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The conversations are happening around the world. As FIFA increases its marketing of the new FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, USA and Canada, the spotlight is on more of the social and economic tangibles that are part of such an event. We all must do our part and in New Jersey the issue of LGBTQ+ and the upcoming tournaments is out in the open and rest assured there are many of us continuing the conversation of inclusion, diversity and equity in all sports. #weare26 #njdbac #fifanodiscrimination https://lnkd.in/ejHPf2pi

Men's football has an LGBTQ+ problem. Too many people are excluded from enjoying it. But we can solve it. And here's the first step. This week, on Out and Out Football, we're launching a survey for LGBTQ+ people to share their experiences on football. The first step in working out how to solve a problem is properly understanding the problem. By taking part in the short survey, you'll be playing a fundamental part in changing football. So to any LGBTQ+ people in my network – whether you're into football or not – will you have your say by taking part in the survey now? https://lnkd.in/exwBDpUE

I am sure many of us have followed the Olympics coverage for the last few weeks. I was keeping track of this while on holiday. Of course, the sports competition was amazing. Still, as always there was controversy from the drag queens at the opening ceremony to Imane Khelif's gender identity, and backlash around LGBTQ+ representation in sports. So it was great to return and listen to our recent podcast with Alan Lang who was the co-chair of the Gay Games to talk about this topic. To listen check out the link below. My key takeaways are: 👉 LGBTQ+ athletes face very unique challenges in professional sports, including discrimination, stigmatisation and barriers to entry starting from a young age and continuing through their carriers 👉Major events such as the Olympics can support and showcase LGBTQ+ talent by providing a highly visible platform to change people's perceptions, hearts and minds. 👉 Competitive sports by its very nature can be inherently unfair and the debate on trans inclusion is often oversimplified. It ignores systemic issues like unequal access to resources and training. It also ignores that women, including cis women, come in all shapes and sizes, and winning at the elite level often comes down to having advantageous characteristics. 👉 Finally, should sports be more about participation or are we all focussing on excellence which ultimately can limit access and is exclusive? Growing up in Australia where sports are revered I do understand how not being great at this can feel very exclusionary. All food for thought, so take a listen and see what you think, I certainly found it thought-provoking.

Check out this NPR segment about inclusion in the industry and LGBTQ representation. Thanks to Kaity Kline, NPR and DON'T NOD for making this happen!

ICYMI: The LGBTQ Community Fund recently celebrated 10 years of giving. Watch this short video to learn more about the fund's history.

Image Description for the blind and visuallyimpaired: Background has vertical rainbow colors, white cursive lettering on top reads "We Stand United in the fight for INCLUSION". The word "inclusion" is in rainbow colors.

🎉 Happy #DisabilityPrideMonth! We're honouring some of the disabled LGBTQ+ people who paved the way for a more inclusive world. Want to be a better ally to disabled LGBTQ+ people? Our blog has you covered ▶️ https://bit.ly/37j89c2

Today, on Juneteenth, we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and reflect on our journey towards justice. It’s crucial to recognize the intersectionality within our community, especially the experiences of Black individuals who are also part of the LGBTQ+ community. Let’s renew our commitment to dismantling racism and supporting inclusivity this Juneteenth. #Juneteenth #Intersectionality #SVPC

Making a case for LGBTQ+ inclusion in games 🏳️🌈🎮 The 2024 GLAAD Gaming Report on 'The State of LGTBQ Inclusion in Video Games' is a must read for everyone in the industry. Not only does it provide you with a playbook for more authentic representation, it also contains the facts and figures you need to make a business case for LGBTQ+ inclusion in your game. Find the online version here or download the PDF for later: https://loom.ly/PnnRk3g #DEIB #GamesIndustry #PrideMonth

As a very proud mother of a gay daughter, I’m celebrating Pride 2024 - it’s an opportunity to come together in love and friendship, as well as a moment to reflect on past struggles and ongoing efforts required to achieve true equality. Fostering an LGBTQ+ inclusive and supportive workplace is so important. And the advantages go beyond ensuring that everyone of all sexualities and gender identities feel safe, supported, valued and included – it enhances business productivity and profitability. “The case for establishing a truly diverse workforce, at all organizational levels, grows more compelling each year….The financial impact—as proven by multiple studies—makes this a no-brainer.” Havard Business Review Nov-Dec 2020