Queer, trans or gender fabulous, there should be a safe space for everyone at the workplace, says Canadian Michael Bach, an internationally recognised thought leader in diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility.
Here, he talks about his own journey of coming out as queer, and decodes the ever expanding “alphabet soup” of gender and orientation — “LGBTIQCAPGNGFNBA”, while advocating for using language mindfully. He gives recommendations for creating safe spaces, such as companies offering a gender neutral “parental” leave instead of “maternal leave”.
With nearly 20 years of professional experience, he is also the founder of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) and Pride at Work Canada. He has previously served as the National Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at KPMG Canada, along with being the Deputy Chief Diversity Officer for KPMG International.
Michael Bach is the author of Alphabet Soup: The Essential Guide to LGBTQ2+ Inclusion at Work and Birds of All Feathers: Doing Diversity and Inclusion Right.
Listen in!
Timestamps
02:00 Talking about the alphabet soup – LGBTIQCAPGNGFNBA
04:15 LGBTQ2+, Two-Spirit, Gender Fabulous, SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity)
09:40 His journey of coming out; not a stereotypical masculine child growing up
13:40 Homophobia remains a reality
15:55 Creating safe spaces at work though policies
19:47 Questions companies must ask themselves
23:27: The Five Fs Continuum for change management, converting “fence-sitters” to “friends” and “family”
32:15 Witnessing monumental positive change in the past decades
35:00 Importance of using language mindfully
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