Issue #40 Monday, 01 April 2024
Dear ,
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 our 3 fortnightly updates for you: 1: Launch of LGBT Great's 'Made For You' Impact Report 2. Meet BlackRock in our Talent Digest We met with Cassie Bartley, Head of Talent Acquisition for EMEA at BlackRock, to learn more about working at the world's largest Asset Manager. Read the Talent Digest 3. Pulse Survey: Share One Word You can help us shape the future of LGBT Great! In one word, describe what comes to mind when you think of our brand. Let's spark a conversation! Share your one word Thank you for reading. Look for our next Digest issue on Monday, 15th April. Have a great week ahead! Best wishes, LGBT Great Team ___ Enjoyed this Digest? Click HERE to provide your feedback.
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| 1. 42% of US Financial Services employers report not making provisions for diverse candidates in the hiring process |
| A recently released report by Phaidon International found that 42% of US Financial Services employers had not made any explicit provisions for ensuring a diverse pipeline of candidates throughout the hiring process. Further, only 30% had any indicators/metrics in place to understand and measure the success of an inclusive hiring program. _____ Our View: This report highlights the ongoing knowledge gap around the case for inclusive hiring programmes - not just the business case but also the human case. Data from our forthcoming research revealed that 64% of LGBTQ+ respondents would feel more comfortable during the hiring process if the interview panel had received DE&I training.
To bridge this knowledge gap and enable your recruiting team to better engage and attract top-tier talent, get in touch. You can also access a free recording of our webinar on transgender and neurodiverse recruitment experiences here.
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| 2. Thailand takes a step closer toward same-sex marriage equality |
| On 27 March 2024, the lower house of the Thai parliament voted on a bill to legalise same-sex marriage, with 400 out of 415 lawmakers voting in favour. Before becoming enshrined in law, the bill needs approval from the Thai Senate and the King’s endorsement. _____ Our View: A government survey from last year showed that 96.6% of Thai citizens were in favour of the bill, depicting the overwhelming support from the public for same-sex marriage equality. This legislation would make Thailand the first in Southeast Asia and the 37th country globally to legalise same-sex marriage.
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| 3. New South Wales bans conversion therapy |
| On 21 March 2024, the upper house of the Australian parliament passed a bill which outlaws conversion therapy practices with a 22-4 vote in favour of the ban. _____ Our View: With this landmark decision, New South Wales has become the 4th state in Australia to ban conversion therapy, advancing LGBTQ+ protections in the nation.
Only 27 countries currently ban conversion therapy, a pseudoscientific practice intended to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity. Twelve peer-reviewed studies have linked conversion therapy practices to depression, suicidality, anxiety, social isolation and decreased capacity for intimacy.
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| 4. Bill introduced to ban gender-transition and adoption rights for the LGBTQ+ community |
| On 25 March 2024, the Georgian ruling party introduced a bill into the parliament which prohibits people from changing their gender and outlaws adoption for same-sex couples. It also aims to ban education and public gatherings that promote "same-sex family or intimate relationships". _____ Our View: Poll data from the World Values Survey depicts staunch anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment amongst the people of Georgia, with 91% saying that homosexuality was not justifiable and 62% of respondents saying they would not want an LGBTQ+ neighbour. Some commentators have suggested that this bill has been fast-tracked given that elections are to be held in October, thereby leveraging existing anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment as an accelerant to securing votes. If enacted, it would disproportionately harm the LGBTQ+ community and exacerbate existing stigma across the country.
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| 5. GLAAD report reveals social media providers fail to curb anti-trans hate |
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On 27 March 2024, GLAAD released a new report documenting numerous posts on Meta's primary social media outlets, Facebook and Instagram, that were transphobic. The report revealed that Meta's content moderation system allows an "epidemic of transgender hate", violating its own moderation policies. _____ Our View:Previous research has revealed that anti-LGBTQ+ posts on social media are associated with adverse psychological effects for the LGBTQ+ community, ranging from anger to severe depression, as well as being directly linked to exacerbating suicidal ideation. It is crucial for all companies -- and not just the providers like Meta -- to ensure that any communications channels used by their employees, customers or clients are underpinned by robust content moderation frameworks explicitly sensitive to LGBTQ+ communities. |
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| Upcoming 2023 Events & Webinars |
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Applications for new Corporate Members are currently open. If you would like to find out more about the membership options with LGBT Great, get in touch today via this short form. |
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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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