5 Things / Hiatus Hiatus
It’s been a heads-down, focused few weeks since I put 5 Things on hiatus. I finally have some pep in my step again.
I’ve been doing LGBTQ+ education for 20 years, and to be honest, I got a little bored. But this year has reminded me how crucial this work still is, and how far we still have to go when it comes to achieving true equality. My firm’s name is Equality Institute, after all.
To make high-quality, engaging, and practical LGBTQ+ education available to individual learners, we completely overhauled our video on demand eLearning content. We have fresh videos, each averaging 3 minutes, bundled together in certificate tracks for everyone. We host on our LMS or deploy at scale on yours.
Here’s how it works:
Level 1: LGBTQ+ Inclusion Awareness Certificate
Learn foundational LGBTQ+ concepts, inclusive language, allyship, and how to show up in a supportive way.
Level 2 Certificates (Choose one or more):
Inclusive Manager Certificate
Inclusive Customer Service Certificate
Inclusive Sales Certificate (Trusted Advisors)
Inclusive Meetings & Events Certificate
Inclusive Weddings & Travel Certificate
Watch a preview here and here and contact me for a full demo.
These short, practical, and self-paced certificate programs keep learning impactful and real. Take two or more level two courses and receive the LGBTQ+ Inclusion Champion™ Certificate.
Save 20% on any course through the end of the year with code INCLUSION20.
I'm not done with my hiatus, so I'm going away for another few weeks and will be back again in December. In the meantime, enjoy the good vibes below!
This Week's Good Vibes:
DoorDash Steps Up Amid Expiring SNAP Benefits
As SNAP benefits faced potential suspension due to the government shutdown, DoorDash committed to delivering 1 million free meals through food bank partners and waiving fees for 300,000 SNAP recipients. DoorDash also donated food from its DashMart locations to local food banks. This temporary solution addressed the immediate needs of millions of Americans, particularly marginalized communities like children and seniors, at risk of losing food assistance. ♐️Corporate partnerships are vital when the government is gridlocked.
This one is near and dear to me…Illinois passed the Equality for Every Family Act. This legislation expands legal protections for LGBTQ+ families and those formed through assisted reproduction or surrogacy, ensuring they receive equal recognition. The act updates parentage laws, allowing same-sex couples to acknowledge parentage without jumping through legal hoops like I did when I had to adopt Patrick. This law aligns the state’s laws with the modern world. ♐️Legal recognition creates security for LGBTQ+ families.
Chewy Grants ALS Patient’s Wish for Independence
Brooke Eby, diagnosed with ALS three years ago, lost her ability to walk her dog, Dray, due to her progressing condition. Enter Chewy Claus, the holiday campaign that went above and beyond by crafting a custom hands-free leash, designed to attach to Brooke’s wheelchair. Now, they can walk together again, restoring a beloved routine. Chewy also donated $10,000 to ALS advocacy. ♐️Dignity and independence is critical for people with disabilities.
The Indianapolis Clowns Return to Baseball in 2026
In 2026, the legendary Indianapolis Clowns will make a comeback as part of the Banana Ball Championship League, a new venture by the Savannah Bananas. Partnering with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the Clowns will play alongside five other teams, bringing entertainment-based baseball back into the spotlight. The Clowns featured baseball icons like Hank Aaron and Satchel Paige. ♐️This move celebrates the rich history of the Negro Leagues and honors the Clowns’ pivotal role in both baseball and entertainment.
South Korea Makes Historic Change in Census for Same-Sex Couples
South Korea’s Ministry of Data and Statistics made a quiet but significant update to its 2025 Population and Housing Census by accepting “spouse” or “cohabiting partner” as valid responses for same-sex couples. Previously, same-sex couples were forced to categorize themselves as “other cohabitants,” making their relationships invisible in government statistics. While same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in the country, this update marks an important step for visibility and recognition, potentially influencing future policy decisions. ♐️ Data collection changes can pave the way for policy change.
Good Vibes to Go:
Hospitality folks! You don’t want to miss Seva Global ‘s Multicultural Roadshow with stops in NYC, Miami, Chicago, Miami, and San Francisco. Get cultural insights to a variety of cultures including Chinese, Indian and Indian Weddings, Jewish, LGBTQ+ and Muslim