5 Things / Family
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This week my partner and I celebrated our birthdays. For me that always brings the gift of reflection on the lessons learned from this year. This was the year I expanded my capacity to love and be loved. More than anything, it was a year of new and strengthened relationships. Of family, chosen and otherwise.
Anna DeShawn, an award-winning podcaster and inductee in the Chicago LGBTQ Hall of Fame is my guest on the show this week. Anna recently reflected:
“Family. A word I started saying to welcome our listeners into a news story has become a movement. A movement that reminds us that family means something. It says “I get you” & “I got you” because even in the darkest of times, it is our care for each other that will get us through.”
At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.
Here Are This Week's Good Vibes:
Doula Love Saves Lives!
Cook County, Illinois’s new initiative offers free doula services to nearly 1,000 pregnant patients, aiming to address alarming racial disparities in maternal health. Black women in Illinois face a higher risk of maternal complications and preventable deaths, often stemming from systemic inequities in care. Research shows doulas significantly improve outcomes, reducing premature births and C-section rates. With a $1M annual investment, this program ensures multilingual support and empowers patients to advocate for themselves. ♐Advocate for doula support in your community or workplace benefits.
Holy Year, Rainbow Welcome!
For the first time, the Vatican will host a pilgrimage for LGBTQ+ Christians, allies, and families during the 2025 Jubilee. Set for September 6, the event includes a prayer vigil, mass, and a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica. This groundbreaking move, led by Tenda di Gionata and endorsed by Pope Francis, signals the Church's growing efforts to embrace LGBTQ+ individuals. ♐This challenges long-standing exclusion and inspires dialogue in faith-based institutions globally.
Hidden Disabilities Get Brick-by-Brick Representation
Lego is breaking barriers with new characters wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, an international symbol for non-apparent disabilities. Featured in three upcoming sets, including the Heartlake City Airport and First Time at the Airport, these characters promote understanding and visibility. Fans can even design custom minifigures at Lego’s global factories. The initiative extends to employees, with training and access to the lanyard. ♐Representation normalizes hidden disabilities and fosters inclusivity, empowering individuals to be seen and understood.
Four-Day Workweek Coming to Tokyo
To combat a plummeting birth rate, Tokyo is piloting a four-day workweek for government employees starting in April 2025. Paired with a “childcare partial leave” policy, the initiative aims to help working parents balance careers and family life. With Japan’s fertility rate at 1.2 (far below the 2.1 needed for population stability) and women shouldering five times more unpaid work than men, this policy targets systemic challenges. Research shows that four-day workweeks boost childcare equity and productivity, as seen in global trials. ♐Test innovative solutions to foster employee well-being.
Boards Are Better With Women
Female representation on corporate boards has nearly tripled since 2010, with women now holding 26% of board seats globally. Companies with more women on boards outperform their less diverse peers, delivering 2-5% higher returns in developed markets and reduced volatility in emerging markets. Europe leads the charge, with some nations exceeding 40% representation due to quotas. Despite the backlash against DEI initiatives, research shows diversity drives better business outcomes, making it a competitive advantage. ♐Use data to strengthen the business case for DEI.
This Week’s Call to Action:
I’m buying some holiday gifts from FreeFrom, a social enterprise where “100% of every purchase helps survivors of gender-based violence build wealth, safety, and power through their handcrafted products. For survivor-entrepreneurs, creating these items nurtures their healing, giving customers even more of a reason to gift abundantly.” There’s even a new documentary about this program called Survivor Made.