBTQ+ employees. This decision follows a rejection of appeals made by several companies to consider these benefits as matters of ‘ordinary business’. _____ Our View: This ruling sets a precedent for investors to challenge human capital management policies. SEC's decision is particularly noteworthy in light of opposition from major FTSE100 corporations, potentially indicating a new wave of and enhanced commitment towards greater transparency and LGBTQ+ inclusivity in corporate governance to come. |
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| 2. Same-sex marriage legalised in Greece |
| On 15 February 2024, the Greek parliament legalised same-sex marriage with a 176-76 vote, making it the first Christian-Orthodox majority country to do so. The bill also grants adoption rights to same-sex couples. _____ Our View: Greece has now become the 36th country in the world where same-sex marriage is legal. This landmark ruling holds particular significance as it breaks new ground within a Christian-Orthodox-majority demographic and opens new frontiers for LGBTQ+ equality, especially in countries where socio-religious may be seen to run counter to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
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| 3. 4 in 5 Black LGBTQ+ youth report having faced homophobia and transphobia in the Black community |
| On 15 February 2024, the HRC released a new report that explored the experiences of Black LGBTQ+ youth in the US. The report found that 80.9% of the respondents had experienced homophobia or transphobia. _____ Our View: The same report also found that 3 in 4 Black LGBTQ+ youth experienced racism in the LGBTQ+ community. These alarming statistics underscore the multifaceted challenges Black LGBTQ+ youth face. Navigating both anti-Black racism and LGBTQ+ discrimination necessitates adopting an intersectional approach that acknowledges the unique ways these forms of oppression intersect. Only by recognising these intersecting struggles can we truly achieve inclusive and affirming spaces for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
To learn more about how an intersectional can benefit your organisation, get in touch at info@lgbtgreat.com.
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| 4. Delhi government announces free bus travel for transgender community in capital |
| On 5 February 2024, the AAP government announced that the Kinnar/Hijra community will now be able to travel for free on Delhi buses. The proposal needs to be presented to the cabinet before the initiative can be official rolled out. _____ Our View: A recent study found that Hijras live a life of crisis due to their stigmatisation and oppression in modern-day India. This leads to financial insecurity, life dissatisfaction, loneliness and mental health problems. This announcement from the Delhi government extends affirmative action (commonly known as ‘reservation’ in India) to the Hijras and paves the way for further initiatives aimed toward fostering equitable outcomes for the community.
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| 5. Russia makes first convictions using new anti-LGBTQ+ law |
| On 01 February 2024, it was reported that Russia had made its first convictions using the recently passed anti-LGBTQ+ law. A court in Volgograd found a man guilty after he posted a photo of an LGBTQ+ flag online. Another woman was sentenced to 5 days of administrative detention for wearing rainbow-coloured earrings. _____ Our View: A t least three groups supporting LGBTQ+ rights in the country have shut down their operations for fear of prosecution. Additionally, police have also raided LGBTQ+ bars and clubs in the country.
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| Upcoming 2023 Events & Webinars |
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Disclaimer The information contained in this newsletter is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by LGBT Great and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the newsletter or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the newsletter for any purpose. All the quotations in the news are presented as originally published. LGBT Great does not necessarily share the views of the quoted authors and is not responsible for the accuracy of the information or quality of the analysis provided by them. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. |
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