Enjoy reading our News Digests? Take 1 minute to provide your feedback HERE.
Issue #55 Monday, 28 October 2024
Welcome to issue 55 of the LGBT Great News Digest, a short briefing on the 5 LGBTQ+ news stories you need to know about right now. As always, here are 3 updates for you: 1 –💡 Transgender Awareness Week: Join us on November 13th for a webinar focused on understanding Transgender and Non-Binary identities. Learn how to develop inclusive policies, improve recruitment processes, and foster a supportive work environment. Register Here. 2– 🚀 Nominate an Executive Ally: Our role modelling programme seeks to recognise and celebrate senior leaders in financial services and business around the world, who have used their platform, influence, and role, to ally and sponsor DE&I. Nominate Exec Allies Here. 3 –💡 Talent Attraction Research Launch: Join us on December 3rd for our end-of-year research launch event hosted in partnership with BNY at their London office. The report will provide key insights and impactful strategies to help organisations that want to attract more LGBTQ+ and under-represented talent. Register Here. Check out this issue’s five news stories below and watch out for our next Digest issue on Monday 11th November. Should you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to reach out to us. Our team is dedicated to providing any assistance you may need. The LGBT Great Team |
|
| 1. New research finds employee resistance to organisational DE&I efforts may undermine their effectiveness |
|  |
On 1 October 2024, new research was published in the journal of Current Opinion in Psychology which found that subliminal resistance to DE&I efforts might lead to reduced effectiveness of DE&I initiatives in organisations. The paper also highlighted the need for further research on the subject. _____ Our View: Examples of subliminal resistance mentioned in the research also manifest as micrgoagressions- a brief, everyday comment or action that expresses bias or hostility towards a marginalised group or person. These seemingly minor incidents can create a climate of exclusion and undermine DE&I initiatives, particularly for LGBTQ+ employees and other underrepresented groups.
Effectively addressing microaggressions, whether through calling in or calling out, is crucial to fostering a psychologically safe workplace where everyone feels respected and valued.
To learn practical strategies for countering microaggressions and promoting allyship, access LGBT Great's allyship courses hereor get in touch at info@lgbtgreat.com
|
|
|
|
| 2. New research finds parasocial relationships have positive impact on LGBTQ+ young people |
|  |
New research conducted by Hopelab revealed that parasocial relationships provide strong support for LGBTQ+ youth. This is especially evident for transgender and non-binary people who report more pride and higher level of intra-community connectedness in their identities due to such relationships. _____ Our View: This research reinforces the importance of representation and role models for LGBTQ+ individuals. Hopelab's findings resonate with LGBT Great's own proprietary research, which further underscores the positive impact of role models particularly on the confidence and motivation of LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, our research also reveals that visible LGBTQ+ representation at all levels creates a more inclusive and psychologically safe environment.
By spotlighting LGBTQ+ role models and sharing their stories, organisations can foster a sense of belonging and empower LGBTQ+ employees to bring their whole selves to work. To learn more about our role modelling initiatives and how you can get involved, click here.
|
|
|
|
| 3. Report reveals Uganda suffered up to $1.6 billion loss due to anti-LGBTQ+ law |
| On 10 October 2024, Out for Business released a new report revealing that the Ugandan economy had suffered up to $1.6 billion loss due to its anti-LGBTQ+ law. Loss breakdown includes $1 billion in donor funding, $75 million in FDI, $312 million in public health efforts like the fight against AIDS and $99 million in tourism. _____ Our View: These staggering losses underscore the global economic power of the LGBTQ+ community, often referred to as the "rainbow economy." With Gen Z being the most LGBTQ+ generation yet, and with robust protections for the community gaining traction worldwide, the case for LGBTQ+ equality – both from a human rights and a business perspective – has never been stronger.
This report clearly demonstrates that any jurisdiction enacting draconian anti-LGBTQ+ laws could face severe economic consequences.
|
|
|
|
| 4. New research finds LGBTQ+-specific state-level protections reduce instances of discrimination |
|  |
New research by the University of Minnesota found that states with LGBTQ+-inclusive policies reduced instances of discrimination. States with more LGBTQ+-specific protections saw discrimination rates drop from 98% to 68.9% for transgender and non-binary people. _____ Our View: This highlights the vital role of inclusive policies in fostering a more equitable society. Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender and non-binary individuals, remains a pervasive issue that extends to the workplace. A 2024 Randstad study found that nearly half of all LGBTQ+ workers have experienced discrimination or prejudice on the job and another 2022 study found that 60% of trans & non-binary individuals did not disclose their identity due to fear of discrimination.
If state-level LGBTQ+-inclusive policies can dramatically reduce discrimination, we can infer that similar policies at the organisational level can cultivate a more inclusive workplace culture. An inclusive culture is appealing to LGBTQ+ talent as evidenced by our proprietary research which found that more than 60% LGBTQ+ professionals are inclined to work for organisations that have demonstrably LGBTQ+-inclusive policies.
|
|
|
|
| 5. Italy makes it illegal for couples to access surrogacy abroad |
|
On 16 October 2024, the Italian senate passed a law making it illegal for couples to go abroad and have a baby through surrogacy. People who break the law can face up to 2 years in prison and fines up to $1 million. _____ Our View: This legislation is another example of the current Italian government's crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been vocal in her opposition of LGBTQ+ families, a stance that contrasts sharply with public opinion as evidenced by a recent Ipsos poll which revealed that 77% of Italians support same-sex marriage and 68% support same-sex parenting.
This law will disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ couples in Italy who wish to have children through surrogacy, further marginalising them and denying them the opportunity to build families. |
|
|
|
Applications for new Corporate Members are open. If you would like to find out more about the membership options with LGBT Great, get in touch today via this short form. |
|
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. |
|
|
