I AM INSPIRATION TO THE LGBT COMMUNITY

 

SHOP ERIN'S FAVORITE

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

The wage gap. Representation in media. Consent. These are issues that have plagued women for centuries, but now, with the #metoo movement and other important conversations taking place, we are finally going to see some changes… right?

Talking is all well and good, but you know what’s even better? Action.

 

The Disconnect

It’s no small secret that clothing and beauty are massive markets, and the only way these markets are able to be so successful is by convincing women that their own natural beauty simply isn’t enough. That is why clothing is designed to show off our shape – and that is after we are shamed into dieting our shape into unhealthy levels of “perfection.”

When the rally cry goes up that every body is beautiful, that’s a good thing. When curvy women grace the covers of magazines, that is progress. But we are not out of the woods yet.

Inclusivity and Body Positivity is What Woxer Stands For 

Try this little experiment. Go to Google. Type in “puts on leggy display.” What happens? Images and videos of celebrity women in shorts and skirts. Not images of men. Images of women.

Now type in “showing off smarts.” You can guess what happens. A smattering of scholarly discussions about being and acting smart, but not one glossy tabloid photo of a female celebrity having a deep discussion about anything STEM related.

This, once again, reinforces the need to keep pushing for more action, not just talk, in showing women as more than legs, shapes, and something pretty to photograph.

The Sad Truth

If you want to see how truly ridiculous it is, go to Bored Panda’s recent parody article where male celebrities were given the same objectifying headlines as women. It’s absolutely hilarious to laugh at “Arnold sizzles as he goes braless in polo shirt for Paris visit,” and “Chris Pratt exudes body confidence in barely there shorts,” but when we switch those male names out for female ones like this actual headline: “Kylie Jenner Goes Shirtless While Tugging Down Her Sweats & Flashing Her Rock-Hard Abs,” suddenly it’s not funny anymore. It’s downright creepy.

Be Part of the Change

We need to celebrate that important conversations regarding the objectification and degradation of women are finally taking place. But we also need to ensure that we keep that momentum going. For example, be careful of what you share on social media. Instead of hitting the share button on yet another celeb going naked (and airbrushed) on a magazine cover and hashtagging it #goals, share women like Greta Thunberg who are willing to call out an entire nation’s apathy. Instead of dreaming about looking like Kim Kardashian (easy to do if you have a spare $17,200 lying around),  grab a copy of Tough Mothers and read about ordinary women whose bravery and courage changed history.

We don’t have the luxury of waiting around for the beauty industry to recognize us as more than a pretty face. We can be the strongest agents of change when we stop looking for outside validation and start believing in the beauty and strength that lies within.

Woxer supports the strong, natural, confident woman and knows that, when you are comfortable in your own skin, you can change the world.

Empower Yourself Through Comfort

1. Unmatched Comfort

2. Sustainably Made

3. Empowering

4. Superior Quality

5. Stylish

   

Entrepreneurship and risk are a package deal, and launching a company as an LGBTQ person places yet another set of challenges on an already uncertain endeavor. A question such as, “Is my product-market fit secure enough to raise venture capital?” gives way to something more haunting: “Could my sexual orientation or gender identity limit how much funding I get from investors?” As a result, a young LGBTQ person might forego their innovative startup idea for a more secure job at a company that accepts, or even celebrates, their identity.

To help reduce career barriers for LGBTQ entrepreneurs and promote innovation around issues affecting the LGBTQ community, Venture for America and Out in Tech have  joined forces. Together, they are committed to building networks of LGBTQ entrepreneurs, promoting diversity in startup communities, and enabling more LGBTQ people to see entrepreneurship and tech as viable career paths. 

Here’s why:

1. The data show real inequality gaps for LGBTQ people in entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship, especially in tech, has a well-documented problemwith racial and gender diversity. Research on LGBTQ diversity is more limited – an issue in and of itself – but evidence suggests LGBTQ founders also face difficulties.

A 2016 study by StartOut reported that 37% of LGBT startup founders in the United States did not come out to their investors, and LGBT-founded companies raised 11% less capital than a sample of their non-LGBT peers.

Companies in states and cities with anti-LGBT policies, as well as those founded by LBT women, were at an even greater disadvantage. Among study participants, LGBT founders were more than twice as likely as their non-LGBT counterparts to move their companies to more accepting locales like California, New York, and Massachusetts. Seventy percent of LBT women raised less than $750,000 of outside capital, while 47% of GBT men raised at least $2 million.

2. Strong networks provide better access to resources and investors.

Startup life can be lonely, and that isolation can be costly for new ventures. Research from Babson College on common practices of entrepreneurs highlights the need for “membership in physical communities where ideas can be shared and shaped.” Startup communities tend to offer good opportunities for productive collaboration like co-working spaces and meet-ups around shared interests. Even with the best intentions of inclusivity and acceptance, however, straight white men tend to dominate these circles and diversity remains elusive.

As a result, and due to the smaller proportion of LGBTQ people in the general population, the density of LGBTQ people in startup networks is low. This makes it tough to find a strong network of advisors, confidantes, and advocates. Building communities of LGBTQ entrepreneurs can help. Together, we can connect with each other and generate the social capital necessary to build customer bases, recruit top talent, and attract investors.

3. LGBTQ-supportive companies see positive outcomes for employees.

In many cases, corporate employees benefit from policies and employee resource groups that protect LGBTQ individuals from workplace discrimination and provide a sense of formal inclusion. A 2013 study from the Williams Institute finds that LGBTQ employees at supportive companies experience less discrimination, better health, and higher job satisfaction and commitment.

Startups, however, often lack the scale at which intra-company LGBTQ groups can be formed. Early-stage companies may only have a handful of employees, of which one or two might identify as LGBTQ. LGBTQ entrepreneurs can build formal networks to mimic the sense of community gained from such groups in corporate spaces and benefit from a heightened sense of well-being at work and in the broader startup community.

4. LGBTQ innovation helps companies solve problems and tap into new markets.

In 2015, LGBTQ Americans had $917 billion in collective buying power, on par with that of other minority groups. Of course, LGBTQ entrepreneurs themselves are uniquely equipped to develop new products and services tailored to LGBTQ consumers.

LGBTQ employees at Facebook listened to fellow LGBTQ users and advocated for custom gender identities on profiles. Her, a lesbian dating app, was developed out of the founder’s own frustration with using versions of other apps geared toward heterosexuals and gay men. The Out in Tech Digital Corps helps provide web services for LGBTQ activists and organizations around the world. A quick search for “best LGBTQ products,” however, reveals few results and lots of room for growth. Together, we can  identify and tap into opportunities in our own market more effectively.

Diversity in company leadership also drives innovation. Research published in the Harvard Business Review found that firms with a diverse set of leaders are 45% more likely to report market share growth and 70% more likely to have secured a new market altogether. However, 78% of firms lack a diverse set of leaders, and LGBT employees at these companies are 21% less likely to win endorsement for their ideas.

5. Future generations of LGBTQ people should see entrepreneurship as a viable path to success.

Adversity is only one side of the story. In contrast to some LGBTQ people with careers in traditional organizations – financial institutions, school districts, corporate law firms, retail companies, etc. – LGBTQ entrepreneurs may have an easier time carving out paths for themselves without daily dealings with prejudiced bosses or coworkers. LGBTQ people should embrace entrepreneurship as a way to escape the old boys clubs and create their own inclusive work environments.

That being said, challenges persist. Venture for America and Out in Tech believe that the best way to resolve these issues is to encourage more entrepreneurship in the LGBTQ community. After all, embarking on an entrepreneurial endeavor and coming out as LGBTQ are easier with role models to admire. A similar sense of familiarity with LGBTQ people is also important for our straight and cis-gendered colleagues. Together, we can inspire future generations to prioritize gender identity and sexual orientation as assets and never as liabilities.

Via: Forbes

Late last month, a leaked draft of an executive order from the Trump Administration hinted that the Oval Office was considering granting federal contractors a sweeping license to fire or refuse to hire lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people on the basis of religious belief. Two days later, amid intense public backlash, the White House said it had shelved the order. 

But it was a clear signal that Trump and his allies considered compromising LGBT Americans' civil rights, and still might do so, despite overwhelming evidence that policies allowing businesses to discriminate are bad for those very businesses. So now companies face a test: As the government backs away from protecting LGBT workers, will their employers continue to step up and do so instead?

DISCRIMINATION HAS NO WINNERS

So far, there's reason for measured optimism. States that have passed anti-LGBT laws in recent years, like North Carolina, have suffered fierce blowback. By one estimate, HB2 has cost the state between $77 million and $201 million in tourism and tax revenue alone. It also cost Governor Pat McCrory his job. As a result, politicians and business leaders see North Carolina and McCrory as a cautionary tale. In fact, the NCAA now requires potential host cities and counties to fill out a questionnaire that includes this question: "Does your city, county/parish, and/or state have provisions that allow for refusal of accommodations or service to any person?"

While nondiscrimination laws may spook legislators, companies large and small agree that diversity is good for business. Good managers and entrepreneurs all know what gets results: Create a shared vision, build a great team, create an open atmosphere for creativity, and attract and retain great employees. And business owners know that they're most successful when they serve the public—and that means all of the public.

According to an April 2015 poll conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research for the political think tank the Center for American Progress, two-thirds of small business owners said companies shouldn't be able to deny goods or services to LGBT customers based on the owner's religious beliefs. And 59% of small business owners opposed laws allowing individuals, associations, or businesses to legally refuse service to anyone because of their own faith.

Today, many corporations are putting these beliefs into practice by drawing up policies to protect their LGBT employees. According to the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index (CEI), 82% of Fortune 500 companies have explicit nondiscrimination policies covering sexual orientation and gender identity. And with transgender issues in the spotlight, many businesses are focusing on ways to support their transgender employees in particular. It actually isn't that difficult:

• Update nondiscrimination policies. Make sure whatever protections your company has in place when it comes to gender, race, and sexual orientation also explicitly include gender identity.
• Provide inclusive health care for employees. 50% of Fortune 500 and 73% of CEI businesses offer transgender-inclusive health care coverage.
• Offer to educate. 86% of CEI-rated businesses have training programs that specifically include gender identity in the workplace.
• Adopt guidelines to support inclusion. 387 major businesses have adopted gender-transition guidelines for employees and their teams, so there's already no shortage of examples for best practices (this organization has some useful resources).

FIGHTING DISCRIMINATION DOESN'T HAVE TO BE POLITICAL

Many of these inclusive businesses aren’t located in blue-state bubbles. According to the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index, five of the top 10 Fortune 500 companies with high scores for equality—including Chevron, General Motors, Ford, and Walmart—are headquartered in states with few legal protections for LGBT people.

Nor are companies moving forward alone; they’re putting their money where their mouths are and urging governments to keep up. When businesses in Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas learned of discriminatory legislation in their states, they were among the first voices to reject that legislation. In response to a sweeping anti-LGBT bill, SB 6, the Texas Competes coalition of more than 1,200 businesses came forward to support LGBT protections. The group is now warning that Texas could lose up to $1 billion if the state passes the measure.

Tennessee Thrives, another coalition of businesses like the Hospital Corporation of America, FedEx, Jack Daniels, and Country Music Television, is calling on the state to oppose a proposed law that would allow mental health counselors to refuse patients treatment based on the therapist's religious or personal beliefs. And last year, the outcry against Georgia’s proposed bill, HB 757, which would have given faith-based organizations in Georgia the option to deny services to LGBT people, came from giants like Salesforce, Apple, Microsoft, Disney, Intel, and Home Depot. All urged the governor to veto the bill. And he listened.

We're about to learn whether the business consensus in favor of diversity can win over state and government officials who oppose it. That seems like it should be a no-brainer, but it won’t be easy. A newly released report by my organization, the Movement Equality Project, finds that the majority of states don't have laws protecting transgender people from discrimination in the workplace, housing, and public places.

And several states, like North Carolina, have recently passed anti-LGBT laws that support letting businesses turn away customers and even fire LGBT employees. More are now considering bills that would limit bathroom access for transgender people and make it impossible for them to update identity documents, among other restrictions.

But while state legislators and federal bureaucrats spend time worrying about who's using which bathroom, businesses can and must affirm what they already know works. By standing firmly against anti-transgender discrimination in the public sphere and creating a positive, transgender-inclusive environment in the workplace, companies can protect both their employees and their profits.

Because ultimately, this isn’t just about the bottom line. When workers are judged on their skills and creativity, and not how they identify or whom they love, everyone wins. When our communities create level playing fields where everyone has the chance to thrive, that isn't "getting political"—it's the American dream, and it’s good business.

Via: Fast Company

With officials estimating that somewhere around 3 million people attended Women's Marches across the country and around the world on Saturday to affirm women's rights as human rights, thoughts are now turning to the future. What do you do after you've attended a Women's March and pledged to do more?

If you're wondering how to turn the momentum from the Women's March into actionable steps going forward, there's plenty you can do no matter where you are to make a difference.

1. Learn about the issues

One of the most intimidating parts of becoming more politically involved is knowing what issues are out there and what efforts are already being taken. If you want to be become more informed now, feel free to check out the Resistance Manual, an open-source guide to the major political issues that you can get involved with. The manual also offers updates on what's happening with those causes.

Another option is to download an app like Countable to see which bills are currently passing through Congress, so you can have a better idea of what to speak to your representatives about or even potentially organize around.

2. Call your representatives

You can use the official House of Representatives website to find your representatives' contact information, and you can use the official Senate website to find your senators' information. If you're not sure what to say once you call, you can use scripts from The Sixty Five, an organization that synthesizes information about calling representatives and speaking on issues, as a guide. Another pro tip: Input your representatives' numbers on your phone and schedule a time to call every day.

Additionally, you shouldn't just be calling your representatives in D.C.; reach out to your local and state reps, as much of their work has a larger impact on your day-to-day life. Don't know who represents you at the state level? Use Open States to find out.

3. Participate in local organizing and government

Whether it's a school-sponsored cause or a city-wide initiative to eradicate homelessness, chances are there's at least one cause you'd like to get involved in. If you want more advice on how your actions can translate into organizing, feel free to download the Indivisible Guide, a project created by former congressional staffers on how you can make your voice heard. In addition to containing more information about contacting representatives, it also outlines how you can organize and be as effective as possible to create change.

4. Volunteer

Even if you're only able to give back one to two hours per week, volunteering for local causes you care about (like helping out at an animal shelter or a food bank) can make a huge difference. If you need help finding causes in your area, you can use resources like Volunteer Match or the U.S. government's volunteer page to help you see what's nearby. A simple Google search of "[your town/city] volunteer opportunities" can also do the trick in finding more niche community websites.

5. Support parties and candidates running for office

Important government elections happen every year (not just during presidential or midterm election years), so there could be a possible local, state or gubernatorial (i.e. governor) race happening where you live right now. Make sure you know the candidates in the race, and if there's someone whose platform speaks to you, see how you can volunteer with the campaign and get the word out.

Additionally, most local political parties are constantly working on getting out the vote for upcoming elections. They'd be more than happy to have your help in those efforts.

6. Run for office

While you can't run for U.S. Congress until you're at least 25 (that's when you're eligible to become a member of the House of Representatives), many state and local governments allow people to run for office starting at 21 and even 18 in some cases. So if running for a position on your local government is something you're interested in, there are plenty of resources at your disposal. 

Check out She Should Run and VoteRunLead, both of which run online and/or in-person training programs for women looking to run for office. There's also a great program called IGNITE that helps women in high school and college learn about preparing to run for office.

Furthermore, you don't have to run for official government office to start taking on more leadership roles in your community. Whether that's running for class president or leading the chapter of your favorite school club, see where you can make a difference and take charge.

7. Donate

Whether you're having a bake sale to raise money for national organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union or Planned Parenthood or holding a book drive to give back to your local library, there are plenty of ways for you to donate resources, financial or otherwise, to causes you care about.

8. Take action regularly

Want to do something every day to become more politically engaged? You can get daily initiatives sent to your phone from Daily Action to take part in. Or, if you connected with the Women's March platform, the organizers just launched a 10 Actions/100 Days campaign, where they'll will send you a new way to take action every 10 days during the first 100 days of Donald Trump's presidency.

9. Be deliberate about where you do, and don't, spend your money

You've probably heard the phrase "power of the purse," and it's true. If you don't want to support businesses that benefit or are supported by members of the Trump family (including Trump himself or Ivanka Trump), Grab Your Wallet has a comprehensive list.

10. Educate others on issues

Above all, one of your most important roles is educating friends, family, and others on issues like racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, and so much more. In her op-ed on everyday resistance, writer Celeste Ng mentioned that the Southern Poverty Law Center has a helpful guide for navigating difficult conversations surrounding identity, power and oppression.

Via: Teen Vogue