Transgender Awareness Week occurs each year from November 13-19. The week offers an opportunity to amplify the voices and experiences of the transgender community. Additionally, it gives employers a chance to raise awareness in the workforce about transgender people and the challenges they face.
This week is important for educating people about what it means to be transgender in America. It aims to dispel misinformation and support the transgender community, as well as the broader LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of transgender people in all areas of life.
Forward-thinking companies have long understood the importance of supporting the transgender community. For example, Wells Fargo (No. 23 on the 2024 Top 50 list and No. 4 on the Top Companies for LGBTQ+ Employees list), supports both transgender employees and customers. Since 2022, the company has worked with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce on its Transgender & Gender Expansive (TGX) Initiative. The initiative provides certification scholarships and professional development opportunities for TGX-owned businesses.
“As a company, we know that achieving enduring results in diversity, equity and inclusion requires a long-term commitment, and we are proud of the work we are doing to increase diverse representation at Wells Fargo, to make our organization more inclusive, and to better serve our customers and our communities,” Wells Fargo CEO Charles W. Scharf wrote in the company’s recent report about its DEI initiatives.
Remembering Those We’ve Lost: Transgender Remembrance Day
Transgender Awareness Week events educate people about the transgender community and celebrate their achievements. They also raise awareness about ongoing threats of prejudice, discrimination and violence. The week culminates in the Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20. This day honors those who lost their lives in the previous year due to anti-transgender violence.
Transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith founded the vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester. In 1998, Hester, a trans woman, was stabbed to death in her Boston apartment. The case remains unsolved. Vigils are typically held at community centers, parks, places of worship and other venues. These gatherings often involve reading a list of the names of those lost in the past year.
While the vigils and the week’s other observances are crucial for raising awareness, the commitment to supporting transgender individuals, particularly within corporate environments, must extend beyond this designated week.
The Significance of Transgender Awareness Week
Transgender Awareness Week is an opportunity to foster understanding and advocate for the rights and dignity of transgender people. Corporations play a big role in this area. Despite increased visibility and advocacy, transgender individuals often encounter significant obstacles in the workplace.
For example, Target (No. 31 on the Top 50 list and No. 7 on the Top Companies for LGBTQ+ Employees list), focuses on creating a positive culture for transgender employers. The company’s initiatives include the Pride + Business Council Employee Resource Group (ERG), celebrating Pride Month every June with internal events, and supporting diversity in the company’s suppliers.
“Belonging is at the core of our diversity, equity and inclusion strategy, which has helped our business grow for decades,” the company states on its LGBTQIA+ Team Members and Guests page.
A McKinsey & Company report highlights that transgender employees face higher rates of unemployment and underemployment compared to their cisgender counterparts. Additionally, they often experience workplace discrimination and a lack of inclusive policies, which can hinder their professional growth and well-being.
The report begins with an overview that describes the current state of affairs about transgender people living in America. McKinsey notes that while corporate America has stepped up support of LGBTQ+ rights, it still has a long road ahead to foster a truly inclusive environment for transgender employees.
Beyond Awareness: Implementing Year-Round Support
To move beyond symbolic gestures during Transgender Awareness Week, corporations can adopt comprehensive strategies to create inclusive environments for transgender employees throughout the year. Some of the following ideas can help corporations move forward in this important area.
Develop Inclusive Policies and Benefits. Companies should establish clear non-discrimination policies that explicitly include gender identity and expression, while also ensuring that health benefits cover gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy and surgeries. Inclusive benefits are vital for the well-being of transgender employees.
Foster an Inclusive Culture. This involves cultivating a workplace culture that respects and affirms all gender identities. This includes using correct names and pronouns, providing gender-neutral restrooms and implementing dress codes that are not gender-specific. Training programs can educate employees about transgender issues and promote allyship.
Support Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Many companies now encourage the formation of ERGs focused on LGBTQ+ issues. These groups offer support networks for transgender employees and serve as platforms for advocacy and education within the organization. They also provide valuable insights into the needs and concerns of transgender staff.
For example, Comcast NBCUniversal (No. 11 on the 2024 Top 50 list and No. 1 on the Top Companies for LGBTQ+ Employees list), has the OUT@NBCUniversal ERG, which has a goal of attracting, developing and retaining lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight ally employees. The company also is committed to investing in diverse creators, ensuring content from the company embraces diverse experiences and fostering a culture of belonging.
Implement Bias Training and Accountability Measures. By conducting regular training sessions to address unconscious biases and promote inclusive behaviors, companies can create more inclusive cultures. It’s also helpful to establish clear reporting mechanisms for discrimination and ensure that incidents are addressed promptly and effectively. Accountability is crucial in maintaining a safe and supportive workplace. Part of this also involves assessing the hiring and promotion processes to eliminate biases that may disadvantage transgender candidates. Many companies implement mentorship programs to support the career development of transgender employees and ensure equitable opportunities for advancement.
