There’s no easy way to talk about Transgender Day of Remembrance. It’s a day that carries so much grief, and also a call to look closer at the systems that keep failing trans people around the world.

In this episode of Gender in Focus, Kai and El unpack the history and meaning of TDOR, explore why it’s not just a U.S. issue, and reveal the gaps in data that hide the true scale of violence against trans people in Canada and beyond. They also share ways allies can show up with commitment and purpose - not just on TDOR, but every day.

If you’ve ever wondered how to talk about Trans Day of Remembrance at work, school or in your community, or how to move beyond performative gestures to real allyship, this episode offers thoughtful guidance, grounded insight, and hope for change.

To read about those who have lost their lives this year please visit this website: https://tdor.translivesmatter.info/reports?view=map

Keywords: Trans Day of Remembrance, TDOR, trans inclusion, trans rights, nonbinary visibility, trans violence, LGBTQ+ allyship, inclusive workplaces, gender diversity, supporting trans people, how to be an ally on TDOR

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“Preferred pronouns” might sound polite - but that one little word can change everything.

In this episode of Gender in Focus, we unpack why saying “preferred pronouns” can unintentionally suggest that gender identity is a choice, and how dropping the word “preferred” makes your language more inclusive and respectful.

Kai and El break down what to say instead, how to use pronouns respectfully, and why small language shifts make a big difference for trans and non-binary inclusion. From workplace forms to everyday introductions, this episode explores how inclusive communication builds trust, belonging and genuine allyship.

Whether you’re learning about pronouns for the first time or refining your approach to inclusive language, you’ll leave with insights to help make respect a habit - not a hesitation.

Follow Gender in Focus for more grounded conversations on inclusive leadership, allyship, and language that drives lasting change.

Key themes: gender pronouns, inclusive language, trans and non-binary inclusion, LGBTQ+ allyship, respectful communication, belonging, and inclusive workplaces.

Many people say inclusion is being “forced” on them - but is it really?

In this episode of Gender in Focus, we unpack the difference between 'feeling' forced to change and 'actually' being forced, and why that distinction matters for building lasting, meaningful progress in workplaces and beyond.

We explore what makes change feel like an invitation rather than an imposition, and how leaders can move forward without overwhelming people - or slowing things down. Along the way, we examine how perception shapes resistance and what sustainable, low-friction change really looks like in practice.

From pronoun use to all-gender washrooms, we discuss how initial discomfort often fades once people gain real experience - and how persistence, communication, and empathy are essential to bringing everyone along.

Whether you’re leading diversity and inclusion initiatives, supporting trans and non-binary colleagues, or navigating cultural change within your organization, this episode offers grounded, practical insight into how to balance compassion with accountability.

Key themes: sustainable change, inclusion fatigue, psychological safety, inclusive leadership, trans and non-binary inclusion, allyship, organizational culture, and managing resistance.
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What does it really mean for a workplace to offer gender-affirming healthcare?

Many organizations believe their extended health benefits already cover trans and non-binary employees, but the details often tell a different story.

In this episode, we explore how gender-affirming care is often treated as an optional add-on rather than a core part of health coverage - and why that matters. From laser hair removal and hormone therapies to vocal training and mental health support, these benefits are far from “cosmetic.” They’re essential for wellbeing, safety and equity.

We also unpack the barriers that still exist, like the requirement for a gender dysphoria diagnosis, and how organizations can push back to create genuinely inclusive benefit plans. Whether you’re an HR leader, a small business owner or someone advocating for change from within, this conversation offers clear, practical insights into what inclusive healthcare really looks like, and why it benefits everyone.

Download our extended healthcare plan here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L4v0WnWrh2klY1wf44NG-scU_5fptDEc/view

Key themes: gender-affirming care, healthcare equity, trans inclusion, extended health benefits, workplace wellbeing and inclusive policy.

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Halloween costumes can be a fun way to show creativity at work - but when those costumes play with gender, things can get complicated. In this episode, we explore what happens when someone dresses up as another gender in the workplace, and why it can be both affirming and harmful depending on the intent and impact.

We unpack the difference between dressing up as a specific person with respect versus mocking a gender through stereotypes or exaggeration. From “just a joke” to “deeply uncomfortable,” we look at the full spectrum of how gendered costumes land for different people - especially trans and non-binary employees.

We also talk about the fine line between drag, parody and genuine gender exploration, and why Halloween can sometimes act as a “permission structure” for jokes that reinforce bias. Together, we offer practical ways to check your intentions, get feedback, and ensure your costume choices align with a respectful workplace culture.

Whether you’re planning a costume contest, managing a team or just deciding what to wear, this episode helps you navigate gender, expression and inclusion during the spookiest season of the year.

Key themes: workplace inclusion, gender expression, Halloween costumes at work, trans and non-binary inclusion, respectful workplace culture, and diversity and belonging.

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Salutations like Mr., Mrs. and Miss. might seem harmless, but they reveal a lot about gender, identity, and tradition. In this episode, Kai and El unpack how these everyday titles shape our sense of belonging at work and beyond.

They explore how gendered titles can both affirm and exclude, especially for trans and non-binary people, along with cisgender women, and why something as simple as a title can carry so much meaning. Together, they discuss solutions for making language more inclusive, from removing salutations altogether to expanding options like Mx.

Whether you work in government, banking, education or any sector where formality still matters, this conversation offers real insight into how to balance respect, authenticity and inclusion.

Key themes: gender-inclusive language, workplace inclusion, trans and non-binary identity, communication norms, and cultural change.

Download our guide here!

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What happens when a trans or non-binary employee comes out at work and their manager suddenly becomes the person everyone looks to for guidance?

It’s a moment that can bring care, confusion, and pressure all at once. Many managers want to be supportive but don’t know where to start, and without a clear plan, that uncertainty can turn into silence or missteps.

In this episode, we explore what real support looks like when an employee comes out as transgender. How can managers respond with empathy instead of panic? How can they create a safe, inclusive workplace where gender diversity isn’t just acknowledged - it’s respected and celebrated?

We dive into what to say in that first conversation, how to plan each step together, and why education - not perfection - is what truly builds trust. Along the way, we talk about timelines, communication, travel, and the systemic changes that make transgender inclusion possible at work.

Perfect for: managers, HR leaders, DEI practitioners, and anyone passionate about gender diversity in the workplace and inclusive leadership.

(From TransFocus Consulting’s podcast on transgender inclusion, allyship, and building more equitable workplaces.)

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How does trans inclusion in the workplace take root? It starts with culture. Everyday actions - by managers and frontline staff - shape trans and non-binary employees’ experiences and set the tone for inclusion.

From using gender-inclusive language and addressing micro-aggressions to fostering respectful team dynamics and proactively supporting colleagues, this episode of Gender in Focus shares clear, doable ways to make inclusion part of daily work life.

We also look at how culture and structure work together - why policies, forms, and systems need to align with inclusive values - and how small actions can add up to lasting change.

Whether you’re a manager, a frontline worker, or someone passionate about advancing trans inclusion at work, tune in for insights you can put into practice to help create workplaces where trans and non-binary employees feel safe, valued and able to thrive.  

To Learn more about the Practice Pods mentioned in this episode, check the link here: https://www.transfocus.ca/dialogue

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Change doesn’t just come from the top. So often, it begins with the people on the ground, the ones who see the cracks in systems, who notice when something isn’t working, and who care enough to say, "this could be better."

In this episode of Gender in Focus, El and Kai share why you don’t need a leadership title to make a difference. They talk about how frontline staff can raise concerns without needing all the answers, how simply keeping track of patterns can turn frustration into action, and how even small experiments can inspire bigger shifts.

This episode is an invitation to anyone who’s ever thought, “That’s not my place to fix.” It is, and your perspective might just be the catalyst for change.
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So often, we talk about trans and non-binary lives in terms of struggle, but that’s never been the whole story.

In this episode, we turn toward what rarely gets said out loud: the insight, creativity and gifts that come from living in ways the world doesn’t always expect or understand. We talk about authenticity that’s been fought for, empathy that runs deep and the innovation that comes from having to navigate systems that weren’t built for us.

This isn’t a silver lining narrative. It’s a reminder that trans and non-binary people have always brought something vital to the table - not despite who we are, but because of it.

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