The Third Pillar: TGX+ Engagement
How is your Trans Awareness Week going? What resources, posts, conversations, or ah-has have been most notable this week?
One of my Trans Awareness Week highlights is that I supported the brands Queerencia and Transfigure Print Co., both LGBTQ+-owned businesses that have give-back programs supporting specific TGX+ community organizations.
Which brings us to the third pillar of TGX+ Workplace Inclusion: Engagement.
TGX+ Engagement refers to the actions a company takes in supporting the TGX+ community both internally and externally.
Internal Engagement includes:
Sponsoring LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and creating TGX+ affinity groups as needed by employees.
Hosting employee listening sessions to understand the specific needs of TGX+ folks within the organization.
Creating TGX+ focused leadership programs (or reevaluating gender-specific leadership programs to ensure the inclusion of TGX+ folks within them).
Supplier Diversity Programs that encourage and track spending for TGX+ suppliers.
External Engagement includes:
Partnering with TGX+-led organizations through volunteering, donations, and awareness campaigns.
Investing in community initiatives that enhance the economic growth and well-being of the TGX+ community.
Publicly supporting TGX+ legislation, candidates, and movements.
Honoring TGX+ Awareness Days through public action, such as consumer education and equitable brand partnerships.
Queerencia and Transfigure Print Co. both participate in this pillar through their direct donations and community programs geared toward TGX+ communities locally and nationally.
Another one of my favorite examples of TGX+ Engagement is from Trans Awareness Week 2020, when Google partnered with GLAAD to spotlight gc2b, a trans-owned garment company that provides accessible, comfortable, and safer binding options for TGX+ folks.
When we commit to TGX+ engagement, not only do we foster an environment of belonging for TGX+ folks within our organizations, but we also help create positive cultural change for TGX+ communities outside of our organizations.
Have questions about how your organization can cultivate opportunities for Engagement? Join our monthly TGX+ Inclusion Roundtable for HR, DEI, and ERG leaders. Bring your most pressing questions, quandaries, and workplace scenarios for us to explore them together.
