Working Towards a Gender Inclusive Workplace

Working Towards a Gender Inclusive Workplace

This session will begin with an introduction to the distinctions between sex, gender identity & expression, and sexuality with a group activity matching terms, definitions, and examples of possible labels or identities. We'll then focus in on gender identity & expression and the social "equations" we often take for granted in our interactions with others. Finally, we'll discuss different behaviors, practices, and policies that can be used to create a more gender inclusive workplace. We'll address inclusive practices at the individual (what can I do?), interpersonal (what can we do?), and organizational (what can our organization do?) levels to help people of all genders feel supported and included in the workplace.

After this session participants will:

• Identify & briefly describe the distinctions between sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexuality. 

• Describe & recognize common social "shortcuts" or "equivalencies" that people make around gender when interacting with others.

• Give examples of individual, interpersonal, and organizational tools and strategies for creating a more gender-inclusive workplace.

• Make a plan to apply selected tools and strategies to their own behavior or workplace.

Presenter:  AJ Young, Principle Coach, Four Elements Holistic Coaching Services

Dr. AJ Young is the Principal Coach at Four Elements Holistic Coaching Services, LLC where he specializes in helping people align with the life they want, rather than the life they were taught to want. In his day job, he is an ACLS/Mellon Public Fellow and Assistant Director for Global Learning and Assessment with the Institute for Study Abroad. AJ received his PhD in Sociology from Temple University, with a focus on gender and sexuality. He also has more than ten years of experience in university student services, with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion and civic engagement, and teaching at the university and high school levels. AJ is committed to strengths-based coaching and fostering institutional cultures grounded in the principles of equity and social justice. AJ identifies as a white, queer, transgender man and lives in Indianapolis, IN with his husband, dog Rupert, and angora rabbit Potter.