03Jan

What Does THRIVE Mean to Me in a Leadership Capacity for Managers and Why It’s More Important Than Ever in DEI

January 3, 2025 Paulo Lima 0

Templeton Sawyer (he/him), our Leadership Programs Coordinator For me, THRIVE represents a transformative opportunity, both personally and professionally. As a leader, THRIVE isn’t just a program—it’s a mindset rooted in leadership development, inclusive workplace culture, and empowerment, especially for Two-Spirit, queer, and trans leaders. In today’s dynamic business landscape, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has become more than just a buzzword; it’s a strategic priority that fuels workplace diversity, innovation, and organizational growth. The Leadership Potential of THRIVE THRIVE offers a unique space for leadership development, centering the lived experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. As a manager, engaging with these...

19Dec

2024 Year Wrap Up

December 19, 2024 Paulo Lima 4

As 2024 draws to a close, we at Pride at Work Canada are taking a moment to reflect on a remarkable year filled with growth, connection, and advocacy. This year, we traveled across the country, uniting communities and partners for meaningful discussions on creating more inclusive workplaces. From coast to coast to coast, we’ve supported employers and employees across the private, public, and non-profit sectors in fostering safer spaces that recognize and celebrate the talents of 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Here are some of our 2024 Highlights: We visited nine cities and hosted 20 in-person events, bringing together communities members and allies! Our...

05Dec

How to Ask Your Employer for Training and Development Opportunities

December 5, 2024 Paulo Lima 4

Image from The Gender Spectrum Collection. Requesting training and development opportunities from your employer can be a game-changer for your career. Whether you’re aiming to upskill, enhance your leadership abilities, or broaden your knowledge in areas like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), seeking support for professional growth can unlock new doors. Follow these five steps to confidently make your case: 1. Assess Your Professional Development Needs Start by identifying your areas for growth. Are you looking to improve technical skills or focus on leadership development? Perhaps you want to deepen your expertise in DEI initiatives. A clear understanding of your...

05Nov

The Power of Pronouns

November 5, 2024 editor 18

In a world where trans and non-binary rights are under constant scrutiny and there is a rise in anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate, it is essential for employers to actively advocate for and take concrete action in allyship. Understanding and using pronouns correctly is a crucial step in this advocacy, as it plays a fundamental role in respecting and affirming each individual’s gender identity and gender expression. Pronouns, such as “he,” “she,” “they,” and many more, go beyond grammar; they are deeply intertwined with personal identity and expression. In Canada, both gender identity and gender expression are protected grounds under the Canadian Human...

18Sep

Sparking Inspiration and Impactful Change

September 18, 2024 editor 30

Last April, Pride at Work Canada hosted the second edition of SPARK, our half-day symposium for shared learning, networking, and innovation about Diversity, Equity and 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion. This year, we brought together senior executives, DEI leaders and HR/ Talent Acquisition professionals to exchange experiences and expertise on topics that elevate DEI strategies to tangible levels and to spotlight the untapped talent found in 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Hosted in Toronto, the SPARK 2024 theme was “Elevating Talent Acquisition for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community”. Two-Spirit, queer and trans people continue to face challenges in finding jobs and advancing their careers despite advancements made in...

11Jun

Meaningful Queer Mentorship

June 11, 2024 editor 57

For 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals, the lack of peer support and mentorship can be a significant challenge in the workplace and indicative of broader systemic issues within an organization. While some may benefit from formal mentorship and sponsorship programs within inclusive workplaces, many must resort to innovating community-driven programs to better support 2SLGBTQIA+ peer mentorship and community building in the workplace. Through internal mentorship and sponsorship initiatives, the Queers and Peers Mentorship (QPM) program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)‒one of our Proud Partners‒is committed to creating a safer, more respectful, inclusive, and connected community at NAIT. This case study...

22May

Behind the Scenes – Research with Two-Spirit, Queer and Trans professionals leading with pride in their industries

May 22, 2024 editor 54

We’re living in a difficult time in which each day we can track both incredible progress for queer and trans representation and rights, alongside tremendous regression and attacks on our communities. Working in the 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion space often means working in a context of contradictions like this, feeling both pride and hope as well as frustration and fear in our work. This work requires us to recognize and celebrate our progress, and at the same time recognize persisting inequities and continue to fight for ourselves and our communities to prosper and thrive. With this in mind, we’re proud to celebrate...

17May

CHANGEMAKERS’ official announcement

May 17, 2024 editor 64

Earlier this year, Pride at Work Canada launched a call for nominations for a program looking to recognize excellence in 2SLGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion as part of its 15th-anniversary celebrations. CHANGEMAKERS is our way of spotlighting and appreciating 15 people, across Canada, who are championing Two-Spirit, queer and trans inclusion in the corporate, public service, and non-profit sectors. Today we are proud to announce the 15 individuals whose contributions have helped to create a more inclusive and diverse leadership landscape.CHANGEMAKERS’ official announcement was planned to coincide with the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) to emphasize the significance of...

13May

TSX Market Open Ceremony – Press Release

May 13, 2024 editor 52

PRIDE AT WORK CANADA OPENS TSX For Immediate Release May 13, 2024 For More Information Contact: Luis Augusto Nobre (he/him) Senior Communications Coordinator Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada 416-309-8410 – luis.nobre@prideatwork.ca Pride at Work Canada will open Toronto Stock Exchange on May 17 to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) and to announce its 15 CHANGEMAKERS advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in Canada. This year, IDAHOBIT brings different flavours to the promotion of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. In the fight between bitter and sweet tastes, Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada will make history...

28Mar

“You’re an unconventional hire.” – Trans Visibility in the Workplace

March 28, 2024 editor 61

Being a trans person in the job market is a hard sell. We’re too often told that “you’re not the right fit,” or “you’re an unconventional hire.” Coded language for we aren’t sure about hiring someone who is trans. Today trans people in Canada are still disproportionately unemployed, underemployed, or hiding who they are at work. Trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people are denied employment opportunities at 3-5 times the rate of cisgender people, with 30% of trans women having been denied employment opportunities due to their gender within the past five years (Women & Gender Equality, 2023). Today we are...

08Mar

Queer and Trans Women’s Leadership

March 8, 2024 editor 78

Gender equality has been a topic addressed by women for centuries, and many organized movements have promoted discussions to advance equity and inclusion of women in decision-making levels. This year, the UN Women’s campaign ’Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ focuses on leadership, equality and opportunities for women. Pride at Work Canada is committed to creating and promoting workplaces that celebrate all employees regardless of gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Our programming and resources are designed to elevate gender equity and address intersectional issues. Queer and trans women leaders are trailblazing in a world filled with sexism, homophobia, and...

20Feb

The UCP’s Proposed Policies on Gender Work Against Alberta’s Interests

February 20, 2024 editor 88

Moraine Lake in Banff, Alberta. Photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash. Alberta is a beautiful province that is full of opportunity. It’s a place where Two-Spirit, queer and trans people and organizations succeed and thrive. But the community’s resolve is currently being tested by Alberta’s UCP Government, which has proposed a suite of policies that threaten health and safety in the province. If one sees 2SLGBTQIA+ communities as distinct and separate from the rest of society, then it’s easy to believe these regressive policies only impact a small group of Albertans. However, they also have implications for the broader population: They won’t...

12Feb

Why be first when you could be last?

February 12, 2024 editor 85

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...

07Feb

Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ Leadership

February 7, 2024 editor 97

Last week, Loblaw Companies Limited announced their Community Investment Grant Recipients. Alongside other four social equity organizations (Black Business and Professional Association, Canadian Women’s Foundation, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, and Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business), Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada will receive $50,000 a year for four years starting in 2024 to support our 2SLGBTQIA+ Leadership Development Programs. All grant recipients were selected with input from volunteers at each of Loblaw’s four DEI-related employee resource groups (ERGs), and we have been working closely with their Proud ERG to advance opportunities for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. When we started our...

15Jan

Recognizing 2SLGBTQIA+ Champions

January 15, 2024 editor 85

It is time to celebrate Two-Spirit, queer and trans people for their contributions to 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in the workplace and beyond and how they have made a significant impact in our communities across Canada.Pride at Work Canada’s CHANGEMAKERS multimedia digital campaign will recognize 15 people championing 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in the corporate, public service, and non-profit sectors across Canada as part of our 15th Anniversary. Our one-time CHANGEMAKERS appreciation program marks this milestone celebration, and each selected individual will be part of a campaign featuring their profile, amplifying their voices and spotlighting their crucial contributions to a more inclusive and diverse...

21Dec

LGBTQI+ and Allied Civil Society Statement – Global Refugee Forum

December 21, 2023 editor 90

Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada joined the collective voices of +75 civil society groups calling on states to create more dedicated pathways and programs to help LGBTQI+ people who are at risk of persecution, including humanitarian and development funding and resettlement pathways. This initiative is led by Rainbow Railroad and happened at the Global Refugee Forum 2023, which took place from December 13 – 15, 2023, in Geneva, Switzerland. Rainbow Railroad and the +75 civil society organizations invite you to amplify our collective statement by sharing it across your social media platforms and network. Read the full letter below or visit...

19Dec

Our whole world is full of possibilities!

December 19, 2023 editor 78

Friends, looking back at 2023’s headlines you can see it’s been a difficult year. The support our community has come to count on from corporations is waning. Coordinated and resourced actors are advancing their efforts to segregate us from society. Sometimes it feels like our movement has lost ground that it will be impossible to win back. But those are the headlines. The milestones celebrated by my 2SLGBTQIA+ colleagues this year tell different stories. One became married to her longtime partner, something that was impossible in Canada as recently as 2005. One became an adoptive parent with his husband, which...

17Nov

Celebrating gender identities with Chris Bergeron

November 17, 2023 editor 94

Last week, Chris Bergeron, Vice President of Inclusive Creativity at Cossette, gave this beautiful and emotional speech at the Musée de la civilisation, during an event organized as part of the exhibition “Love Me Gender,” presented by TD. With this exhibition, the Musée seeks to play a role in these important discussions by demystifying and celebrating the plurality of gender identities. Bergeron explored how the shadows covering our shining queer and trans communities are impacting the way we recognize ourselves in the world. We look at places and see that they have been taken from us, while we end up...

14Nov

Trans Awareness Week 2023

November 14, 2023 editor 92

Trans communities are a vital part of the 2SLGTBQIA+ movement, and they have been the main target of the violence perpetrated against us. While we have observance dates to celebrate, commemorate and give more visibility to queer and trans people, we also have dates to create awareness and honour the lives lost to transphobic and systemic violence. Transgender Awareness Week (TWA) builds the momentum for Trans Day of Remembrance (TDoR) on November 20, honouring the lost lives of trans people. TDoR started with Gwendolyn Ann Smith to mourn the loss of Rita Hester, a Black trans woman killed in her...

11Oct

Out and Safe

October 11, 2023 editor 109

For generations, we have heard “live your best life,” “always tell the truth,” or “you won’t be happy if you don’t live your authentic life.” However, there is always a “but” for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. If we were to follow the “recommendations,” we would have to come out. But we would also encounter people saying we cannot show who we are and fully disclose our identities. It becomes an ongoing hide-and-seek game with no winner. The coming out process is complex and could create unsafe situations. Many queer and trans professionals experience that in their lives, and the...

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