Real Life Quotes:

“Did you hear about John yet? Apparently he spoke to HR and said that he’s really a woman. Can you believe that?!? I’m glad that I don’t work with him… her… whatever!!” ** laughs **

“I don’t care what they say, I’m not sharing the women’s bathroom with some guy in a dress.”

There are, arguably, few groups in our society today who are as disadvantaged and disenfranchised as transgenderists and transsexuals. Fear and hatred of transgenderists and transsexuals combined with hostility toward their very existence are fundamental human rights issues.

- Ontario Human Rights Commission

Too many times well meaning HR professionals or Management just want to downplay someone “having a sex change” in the workplace and treat it the same as if someone was pregnant or was taking bereavement leave. And in a perfect world and a perfect workplace, that would be absolutely true. But it’s not.

Coming out as transgender or transsexual is a difficult process and when work is involved, the stakes and potential costs get even higher. All too often, people’s strong personal views come into play as well as some just plain curiosity. So in spite of policies, people are going to talk…a lot… and sometimes it goes beyond that to harassment and discrimination.
This places an unfair burden on the Trans person who just wants to be left alone to do their work as well as a disrupted workplace and the potential for serious HR issues.

We can help with that.

We are one of the pioneers of bringing this kind of training to the workplace and we do it in a way that is both powerful and professional. Our trainers use a combination of exercises, discussions and personal stories to encourage a safe space where everyone feels comfortable getting involved, asking questions and talking about this aspect of diversity. We answer co-workers’ questions in a non-judgmental environment as well explaining what’s happening and how it affects them. We also work with your HR professionals to explain relevant company policy and human rights legislation so that everyone is on the same page regarding expectations.

In the end, our goal is to leave the situation with everyone understanding what’s going on and the Trans individual with a safe and supportive environment so that they can concentrate on what they need to and continue to do a good job