#creating an inclusive workplace

[akwyz]

Bridging the Gap: The Unseen Diversity in Our Workplaces

🌟 New Blog Alert! 🌟 Dive into the untapped potential of Workplace Diversity & Disability Inclusion with our latest insights. Transform your organizational culture and embrace true inclusion. Read now & join the conversation! #FutureOfWork #axschat

In a revealing conversation on Axschat, Hilary Wool, a partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), sheds light on the often-overlooked diversity in our workplaces: disability. Through her extensive research on self-identity, disability, and the feeling of belonging, Wool brings critical insights that challenge our perceptions and underscore the need for a more inclusive approach in corporate…

[champstorymedia]

Diversity and Inclusion in 2024: Business Trends for a Fairer Workplace

Introduction As we step into 2024, the conversation surrounding Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) is more relevant than ever in shaping the workplaces of the future. Organizations worldwide are embracing a more diverse and inclusive culture, recognizing that equitable work environments not only foster creativity and innovation but also drive profitability and sustainability. This article will…

[ngwcc]

Designing Your Life

Navigating Our Journeys Session:WS 5-A “Designing Your Life” Friday, March 29, 2024 1:35 pm –  3:00 pm  EST   Dr. Bea Rodriguez-Fransen Join Dr. Bea Rodriguez-Fransen  for a workshop titled “Designing Your Life.” Description Based on the principles of design (ideation and prototyping) and foresight (episodic future thinking), during this workshop attendees will produce a draft of their life…

[gabrielsbubblegumbitch]

At VOXTEK Enterprise, we are proud to celebrate Pride Month and honor the incredible contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. This month, we not only reflect on the progress made toward equality but also reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We believe that company that slays together, stays together 👑

Diversity is at the heart of our values at VOXTEK. Our strength lies in the unique perspectives and experiences of our team members. By embracing our differences, we unlock the potential to learn from one another, sparking innovation and driving us forward as a company.

Our People and Culture department works tirelessly to advocate for equality and create an environment where every individual feels valued and respected. Through continuous efforts, we strive to build a culture of inclusivity that empowers everyone to bring their authentic selves to work.

Join us in celebrating Pride Month and in our ongoing mission to create a workplace where diversity is celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future.

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

Warm regards

VOXTEK Enterprise Team

[allthecanadianpolitics]

Workers at all federally regulated workplaces will be able to access free menstrual products while on the job starting Friday, a move the government called a big step towards workplace gender equity. About 18,000 federally regulated private and public workplaces, such as airports, banks and postal services, must now provide free pads and tampons to employees in an accessible and private workplace location, including washrooms or office supply cabinets. The government said it sees access to these products as a basic human rights issue, just like providing toilet paper to workers. In a press release Friday, it said the move aims to "create healthier and more inclusive workplaces, improve gender equity, and reduce stigma around periods."

Continue Reading

Tagging @politicsofcanada

[snaccpopstudios]

Happy Trans Day of Visibility!

Transgender Day of Visibility is recognized internationally each year on March 31st. Today, we celebrate the strength, joy, and resilience of transgender, Two-Spirit, non-binary and gender diverse people across the globe. Let’s continue to stand up, show support, and create a world of respect and equality for all– not just today, but every day!

As anti-trans legislation spreads and attacks on healthcare, sports, and basic rights increase, we must stand in solidarity with our trans siblings. If you’re itching to make a real difference for our trans community today (and honestly, every day), why not consider donating to some of these amazing organizations that are doing such vital work? Your generosity would be greatly appreciated!

Point of Pride focuses on helping vulnerable members of the queer community feel seen and have access to life-saving health and wellness programs and supports like their Annual Transgender Surgery Fund, their HRT Access Fund, Free Chest Binders + Free Femme Shapewear and more! They have awarded almost half a million dollars in direct financial assistance and donated thousands of gender-affirming garments to trans youth and adults in all 50 American states and around the world. Donate to Point of Pride here!

FOR THE GWORLS is a Black, trans-led collective that curates parties to fundraise money to help Black transgender people pay for their rent, gender affirming surgeries, smaller co-pays for medicine/doctor’s visits, and travel assistance. There’s two donation options for this collective: the rent assistance fund and the medical assistance fund. Take your pick~!

G.L.I.T.S is a Black, trans-led advocacy and direct services organization that is dedicated to fighting systemic discrimination against marginalized communities, in New York City and beyond. Founded in 2016, G.L.I.T.S addresses barriers faced by community members at the intersection of gender, race, and class through direct services, advocacy, mass mobilization, media engagement, and public education. Their initiatives include sustainable housing projects and plans for a dedicated health clinic, all documented as pilot projects for broader application– you can read all about their initiatives here and donate to them here!

El/La Para TransLatinas works towards a world where TransLatinas are protected, celebrated, and loved, where trans/intersex/gender diverse Latinx people are welcome, safe, represented and valued in all spheres of life. They envision a future in which the human rights to migration, housing, healthcare, food, and safety are respected and protected. For more than 30 years, El/La has been an advocate in the transgender community seeking justice for translatinas. They were THE first translatina HIV prevention program in Northern California. Donate to them here~!

TGEU (Trans Europe and Central Asia) is a trans-led nonprofit for the rights and wellbeing of trans people in Europe and Central Asia. TGEU was founded in 2005 under the name Transgender Europe e.V. Since then, they’ve established themselves as a legitimate voice for the trans community. In 2018, they expanded their regional scope to include Central Asia. TGEU now serves trans people in over 50 countries in Europe and Central Asia. TGEU envisions a world free from discrimination where gender diversity is celebrated, where trans people are valued, and where trans movements are self-aware, intersectional, and evolving to meet the needs of a diverse and resilient community. You can donate to them here.

Egale is a Canadian charity advocating for equal societies and systems free from homophobia, transphobia and all forms of oppression. Founded in 1986, the organization recently replaced “LGBTQ+” with the acronym “2SLGBTQI” in recognition of “Two Spirit” people. In 2023, Egale’s work included six research reports, 75 workplace inclusion trainings and 120+ resources in French and English. Egale envisions a Canada, and ultimately a world, without homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and all other forms of oppression so that every person can achieve their full potential, free from hatred and bias. See their mission, values, history and more here and donate to Egale here!

[wafflesrisa]

Remember: genuine respectful curiosity is always better than fearful ignorance

I attended a workplace culture and inclusivity training today in which the presenter said with his whole chest that to avoid conflict it may be better to avoid talking about any “sensitive” topics at work like politics, religion etc.

This is absolute bullshit. The only way to understand different people is to share and get curious and find connection. You cannot promote inclusivity by living in a culture of fear where you’re afraid asking a question about something you don’t understand will get you in trouble.

All that creates is an echo chamber where you can only talk about “safe” topics, which are invariably ideas shared by the dominant population in that circle.

This applies in every circle - liberals, conservatives, at work, with friends, in society.

So get curious!! And respond to curiosity with kindness and respect rather than judge them for ignorance!!

[stellarwhisper]

Examining the Depths of Love

The nourishing energy that Cancer personal planets convey encourages solace and emotional ties. They are excellent at designing cozy, welcoming environments that evoke a feeling of inclusion.

Pluto in the 12th house highlights the intense journey of self-discovery and transformation that can come from grappling with inner fears and desires.

In synastry, Venus in the eleventh house produces a lovely dynamic where love and friendship converge. It places a strong emphasis on social ties and common values, encouraging a partnership based on inspiration and support.

In synastry, Venus in the 12th house forges a strong emotional and frequently spiritual connection. This arrangement implies an intuitive comprehension that goes beyond language, enabling two people to jointly explore their innermost secrets.

In romantic relationships, Venus in Cancer represents a protecting and nurturing force. People with this placement value safety and stability in relationships and look for strong emotional bonds. They value home, family, and shared memories and are frequently intuitive, sensitive, and loving lovers. A great desire to provide for loved ones and create a cozy, welcoming environment may result from this placement.

Venus in Libra ethos is perfectly captured by the emphasis on elegance and beauty. Their yearning for balance can be complemented by a harmonious appearance created with delicate pastel colors and graceful forms. That elegant look is further enhanced by accessories like flowing skirts and gold hoops.

Venus impact on Capricorn highlights the link between success in the workplace and attractiveness. One's reputation can undoubtedly be improved by having a refined, elegant appearance. Investing in premium goods demonstrates ambition and sophistication, while traditional beauty options like red lipstick and bold eyeliner convey confidence.

Venus aspecting Mercury improves communication and appeal. This quality frequently leads to a pleasant voice and the capacity to show affection in an elegant manner, which warms and engages talks. People with this placement are naturally able to draw others in with their charming speech patterns.

Venus in Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces) frequently has intense emotional experiences with love. They can build strong bonds because of their devotion and empathy, but they can also become sensitive and a little needy because to their desire for emotional stability.

Aries degrees focus on strength, vigor, and sound judgment draws attention to their innate leadership abilities. These degrees imply a tendency to take advantage of chances and flourish via self-reliance, which results in noteworthy accomplishments.

[ngwcc]

Creating a Bold Vision for Your Future

Navigating Our Journeys Session: DD5-A  “Creating a Bold Vision for Your Future” Friday, March 29, 2024 12:00 pm –  1:30 pm  EST   Dr. Julie Jung Join Dr. Julie Jung for a deep dive discussion titled “Creating a Bold Vision for Your Future.” Description This deep  dive discussion will focus on setting yourself up to win by creating a bold vision for your future. Topics will include bringing…

[eretzyisrael]

by Nissan Shtrauchler

A deeply concerning trend has emerged in Norway, where Jewish community members fear seeking medical care due to growing anti-Israel sentiment among healthcare workers. In an unprecedented letter to health authorities, Jewish leaders warn that community members are hiding their identities in medical settings—a situation not experienced “since World War II.”

The letter, signed by Marius Gaarder, chairman of the Jewish community in Oslo, and John Arne Moen from the Jewish community in Trondheim, raises alarming concerns.

“Shortly after October 7, 2023, alongside growing anti-Israel mobilization among segments of healthcare workers, health institutions, and medical experts, several members of the Jewish community expressed concern that they would feel uncomfortable seeking medical treatment and fear they wouldn’t receive optimal care if they revealed they were Jewish,” the letter states. “This is a situation we haven’t experienced since World War II,” it adds.

Dr. Rolf Kirschner, a Jewish physician with 45 years of experience in Norway’s public health system and a member of the Norwegian Medical Association, described it as an unprecedented phenomenon. “People don’t dare wear Jewish symbols like the Star of David when going for examinations, and Jewish patients fear having their names called aloud in waiting rooms out of concern that caregivers or others will discover they are Jewish,” he explained.

The situation has worsened as patients encounter politically charged environments. “Some Jewish patients were alarmed when they encountered healthcare professionals displaying overtly political posters and pamphlets expressing support for Palestinians, and they’re afraid to complain about this for fear of negative reactions from medical staff on whom their health depends,” Kirschner added.

While acknowledging freedom of expression, Kirschner believes certain political displays should remain outside medical facilities: “The letter calls on health services, relevant organizations, and the government to ensure Jews feel comfortable in hospitals and don’t fear approaching and receiving medical care, or hide their identity in hospitals.”

Norway’s Jewish population is small—approximately 1,500 registered Jews nationwide, with 800 residing in Oslo. This vulnerability is compounded by the Norwegian government’s strongly pro-Palestinian stance. Kirschner reports that community members have expressed fears about receiving substandard care due to solidarity shown by various medical professional organizations with Palestinian causes and calls for boycotts against Israel.

Though Kirschner cited only five or six documented cases of patients sharing these concerns with community leaders, he believes they indicate a broader pattern. These anxieties intensified following the viral spread of a video showing Australian hospital staff describing how they mistreat Israeli patients. In response, Kirschner urged professional organizations to take action: “The unions should inform their members that healthcare professionals need to remain neutral in the workplace and not display political symbols. They should make it clear that union members are prohibited from participating in political demonstrations at the workplace.”

Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre responded to the concerns, stating: “All patients should feel safe when treated in our public health service. No one should experience discomfort or worry when receiving healthcare, and I expect everyone to be treated with dignity.” He emphasized that creating inclusive environments remains “a local responsibility of medical institutions” that authorities expect to be “taken seriously.” The head of the Nurses Association has also acknowledged these concerns and promised to address them.

On Alpeleg, an Israeli-Norwegian resident of over three decades, places these concerns in a troubling historical context: “The Norwegian health system has a problematic past and present which is undoubtedly tainted by political influence. Norway assisted the Nazis in deporting Jews to extermination camps, and today it is the only Western country that refuses to recognize the murderous organization Hamas as a terrorist organization. As a Jewish resident of Norway, I feel deep concern about the influence of politics on the ethics and professionalism of the healthcare system.”

[zylentrix]

Transform Your Tomorrow with Zylentrix: Sustainable Innovation for Businesses, Careers, and Global Growth

🌐 Zylentrix: Redefining Success Through People-Centric Solutions

At Zylentrix, we’re on a mission to empower individuals, businesses, and communities through innovation, integrity, and sustainability. Our vision? To lead the world in integrated consultancy services, transforming challenges into stepping stones for growth. Whether you’re scaling a business, launching a career, or pursuing education, we’re here to equip you with the tools to thrive. Let’s unpack how our mission, values, and culture make us the partner you can trust.

🎯 Our Mission & Vision: The North Star of Zylentrix

Mission: “To empower individuals, businesses, and communities by delivering innovative and customised solutions across education, technology, recruitment, and business consulting. With a commitment to excellence, integrity, and sustainability, we strive to create opportunities, bridge gaps, drive transformation, and foster long-term success.”

Vision: “To be the global leader in integrated consultancy services, transforming lives and businesses through innovative, sustainable, and forward-thinking solutions that empower individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive and succeed.”

We’re not just consultants—we’re architects of progress, designing futures where everyone has the chance to excel.

💎 Core Values: The Pillars of Everything We Do

Our values are the blueprint for how we serve clients, collaborate with partners, and grow as a team:

Integrity: “Building Trust Through Transparency” Every decision is guided by ethics. No shortcuts, no compromises.

Innovation: “Driving Future-Ready Solutions” From AI-driven recruitment tools to sustainable business frameworks, we pioneer what’s next.

Excellence: “Delivering Impact & Measurable Growth” We set—and smash—high standards, ensuring clients see real results.

Customer-Centricity: “Putting Clients at the Centre of Everything” Your goals shape our strategies. We listen, adapt, and deliver.

Diversity, Inclusion & Collaboration: “Creating Equal Opportunities for All” Diverse teams = smarter solutions. We champion equity in every project.

Sustainability: “Responsible Business for a Better Future” Green tech, eco-friendly practices, and ethical growth are non-negotiables.

Empowerment: “Enabling People & Businesses to Thrive” We don’t just hand you tools—we teach you how to master them.

🤝 Our Commitment: Tailored Support for Every Journey

Zylentrix is your partner in growth, no matter your starting point:

For Businesses:

Tech Solutions: Streamline operations with scalable AI, cybersecurity, and cloud systems.

Strategic Recruitment: Access global talent pools curated for cultural and technical fit.

Consulting Excellence: Turn insights into action with market research and digital transformation plans.

For Job Seekers:

Career Mastery: Revamp resumes, ace interviews, and unlock roles in booming industries like fintech and clean energy.

Global Mobility: Navigate international job markets with visa support and relocation guidance.

For Students:

Education Pathways: Secure admissions and scholarships at top universities worldwide.

Future-Proof Skills: Gain certifications in AI, sustainability, and more through our partnerships.

For Startups & SMEs:

Scale Smart: Leverage data analytics and ESG frameworks to grow responsibly.

Funding Ready: Craft investor pitches that stand out in crowded markets.

🌱 Our Culture: Fueling Innovation from Within

At Zylentrix, our workplace is a launchpad for creativity and collaboration. Here’s what defines us:

Lifelong Learning: Monthly workshops, innovation challenges, and tuition reimbursements keep our team ahead of trends.

Agility in Action: When the world changes, we pivot faster—like shifting to virtual career fairs during the pandemic.

Collaborative Spirit: Cross-departmental “sprint teams” solve client challenges, blending tech experts, educators, and recruiters.

Ownership & Impact: Every employee, from interns to executives, contributes to client success stories.

Work-Life Harmony: Flexible hours, mental health resources, and sustainability days ensure our team thrives inside and out.

Join the Zylentrix Movement

Ready to transform your business, career, or community? Let’s build a future where innovation and integrity go hand in hand.

📩 Connect Today 👉 Explore our services: Zylentrix 👉 Follow us on Social Media for tips on tech, careers, and sustainability. LinkedIn Facebook Instagram TikTok X Pinterest YouTube Quora Medium 👉 Email consult@zylentrix.net to schedule a free consultation.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

David Badash at NCRM:

Just days before he will be sworn into office, President-elect Donald Trump is alleging the FBI has been engaging in “corruption,” after learning the Bureau has shut down its “DEI Office,” officially the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The FBI has a lengthy, ongoing investigation into the January 6, 2021 insurrection and attack on the U.S. Capitol. It also conducted an intensive investigation into Trump’s removal and refusal to return classified documents, including top secret national security materials, and executed a lawful search warrant on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort and residence to retrieve some of those documents. “We demand that the FBI preserve and retain all records, documents, and information on the now closing DEI Office—Never should have been opened and, if it was, should have closed long ago. Why is it that they’re closing one day before the Inauguration of a new Administration? The reason is, CORRUPTION!” Trump alleged, offering no proof or evidence, in a social media post Thursday evening. Trump pointed to a report from Mediaite: “FBI Shuttered DEI Office Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration.” “While on the campaign trail, Trump stated he would end ‘wokeness’ and ‘leftist indoctrination’ by dismantling diversity programs and imposing fines on colleges ‘up to the entire amount of their endowment,” the Mediaite report reads. “More recently, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) sent a letter to outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray stating the agency’s DEI practices ‘endanger Americans.’ Blackburn made those comments shortly after the New Year’s Day terror attack in New Orleans.” The Bureau’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion “was created in 2012 to provide guidance and implement programs that promote a diverse and inclusive workplace that allows all employees to succeed and advance,” according to an archived version of its website. That page, which stresses, “Different backgrounds. One mission,” appears to no longer be accessible from the FBI’s website, and instead forwards to the main page.

Whiny manbaby Trump having a Caillou about the FBI’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

[ukrfeminism]

A lawyer and the government department she works with are being sued after she made gender-critical statements at work, including expressing the belief that only women menstruate. 

Elspeth Duemmer Wrigley works at an arm’s-length body affiliated to the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and is a chairwoman of a civil service network that represents staff with gender-critical views. 

She is one of three key signatories of an explosive letter sent in October to the cabinet secretary warning the impartiality of the civil service was under threat because anyone with gender-critical views was “openly and unlawfully bullied and harassed”. 

The confidential letter, seen by The Times, makes serious claims about a “small number of active gender ideologues” embedded in the civil service who brief against ministers and seek to alter official documents.

Duemmer Wrigley will appear at an employment tribunal next week accused of harassment for several comments and posts shared in the workplace. An employee of another body affiliated to Defra is suing the government department for allowing the network to exist and Duemmer Wrigley personally for her views. 

These include a statement made during a seminar on female autism that “only women menstruate” and a link to My Body is Me!, a book that encourages young children to understand and accept their bodies. A post in which she celebrates “diversity of belief” and explains that being gender-critical is a protected belief has also been penalised.

The Sex Equality and Equity Network (Seen) is an official civil service network with more than 700 members in 50 government departments who support the belief that biological sex is binary and immutable. Duemmer Wrigley is chairwoman of Defra’s Seen network and believes she is being targeted as a figurehead.

The claimant, who has not been named, has accused Defra bosses of creating a “intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating and/or offensive environment” and is calling for a disbanding of the departmental SEEN network and, potentially, the cross-governmental network as well. 

Duemmer Wrigley warns that if successful, the case would have a “chilling effect” that could silence all gender criticism in the civil service.

“[It] would effectively preclude any public gender-critical discourse in the workplace,” she writes in a statement. 

“It has been brought at a time when employees with gender-critical beliefs in many organisations, both in the civil service and beyond, are already facing vexatious, chilling or bullying attacks. I believe if this case succeeds, these attacks are likely to escalate. I believe if this case succeeds there will be no place in the civil service for those with sex realist views.”

It comes months after the letter to Simon Case, the head of the civil service, called for “urgent action to ensure that civil service impartiality is upheld, and freedom of belief is respected”.

It warns that unchallenged bias in relation to gender is having a direct impact on policy, based on interviews and evidence from SEEN members across government.

The letter cites efforts from some staff to “remove contributions to government consultations that relate to sex instead of gender” and “quietly briefing external organisations on how to circumnavigate ministerial direction”. 

It alleges there is an “active obfuscation of facts” among some trans activist civil servants to “prevent ministers seeing the impact of trans-inclusive policies” and evidence of internal policy being leaked to “partisan organisations”. 

Maya Forstater, executive director of Sex Matters, a human rights organisation that campaigns for clarity on sex in law, policy and language, said: “This is a shocking case, which follows revelations by civil servant whistleblowers about a ‘culture of fear’ among gender-critical civil servants across Whitehall. 

“It is not reasonable to view the existence of a network of gender-critical colleagues as ‘harassment’. 

“The civil service needs to have a robust culture of integrity, objectivity and accountability, and treat all its employees fairly. Civil servants should not expect to be kept “safe” from encountering ideas or people they don’t agree with.”

A government spokesman said: “We are unable to comment on ongoing legal proceedings.”

[waitmyturtles]

Final Thoughts on The Trainee! (TL;DR That Last 4/4 Quarter Was a Major Fumble, But It Didn't Ruin the Whole Show For Me)

I had promised my friends @lurkingshan and @shortpplfedup that I honestly wouldn't write too much about The Trainee while it was airing, because I was mad sus about the crew of this show. Many of the crew of The Trainee had worked on an ill-fated GMMTV het drama called UMG, which aired last year, and which starred Nanon Korapat, Namtan Tipnaree, and Milk Pansa in an unfortunate, chemistry-devoid love triangle. It was a flop and I never finished it.

I had thought to think about where this crew came from about four episodes into The Trainee, when I realized that the MO of this series was to center not Ryan's and Jane's budding romance, but the inner workings of an office, and the infrastructures of making filmed content instead.

UMG was framed in a similar way. While the show struggled to contextualize romance among its characters, the center of each episode was actually about describing concepts regarding extraterrestrial life -- things like crop circles and whatever. (There were aliens in this show.) (Dammit, I can't find a gif of the aliens!) (Here's Milk with some boogie eyes instead, whatever.)

As @lurkingshan wrote often during her watch of the series, The Trainee was ultimately a workplace BL, and I'd add to that that it was meant to serve as an educational series to GMMTV's unique audience. I wondered, early on in The Trainee, if I was just too damn old, as a working professional, to be an audience to this show. GMMTV's audience, of course, skews Gen Z and maybe very-late millennial -- GMMTV's shows are equivalent to shows airing on MTV or The CW by way of its majority audience market.

I certainly had a lot of experience by way of how interpersonal relationships mostly played out in this series (although I reeeeeally needed Judy to acknowledge her kissing Ba-Mhee and to talk about it, the way Jane acknowledged the power gap between him and Ryan after they started dating).

But, honestly? I ended up LOVING the breakdowns of how creating filmed content works, especially in regards to how viscerally and intensely these concepts were depicted.

And The Trainee stepped into some other territory, y'all! Many of us had intense discussions regarding bisexual inclusion and erasure once Tae and Ba-Mhee got back together. These concepts are sophisticated and important to ruminate on -- again, especially for a younger audience being fed most binary male-male and female-female queer media and concepts by a giant like GMMTV, which makes a ton of money on branding same-sex actors together. Queerness has a lot of spectrums, and bi inclusion was something I was glad this series unexpectedly took on.

So, against all this good stuff, that last 4/4 quarter sucked. I felt terrible for Ryan's 20-something hormones. Jane went to get a masters', and didn't even *call* his.... his boo? (Ryan wasn't Jane's boyfriend, obviously, maybe we could call Ryan his crush, his boo-boo, whatever.) Like. Jane didn't even come back to Thailand to visit, ever? Come awn now. If a show is feeding realism to a young audience by way of how corporate workplaces work, and how the art of an industry is made, at least please make the final romance a little more realistic!

(All y'all 20-somethings who were watching this show and wondering if you should wait five years for a potential boo to come back from overseas, please listen to your auntie here, GO DATE OTHER PEOPLE. Don't be like Ryan. Focus on *YOUR* NEEDS. This has been your reality-based PSA.)

But the rest of the finale was lovely for me. Jo, to me, was a realistic boss. He had a priority in keeping on Jane as an assistant director, because Jane was a great assistant director, and served well in that role, which served well for Jo's company. When Jane expressed an interest in growing, Jo knew that Jane couldn't do it in Jo's shadow -- and Jo said so. Jane taking a risk to LEAVE is a kind of risk I've had to confront time and time again in my own career, as I grew out of a workplace, and grew out of what that workplace was demanding of me. It's a wonderful notion for young people to contemplate on -- that movement in one's career must be first and foremost driven by the individual themself, for the sake of their own accountability to their growth.

I was thrilled to see Sea Tawinan in them white pants Ba-Mhee and Tae's engagement, Tae setting guardrails for himself to focus more on Ba-Mhee, and omg Pie's and Ba-Mhee's breakdown had me howling. Poon's a new fave as well. The Trainee confirmed my continued deep love and appreciation for Piploy, I think she's cute and great-great.

I truly enjoyed this show. The crew ultimately de-centralized romance for most of the show to focus on how work lives and personal lives realistically intertwine. We are the same people at work as we are at home, with all of the messiness we bring to those tables, including unrecommended romances that may traverse age and power gaps. Things can get messy, but I think, other than the whole Judy thing and Jane ghosting Ryan for years (wtf man), The Trainee handled that messiness with empathy for the young people who did a lot of growing up during the course of this series.

[frnkandthechemicalromances]

So i've looked into a lot of the things Trump wants to do and i'm going to be honest it's extremely terrifying. There are a lot of things that are red flags but i'm going to list a few of the big ones.

1. The reversal of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) calling it immoral and illegal and seeks to remove this from federal offices and private sectors. Included in this is revoking the EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPROTUNITY ACT 90 days after its signature date.This is going to allow discrimination within workplaces for women, people of color, LGBTQ+, disability and age. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-illegal-discrimination-and-restoring-merit-based-opportunity/

2. Wants to gain control of Greenland for "international security" and has stated he wants to buy the country but isn't against military force. Greenland Prime Minister has said he's willing to speak and negotiate with him but has no intention of being americans. https://www.politico.eu/article/greenland-prime-minister-mute-egede-government-us-president-danish-pm-mette-frederikson/

3. Has taken down reproductiverights.gov and took down the spanish version of the whitehouse.gov website and has taken down both the constitution and bill of rights from the website. And has talked about ending topics of race and gender in schools which could potential censor topics like segregation, women's rights and slavery.

4. Trying to take away birthright citizenship which is unconstitutional and implementing ice raids. There are no longer sensitive areas for these raids as well, claiming they are getting rid of "criminals and r*pists". No school, church or hospital is safe from these raids. Not only that but suspending refugee admission programs and barring asylum seekers from entering the country until approval. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/protecting-the-meaning-and-value-of-american-citizenship/

He's censoring people from knowing their rights, he's allowing discrimination in the workforce, he's trying to expand and attack other nations and trying to create a common enemy by spreading lies and hateful messages about immigrants. This is all sounding too familiar, and the fact that it's happening in real time is terrifying and it's going to get worse. Of course we need to hope for the best but expect the worst. I'm not trying to scare people, but keep people informed and trust and hope the government does its job and prevents as much harm as possible.