I Don't Know how to......stop people from thinking everything is a "Tick Box"!

I wanted to talk about why sharing transgender-inclusive stories in the workplace matters. You might be thinking, "Why do I need to care about transgender people?" or "Why are they always throwing it in my face?" or the classic, "I don't care as long as they just do their job." Well, grab a coffee and let's dive into it with some honesty, transparency, and realistic talk coming from a Trans Woman in the workplace in the form of some corporate looking bullet points! (*Note: I speak predominantly from a "Trans" perspective but most of this relates to "LGBTQ+" in general)

• Diversity is Our Superpower ??

Inclusion of transgender stories isn't about ticking a box—it's about unlocking the full potential of our team. Diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions, better problem-solving, and a more dynamic workplace. When everyone can bring their authentic selves to work, we all win. I for one, can speak from experience, that since the start of my transition I have never felt more comfortable and free in the workplace. The hiding away, the shame, the guilt, the fear of being "Outed" or simply" Sussed out" only allowed me to open up slightly, which can cause a very closed off relationship with team members and colleagues. Since being able to be "me" I feel like I can bring more of who I am to all tasks and conversations.

• Creating a Safe Space ???

Imagine coming to work and not being able to be yourself. Sharing and listening to transgender stories fosters empathy and understanding, making our workplace a safe space for everyone. It's not just about being polite; it's about building a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. At work, nobody is expecting to share the intimate details of every movement in their life, but we should all be able to share what we need in order to feel comfortable in the company of others and be as authentic as possible.

• Boosting Team Morale and Engagement ??

Happy employees are productive employees. When people feel seen and heard, their engagement and loyalty soar. Supporting transgender colleagues by sharing their stories creates a more inclusive environment, boosting overall morale and job satisfaction. Every Trans person has a unique lived experience and it is vital to not assume everyone is the same. Listening to their journey may come across as "TMI" but, trust me, if they are sharing it with you, then they trust you and feel safe around you.

• It's Not About "Throwing It in Your Face" ??

It's about awareness and education. Just as we share stories about overcoming challenges, celebrating milestones, or learning new skills, transgender stories enrich our collective narrative. It's not an intrusion—it's an invitation to broaden your understanding and connect on a deeper level. Again, as a Trans person I know how people can look at me and automatically think that being transgender is my whole personality, when in fact being transgender is just the catalyst to showcase my true personality. Over the years it may seem like I am more and more out there, but that is because spending 30 odd years hiding and being on guard is exhausting, it's easier and more natural to just be.......me!

• The Business Case is Clear ??

Diverse and inclusive companies perform better. Studies show that inclusive teams are more innovative and outperform their peers. By supporting transgender colleagues and sharing their stories, we’re investing in our company's success. This is why I am happy to be "The face of Sky" as many people put it, as I truly believe my little exposure can truly inspire and help others. This approach is not for everyone and that is fine, but I feel comfortable being able to support D&I in the workplace however I can. Part of the reason I started my transition so easily working at Sky was because I felt comfortable and safe in doing so.

• Empathy Over Apathy ??

"I don't care as long as they just do their job" is a sentiment that misses the mark. Work is about more than just getting the job done—it's about creating a community where everyone thrives. Empathy leads to better teamwork, collaboration, and a more positive workplace culture. I do feel like the above statement is a very dismissive and close minded view on work in general. I have heard several incarnations of the above in jobs over the years, not always aimed at trans people of course, but it takes away the human aspect of any work in one swift statement.

• Addressing Non-LGBTQ+ Concerns ??

I've heard some of people say, "I feel like I'm the minority now," or "Are we just ticking boxes?" Here's the deal:

• Balancing Inclusion with Fairness ??

Inclusion is about adding seats to the table, not taking them away. We aim to create a space where everyone, regardless of background, feels welcome and valued. This isn't a zero-sum game; it's about expanding opportunities for everyone. It is like the saying

"Diversity is inviting someone to the party, Inclusion is asking them to Dance!"

• Avoiding the Tick Box Trap ??

True inclusion goes beyond superficial efforts. It's not about quotas but about fostering genuine understanding and respect. We can all help by engaging in open dialogues, offering feedback, and working together to ensure that inclusion initiatives feel authentic and meaningful. A lot of this comes from leading from example, leading from the top and being open to change and progression at all times.

• Creating Allies, Not Adversaries ??

Non-LGBTQ+ folks, your feelings matter too. Feeling sidelined isn't the goal here. By sharing and listening to each other's stories, we build a more cohesive and supportive environment for everyone. Let's aim to be allies, supporting each other’s growth and well-being. It is remembering that every LGBTQ+ person has a unique lived experience and some need more support than others, some struggle more than others, some don't feel as accepted as others and so forth. I don't want to take anything away from anyone, I sincerely want to be able to share the platform with them.

Rights are not a cake with limited pieces, it's more like a Tap where we can all take what we need.......or something like that!

So, let's champion transgender-inclusive stories. Let's listen, learn, and grow together. Because when we lift each other up, we all rise. ?? Also, it gives me an excuse to post a selfie or whatever, because for 30 odd years I hated how I looked, and now I can see a happy person amongst the flaws I still have......but I am Human ??

#InclusionMatters #TransgenderAwareness #WorkplaceDiversity #EmpathyInAction #TeamCulture #BeYourself #IDontKnowHowToBeTrans #LifeAtSky #TransSays #Pride

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences. Let's keep this conversation going!