5 Things / Purposeful
Yesterday was Juneteenth and the opening day of the Barack Obama Presidential Center here in Chicago. I haven't been over there yet. But I'm planning to explore after Pride, and I can already feel the energy it's bringing to the south side. Rita was there yesterday and I can't wait to hear everything.
Pride month has been delightfully busy. Global audiences at all hours, virtual and in-person. I love it all. I bet you can tell.
Three days after one of my keynotes this week, someone left me a comment on LinkedIn: "The hallways are still buzzing with your wisdom drops."
That one meant so much: the conversation keeps going after I leave. That's the whole point. That's how I change the world. I'm living my purpose. What a gift.
What about you? Where are you feeling purposeful lately?
I'm cheering you on -
Bernadette
This Week's Good Vibes 🙌
History gets its facts back
Federal Judge Angel Kelley ordered the Trump administration to restore National Park Service signs and exhibits removed under a directive targeting content deemed unpatriotic. Materials addressed slavery at Philadelphia’s President’s House, climate threats at Fort Sumter, Indigenous history, LGBTQ+ visibility, and Japanese American incarceration. Erasing uncomfortable facts disproportionately removes the experiences of marginalized communities from public memory. ♐️ Protect public education from political censorship and include the full record.
El Paso keeps Pride shining
After Texas ordered cities to remove Pride crosswalks and other roadway markings, El Paso wrapped downtown streetlights near Pride Square in cylinders featuring the Progress Pride Flag. The installations resulted from collaboration among city officials, queer organizations, and activists. When governments suppress LGBTQ+ visibility, communities lose symbols of safety and belonging. El Paso found a lawful, creative way to say the community is still here. ♐️ When one path closes, collaborate and build another.
REI lets queer artists lead
REI partnered with nonbinary illustrator Alva Skog for its 2026 Made With Pride collection. Skog’s rainbow-toned mountain design reflects identity, connection, and the outdoors. REI is also hosting Pride pop-ups in several cities. 87% of LGBTQ+ audiences say inclusion must begin internally, with queer people involved in creating campaigns. This moves beyond rainbow branding by crediting, paying, and trusting a queer artist’s vision. ♐️ Hire community creatives, name them, and let them lead.
Conversion abuse meets consequences
The Netherlands is banning conversion therapy. Violators could face two years in prison, fines, and loss of professional licenses. The law covers psychological pressure, exorcisms, prayer-based practices, and pseudo-therapy, not only medication or shock treatments. Conversion practices stigmatize LGBTQ+ identity and are linked to increased suicide risk. ♐️ Ban abusive practices comprehensively, including those disguised as care.
Women run the World Cup pitch
Referees Tori Penso, Brooke Mayo, and Kathryn Nesbitt became the only all-woman officiating trio at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They also made history in 2025 as the first all-woman on-field crew for a U.S. Open Cup final. Women have always had the ability to officiate elite men’s soccer but have rarely received equal opportunity. Their visibility opens the pathway for officials coming behind them. ♐️ Put women in high-stakes roles and evaluate performance, not stereotypes.
Good Vibes to Go & Updates
It’s summer, Juneteenth weekend, Pride month! Let’s celebrate! Here are six ways you can celebrate and honor Black history and Juneteenth from my friend Crystal Whiteaker.