Gender Inclusion In The Workplace Panel!

This past Wednesday, BLinc and Out 4 Business hosted a panel about gender diverse experiences in the workplace. O4B is a professional development and community outreach group that develops relationships, resources and education among faculty, staff, students and companies for the benefit of LGBTQ+ business students.  This panel comes on the week of Transgender awareness week in conjunction with Transgender remembrance day is on Sunday, November 20th. If you would like to know how you support the LGBTQ+ community, articles like this are a great starting point! 

An important topic that was discussed was the importance of gender excellence. Alison Sphear mentioned it’s “Helping people show up as their own selves and not having to put on a costume to show up to work.” Being able to show up confidently and having equal opportunities among the workplace is a vital part in communicating and helping yourself succeed in your role. This can help bridge the gap between those who are feeling unsure of certain dynamics within work structures. Sphear also says “Dip your toe in, figure out who your allies are and find a structure, letting people learn, grow and do better along with accountability.” 

Another significant takeaway from the panel was the importance of feeling confident in one's thoughts, emotions, and feelings; inside and outside of your body. It is a huge privilege for straight cis (Cis)gender is a term used to describe a person whose gender identity corresponds to their sex assigned at birth) men or women to be able to show up confidently to work without having to deal with unprofessional situations regarding race, sexual orientation or gender. “You have to put that behind you and recognize that as you show up confidently,the more confident your coworkers will be around you,” said Luca Whittington. Being able to work with whatever team you may be on and communicate effectively will be the driving force that will help the team succeed. 

“If your firm has resources, utilize them. Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions”said Parsa Banihashemi when he was asked about what people can do to educate themselves and help the LGBTQ+ Community in the workplace. Not only should we be trying to uplift ourselves but we should also be showing up for each other in times of need, especially when people are most vulnerable. 

If there was a phrase to describe the panel, it would be coming together as one. We heard from three amazing trailblazers who are continuing to inform and change the norm about what it means to be LGBTQ in the workplace. Allison Spehar (She/They), Luca Whittington (They/Them), and Parsa Banihashemi (He/Him) were our three incredible panelists, along with Xander Johnson (He/Him)  moderating the discussion. 

If you are interested in joining or learning more about Out 4 Business, you can find them on Instagram and Campus Connect. There are also many different affinity and support groups at the U for LGBTQ students and allies such as the LGBT Resource Center and the U’s Counseling Center.