As we prepare to send out this newsletter, the UK General Election is imminent, and by the time you read this, the results will be known. Some of you might be rejoicing, or commiserating, or perhaps feeling a sense of apathy with more of the same.

In this moment of anticipation, I find myself thinking that regardless of the election outcome it's essential to remain hopeful and resilient in our collective pursuit of equality. Our commitment to D&I transcends political landscapes and election results, and we must continue to work hard for a world where everyone is valued and respected.

Throughout history, we’ve faced discrimination and setbacks, with old prejudices reappearing in new forms. The question remains: will things ever change for good? I certainly hope so. In the meantime, let's be kind to each other today, regardless of the election result, and celebrate the diversity that makes us stronger.

- Oli, Director of Marketing & Creative

QUICK FIRE NEWS 🧨

🎾 Men's tennis lags behind women for LGBTQIA+ representation

🏳️⚧️ David Tennant calls Kemi Badenoch out for anti-trans views

⛓️💥 Divorce is boosting gender equality

🤰 The trauma of giving birth is overlooked

🇬🇷 Greece introduce a six-day work week

LET'S GET INTO IT 🤓

How annoying are your co-workers? 👀

85% of workers find their colleagues annoying, but this is indicative of a larger problem.

What's going on? Workplace toxicity is thriving in 2024. Studies show that workplace safety and well-being are on the decline, ranging from minor annoyances - see stress bragging and hey hanging - to more serious reports of gaslighting and passive aggression.

Is workplace civility a thing of the past? Working from home has without a doubt led to a relaxation of workplace etiquette - this is largely a good thing, allowing us to shed the corporate masks while still performing to a high standard. But have some of us let standards slip slightly too far? And why aren't all these wellness initiatives working?

In a world of hybrid working, the lines between professional and personal are blurred, and this is where toxic workplace behaviours can find a home. But boundaries are really important still, and we need to respect one another's time and privacy (even if they are different to ours). In this report, five annoying work characters were identified: Credit Stealer, Micromanager, Chronic Complainer, Personal Space Intruder, Lunch Thief.

Asthma + Lung UK

The air around us is filled with invisible pollutants, but its effects on the human body are very real. Asthma + Lung UK is fighting for everyone's right to breathe clean air.

Air pollution is a social justice issue that hits the poorest and ethnic minorities hardest. In London, people from black/mixed ethnicities are more likely to be exposed to high levels of air pollution. Shockingly, over a third of the capital’s pollution hotspots have a higher proportion of people from black/mixed ethnicities  –  compared to only 4% for areas with more white people (read the full research here).

Do you have a lung condition or know someone with a lung condition affected by pollution? Your voice matters. Learn about campaigns here and share your story here.

Reversal in LGBTQIA+ rights harming children

Uganda, Ghana, Iraq, Russia, Hungary, and the United States all among the countries curtailing LGBTQIA+ rights.

A trending narrative Among the countries seeking to limit these fights, a tired stereotype is invoked that suggests we need to protect children from the "threat" of LGBTQIA+ people merely existing. This is a completely misguided justification not only harmful to the LGBTQIA+ community, but also to the children it impacts. One extreme example of this is in Uganda where a law was passed last year criminalising homosexuality and implemented life prison sentences for same-sex sexual activity. The reason provided was to "protect children and youth."

The impact on children As these kids grow up in countries where LGBTQA+ expression is stifled, they miss out on important knowledge and representation. They do not learn about family diversity, current events, or parts of sex education; and crucially, LGBTQIA+ children are isolated. Similar narratives are commonplace in the UK too, particularly right now with schools being told not to teach about gender identity.

The real way to protect children? A healthy, age-appropriate education and celebration of all genders and sexualities!

Far-right gains ground in French elections 🗳️

On Sunday, French voters went to the polls in snap legislative elections, with the far-right National Rally leading the first round.

What's going on? In a surprising turn of events, the far-right National Rally has emerged as the frontrunner in the first round of France's snap legislative elections, securing over 33% of the vote. Following closely is the left-wing New Popular Front alliance with 28%, while President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Ensemble alliance trails in third with 21%.

Should we be worried? Many are concerned about the potential implications of a far-right victory. If the National Rally gains power, there are fears of increased discrimination and harsher policies towards minorities. The political landscape may become highly fragmented, leading to instability, and the impact could extend beyond France, affecting the UK's and Europe's political dynamics and potentially straining EU relations.

THINGS WE'RE LOVING... 🥰

👕 Self Esteem designs football shirt to fight domestic violence

🥰 London Mayor celebrating Pride

🧑🦯 UK's first blind personal trainer