March 31, 2022

This day is dedicated to recognising the resilience and accomplishments of the transgender community.

An influential ambassador for Trans Visibility in the UK is Christina Riley. Christina came out in 2014 as a transwoman whilst working in construction. Christina explains that her mental health took a toll due to hiding who she was but when Balfour Beatty announced that they were opening a LGBT+ network, she knew it was time to open up.

In 2021, 65% of trans employees didn’t feel they could reveal their identity at work out of fear of being discriminated. Christina has said “My advice to other trans people on Trans Day of Visibility would be - be yourself.... The more of us who feel able to be our authentic self means the more those who resist our right to exist and be ourselves will have to change and adjust.”

In 2017, Christina was awarded the Corporate Rising Star Award at the British Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender. Christina is the source of the driving change within Balfour Beatty and more widely across the construction industry. Christina said, “we’re driving diversity forward and actively sharing the message that sexual orientation and gender identity are not barriers to career success.”

Katie Budd, Head of Indices and Resources at LGBT+ charity, Stonewall, said that:

“It’s 2021 – no one should have to hide who they are or feel afraid that they’ll be harassed for being open about their gender identity at work.”

How can we support the Trans Community in our workplaces?

• Don’t assume

Not all trans employees are out at work. It is important to not assume or ask invasive questions. Not every trans employee has the same journey as another.

• De-gender the language

Be aware of the language that you are using in internal company literature such as job adverts, job descriptions, and employment contracts. Make sure the titles and pronouns are gender neutral.

• Name a single point of contact for employees

Identify or employ someone who is trained and sensitive to the barriers trans and gender diverse people face through the application process, and in work.

Do you want to create an #open and #honest team dynamic, but don’t know where to start? Get in touch, we would love to help!