Why be first when you could be last?

Folks from our communities tend to be honoured for being the first to do something. Like Glenn Murray, the first openly gay mayor in Canada, or the many elusive suspects who may (or may not) have thrown the first “brick” at the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969. However, when I talk to people who make big changes in Canadian workplaces, they’re not usually the first people to do something. They’re the last.

They’re often the last employee…

… who has to work without the support of an ERG.
… who has to transition without support from HR.
… to be told to hide their family while at work.
… who has to advocate for supplier diversity.
… to work without an active DEI department.
… who has to take vacation days instead of parental leave.
… who has to take unpaid leave instead of bereavement leave.
… to be used as a token for their entire community.
… to be told they are using the wrong bathroom.
… to not bring their partner to the holiday party out of fear.
… to be told they just “aren’t the right fit” for the promotion.
… to live in fear of being outed at work.

When 2SLGBTQIA+ people bust into boardrooms, we know we have to leave the door open behind us. Otherwise, we’ll be the only ones like us at the table.

So, who made it their business to be the last person to endure some hardship at your company? Who has made transformative change and thinks no one cares? Who is the superstar in your organization’s midst? It’s up to you to make sure they know you appreciate them.

CHANGEMAKERS

Pride at Work Canada’s CHANGEMAKERS is a multimedia digital campaign that aims to recognize 15 people championing 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in the corporate, public service, and non-profit sectors across Canada as part of the organization’s 15th Anniversary. By recognizing these changemakers, we amplify their voices and spotlight their crucial contributions to a more inclusive and diverse leadership landscape, directly benefiting 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals in Canada.

Our nomination process is open from January 15, 2024 to March 17, 2024 to everyone who would like to nominate a friend or colleague or themselves as a DEI champion, and the 15 names will be announced on May 17, 2024, marking the beginning of our campaign during the Pride season. The CHANGEMAKERS selection criteria are inspired by the UN LGBTI Standards for Business, serving as a framework that allows Pride at Work Canada to showcase how change can be achieved in various areas – Community, Human Rights, Workplace, and Marketplace.