5 Things / Going First
Recently, I’ve been thinking about the topic of vulnerability. We’ve been told that vulnerability in teams and in groups can unlock greatness. That it creates connection, establishes trust, and can lead to everyone doing their best work.
Here’s the thing about vulnerability that I think gets forgotten: somebody has to go first.
That's what's on my mind these days.
Life can be intense. And it can be exhausting pretending it's not. It feels so much better to have people cheering us on.
But somebody has to go first. Continue reading on LinkedIn…
Here are the good vibes I found this week:
Airbnb Makes It Easier to Find Wheelchair-Friendly Homes
Wheelchair users will now have an easier time finding homes on the Airbnb app. The company unveiled a new search feature “Adapted”, which shows users homes with step-free access, for example. Not only that, Airbnb works with a 3D scanning company to vet each property and ensure the accuracy of the listing. This matters because wheelchair users and others with limited mobility may have a more difficult time traveling – and this feature expands their accommodation options, allowing them to experience more of the world. (h/t to Toby Mildon for this share on LinkedIn)
Sensory-Friendly Santa Coming To Hundreds Of Locations Nationwide
500+ malls across the U.S. will offer sensory-friendly Santa experiences this holiday season. As anyone who has ever taken a child to a mall Santa knows, it can be an over-stimulating experience. Now caregivers can reserve off-hours times, in smaller groups, for a child to meet Santa. Not only that, but lighting and music will be lowered to manage sensory concerns, and event staff, including Santa, will be trained to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This matters because it allows the Santa experience to include more people. More joy. (h/t to Karen Catlin for sharing this story with me)
WHO Renames Monkeypox as Mpox, Citing Racist Stigma
The World Health Organization rebranded the Monkeypox virus as mpox. The WHO did this in part because the original name represents “racist and stigmatizing language." The original name of the virus, which was first discovered in 1970, will be phased out over the coming year while the new name takes hold. This matters because the original name played into racist stereotypes and slurs and was causing additional stigmatization of Black people and Africans, in particular.
Miami Marlins Become First U.S. Sports Franchise With Women As President And General Manager
The Miami Marlins became the first sports franchise in the U.S. to have both a woman President (Caroline O’Connor) and General Manager (Kim Ng). This is both exciting and a challenge. History shows that BIPOC is more easily blamed and forced to take the fall when sports teams are struggling, as the Marlins are. There’s a similar risk here with these women in leadership, but it really does matter in setting a precedent and opening doors for other women in sports operations.
Colorado Springs Police Said They Made an Effort Not to Misgender Club Q Victims. Here’s Why That Matters
Colorado Springs police chief Adrian Vasquez showed true allyship when he said he’d identify the victims of the Club Q shooting “how they identified themselves, and how their families have loved and identified them.” He’s choosing to treat the victims of the recent mass shooting inside the LGBTQ+ bar with dignity, using the correct pronouns and names, despite what may appear on their ID. This matters because 70% of police misgender and “deadname” (using a trans person’s birth name) trans people after tragedies – and that perpetuates the trauma.
Listen Here:
Watch Here: