Welcome to this month’s edition of Inclusion Bites Spotlight
As we delve into this issue, we embark on a thoughtful journey through our 'Let's Talk' section, addressing the vibrant and crucial theme of Pride Month and the Power of Allyship, with the lessons and inspirations drawn from my recent media engagements and collaborations. With a focus that resonates with the ongoing conversations in our sectors, we address pivotal questions: "How can we deepen our commitment to supporting transgender and nonbinary communities amidst a climate of negative rhetoric and scrutiny?"...
...and "What are the actionable steps we must embrace to transform our workplaces into communities of emotional and professional investment, ensuring everyone feels seen, valued, and safe?"
Join us as we navigate these crucial discussions, aiming to spark a revolution in empathy, respect, and unwavering support for diversity across every aspect of our professional lives.
Also featuring this month:
🎧 LISTEN: In the compelling episode of the Inclusion Bites Podcast, "Queer Stories Across Borders," join Joanne, and gender and sexuality diversity expert Georgie Williams, as we explore the dynamic nature of gender and sexuality across different cultures. Discover the importance of inclusivity and acceptance through the rich tapestry of global experiences.
📹 WATCH: Explore the nuances of inclusive leadership in this month's must-watch video, "You Need an Inclusive Leadership Playbook." Joanne discusses with Sam Berthould from Hackajob the importance of designing inclusive products, processes, and policies, and the need for ethical and values-driven leadership.
📖 READ: This month, we take a close look at "How to Make a Difference When Nobody's Listening," a compelling article where Joanne offers practical strategies for Learning & Development professionals to enhance the employee experience within organisations, despite encountering significant challenges.
Next we have two more invaluable Pride Month resources.
🌞 "We Raise Our Flags With Pride", a PDF, which provides a comprehensive overview of the various flags representing different identities and communities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. It explores the history, symbolism, and meanings behind these flags, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and support the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.
🌞 "Glossary of LGBTQIA+ Terminology," a detailed PDF glossary that defines a wide range of terms related to gender identity and sexual orientation. This resource promotes inclusivity and acceptance by emphasising the importance of using correct pronouns and terminology.
We invite you to engage with the ideas and strategies shared in this edition, reflect on how they can be implemented in your own contexts, and join the movement towards creating workplaces where every voice is heard, and every individual feels valued.
How will you implement these insights to foster an environment where everyone feels an integral part of your organisational family?
Enjoy this edition, and let's continue to engage, inspire, and educate for a more inclusive tomorrow.
LET'S TALK
with Joanne Lockwood
Hi there,
This month in my 'Let's Talk' section it is all about Pride Month and the Power of Allyship.
As we step into Pride Month this June, it's essential to remember that this celebration is both a festivity and a protest. It's a time to honour the progress we've made while recognising the battles still being fought, especially for our transgender and nonbinary communities.
The recent Cass Report and the surge of negative rhetoric directed at transgender people, particularly trans women, have brought intense scrutiny and debate. Having recently appeared on broadcast media platforms like GBNews, LBC and TalkTV, I've been constantly challenged on the right of trans people to exist, often framed as a conflict with cis women and a threat to young people and children. This ongoing debate is exhausting, not just for me but for every trans and nonbinary individual who must defend their existence daily.
Despite these challenges, there is a silver lining. The corporate community has shown immense love and support, actively working to create inclusive environments. I'm privileged to collaborate with numerous organisations, helping to bring their policies to life for the benefit of trans and nonbinary people. This support is crucial, as it serves as a beacon of hope and progress amidst the negativity. It's a testament to what can be achieved when we stand together in solidarity and allyship.
This Pride Month, let’s amplify our efforts. Let’s celebrate our diversity and stand in unity against discrimination. I urge each one of you to be active allies, to speak up, and to support policies that foster inclusivity. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of gender identity, feels seen, valued, and safe. Join me in this journey towards equality and understanding.
I hope you enjoy and take value from this edition of Inclusion Bites Spotlight. If you'd like a particular topic covered or would like to offer feedback, then I would love to hear from you.
Embrace the dialogue. Join the movement. Be the change.
Warm Regards,
Joanne Lockwood,
The Inclusive Culture Expert
CEO & Founder of SEE Change Happen
LISTEN
In this compelling episode of "The Inclusion Bites Podcast," host Joanne Lockwood is joined by Georgie Williams, an expert in gender and sexuality diversity research.
Together, they navigate the complex terrain of queer relationships, dismantling traditional gender norms and societal expectations. This episode, aptly titled "Queer Stories Across Borders", illuminates the dynamic nature of gender and sexuality across different cultures while highlighting the importance of inclusivity and acceptance. Georgie shares insights from their global oral histories project "SlashQueer," providing a rich tapestry of experiences from various countries. Their discussion is both enlightening and thought-provoking, offering listeners a powerful perspective on nonbinary and queer identities.
Georgie explores how traditional gender norms hinder individuals from embracing their true gender and sexuality, citing examples from diverse cultures like the Bugis community in Indonesia. The episode also delves into the challenges faced by queer individuals in healthcare and social settings, shedding light on pervasive biases and emphasizing the need for inclusivity and respect for all identities.
Don't miss out on this engaging and insightful episode of "The Inclusion Bites Podcast". Subscribe now and join Joanne Lockwood and her guests as they continue to explore themes of inclusion, belonging, and societal transformation. Together, we can foster real change—one conversation at a time.
Thank you for being a valued part of our inclusive community.
This month's watch video presentation "You Need an Inclusive Leadership Playbook ", Joanne Lockwood talks to Sam Berthould from Hackajob, discussing the importance of designing inclusive products, processes, and policies. She emphasises the need for organisations to focus on positive people experiences and measure key metrics like pay gaps and employee satisfaction to track progress. Joanne shares her personal experiences as a transgender woman and highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing EDI issues.
The video underscores the importance of ethical and values-driven leadership, especially as Gen-Z enters the workforce, demanding more inclusive and values-aligned work environments.
Key Takeaways:
Emphasise ethical foresight and values-driven leadership to avoid appearing inauthentic.
Metrics like pay gaps, satisfaction, firing, and productivity are crucial.
Always design policies and products with inclusion in mind.
Addressing EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) issues remains challenging but essential.
Establish measurable outcomes and clear ROI on inclusion from the start.
Gen-Z's demand for values-driven work environments will shape future workplace culture.
Watch the video to learn how to implement effective diversity and inclusion strategies in your organisation. Gain insights into creating genuinely inclusive work environments and effective leadership strategies. You'll gain practical advice and experiences, making it essential viewing for anyone committed to fostering inclusive workplaces.
Please like and leave a comment on the video, and please also subscribe to our own YouTube channel, and let us know your thoughts...
In Joanne Lockwood's insightful article, "How to Make a Difference When Nobody's Listening" in TrainingZone, the complexities faced by Learning & Development (L&D) professionals are examined in depth. The piece offers practical strategies to enhance the employee experience within organisations, despite encountering challenges such as limited time, scarce resources, and a less-than-receptive audience.
L&D professionals often encounter challenges like time constraints, limited resources, and audience resistance. By highlighting small efforts and acknowledging gradual changes, they can make significant strides in promoting a culture of inclusion and enhancing employee experiences. Embracing technology and innovative solutions can streamline Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives, even in resource-limited settings. The importance of optimising current platforms and leveraging artificial intelligence for collaboration and policy development is also emphasised.
Building a network of allies within the organisation is essential, even in the face of resistance. Drawing on the experiences of Staff Networks and Employee Resource Groups can help cultivate active supporters. Additionally, empowering employees to lead internal change, particularly in resource-scarce situations, can have a meaningful impact. Employee-driven initiatives that celebrate important events can raise awareness and drive positive change throughout the organisation.
Key Takeaways
Trust-Building: Establishing trust through transparent communication is crucial.
Data-Driven Arguments: Use data to substantiate your proposals.
Strategic Alliances: Form partnerships to strengthen your influence.
Ready to make a difference in your organisation? Dive into Joanne Lockwood's article for expert advice on navigating resistance and driving impactful change. Read the full article here.
June is month until Pride, why not elevate your organisation's commitment to inclusivity with the "Trans & Non-Binary Inclusion Scorecard." This insightful tool provides a crucial litmus test for assessing your company's level of support and advocacy for trans and non-binary colleagues.
This PDF is a comprehensive Glossary of LGBTQIA+ terminology, covering a wide range of terms related to gender identity and sexual orientation. It emphasizes using correct pronouns and terminology to promote inclusivity and acceptance, while also highlighting the importance of using inclusive language and avoiding offensive terms. This valuable resource is essential for understanding gender and sexuality diversity and fostering a more inclusive society.
This PDF titled "We Raise Our Flags With Pride" provides a comprehensive overview of pride flags representing diverse identities within the LGBTQ+ community, including their significance, history, and symbolism. It is a valuable resource for understanding and supporting LGBTQ+ experiences.
Celebrating a significant achievement, SEE Change Happen's Joanne Lockwood has been honored with CPD Accreditation, reflecting her commitment to Professional Speaking and fostering inclusivity. This prestigious recognition guarantees our clients transformative, high-quality learning experiences and CPD points.
SEE Change Happen produces a wide range of content that talks about current issues facing businesses, teaches how to be more inclusive and really focuses on making a difference. We offer bite-sized and digestible content to fit in with your schedule.
What’s happening in the world of Diversity and Inclusivity?
Bite-sized tips, advice and teachings to keep up with societal changes.
How to stay inclusive in the workplace & beyond.
We are tackling the significant issues we face in our current time.
Keep an eye out for next month's Spotlight for more on Inclusivity, Diversity and the SEE Change Happen team. Follow us on social media and feel free to forward this edition of Spotlight to anyone you feel may be interested.
