Michael Sokolowski’s Post

All of these slides, but Slide 5 is SO IMPORTANT to really understand and embrace.

Integrity helps others trust you…. And that is essential in any business.

Colorado Gives Day is right around the corner on December 5th, and early giving has already started! We hope Envision:You is at the top of your list when it comes to giving back this year. Help us reach our $15,000 goal this Colorado Gives Day by clicking this link! https://bit.ly/3EPB1Jk #LGBTQ #lgbtq #mentalhealth #nonprofit #coloradogivesday #coloradogives #COGivesDay [Image description: [Blue words "EARLY GIVING has started" on a white background with an orange border. The Colorado Gives Day blue graphic and logo is below, with the text "December 5" on top and "coloradogives.org" on bottom. There are hands holding hearts above the graphic. The Envision:You logo is at the top middle of the image.] End Description.]

Are you a trans person (including non-binary people, of course) that's fundraising to cover the costs of transition related care? Or other trans related stuff? If you are, we might be able to help you by sharing your fundraiser on our social media channels. Note: you need to be over 18, using one of our approved platforms (Chuffed, Crowdfunder, Go Fund Me, Just Giving, Spot Fund) and not have been featured on #FundingSunday in the past 12 months. To request a share on #FundingSunday, click the link in our bio, go to 'TransActual forms' and click 'Funding Sunday request form'. #Trans #Transgender #Nonbinary #LGBTQIA #LGBTQI #LGBTQ #LGBT #Queer #Transition #TopSurgery #FTM #MTF

With many more #LGBTQ+ people wanting to start or grow their family, it's important they consider as many practical and legal implications both before and after the process of adopting has started. Matt Parr TEP (he/him)from our Private Clients team will be joining New Family Social's webinar at 12pm today to chat all things Wills, guardians and estate planning for their members. For more information on New Family Social, visit www.newfamilysocial.org.uk #EstatePlanning #Adopting #Wills #PrivateClient

Are you a trans person (including non-binary people, of course) that's fundraising to cover the costs of transition related care? Or other trans related stuff? If you are, we might be able to help you by sharing your fundraiser on our social media channels. Note: you need to be over 18, using one of our approved platforms (Chuffed, Crowdfunder, Go Fund Me, Just Giving, Spot Fund) and not have been featured on #FundingSunday in the past 12 months. To request a share on #FundingSunday, fill out the form at: https://lnkd.in/eq-rFM-7 #Trans #Transgender #Nonbinary #LGBTQIA #LGBTQI #LGBTQ #LGBT #Queer #Transition #TopSurgery #FTM #MTF

I couldn’t be more proud to be a member of the Board of Directors for the ACLU of Iowa! These laws are incredibly dangerous and will cause harm. They must be overturned. The ACLU of Iowa staff is beyond brilliant and dedicated to protecting our rights. It shouldn’t have had to come to this, but I’m thankful for the ACLU and Lamda Legal. #StoptheBan #ReadBooks #lgbtqia #CivilRights #HumanRights #Iowa __________________________________ ACLU of Iowa and Lambda Legal File Lawsuit to Block Banned Books and “Don’t Say LGBTQ” Law The lawsuit represents seven families throughout the state and the non-profit Iowa Safe Schools, which supports LGBTQ students. “This law creates a toxic and dangerous environment that puts students at risk of harm, bullying, violence, and even suicide.” SF 496 is a law with wide-ranging implications for students’ academic experience, safe school climate, and mental health. The lawsuit challenges multiple portions of the law that target LGBTQ+ youth and require school districts to ban books, including the following provisions: The law forbids “any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender identity or sexual orientation” in grades K-6. This prohibition has frightened LGBTQ+ young people into concealing who they are for fear of violating the law or getting a teacher in trouble. This provision has caused school districts to take down safe space stickers, remove references to LGBTQ historical figures from library displays, and ban books with LGBTQ themes or characters from libraries and classrooms. This provision also has forced student groups for LGBTQ+ students and their allies to stop meeting entirely. The law requires public schools K-12 to remove all books containing “descriptions or visual depictions of a sex act” with the explicit exception of the Bible. This portion of the law has caused school districts to remove hundreds of titles from school libraries. School districts have interpreted this provision as requiring the removal of classics from authors such as James Joyce, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Alice Walker, and many others. The law requires school counselors and other school employees to report to parents or guardians any student’s request for a gender-affirming accommodation, including any request to be addressed by particular pronouns. This forced outing provision requires disclosure of a student’s gender identity to the student’s parents or guardians regardless of whether a school official knows that the report will expose the student to potential family rejection, being kicked out, or physical abuse.

Last up for #FundingSunday, we have TJ who is requesting help fundraising the costs of Top Surgery. Donate if you can, share if you can't. Click this link to help out: https://lnkd.in/e-aiCXZM #TransCrowdfund #Fundraiser #Solidarity #Trans #Transgender #LGBTQIA #LGBTQI #LGBTQ #LGBTI #LGBT #Queer 6 d

Today is an important one for me - May 17th is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia and is a day I get reflective on how far we have come but how far we still need to go. One step forward two steps back is often the case but we won't stop walking and thats what matters. Whether its setting up a PRIDE ERG, advocating for equitable processes and practices through support from Self-ID Demographics, or even reaching out to your friends and colleagues to hear their experiences that they will still be facing today, there are tons of easy things you can do to help us get to a safe and inclusive space. Check your local resources (Chambers of Commerce are a great place to start) or global charities/resources to learn how you can show up and be a better ally! #inclusion #deib #IDAHOT #LGBTQ #proud #diversity