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Pupdates from the morale officers
Although they tend to both spend their time sleeping, eating, and looking for a good lap to sit on (please don’t tell Oscar he’s too big, it’ll break his heart) Fred and Oscar spend a lot of their time also encouraging positive mental attitudes. Pests Production works with artists to develop new work, but also to create an environment where this can be achieved whilst considering the challenges mental health presents. As a company, we believe that the mental well-being of those we work with is a top priority, and Oscar and Fred are here to make sure that this approach is properly managed and enforced.
June is an incredibly special month in the morale officers’ home; it’s Pride Month. Pride month is a celebration of all the achievements of the LGBT+ community, and a reminder to the world that love is love; hate has no place here.
The Morale officers believe in the goodness of most people, and they really don’t understand why anyone would want to stop love between two consenting adults; in a world that’s struggling so much at the moment, a little more love can go a long way.
This month, we’d like to talk about celebrating exactly who we are. Now, not everyone has the luxury of being able to come out: you may not be in a place that is safe to do so, you may risk losing family or friends, or you may simply not be ready to say out loud what you know inside. Coming out isn’t something you should ever feel pressured to do, it’s a step that one should take in their own time, with people they feel comfortable with, and at the pace they want to go at.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible. When times like this come, it’s never easy, but we hope that the resources listed at the bottom of this letter help to make it a little easier if this is something you’re struggling with.
Pride is a wonderful event which allows people to be exactly who they are; it is a celebration of love, and all are welcome. To those who are allies to the LGBT+ community, we hope you feel encouraged to also attend the celebration and show your support for the community. A friend is a wondeful thing to have in this world, and the more friends this community has, the more strength they stand with.
Most importantly, this is a time for respect. If you're unsure of how someone wants to be referred to, ask. Asking questions is something you humans seem to be very unsure of, but it's a great thing to do! Asking questions, showing a want to learn and support, it's the greatest thing you can do, and it's a simple gesture that is hugely appreciated. Knowing the complete ins and outs of terminology used to describe gender and sexuality is no easy feat; humans seem to be scared of being seen as ignorant though, and they often try to hide ignorance using half-muddled information they piece together. Assuming things or labelling others is the true sign of ignorance. So ask questions, be respectful, have a want to learn and understand the new and unknown in your life.
Be safe, be loving, and be proud.
We hope you enjoy good naps, good belly rubs, and good mental health this month.
Love, Oscar and Fred
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/
https://www.theproudtrust.org/
http://bit.ly/RethinkMentalHealth
https://www.brook.org.uk/your-life/advice-on-coming-out |
