3 Ways to Honor Black History Month

How are you honoring Black History Month?

There are many ways for us to honor and celebrate this important month. From supporting Black-owned businesses to uplifting the DEI initiatives that center employees of color in our organizations, we have additional momentum to elevate Black voices and experiences this month.

As we find ways to celebrate this heritage month, acknowledging the intersections of identity is an important aspect of honoring all folks within the Black community.

Here are a few ways you can uplift Black TGX+ communities this month:

1. Support Black TGX-led organizations like 100 Black Trans Men. Run by the renowned Dr. Elijah Nicholas, 100 Black Trans Men elevates Black transgender men in leadership through mentorship and advocacy initiatives.

2. Learn about the employment disparities that directly impact Black TGX+ communities, and develop organizational strategies to address those disparities in recruitment and retention efforts.

The 2015 US Transgender Survey (USTS) showed that:

“Nearly one-quarter (22%) of Black respondents who have ever been employed reported losing a job at some point in their lives because of being transgender. This represents 17% of all Black respondents, compared to 13% all respondents in the USTS. Black transgender women were substantially more likely to report being fired because of being transgender.”

Read more about the findings of the USTS Experiences of Black Respondents here.

3. Listen to Black TGX+ voices and experiences through podcasts and media. Here is a list of 5 podcasts hosted by Black TGX+ individuals. I suggest starting with Never Before with Janet Mock or Episode 283 of Marsha’s Plate, “Leading,” featuring Aria Sa'id.

Want to dive deeper into your TGX+ inclusion strategies? Join me at the next TGX+ Inclusion Roundtable for HR, DEI, and ERG leaders. Register here.