5 Things / Survey Says

On 5 Things in 15 Minutes on Monday, I’ll be joined by Veronica Smith (no relation!), who will share some of the results of the Washington State LGBTQ+ survey. Veronica was one of the leads on the project, which was the first of its kind in the country. 

The team surveyed nearly 7,000 LGBTQ+ Washingtonians, ages 11 to 98 years old, about their experiences. The goal with this is to “provide a snapshot of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community across Washington State and illustrate disparities in lived economic, social, and health-related experiences among 2SLGBTQIA+ people, compared with their straight/cisgender counterparts.”

Now the results are in, and the data is being shared with all the community partners who helped disseminate the survey. Those partners can use that data to apply for funding and create real systemic change to reduce disparities that were identified. This is great news, and what’s even better is that other states are following this model and have their own surveys underway.

Join us on Monday’s show or check out the podcast to learn more.

This Week's Good Vibes:

1. UK Muzzles NDAs

   • In a landmark shift, the UK is banning non-disclosure agreements that silence victims of workplace harassment and discrimination. The plan will void existing NDAs and free both victims and witnesses to speak without fear of lawsuits. This is a seismic move for systemic equity: NDAs have long perpetuated abuse by shielding repeat offenders and muting marginalized voices, especially women, LGBTQ+ people, and workers of color, who already face higher rates of workplace misconduct. By dismantling these gag orders, the UK affirms that transparency and accountability matter more than corporate reputations. ♐ Review your own confidentiality practices. Are they protecting people or problems?

2. Hamilton’s Bigger Race: Equity Wins

   • While engines roared at the British Grand Prix, Sir Lewis Hamilton’s Mission44 foundation quietly stole the show, transforming Silverstone into a launchpad for systemic change. Fueled by Hamilton’s £20M personal seed, Mission44 tackles education, employment, and mobility gaps for underrepresented youth, reaching over 350,000 globally in just four years. From STEM workshops to diversity panels, the foundation’s Grand Prix activations showed how a sports icon can rewrite what legacy looks like. ♐ Champion structural solutions over symbolism, and spotlight how privilege can be wielded to dismantle barriers for marginalized communities.

3. Cabs Can’t Cure Culture

   • Several German cities, including Mannheim, are subsidizing €10 night taxi vouchers for women amid rising gender-based violence. In 2023, reported sexual offenses in Germany surged 6%, while 68% of women avoid walking alone at night. Programs like Mannheim’s, which are fully digital and inclusive of trans women, are popular yet limited by budget constraints, a lack of awareness, and an absence of systemic evaluation. Of course, the voucher solution treats the symptoms of patriarchy, not the source. Vienna offers a promising blueprint: redesigning parks, widening paths, and building for inclusion from the ground up. ♐ Advocate for inclusive design in public and private spaces.

4. Barbie Rocks a CGM

   • Mattel introduced its first-ever Barbie doll with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), complete with a continuous glucose monitor, insulin pump, and blue accessories symbolizing global diabetes awareness. Developed in partnership with Breakthrough T1D, the doll reflects the reality of 9 million people worldwide living with the condition. For kids who rely on medical devices, seeing themselves reflected in play is validating! ♐ This is disability inclusion in action—removing stigma, creating connection, and reshaping what "normal" looks like for the next generation.

5. Brits Clock Out and Level Up

   • All 17 companies in the latest UK trial of a shorter workweek—either four days or a nine-day fortnight—are making it permanent, with nearly 1,000 workers keeping their full pay. The result of the latest trial indicated less burnout (62%), more life satisfaction (45%), and—in some cases—doubled business performance. A shorter week can also improve mental health and level the playing field for caregivers and disabled workers who often can't conform to rigid 40-hour norms. ♐ Run a pilot and gather real metrics on burnout, output, and retention.

Good Vibes to Go:

Check out this short TED Talk: The Case for a 4-Day Workweek. You’ll be convinced!