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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