How to Show Up for Trans People in the Workplace
Rising shares some ways that employers, organisations and institutions can continue to show up for our trans friends and community.
The events over the past few days have been a bitter blow to us and our community.
The rhetoric that has been amplified by the UK Supreme Court last week sets a dangerous precedent about the treatment of trans people globally and will impact their access to vital services and spaces - which were already exclusive.
To our trans community, you are always welcome in Rising spaces. You are beautiful, loved, celebrated and respected here. You are who you say you are and can show up however you want to / need to. This decision has done nothing but lit a fire in our bellies to fight for spaces where everyone can truly be themselves.
The fight continues.
HOLDING EMPLOYERS ACCOUNTABLE
While we’ve seen a number of community groups making their support for trans lives visible, there is still little to no discourse from organisations and institutions about how they are supporting their trans employees, customers and community members at such a critical time.
We’ve pulled together a reminder of some simple ways to support your trans community at work:
Invite all colleagues and partners to share their pronouns in meetings, events and in email signatures
Offering paid leave for hospital appointments and mental health days
Make an effort to share your pronouns as a cis colleague so that it’s not always led by trans, non-binary and gender non-confirming people
When cis people are confused or confronted by sharing their pronouns, explain with care why you’ve asked them so that a trans person doesn't have to
Make sure your office space has a safe and welcoming place for everyone to go to the bathroom
Only hire event and meeting spaces that have safe and welcoming place for everyone to go to the bathroom
Lots of forms still don’t allow for trans or non-binary people to identify as themselves, as a manager or HR team member can you identify any paperwork in your work place that is harmful and outdated to be changed, and if it can’t be changed by you can you offer to fill out the form for your colleague?
Gender affirming healthcare and legal name changes can be expensive, reflect on ways your organisation might be able to support trans colleagues to resource this
There is overwhelming amounts of hate in the news right now, can you offer free mental health support or time to rest and recover to trans colleagues
Additional Resources:
If you are trans and need to access additional support, here’s some resources that might be able to help:
Gendered Intelligence - trans-led charity providing services for trans folk and their families.
Mermaids - supporting trans children, young people and their families.
Gender Identity South West - a resource page with links
Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network - sign up for updates, events and advice
