June is Pride Month, but this year the rainbow flag that celebrates freedom of sexual expression has perhaps been overshadowed by Black Lives Matter flags, signs and banners, as the issue of racial inequality drawn heated attention and concern across the country and in many parts of the world. 

For the meetings and travel business, this is a difficult and important time to assess our progress with diversity and inclusion among all oppressed groups, says Jim Clapes, events manager for the Specialty Food Association and chair of the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association (and former events manager for the Drug Policy Alliance). We’ve made some strides as an industry, Clapes says, but there’s plenty of work to be done.

<p>June is Pride Month, but this year the rainbow flag that celebrates freedom of sexual expression has perhaps been overshadowed by Black Lives Matter flags, signs and banners, as the issue of racial inequality drawn heated attention and concern across the country and in many parts of the world.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For the meetings and travel business, this is a difficult and important time to assess our progress with diversity and inclusion among all oppressed groups, says Jim Clapes, events manager for the Specialty Food Association and chair of the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association (and former events manager for the Drug Policy Alliance). We&rsquo;ve made some strides as an industry, Clapes says, but there&rsquo;s plenty of work to be done.</p>

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