Handling gender expression in shared spaces

Ask, Don’t Assume - But How? As someone who has a very masculine Gender Expression, I’ve faced my fair share of assumptions. People often think they know me and my sexual orientation based on who I hang out with or what I wear. It’s led to some awkward moments and misunderstandings. Assumptions usually come from stereotypes—those fixed ideas about how people, in this context LGBT+ people should look or act. For instance, assuming a girl who likes sports must be lesbian, or thinking a guy who enjoys fashion is gay. These stereotypes are everywhere, influencing how we see and treat others, even at work. So how do we avoid this? Here's my quick 5-step process... 1️⃣ Challenge Your Assumptions: When you catch yourself assuming someone’s identity or orientation, take a moment to reflect. Why did you think that? Is it because of something you’ve seen in movies, heard from others, or been told in the past? Understanding the roots of your assumptions is the first step to breaking them down. 2️⃣ Do Your Homework: While asking questions is important, it’s also crucial to respect people’s privacy. Not everyone is comfortable discussing their identity, especially if they’re not out at work. Even those who are out shouldn’t feel obligated to educate others. Instead. Google it first :) 3️⃣ Show You’re Open to Learning: Demonstrate your willingness to learn by sharing resources, discussing your own experiences with assumptions, and gently challenging stereotypes when you see them. 4️⃣ Always Ask Questions Respectfully: Always ask questions respectfully and be mindful of boundaries. Make sure your inquiries don’t invade someone’s privacy. A good practice is to check with them if it’s okay to discuss certain topics. 5️⃣ Use Inclusive Language: Make a conscious effort to use inclusive language in your everyday conversations. Avoid gendered terms when they’re not necessary and use pronouns that people prefer. Small changes in the way you speak can make a big difference in making everyone feel respected and included. Let’s commit to asking questions instead of jumping to conclusions. Have people asked you any questions based on Stereotypes?  What were they? Cheers! Sonali

I attended Transform last week and it was far and away the most inclusive large conference I've attended. And yet there was still room for improvement, as there always will be as we aim to fully include everyone! I thought why not share some best practices on inclusive conferences and events for anyone who may be organizing them now or in the future. 〰 Ask for pronouns in the registration process and include them on name badges. Either only provide a space for write-in or provide diverse options like he/him, she/her, they/them, she/they, he/they, they/she, they/he, they/he/she, ze/hir, and xe/xem. For the write-in option, be sure to use language like ‘Self-identify:’ instead of ‘Other:’ which can be, well, othering. 〰 Provide space to request accommodations during the registration process. Some folks may need ASL interpretation, have allergies, be sensitive to strobe lights, need reserved seating, or many other accommodations. 〰 Choose a venue that is accessible to individuals with disabilities, including ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces. Provide clear and legible signage to assist attendees in navigating the space and accessibility guides to support specific needs. 〰 Provide at least some (ideally all) all-gender restrooms. If your venue doesn’t provide these already, consider designating single use/family restrooms as all-gender and just make it clear using your own signage. Another option is to cover gendered restroom signs with signage that describes the layout (i.e. ‘Restroom with stalls’ and ‘Restrooms with urinals and stalls’) if your venue will allow it. 〰 Ensure diversity and representation in speakers, panelists, moderators, and presenters. Aim for a range of identities, perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences to reflect the diversity of your audience. Be sure this applies to all roles equally, not just moderators or emcees which can lead to tokenism. 〰 Create a neurodivergent-friendly environment by offering quiet spaces, providing sensory-friendly materials, and minimizing loud noises and bright lights. If you want to go above and beyond, provide fidget toys! 〰 Establish community guidelines or a code of conduct that outlines expectations for respectful behavior and prohibits discrimination, harassment, or exclusionary behavior based on identity or background. Share these guidelines before the conference and then do a quick review at the kickoff session. Enforce these guidelines consistently throughout the conference and ensure there are options for safe reporting. 〰 Provide a nursing room for breastfeeding individuals. Call it a ‘nursing room’ instead of a ‘mother’s room’ as not all mothers breastfeed and not all breastfeeding individuals are mothers. 〰 Provide various Q&A options, including traditional mic setup, QR codes, and text codes for accessibility. I'm running out of space, so continued in the comments! But would love to know, what else would you add?

🌟 Building a Safe Space for Trans Individuals in the Workplace🌟 One of the most powerful aspects of my experience with Miss International Trans is knowing that it is a **safe space**—a space where I can fully express myself and be unapologetically me. This is something that is so crucial, not only in pageants but in every workplace. A concrete tip for creating a safe space in your own workplace: **Start with listening.** Ensure that you create an environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their authentic selves without fear of judgment. This can be as simple as using inclusive language, allowing employees to share their pronouns, and providing resources on gender identity. It's important that everyone, especially those from marginalized communities like trans individuals, feel seen and supported. Small changes in everyday practices can lead to profound impacts in fostering a truly inclusive, safe workplace for all. 🔹 Magda (she/her) Magda Stęga Inspiring Speaker | Leader | Recruitment & Employer Branding Expert with 10+ years of experience in the corporate world, #Inclusion #SafeSpace #TransRights #WorkplaceCulture #BeYourself #DiversityandInclusion