It's hard to believe it's already May, but here we are! April was an incredible month filled with travel across the country. First and foremost, I'm grateful to have attended SPARK 2024 put on by Pride at Work Canada. This half-day symposium was dedicated to fostering learning, networking, and innovation among Senior Executives, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion leaders, and Talent Acquisition professionals. Under the theme "Elevating Talent Acquisition for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community," the event showcased the wealth of creativity and innovation that Two-Spirit, queer, and trans individuals bring to workplaces. We discussed the barriers often faced in career advancement and job opportunities, emphasizing the necessity of inclusive leadership and proactive talent development initiatives.

During SPARK 2024, the importance of belonging in the workplace and the significance of this work for future generations were highlighted. Discussions also emphasized hiring based on skills and implementing flexible interview processes. For those interested in learning more, the Lead with Pride Report contains valuable insights into the barriers faced by queer and trans professionals, advocating for proactive efforts to improve talent retention and leadership pipeline development.

Additionally, I had the privilege of experiencing the play, The Mountaintop, at the Citadel Theatre, a profoundly moving journey through history and humanity. Set against the backdrop of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s tragic assassination, this drama offers a gripping reimagination of pivotal events, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality that shapes our world today. The production culminates with a powerful video montage, serving as a poignant reflection of our current state. As the audience witnesses the unfolding events of our time through video, from the rise of white supremacist ideologies to the heartbreaking tragedy of George Floyd's death, the vision of the promised land that Dr. King imagined seems to grow increasingly distant. Yet, amidst these challenges, the final vision of the play and the exhortation to "pass the baton" take on new significance. These projections serve as a powerful reminder of the urgency of the issues at hand and the need for continued action. While the sense of a stalled world may linger, it only serves to amplify the resonance of Dr. King's visionary speech, infusing it with a profound sense of tragedy and reminding us of the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.

I am also honored to have recently attended Edmonton's first Ball. Ballroom, an underground queer subculture, is a sanctuary from the constraints of reality and a space for diverse queer folks to celebrate their beauty. In this vibrant community, individuals 'walk' (compete), perform, model, dance, and lip-sync in a diverse range of categories, playing with societal constructs related to gender, occupations, and social classes—allowing for their subversion and reimagining. Known by various names such as drag ball culture, Ballroom community, or simply Ballroom, this scene embodies resilience, creativity, and inclusivity. The energy, love, and support in the room are something that I will never soon forget.

As we embark on this new month, let's continue to reflect on the moments that matter and strive for a more inclusive world together. I invite you to check out The Uncovering Belonging Podcast that I co-host with Jade Pichette at Pride at Work Canada. This podcast explores the professional and personal stories of unique voices on what it means to belong and the journey to finding our authentic selves. You can listen to our episodes here.

With gratitude,