…because according to data from recent surveys, unfortunately most businesses are not.
In the Workplace
Data from Statistics Canada’s Survey of Safety in Private & Public Spaces* show:
of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority Canadians reported experiencing inappropriate sexual jokes, unwanted sexual attention, and/or unwanted physical touch while at work –
meaning they report these experiences at 2X the rate of their heterosexual colleagues.
of trans, non-binary, and other gender diverse Canadians reported experiencing inappropriate sexual jokes, unwanted sexual attention, unwanted physical touch, and/or gender policing while at work –
meaning they report these experiences at 3x the rate of their cisgender colleagues.
*It’s important to consider that these numbers reflect participants in the survey that a) felt comfortable disclosing these aspects of their identity, and b) felt comfortable disclosing these particular experiences. Given trends in data available about 2SLGBTQIA+ populations, it’s highly likely that this is an underrepresentation of the experiences of queer and trans workers!
Representation in Marketing
78% of 2SLGBTQIA+ folks said they “tend to support companies that market to and support the LGBTQ community” (customer loyalty!), but
surveyed didn’t believe corporations and companies were doing a good job in reaching out to their respective communities.
These numbers are telling. Just this brief snapshot clearly demonstrates how real workplace discrimination and ineffective marketing still are for 2SLGBTQIA+ workers & customers.
Feeling motivated?
Ready to do the work to improve the experiences of YOUR workers & customers?
I’ll be honest: this isn’t simple work.
But it is worth it.
Meaningful 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion isn’t just putting a rainbow flag in your window, saying you’re open to “diversity hiring”, or showing a same sex couple holding hands while using your product. These are all necessary and important components, yes! But creating genuinely welcoming space for queer & trans folks means the work can’t stop there.
And if you do it well, you’ll increase the wellbeing, loyalty, and productivity of your employees, expand your market, and ultimately, boost your workplace culture and bottom line.