Global PRIDE Initiatives: ADF’s Commitment to LGBTQ+ Equity and Inclusion

Global Communications Team

June 4, 2024

Global PRIDE Initiatives: ADF’s Commitment to LGBTQ+ Equity and Inclusion

The Avery Dennison Foundation (ADF) supports organizations that align with Avery Dennison’s global and regional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Councils and Employee Resource Groups. ADF is proud to celebrate PRIDE month and recognize grantees' efforts to create equity and inclusion through support programs and services for LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. These programs provide essential services, from healthcare and job readiness to fostering a sense of community, belonging and understanding. Here are a few highlights:

Connecting Dreams Foundation’s Center for Excellence–First Inclusive Environment Empowering the LGBTQ+ Community in India

Connecting Dreams Foundation (CDF) was established in 2012 to focus on marginalized and underserved communities with almost no voices in rural and urban areas in India. CDF provides them with skills through education, employment, or entrepreneurship to live dignified lives. CDF works with several marginalized communities, from acid attack survivors to LGBTQ+ populations, in order to build mainstream businesses. PULSE (Promoting Unity, Leadership and Social Empowerment) is India's first LGBTQ+ Center for Excellence with six hubs.

The LGBTQ+ population in India, particularly transpersons, faces unique challenges that restrict economic livelihoods in education and employment, family rejection, and inadequate social and legal support. With the support of ADF, CDF’s Center of Excellence offers comprehensive support and an inclusive environment that empowers the LGBTQ+ community, addressing both immediate needs and long-term aspirations. Wrap-around services include helping individuals navigate legal documentation challenges and mental health resources such as counseling and peer support. Community engagement initiatives provide platforms for artistic expression, fostering social inclusion and confidence, as well as skill development and job readiness. To foster entrepreneurship, the Center provides training on e-commerce opportunities. The Center also ensures access to nutritious food, mental health and wellness services and healthcare, which is crucial for those undergoing gender transition.

“Being a part of this initiative has been transformative,” said Priyanka*, a CDF Center for Excellence participant. “I have not only gained skills to set up my business but also learned what it takes to build a strong customer base and how to get the necessary compliance documents from various government departments. It has not only provided me with a venue to earn a livelihood but also empowered me to become a role model for inclusivity in my community.”

*A fictitious name was created to protect the anonymity of the participant.

Oogachaga, Creating Community for Singapore LGBTQ+ YOUth, Individuals, Couples & Families

Oogachaga is Singapore’s most established community nonprofit organization that works with LGBTQ+ individuals, couples and families. With the support of ADF, Oogachaga is continuing to expand its reach to LGBTQ+ youth in Singapore through counseling services, information guides for parents, a youth leadership and training program called BOOST, and the launch of the first-ever national survey to assess the experiences and needs of this demographic.

It was really awesome meeting more members of the queer community and networking with y’all! Y’all are a super fun bunch of people! Thank you for the organization and hospitality :)
–Oogachaga youth participant

Initiatives include:

The YOUTH program engages, empowers and supports young LGBTQ+ individuals ages 16 to 29 through events, support and professional counseling.
BOOST is Oogachaga’s first youth leadership and youth volunteer training program for LGBTQ+ youth.
Kopi/Teh Hangouts are semi-structured in-person monthly sessions with thematic conversations about LGBTQ+ topics youth care about.
Kampung Kiki are free and easy monthly sessions for LGBTQ+ youth to meet, eat and mingle over conversation and board games.

"As a non-profit organization that is led by, run by and works with members of the local LGBTQ+ community, we are very grateful for the support from the Avery Dennison Foundation,” said Leow Yangfa (he/him), executive director, Oogachaga. “Supporting Oogachaga also means we can provide LGBTQ+ affirming support to the local community in the form of services and programs."

Plexus Education Foundation: Supporting LGBTQ+ Career and Resource Fairs in Akron and Cleveland, Ohio

Based in Cleveland, Ohio, the Plexus Education Foundation supports the educational programming of Plexus, a Northeast Ohio Chamber of Commerce that serves the LGBTQ+ and allied business communities. Plexus' mission is to improve the workplace environment for individuals through education, research and development. The support of ADF allows Plexus to host two LGBTQ+ career and resource fairs in Akron and Cleveland, Ohio. The LGBTQ+ Career & Resource Fair is a unique opportunity for employers to engage with diverse candidates while fostering an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ job seekers to expand their professional network and enhance their career skills.

On March 30, 2024, Plexus and the LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland's Transgender Day Visibility programming hosted the first event, the Cleveland Career Fair. Thanks to the ADF grant, Plexus had greater marketing and outreach capacity, resulting in a 61% increase in job seeker attendance. There were 102 attendees, 34 employers and resource partners represented, and approximately 70 individual representatives.

All attendees received a hot lunch, and free headshots were available. At the computer center, attendees could pop in for resume support and technical assistance. Many job seekers spent time in the interview support space. One job seeker shared, "I was extremely nervous when I first arrived, but after spending time in the interview prep room, I was able to approach employers with confidence. I was even able to schedule an interview for next week.”

Looking ahead, Plexus will host its first event in Akron Summit County in the fall of 2024.

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