*New episode!* EMPLOYERS - WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT PRONOUNS. And ‘LGBT’. And Pride. And Stonewall. And staff networks. And diversity training that only gives one side of a complex and nuanced story. Oh, and drag queens ?? For Episode 9 of This Isn't Working, I interviewed Kate Barker, CEO of the UK charity LGB Alliance. The title is: What are employers getting wrong about ‘LGBT’? The short answer, according to Kate? Failing to consider the full range of perspectives that exists among this group of employees, and to find ways for everyone to feel comfortable at work. We ask: ?? Have employers been too quick to adopt what they thought was a ‘progressive’ and ‘inclusive’ approach to ‘LGBT’, not realising they have only been listening to certain voices, and looking at this through a somewhat limited lens? ?? Have LGBT staff networks become too political and powerful – and do they really represent the range of views held by the groups they claim to include? * Watch/listen on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts* https://lnkd.in/eNA3QvRf ?? Why do a lot of gay and lesbian employees find their organisation’s Pride celebrations embarrassing – and is it time to dial down the drag queens? ?? What message are employers sending to their lesbian and gay staff by continuing to work with Stonewall, and hiring external ‘gender diversity’ trainers with dubious credentials and content? What are the risks of following their advice about what ‘LGBT inclusion’ should look like in the workplace? ?? Is it time to ditch the acronym ‘LGBT’? After all, we shelved ‘BAME’ when we realised it was simplistic, unhelpful and crass… ?? Is enthusiasm for 'pronoun declaration' starting to wane? ?? How can #employers move away from ‘no debate’ towards calm, professional conversations about how to manage these complex and sensitive issues in the workplace? And what other solutions can Kate offer to employers who are keen to get this right? We all know that not everyone is ready to talk about this stuff – and a few of Kate’s words may sound jarring to some people’s ears. But can employers afford to keep dithering, when resentment is ‘festering’ (Kate’s word) in workplaces around the UK? Is it time for employers to rethink ‘LGBT’, acknowledge that a range of perspectives exists among this group of workers – and agree that it is not acceptable to silence some voices, while celebrating others? Is there a better way ahead, if we start talking? ?? Please like and comment below if: 1) You plan to watch/listen to this episode and/or 2) You have thoughts on the above (No need to watch the episode first) Thank you for your support! NB. To create a productive discussion, let’s keep comments to the business, #HR and #DEI issues raised in the episode. If strong feelings surface for you(!), please refrain from ranting – at me, Kate or anyone else. (Perhaps ask a 'curious question' instead?) You have been warned!???
I mention a gender diversity trainer whose content includes descriptions of transgender lions, genderfluid orangutans, and intersex bears. Rather surprisingly, she has spoken at several CIPD events. Perhaps Peter Cheese or David D'Souza can share some information about the screening process for the trainers that the CIPD platforms, and whether she is still running sessions for their regional CIPD branches? Does the CIPD endorse the content of trainers who it platforms, and/or take legal responsibility for any scenario in which it led to legal trouble for attendees?
You'll hear me cast my mind back to a Group GTI Breakfast News event in 2019 - do you remember it, Simon Rogers Simon Martin? It would be great to hear your take on this now - and whether you agree that it's time for employers to take another look at these issues?
Haha - some early reviews are coming in... 'Brave' 'dynamite!' and 'WOW'... And there I was thinking I was just having a chat with Kate Barker! I think I'll go to the pub... ??
Now up to 4,000 views of this post, and nearly 500 views of the video, with zero outrage or unpleasantness... How encouraging that HR professionals seem to be open to listening to a perspective that differs from the mainstream messaging around 'LGBT', whether they personally share Kate Barker/ LGB Alliance's views or not. Am I right to say that this feels like progress?
A thought - we didn't have time to get deeply into the legal risks for employers around these issues (and Kate isn't a lawyer!). Perhaps Joanne Moseley Simon Tovey Monica Kurnatowska Naomi Cunningham Audrey Ludwig Peter Daly or Elliot Hammer could give us a few pointers?
This is almost framed in a self congratulatory way though I'm not at all sure why. Workplaces are better when employees are free to (not expected to) be their whole selves at work. This means being able to speak about stresses, milestones, joys, and sadness of true lives in the same way as any other employee is able to, without fear that sexuality or gender identity will be penalised inconsistent to the heteronormative experience.
This is the explanation of what the pronouns are for: https://youtu.be/TYIh4MkcfJA It is interesting that when there is ONE person giving correct answers, the conformity is greatly disrupted. This shows us the importance of speaking up, it's like the singing revolution.
Podcaster at This Isn't Working
1 个月Update: This post has had over 3,000 views.... yet oddly I don't see any comments from the (supposed) 'thought leadership' authors, consultants and senior #leadership coaches, LinkedIn #TopVoices etc on here, who never stop posting memes instructing the rest of us to have the 'uncomfortable' and 'brave conversations.' Funny, that... ??