09Jun

“You belong here.”

June 9, 2025 Contractor 8

As we welcome Pride Month—officially recognized in Manitoba for the first time—the words, “You belong here” spoken by The Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba, continue to echo through my head. They thundered through the Manitoba Legislative Building on May 29, where history was made: the first drag performance in a Canadian legislature, a bold $2.5 million investment in spaces for queer elders, and new support for 2S, queer, and trans rural Manitobans. The room wasn’t filled with fear. There was no talk of rollbacks or backlash. No concerns about looking “respectable enough” to be taken seriously. Just joy, affirmation,...

18Mar

Beyond Borders: See you in Winnipeg!

March 18, 2025 Contractor 45

This is the fourth and final installment of Beyond Borders, a series exploring how queer and trans employees navigate the evolving landscape of business travel. In previous editions, we examined the impact of political shifts in the United States and the challenges of corporate activism. Now, we turn to a city that exemplifies what it means to move beyond performance and into action: Winnipeg. Originally posted on LinkedIn. For years, my birthday tradition was an escape to Palm Springs, where the August off-season meant quiet streets and endless sunshine. But with the Canadian dollar making U.S. travel less appealing this...

11Mar

Beyond Borders: What Can We Learn from the Sunshine State?

March 11, 2025 editor 51

This is the third installment of Beyond Borders, a four-part series exploring the emerging challenges and opportunities of business travel for queer and trans employees amid rising polarization. Originally posted to LinkedIn. When tragedy struck Orlando’s queer community on June 12, 2016, the response was immediate and unified. The Pulse nightclub shooting, then the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, sent shockwaves around the world. In the days and weeks that followed, the question everyone asked was: How can we help? The international response prioritized support for survivors, the families of victims, and the broader queer and trans community in...

04Mar

Beyond Borders: Do Travel Boycotts Work?

March 4, 2025 editor 51

This is the second installment of Beyond Borders, a four-part series exploring the emerging challenges and opportunities of business travel for queer and trans employees amid rising polarization. Originally posted on LinkedIn. In light of dramatic shifts in U.S. domestic policy, Canadian companies are questioning whether sending employees across the border aligns with their duty of care. At the same time, economic nationalism is on the rise, and some are calling for more aggressive corporate activism, including boycotts of U.S. travel and investment. But do travel boycotts actually work? The Logic Behind Boycotts The idea is simple: By refusing to...

27Feb

Board Chair Katia Aubin speaks with CBC Montreal During Winter Pride 2025

February 27, 2025 editor 46

In advance of Winter Pride 2025, Board Chair Katia Aubin spoke with CBC Montreal’s Douglas Gelevan about the growing concerns among queer and trans communities in response to the rollback of DEI programs in the U.S. She also highlights how Pride at Work Canada is reframing the conversation, shifting focus to a broader human rights narrative. Watch the interview below. Read Pride at Work Canada’s “Our Communities Are in Crisis” statement here: https://prideatwork.ca/crisis/

25Feb

Beyond Borders: Should Canadian Companies Rethink Employee Travel to the U.S.?

February 25, 2025 editor 45

This is the first installment of Beyond Borders, a four-part series exploring the emerging challenges and opportunities of business travel for queer and trans employees amid rising polarization. Originally posted on LinkedIn. For many Canadian employers, cross-border travel is a business necessity. But as new U.S. policies heighten risks for trans and nonbinary workers, companies must grapple with a difficult question: how to balance employee safety with operational needs in an increasingly polarized climate. With hostility toward trans communities on the rise, Canadian organizations are being forced to reconsider the implications of sending employees across the border. For some, the...

09Jan

How Can Training and Development at Pride at Work Canada Help You: Discover the THRIVE Program

January 9, 2025 Contractor 46

At Pride at Work Canada, we are dedicated to fostering inclusive workplace cultures through training and leadership development programs tailored to empower Two-Spirit, queer, and trans professionals. One of our flagship initiatives, THRIVE, is a ten-week virtual leadership program designed to cultivate the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders in Canadian businesses. Here’s what you need to know about THRIVE and how it can transform your professional journey: What is THRIVE? THRIVE is a virtual leadership development program that equips Two-Spirit, queer, and trans individuals with the skills and confidence to excel in leadership roles within inclusive workplaces. Participants will gain...

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 Contractor 42

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...

05Dec

How to Ask Your Employer for Training and Development Opportunities

December 5, 2024 Contractor 55

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...