How can I be an ally to my transgender and nonbinary coworkers? 🏳️‍⚧️ ⚧️

It was such a pleasure having Anna as an intern! They have a great attention to detail that is incredibly helpful.

Although I knew my workplace was proud of their LGBTQ+ inclusion, reading "they", my pronoun, in my supervisor's review still filled me with a feeling of comfort and relief.

Many non-binary and transgender employees, however, don't come out at work. In France, only 19% are out at work, and in the US and UK, only 29%.

By practicing active allyship in the workplace, you open your organization up to the possibility of increased productivity, employee engagement, and retention.

And, if you're transgender or nonbinary yourself, knowing how to navigate coming out will help you feel more comfortable and confident being your authentic self in your workplace.

When someone comes out to you as transgender or non-binary, they may ask you to refer to them by a new name, with different pronouns, or as a different gender. Referring to someone correctly is a way to show respect, and it also helps them feel safe and comfortable in the workplace.

Looks like 👀

• Options for preferred/personal name on documents, not just legal name

• Company surveys include more than just male/female options, offering titles like Mx. and collecting (optional) pronoun information

• Employees including pronouns in email signature (if comfortable)

Sounds like 🗣️

• Not making assumptions about someone's gender identity based on their gender expression

• Talking about someone with their preferred language, regardless of whether they're in the room or if you like them

• Avoid terms of politeness like Miss, Sir, and Ma'am for people you don't know

• Instead of gendered group names like men and ladies, use terms like everyone, folks, all, or distinguished guests

Transgender and non-binary employees (or potential hires) may want to know the company's policies to decide whether or not to come out. By providing information about healthcare, gender transition, and protections from bullying and harassment, they'll learn not only about your organization's values, but what might happen if they do come out.

Looks like 👀

• Providing a transgender-inclusive insurance policy, with coverage for aspects of gender-reassignment including therapy, HRT, and surgeries

• Documentation of equal opportunities for employment and non-discrimination

• Outlining supports and expectations for transitioning employees

Sounds like🗣

• Non-binary and transgender people mentioned clearly in trainings about policies, including definitions and scenarios

• Leadership and management professional development with an emphasis on diversity and cultural competence

• Maintaining confidentiality of transgender identity, legal name, any gender reassignment, or any other personal or medical details

Coming out as transgender or non-binary can be stressful, as employees worry about what their coworkers might say, what spaces they'll be allowed to use, and whether it will affect their relationships in the workplace.

Working in an inclusive workplace, on the other hand, can create a feeling of belonging and allow transgender and non-binary employees to be authentically and confidently themselves at work, motivating them to stay at the organization, be involved, and form meaningful relationships as their true selves.

Looks like 👀

• Adopting gender-neutral and/or trans-inclusive dress codes and bathrooms

• Displaying transgender pride flags and observing Transgender Day of Visibility, Transgender Awareness Week and Pride Month

• Educating yourself and identifying bias

Sounds like 🗣️

• Calling out transphobic remarks and other bullying specifically aimed towards gender identity, gender expression, or someone's transgender/non-binary status

• Quickly and calmly correcting yourself when you make a mistake

• LGBTQ+ specific employee resource groups and diversity councils

• Learning from transgender and nonbinary employees about their lived experiences

• You don't have to come out to everyone at the same time, or ever, and you can do so face-to-face, over email, or whatever way is comfortable

• Check your organization's website for policies and inclusive language

• If you want to medically transition, consult any insurance policies and discuss any needed time off

• You don't need to reply to all questions, or apologize/respond if someone is transphobic, misgenders you, or refers to you by a name you used before transitioning ("deadnaming")

• Consider joining, or starting, an LGBTQ+ resource group

For transgender and nonbinary employees, coming out in the workplace can lead to increased feelings of authenticity, confidence, freedom, and higher self-esteem.

Since coming out at work, I feel more like myself. I'm proud to advocate for gender inclusivity in my organization's programming, and I even volunteered at the local Pride parade!