5 Ways To Make Your Workplace Inclusive Of The LGBTQIA+ Community

List your pronouns  

Listing your pronouns is really easy to do, and it can make a big difference for members of the LGBTQIA+ community who may be struggling to fit in or express their gender identity. 

When you make it normal to share pronouns as a team, such as adding she/her or they/them on email signatures or social media profiles like LinkedIn, it creates a welcoming environment. This environment encourages transgender, non-binary, and gender fluid individuals to feel more comfortable sharing their own pronouns. 

It's a small gesture, but it helps to avoid assumptions about gender and encourages everyone to be recognised for their sexual orientations and gender identities in the way they want to be. 

Make it a habit to share pronouns. It's a simple act that shows support and respect for diversity, and it helps create an inclusive space where everyone feels valued and understood. 

Introduce unisex toilets

Gendered toilets in a workplace can cause anxiety and fear for members of the non-binary, transgender, and gender fluid communities.  

People can feel scared of being rejected in gender-separated spaces. This can cause them to feel excluded, isolated, and anxious.  

Sometimes, this fear can stop people from using the toilet, and that can really disrupt their daily lives and routines. 

By having unisex toilets and gender-neutral facilities, you can take away some of the pressure to follow strict gender rules. This way, people can use the toilet without worrying about being judged, no matter how they identify. 

This is a bigger step than just mentioning pronouns, but it shows that you're truly dedicated to creating an inclusive environment. It means that everyone can use the toilet without fear of judgment or exclusion. 

Unisex toilets and gender-neutral facilities help ensure that everyone feels comfortable and accepted when they need to use the toilet. It's a powerful way to show support for inclusivity and make sure nobody feels left out or anxious about something as basic as using the toilet.  

Celebrate LGBTQIA+ history and events   

Recognising and celebrating history in the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as events like Pride Month, is a great way to raise awareness and make the workplace more inclusive. 

Treating these holidays with the same importance as other holidays such as Christmas or Halloween promotes a sense of community within the team. It's an opportunity to educate employees about the experiences and contributions of LGBT individuals, fostering understanding and appreciation. 

Consider organizing events, inviting guest speakers from the community, or hosting educational workshops. These initiatives can create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone has the chance to learn, celebrate, and embrace diversity. 

By actively acknowledging and honouring LGBTQIA+ history and events, you demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity. It's a chance for you to come together, learn from one another, and strengthen your bond as a team. Celebrate diversity and create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.  

Use gender-neutral language  

Using gender-neutral language within the workplace is a powerful way to exclude prejudice and ensure inclusivity.  

Some people in this community may find it difficult to feel like they belong or to express their true gender identity.  

When using gender-neutral pronouns, it shows you're respectful and open-minded towards how you feel about their gender. 

By using gender-neutral pronouns, you avoid making assumptions about whether someone is a male or a female. You're giving people the freedom to express their gender in a way that feels right to them. Some people might not fit into the traditional categories of being a male or a female, and that should be respected! 

It's important to create a world where everyone feels accepted and included, no matter their gender or sexual orientation. By using gender-neutral pronouns, you're sending a message that you respect and support everyone's unique identities.  

It's important to make people feel comfortable and recognised for who they truly are. 

Provide LGBTQIA+ training

It is essential for all employees to understand LGBTQIA+ issues, language, and challenges. This will help create an inclusive workplace.  

An LGBTQIA+ training course can help to ensure that your whole team is equipped with the knowledge to support their colleagues. By investing in education and encouraging a culture of empathy and understanding, you’ll allow your workforce to be advocates for LGBTQIA+ inclusivity.  

We have the perfect course to help you complete this training.  

Our Level 2 LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity in the Workplace course is free. It can be completed online. This makes it ideal for workplaces to study.  

The course has 4 modules that make it perfectly designed to engage inclusivity in the workplace:   

• Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans history and culture   
• Language, stereotyping and assumptions   
• Policies and legislation affecting LGBTQIA+ people in the workplace   
• Contributing to a supportive workplace environment  

As Pride Month reminds us, inclusivity and acceptance are ongoing journeys. It's essential for workplaces to assess their practices often and strive for improvement. By implementing the five tips in this blog you can create an environment where employees of all gender identities and sexual orientations feel safe, valued, and celebrated.   

Building an inclusive workplace benefits your employees and your organisation, promoting creativity, innovation, and a sense of belonging.  

Take the necessary steps to ensure that workplaces reflect the true spirit of Pride and support the LGBTQIA+ community every day of the year.  

Interested in implementing this course in your workplace? Or simply studying yourself to become a better ally? Click the link below to learn more about the course.  

https://theaimgroup.co.uk/courses/level-2/lgbt-inclusivity-in-the-workplace