America’s LGBTQIA+ Community Deeply Concerned About Losing Rights, But Optimistic About the Long-Term Future, New Harris Survey Shows

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Study from The Harris Poll Thought Leadership and Futures Practice finds LGBTQIA+ community, especially younger generations, is committed to pushing back against attacks on rights

With new laws, court verdicts, and political rhetoric on marriage equality, trans athletes, gender-neutral bathrooms, drag queen shows, and other issues, new research from The Harris Poll Thought Leadership and Futures Practice finds a near-unanimous belief in the LGBTQIA+ community that their rights are in jeopardy. But the research also reveals the extraordinary levels of that community's political activism - and an unexpected optimism about the long-term future of LGBTQIA+ rights in America.

The study, "Inclusive Insights: LGBTQIA+ & Advocacy," is based on a custom survey by The Harris Poll conducted online within the United States from May 26 to June 1 among 1,110 LGBTQIA+ adults aged 18 and over. (LGBTQIA+ is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and other identities.)

"You might expect that some people within the LGBTQIA+ community are concerned about their rights, given societal trends and recent events," said Tim Osiecki, Senior Research Manager at The Harris Poll Thought Leadership and Futures Practice. "And indeed, our research shows that the concern is almost universally shared. It also shows that the community - especially younger members from the Gen Z and Millennial generations - is responding with a broad and significant commitment to efforts to preserve those rights and that they ultimately believe the tide will turn."  

A chief finding of the study is that the LGBTQIA+ community is deeply concerned about legislation passed or advancing at the state and federal levels. Respondents were almost unanimous (98%) in their concern that one or more existing rights could be taken away from LGBTQIA+ people. 

Four out of five (81%) agreed with the statement "With hundreds of anti-LGBTQIA+ bills pending legislation in the U.S., I feel very nervous about my rights as an LGBTQIA+ individual." Even more (85%) agreed that "There are many groups within the LGBTQIA+ community that often get overlooked or picked on by politicians and lawmakers."

Respondents' top concerns: 

  • Protection against discrimination in schools (87%) 
  • Discrimination protection in the workplace (85%) 
  • Right to access housing (84%) 
  • Right to get married (83%)
  • LGBTQIA+ inclusive education (83%)

However, the community is far from despairing - LGBTQIA+ people are putting time, energy, creativity, money, and votes into defending their rights. More than nine out of 10 (93%) LGBTQIA+ people reported taking some sort of political action other than voting to defend their rights. 

The study found that the vast majority (84%) of LGBTQIA+ people vote regularly, with 71% voting in federal elections and 67% in local elections - well above typical nationwide marks of about 52% and 12 to 25%, respectively.  

Over half (58%) donate money, about a third march or protest (39%), attend political events (32%), or write letters (30%) advocating for their rights. More than one in three (37%) said they have considered running for political office - and that percentage jumps to 60% among transgender respondents.

The study also found that members of younger generations (Gen Z, Millennials) are more likely to engage in activism than older members of the LGBTQIA+ community - in some areas, twice as likely. For example, 34% of younger LGBTQIA+ people have volunteered or worked on a campaign, compared to 19% of their older counterparts; 29% of younger generations belong to organized groups that engage in political efforts, compared to 13% of older generations.

The study also closely examined specific issues such as the drag queen bans that have received prominent media coverage. Eight out of 10 respondents said they were concerned about those bans (81%) and feared they could "snowball into lawmakers taking away more and more rights" (80%).

In addition, the study focused on issues faced by subsets of the LGBTQIA+ community, people who identify as BIPOC or transgender.  

Almost three-quarters (72%) of queer BIPOC (Black, indigenous, people of color) members said they had trouble finding communities and resources that understand them, and about two-thirds (64%) have to "code switch" or change how they communicate to fit in with the two communities. Almost half (48%) said they have had to relocate to avoid hostile laws or political environments (compared to 40% of queer non-BIPOC members).  

Possibly reflecting the current political climate, nearly nine out of 10 (87%) trans people agreed with the statement "Our society values humanity in AI and robots more than in trans people." More than six out of 10 (62%) said they have relocated due to hostile laws or political environments. 

And yet, even as they hold deep concerns about rhetoric and legislation and devote themselves to political activism to defend their rights, people in the LGBTQIA+ community still hold optimism about the future. A strong majority (84%) agreed with the statement "I am hopeful that things are going to improve on the LGBTQIA+ rights" and about two out of three said that the improvement might be soon, agreeing that "I think it's likely that things will improve for LGBTQIA+ rights within the next five years." 

"It's clear from this study and our previous work that the country's LGBTQIA+ community believes that though our society has made progress on these issues, we still need to work to preserve and expand the community's rights, and that people believe that progress is not only possible but probable," Osiecki said.

For more information, please visit The Harris Poll Thought Leadership Practice or subscribe to their newsletter, The Next Big Think, for the latest research.

About Harris Poll Thought Leadership Practice

Building on 50+ years of experience pulsing societal opinion, we design research that is credible, creative, and culturally relevant. Our practice drives thought leadership and unearthed trends for today's biggest brands. We are focused on helping our clients get ahead of what is next.

About Harris Poll  

The Harris Poll is one of the longest-running surveys in the U.S., tracking public opinion, motivations, and social sentiment since 1963, and is now part of Harris Insights & Analytics, a global consulting and market research firm that delivers social intelligence for transformational times. We work with clients in three primary areas: building 21st-century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. Our mission is to provide insights and guidance to help leaders make the best decisions possible. To learn more, please visit www.theharrispoll.com.

Contact Information:
Madeleine Moench
Media and Content Strategist
madeleine.moench@issuerdirect.com


Original Source: America's LGBTQIA+ Community Deeply Concerned About Losing Rights, But Optimistic About the Long-Term Future, New Harris Survey Shows

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Hanna Interpreting Services Awarded Comparably’s Best Company for Work-Life Balance

Hanna Interpreting Services, a premier language services provider, is proud to announce its recognition by Comparably as one of the best companies for work-life balance. This honor is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to employee well-being and its innovative approach to fostering a harmonious work environment.

Comparably’s accolade assesses factors such as employee satisfaction with work-life balance, average hours worked per day, lunch break lengths, and overall feelings of burnout. Hanna Interpreting Services' dedication to creating an environment that melds productivity with personal time has made it stand out in this evaluation.

A significant contributor to this balance is the company's hybrid working model, where employees merge the best of both worlds by working remotely for three weeks and in the office for one week every month. This flexibility allows team members to maintain their personal lives while still fostering in-person collaboration. Hanna also ranked among the top 35% of companies for diversity and in the top 40% for gender balance.

"It's a balance we've been striving to achieve, especially in these dynamic times," says President Tom Elias Hanna. "We understand the challenges presented by both remote work and the need to be in-office."

September is a monumental month for Hanna Interpreting Services. In addition to the Comparably award, the company celebrated its 13th anniversary on September 9, marking over a decade of industry leadership and commitment to bridging linguistic barriers. The month also saw the inauguration of a brand-new office space, showcasing the company’s dedication to growth and serving as a hub for innovation and team collaboration.

As Hanna Interpreting Services continues to evolve and set benchmarks in the industry, the core values remain consistent: a commitment to bridging language barriers, a dedication to employee well-being, and a vision to be the most trusted name in language services.

Founded in 2010 by mother and son duo Jennifer Hanna and Tom Elias Hanna in their garage, Hanna has grown to more than 70 employees, served 1.1 million clients to date in 250+ languages, and has sponsored countless outreach events to serve the local community.

For more information about Hanna Interpreting Services or to schedule an interview, please contact Sean Spicer, Revenue Operations Manager, at Sean.Spicer@HannaIS.com
 

Contact Information:
Sean Spicer
RevOps Manager
sean.spicer@hannais.com
(619) 963-2331


Original Source: Hanna Interpreting Services Awarded Comparably's Best Company for Work-Life Balance

With Nearly 2,000 Athletes, the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games & Access, North America’s Largest Jewish Teen Sports and Community Building Event, Leaves a Lasting...

With Nearly 2,000 Athletes, the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games & Access, North America’s Largest Jewish Teen Sports and Community Building Event, Leaves a Lasting Impact
Boys 16U Soccer Finals

The Fort Lauderdale Maccabi Soccer team won their gold medal match against the Philadelphia team.

The 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access, hosted by the David Posnack Jewish Community Center (DPJCC) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, have concluded with resounding success and heartfelt gratitude to the community that made it all possible. This week-long celebration of sports, camaraderie, and inclusivity has left a lasting impact, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our generous supporters.

Close to 2,000 Jewish teen athletes aged 12-16, representing communities worldwide, gathered in Fort Lauderdale to experience the joy of sports and the power of inclusion. The Games, presented by the JCC Association of North America, offered an unforgettable Olympic-style experience filled with competitions, opening and closing ceremonies, community service, social and cultural events, and opportunities to create Jewish connections that will last a lifetime.

One of the highlights of this year's event was the introduction of JCC Maccabi Access, brought to you by UKG and presented by the Posnack Family Foundation. This program is designed to provide athletes aged 12-18 with intellectual and developmental disabilities an inclusive Maccabi experience. This three-day program, held in conjunction with the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games®, exemplified the event's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Scott Ehrlich, CEO of the David Posnack Jewish Community Center, reflected on the Games, stating, "We were overjoyed to welcome Jewish athletes from all corners of the world to Broward County for the 2023 JCC Maccabi® Games & Access. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to our JCC Maccabi Team led by our Co-Chairs, Lori and Mitch Green, Debby and Dennis Eisinger, Davia and Jim Mazur, and Missy and Dan Longman. Their unwavering commitment contributed significantly to establishing an atmosphere that nurtured camaraderie, inclusiveness, and the genuine essence of the Games."

The Games' success was significantly bolstered by the support of honorary co-chairs Scott Scherr, founder of Ultimate Software, and Scot Hunter, co-founder of Emerald Multi-Family Office. Their encouragement to business owners and the backing of corporate and community partners played a pivotal role in the event's success.

Supporting Corporate Sponsors:

  • Emerald Multi-Family Office
  • Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
  • Official Torch Sponsor: Duty-Free America
  • Kent Security
  • Official Beverage Sponsor: Coca-Cola 
  • The Meltzer Group
  • Official Transportation: Sponsor Comcast 
  • Official Media Partner: Clear Channel Outdoor 
  • Official Produce Sponsor: ProEx International
  • Official Pun, Pass, and Kick Sponsor: Miami Dolphins
  • Official Basketball Sponsor: Miami HEAT
  • Official Baseball Sponsor: Miami Marlins
  • Official Cleaning Company Sponsor: AK Building Services
  • Official Swimming Sponsor: Blavatnik Family Foundation 
  • Northland Investments
  • Official V-VIP Dinner Sponsor: Aroma Market & Catering
  • Custom Outfitters LLC
  • FP&L
  • Greenspoon Marder
  • Manne Foundation for Homeless Prevention
  • Official Mitzvah Sponsor: Children's Services Council of Broward County

The 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access were not just about competition; they were also about giving back to the community. The JCC Cares Mitzvah Projects showcased the spirit of service, assembling over 1,000 Rosh Hashanah food baskets for Goodman JFS Seniors and Holocaust Survivors, donating over 2,500 pairs of new sneakers to students, in partnership with Children's Services Council of Broward County, and repurposing 340 medals for the "We Finish Together" organization, spreading kindness to ill children and adults in hospitals.

Among the highlights:

  • Approximately 10,000 spectators attended the Opening Ceremony at FLA Live Arena.
  • 1,620 visiting athletes.
  • 21 Access participants.
  • 375 Coaches & Chaperones.
  • 850 Community Volunteers.
  • 600 Host Families.
  • 215 Local Athletes & Access participants representing Team Fort Lauderdale.
  • 64 delegations, including international representation from Israel, Ukraine, Argentina, South Africa, Mexico, Canada, Great Britain, and 53 cities throughout the USA.
  • 100 Local businesses and individuals generously supporting.
  • 110,000 bottles of Dasani water, Powerade, and soda provided by Coca-Cola.
  • 47,000 pounds of ice used.
  • 20,000 meals served.
  • 300 athletes and coaches wrapped tefillin daily.

As the Games came to a close, the resounding message was one of unity, inclusivity, and the power of community. The 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access will be remembered not only for the athletic achievements but also for the lasting friendships, cultural exchanges, and shared experiences that will continue to enrich the lives of all those who participated.

For more information about the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games® & Access and how you can support future events, please visit dpjcc.org.

Contact Information:
Rixys Alfonso
Corporate Sponsorship Consultant
rixys@causemomarketing.com
305-558-8877

Scott Ehrlich
Chief Executive Officer
sehrlich@dpjcc.org
954-434-0499, ext. 313
Related Images
Boys 16U Soccer Finals
Boys 16U Soccer Finals

The Fort Lauderdale Maccabi Soccer team won their gold medal match against the Philadelphia team.

Ukrainian team with Stanley
Ukrainian team with Stanley

The Ukranian team, sponsored by the David Posnack JCC, poses with Stanley C. Panther at opening ceremonies of the JCC Maccabi Games & Access.

JCC Access Games Athlete & Coaches
JCC Access Games Athlete & Coaches

Nico poses with his coaches during a skill competition at the Maccabi Access games.



Original Source: With Nearly 2,000 Athletes, the 2023 JCC Maccabi Games & Access, North America's Largest Jewish Teen Sports and Community Building Event, Leaves a Lasting Impact
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