Transgender and Gender Diverse Inclusive Workplaces

On Thursday, December 8 we held a special interest workshop on the topic of Transgender and Gender Diverse Inclusive Workplaces. Facilitated by Dr. Reece Malone, Sexologist, Sexuality Educator, Certified Medical Sex Therapist and Education Program Coordinator at the Rainbow Resource Centre, the full-day workshop was very valuable and insightful for those in attendance.

Members and non-members alike from the HR community and beyond participated in the workshop to gain some useful tools and strategies to implement in their workplaces. In an around the room introduction we found that most people had some connection to the LGBTQ community and had a vested interest in creating inclusive, knowledgeable workplaces.

Transgender is an umbrella term for a person whose gender identity does not align with society’s expectations of someone with their physical sex characteristics.

The importance of moving beyond accommodation and compliance was discussed and the need for inclusiveness as part of the human diversity was emphasized. It is important for employees to know that their workplace will support them and have confidence that they can disclose and share with their co-workers if they are going through a gender transition. HR plays a huge role in assisting an employee who is transitioning and having the supports in place prior will help all parties navigate the unfamiliar waters.

Transition is both social and medical and takes a community of support. “While you may not be able to relate to someone who is going through a gender transition,” explained Dr. Malone, “it is important to be understanding, respectful, compassionate and ask questions about their needs.”

Isha Khan from the Manitoba Human Rights Commission joined the group after lunch to speak about the legal obligations relating to the subject. Discrimination against gender identity was added to the Human Rights Code in Manitoba in 2012, obligating workplaces to maintain a discrimination free workplace on the basis of someone’s gender identity. “Converting your washrooms to gender neutral spaces is not all you are going to need to do to meet your obligations as an employer,” added Isha.

The day capped off with a panel discussion including an HR professional and a transgender individual who have recently gone through the transition process in their workplace, which proved to be a very valuable addition to the workshop. Participants were provided with insight into their experience and were able to see how the tools they had learned throughout the day had been used in this case.

Interested in learning more about this topic?
Join us for our January 26 offering of this workshop – click here for more information

Helpful Videos

I’m Trans, But I’m Not… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-niyBo3hDpA

Transgender Rights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmoAX9f6MOc

Transgender Inclusion in the Workplace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8Yh9QgEdFw

Manitoba Human Rights – Discrimination Based on Gender Identity