11/18/2024
Transgender and Non-Binary Visibility Week is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on how we can create more inclusive, supportive environments—especially in the workplace.
Being a better ally at work starts with action.
Leaders, here are a few ways you can make a difference:
✅ Speak out in support of transgender people and transgender rights.
Politely correct others if they use the wrong name or pronoun for a transgender person. More broadly, it is important to challenge anti-transgender remarks, jokes, and conversations.
This sh*t is NOT ok.🚫
✅ Name & Pronouns.
Use the correct name/ pronouns - if you don't know - ask! And to create a more welcoming environment that supports this - while in a meeting or group setting, ask everyone their name/pronouns. This will avoid singling anyone out.
✅ Rethink gender on forms and documents.
When creating forms and documents, consider if you really need to include gender at all.
We default to asking for gender without considering how it will be used. If you don't really need it - get rid of it. Or leave a blank space for people to fill in how they choose.
✅ Ensure everyone has access to bathrooms & facilities.
Everyone deserves to p*e in peace. If you have the resources to do so, consider adding a gender-neutral restroom, or changing the current signage.
✅ Push for support and inclusivity, not just "tolerance".
Do you want to be supported or just tolerated?
A bare minimum of tolerance—allowing transgender people to exist—isn't enough. If your business brings outside speakers or hosts events, make sure that some of them include transgender people and topics. If your company donates to nonprofits, look into partnering with organizations that support the transgender community, etc.
✅ Craft a transgender-inclusive nondiscrimination policy.
Shifting the culture of an organization takes time. Crafting a transgender-inclusive nondiscrimination policy can help clarify how your organization supports transgender people, and ensure that there’s a way to respond to those who aren’t supportive.