Digital White Papers

ILTA'S 2024 DE+I CLIMATE SURVEY REPORT ILTANET.ORG/DEI 13 However, to the contrary, a number of responses voiced supportive thoughts of the efforts and expressed understanding of the importance of the mission. • I have attended one online event in the US, but it is important to me to see that organisations I am associated with my career understand or are trying to understand the unique circumstances that impact me due to my diversity. • DEI efforts are very relevant to me as I believe fostering a diverse and equitable environment that is inclusive of all members makes for a more robust and prosperous organization. • I feel like the diversity of voices, opinions and experiences heard benefits everyone. No one needs another single demographic panel in a session. One participant discussed these apparent opposing views, "I appreciate the point of view that DEI is not relevant to ILTA's educational offerings, but I respectfully disagree. Without diversity, inclusion, equity, belonging, acceptance, and all the other adjectives, we stagnate without learning. New, younger, different, disabled, people of color, non- C-suite perspectives are needed to bring forward changes that will help the industry as a whole." And several comments made by participants shared personal reflections from members coming from people identifying as members of underrepresented groups. These participants state they come from racially diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ backgrounds, or have physical or mental disabilities. These participants expressed appreciation of the efforts and support for ongoing efforts to continue the DEI journey within ILTA. One participant stated, "I am a member of the LGTBQ+ community. I have never felt uncomfortable with my ILTA peers. That said, times have changed. While I don't anticipate any issues when I attend ILTACon this year, I'm glad that it isn't in Florida (I didn't go last year for this reason), and I am pleased that ILTA is focused on DEI. Not so much for me as a more "senior" member but for the next generation." "I am a member of the LGTBQ+ community. I have never felt uncomfortable with my ILTA peers. That said, times have changed. While I don't anticipate any issues when I attend ILTACON this year, I'm glad that it isn't in Florida (I didn't go last year for this reason), and I am pleased that ILTA is focused on DEI. Not so much for me as a more "senior" member but for the next generation." 9

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