We’re only 3 months in and 2024 has been testing so far. We're witnessing wars, genocides, trans hate, recession, and now open racism within the UK Parliament. As a D&I professional, it's easy to get beaten down by these relentlessly awful headlines as we do all we can to support affected communities. But it comes at a detriment to you. Feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders has an impact.

This week at Diversifying Group we have been helping each other unload and ground ourselves, appreciating the little things in life and the joys they can bring. I made space for a gratitude circle with colleagues this week. Things that brought us joy included: flowers that brighten our rooms, spring creeping in, and worn in Doc Martens.

Times have been tough and you are not the only one feeling it. I encourage you today to take a moment, reflect and remind yourself of the little pockets of joy.

- Yani, Diversity & Inclusion Consultant

QUICK FIRE NEWS 🧨

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😢 UK among countries with least happy residents

🏅 First Olympics with equal numbers of men and women

💷 Sarah Everard vigil attendee paid damages by police

LET'S GET INTO IT 🤓

MP Diane Abbott subject to horrific racism

What's happened? Frank Hester - one of the biggest Tory donors - reportedly said that Diane Abbott made him "want to hate all black women" and that she "should be shot." Hester, who gave the Tories £10m last year, admitted to making "rude" comments but said it "had nothing to do with her gender nor colour of skin."

The response Sunak has admitted the comments were racist but says he will not return the donations made by Hester. Abbott, who has been repeatedly subject to racist abuse via her peers and the public, has said she was "upset but not surprised." In a statement via twitter, Abbott pointed out the real danger of this kind of abuse today:

"I am a single woman and that makes me vulnerable anyway. [...] The fact that two MPs have been murdered in recent years makes talk like this all the more alarming."

She calls for all parties to make a real stand against racism.

Gen Z versus 🥊 "professionalism"

What are the kids doing now? Young people are ushering in a new world of work where we drop the corporate mask and be ourselves at work. However, this shift is sometimes misinterpreted as a disregard for professionalism, particularly by older generations. In one story the BBC heard, an employee otherwise excelling at her job was fired because "her demeanour didn't fit the firm's image" - referring to her more casual manner of speaking.

What's the big deal? Traditionally, the workplace has been a formal environment dictating a certain manner of dressing, speaking, and acting. However, the rise of remote working has blurred these boundaries, with many of us taking calls in our pyjamas and introducing the team to our cat. Young people are embracing this shift the most and they're butting heads with senior employees who are used to a certain way of doing things.

So, what now? For Gen Z, navigating these dynamics can be challenging, especially when senior employees hold decision-making power. While authenticity shouldn’t be compromised, it's essential to understand and respect the professional norms that still exist in many workplaces. Adapting doesn’t mean losing yourself, but rather recognising the evolving landscape. Change is happening gradually, and it requires sensitivity and awareness from everyone involved.

NHS ban puberty blockers for children 💊

Puberty blockers are prescribed at gender identity clinics to pause the physical changes that come with puberty. The media frenzy suggests that these drugs are being thrown at kids, when in reality just 83 children were prescribed puberty blockers last year.

An appropriate ban or a moral panic? A review has found "not enough evidence" that the drugs are safe or effective. On the face of it, you might think a ban therefore makes sense. However, the timing of it is significant.

Puberty blockers have been prescribed to cisgender children for decades with no safety concerns or moral outcry. It is standard treatment for children experiencing puberty too early or too fast. The exact same drugs were prescribed to trans children, but now it's suddenly become dangerous.

So what happens now? Children already receiving puberty blockers will be able to continue their treatment but new prescriptions will not be allowed. This is a massive blow (again) to trans healthcare and will deeply effect young trans people who may be forced to experience puberty in a gender they do not identify with.

THIS WEEK WE'RE LOVING ✨

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📦 Desperately needed food supplies are on their way to Gaza