My boss asked me what we can do to make the workplace more trans friendly?

[antonia]

So today my boss asked me what we can do to make our workplace more trans friendly, I didn't quite know what to say because I can't think of a nicer place and co-workers to transition in.

Does anyone know it there is a website or are there some guidelines that I can point him to?

My workplace is about 80/20 male/female and it's pretty much all computer nerds and hackers (me included)

Which recommendations, tips or guidelines would you give?






So far the closest thing to a guide I can make is a modified version of the code of conduct for Pycon:

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We are dedicated to providing a harassment-free environment for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment in any form.

All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of many different backgrounds. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate.

Be kind to others. Do not insult or put down others. Behave professionally. Remember that harassment and sexist, racist, or exclusionary jokes are not appropriate.

Harassment includes offensive communication related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.

Anyone asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

Be careful in the words that you choose. Remember that sexist, racist, and other exclusionary jokes can be offensive to those around you. Excessive swearing and offensive jokes are not appropriate.
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[nanjana]

I think your guideline nails it pretty much on paper. There's a whole spectrum of trans people out there so the key thing is making them feel welcomed, accepted, and comfortable for how they present themselves and what pronouns they like people to use. Also let trans* people know to let the boss know if they are suffering any bad feelings around the workplace. Also maybe hold a trans* day where everyone gets some familiarization with who trans* people are and what they go through? This way the co-workers won't get uneasy when they see a trans* person that is much different than what they thought, which will help the trans* person feel more comfortable


Btw sounds like a great place to work! Is this the workplace you're talking about?

https://us.pycon.org/2014/

[mac1]

Antonia it sounds like transition on the job will be easy for you.

[antonia]

I like your transday concept, we have a bi-weekly learning and growth session and I wonder if I could throw in a presentation on being trans and what trans* entails with a Q&A session.

My workplace is an IT company in downtown Toronto, it's probably too small to mention here since this is a public forum and I don't want any stalkers to start showing up at my workplace. Pycon however is an conference for the Python programming language (which I attended), they are very progressive and open community which openly supports trans rights and do a great job of welcoming people of all races, sizes, shapes, genders and orientation.

Thanks for the tips, I'll incorporate these into a "policy".

I think your guideline nails it pretty much on paper. There's a whole spectrum of trans people out there so the key thing is making them feel welcomed, accepted, and comfortable for how they present themselves and what pronouns they like people to use. Also let trans* people know to let the boss know if they are suffering any bad feelings around the workplace. Also maybe hold a trans* day where everyone gets some familiarization with who trans* people are and what they go through? This way the co-workers won't get uneasy when they see a trans* person that is much different than what they thought, which will help the trans* person feel more comfortable


Btw sounds like a great place to work! Is this the workplace you're talking about?

https://us.pycon.org/2014/

[antonia]

Yeah, I almost feel guilty that I seem to be having such an easy time with everything, everyone has been super supportive and nice including my girlfriend, family, co-workers and friends.

Antonia it sounds like transition on the job will be easy for you.

[nanjana]

By increasing trans* awareness locally, those people in your local network then spread the good things about trans* people which then eventually becomes global! Friends tell friends, family members tell family members, etc, etc... So I think you are doing something for the rest of us! Just make sure the awareness does get outside locally