By Ken Evans | kevans@apexpr.com
Ken Evans outlines the benefits for a brand of taking action to be diverse and how to seek out information on topics that may be unfamiliar.
Many organizations claim to be inclusive and have LGBTQ2S+-friendly workplaces, but seldom walk the talk across the spectrum.
Overall, we’ve come far in including individuals who identify as lesbian, gay and bisexual, but we could do a lot more to be inclusive of those who identify as transgender, queer, two-spirit and non-binary.
Provincial and Canadian laws have been changing over time, going beyond just the promotion of inclusivity. However, an Ontario-based study found that 50 per cent of trans people were living on less than $15,000 a year even with 70 per cent having post-secondary credentials.
Why should companies become educated? Brands have an important role to play in this conversation. Well-crafted messages and actions have the power to change the way people see the world.
Companies that have taken action to ensure that they are diverse, and specifically trans-inclusive, benefit because:
- They seek diverse perspectives to better represent their customers
- They seek out overlooked talent
- They make data-driven hiring and promotion decisions
As communicators we need to do better. And it starts by understanding how to be a genuine trans, queer, non-binary and two-spirited ally and why it matters now.
My agency recently partnered with Mariana Cortes and Angel Glady, two prominent advocates in the LGBTQ2S+ community, to help bring their immense expertise, knowledge and wisdom to our team, peers and beyond.
So, what’s an ally exactly? Mariana and Angel shared this video with five tips for anyone who “wants to fight for a marginalized group that they’re not a part of.”
One of the main learnings from the workshop was that to simply claim that you are an ally is not enough. A truly inclusive culture extends far beyond the basic hiring of staff who come from diverse backgrounds. It takes training and time to ensure that an organization is inclusive to its core.
Companies that are looking forward and taking a pro-diversity stance are standing out. Brands have an important role and a well-crafted message has the power to change. Levi’s, Cineplex and Home Depot are all examples of companies that have built inclusion and diversity into their core values.
These companies benefit because they are seeking out overlooked talent and gaining a more diverse perspective to better represent their customers.
Companies need to be taking a proactive approach by reviewing policies, recruitment practices, dress-codes, health benefits, HR metrics, and instilling in their company culture the importance of using inclusive language.
Ken Evans is co-owner and managing partner at APEX PR & ruckus Digital. You can reach him at kevans@apexpr.com or listen to him on our latest episode of The Pivot podcast to hear from Canadian senior marketers about our CMOlab.ca research and how they, like you, are adapting to change. By Cassandra Cleveland As a new mom and communications professional, returning to work after maternity leave brought a wave of mixed emotions. The excitement of rejoining the professional realm was tempered by the realization that the communications landscape had evolved during my time away, leaving me with a potential knowledge gap. Determined to bridge […] By Linda Bicho-Vachon I’ve always been a learner. In my former role, I completed my association’s certification program and stayed updated by attending industry seminars. The certification demonstrated that I had the skill and expertise to do my job and gave me confidence to grow my career. When I decided to transition to a […] By Prachi Shailendra As a communications professional who embarked on the Canadian journey in 2019 with over six years of international experience in corporate communications, I vividly recall the challenges and triumphs of breaking into the local job market. I soon realized that for newcomers, success often hinges on more than just a polished […] By Andrea Walasek Dear Readers, It is a pleasure to introduce myself as the Editor-in-Chief of IABC/Toronto’s Communicator publication for 2023-2024. As a dedicated professional who has worked in Public Relations for over 19 years and a proud volunteer with IABC/Toronto, I am happy to bring you the Winter 2024 issue, focused on a topic […] By Matisse Hamel-Nelis Matisse Hamel-Nelis reminds us that IDEA are more than just buzzwords; they are vital principles that can transform the world of communications. In the ever-evolving world of communications, the principles IDEA are gaining increasing significance. When applied effectively, they help foster a more enriched, engaging and impactful communication environment – enhancing meaningful internal […]Return to the Fall 2019 Issue of Communicator
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