The Press Club of Toledo hosted an engaging and thought-provoking discussion on Thursday, March 2 at TolHouse in Toledo.

Leaders from EqualityToledo, Toledo Lucas County Public Library and Owens Corning shared their experiences and helpful insights on pressing issues in the media and in the workplace.

Amy Brennan spoke about Courageous Conversations, which was implemented at her place of work at Owens Corning, as a way to have a safe space to communicate with team members.

“People sign up for a topic, listen and learn,” said Brennan.  Brennan went on to add they’ve discussed a wide range of topics like fears surrounding COVID-19, and more recently the deadly Michigan State shooting.

She reinforced that creating a safe space to openly discuss a wide range of topics helps to promote positive discussions in the workplace.  

Scot Henshaw with Equality Toledo said it’s all about creating a safe space for all people to work in. “Remove any preconceived notions of a person, get to know the person, and try and remove any stigma surrounding them.”

If a person self-identifies as lesbian, gay, straight, bi-sexual and so on,  it isn’t up to them to educate an entire company or business on their gender. Henshaw said that’s what Google is for.

Henshaw encouraged the group to create a working relationship first with a co-worker and then if a friendship develops more private questions can be asked but there should always be a safe and comfortable boundary expressed, or discussed.

Lucas Camuso-Stall moderated the discussion by asking questions about the group’s personal experience in the workplace, along with how the media is portraying LGBTQ+.

All three discussed how they can tell if a company or business is just “flying the pride flag” in the month of June and isn’t really living being open and accepting of all.

“We’re going to do our research,” said Camuso-Stall when looking to work at a company.  “We’re looking at your physical spaces, and policies to make sure you’re not just flying a flag in June.”

Henshaw said he feels like there is a lot an employee can do to help their company to come around to be more accepting of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. He said there are anti-trans bills popping up all the time and there is a lot we all can do to advocate and bring back to our companies to take a stand.”

Camuso-Stall ended the evening by asking “are we better off today than we were?”

The answers were similar, and boiled down to “yes”, but there is still work to do.

The Toledo Press Club is hosting its first in-person Pressing Issues event since COVID-19 on Thursday, March 2^nd 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at TolHouse at 1447 North Summit Street in Toledo. 

It’s been a process to get these events back in person given COVID-19 restrictions and the world of virtual meetings, but the club’s president Lauren Weppler-Geissler is happy to see it come to fruition. 

Weppler-Geissler said, “It’s exciting to be able to be back in one room able to sit amongst each other and learn how we can improve our careers and workplaces together.” 

Thursday’s event is designed to be a thought-provoking discussion among members, “How to be a stronger LGBTQ+ ally in the media and in the workplace.” 

The expert panel for the event is looking forward to sharing their own personal stories and giving perspectives on workplace cultures. 

The panel consists of mediator Lucas Camuso-Stall, Scot Henshaw, and Amy Brennan. 

The trio will also bring their own insights into how LGBTQ+ communities and issues are being represented both in the media and in our culture today.

In preparation for Thursday’s event, Weppler-Geissler said it’s going to be an event where knowledge will be shared for the betterment of Toledo, “I couldn’t have asked for three better people to lead us in this discussion.” 

Camuso-Stall is the current Director of Government Relations and Advocacy for the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. Camuso-Stall has predominately worked in the human services sector, with a background in political campaigning and advocacy communications. Amy Brennan works with Owens Corning and began volunteering and planning events for OUTreach affinity group (ERG). She was appointed co-lead of the group in 2020. Scot Henshaw is the Vice President of Human Resources for the United Way of Greater Toledo. Henshaw is also an active board member of Equality Toledo and Food For Thought Toledo. 

There will be a time in the program for Q and A with all three panelists. 

The event is FREE and open to Press Club members and guests.