LGBT+ Inclusion and the Politics of Change

Change 1One of the very first changes Americans saw only hours after the Inauguration were the updates to the government website Not only was the Spanish version brought back pronouns were added For those wondering what pronouns are or how to use them check out previous editions of this column where we dug into this much deeper Reuters reports that quotPeople who identify as nonbinary neither male nor female can now select the genderneutral title quotMxquot on the White House website39s contact page which also added a dropdown list of personal pronouns including quottheythemquot The website update marks a departure from Donald Trump39s administration which banned transgender people from enlisting in the military and issued orders emphasizing the importance of quotbiological sexquot rather than gender identityquotHow Does This Impact My BusinessA survey of more than 40000 LGBT 13 to 24yearolds by youth advocacy group The Trevor Project found 28 of those who said no one used their chosen pronouns had attempted suicide in the previous year versus 12 of those who said most people did If your business markets to or offers products or services to 1324 yearolds or the siblings or parents of 1324 yearolds the way you respond to this may impact your customersChange 2Another change occurring shortly after Inauguration is the Executive Order on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation According to this quotAdults should be able to earn a living and pursue a vocation knowing that they will not be fired demoted or mistreated because of whom they go home to or because how they dress does not conform to sexbased stereotypesquot In other words it is no longer legal to hinder or prevent someone39s career success due to their identifying as LGBTHow Does This Impact My BusinessIt might actually not be significantly impactful This is because many have long believed that discrimination due to being a sexual or gender minority was already illegal As a result this legal change may create no waves at all in your workplace Alternatively if there has been bullying or harm happening this change may offer supervisors easier opportunities to reprimand or remove harmful peoplePutting It to Work ampamp What39s In It For MeNow that we know that the government has added pronouns based on the research and the needs of the American public it makes sense to consider whether adding pronoun options to your website39s contact page may be worth your company39s efforts You can further this within your company by adding pronouns to your company directory webpage and creating a policy to add pronouns to all staff email signatures andor to business cardsWhen it comes to no longer being legally allowed to discriminate against LGBT people in the workplace The US Chamber of Commerce reports that quotThe most common reasons given to implement LGBT inclusive policies are to retain current employees attract job candidates and expand company diversity initiatives In addition to the importance of LGBT inclusion as a component of corporate culture companies say that an inclusive workplace is critical for business success in accordance with prior research Several companies state that LGBT inclusion gives the workplace environment diverse perspectives that foster better solutions and creative ideas for their clients and customersquotThis is supported universally Harvard Business Review reports that quota stunning 72 of all respondents say that all else being equal they are more likely to accept a job at a company that is supportive of LGBT employees than one that is not supportive Inclusive policies for LGBT individuals send a friendliness cue that resonates with other employees even when they are not active alliesquot This means that it would be impossible to assess how many people are allies but that guessing wrong in assuming this isn39t being noticed by potential employees could cost you toptier industry leadersIn other words pronoun inclusion makes your customers and their loved ones feel welcomed and respected AND it gives you an added edge when recruiting top talent to your companyIn SolidarityClick the social buttons to share this story with colleagues and friendsThe opinions expressed here are the author39s views and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaVillagecomMyersBizNetamp160

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LGBT+ Inclusion and the Politics of Change

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Kryss Shane

FEMA and the Ad Council Encourage AANHPI Communities to Enhance Disaster Preparedness in New PSAs - Ad Council InSites

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LGBT+ Inclusion and the Politics of Change

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Kryss Shane

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