How might we improve inclusion of gender-diverse employees to foster inclusive practices?

When Pride Month comes along, a phenomenon known as ‘Rainbow Washing’ takes over businesses for that period of time. An act of performative allyship done to prioritise profit from the LGBTQIA+ community. In my initial research, I was interested in finding a solution to how workplaces could avoid these shallow practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The challenge was narrowed down to gender diversity as this is an underrepresented community among public knowledge and general inclusion.

As a non-binary person, navigating gender identity is a complicated experience. Presenting outside of what mainstream media considers ‘non-binary’ means that I am often misgendered in the workplace. While this is frustrating, you reach a point where you completely disconnect yourself from the situation for the convenience of others. I am sure other gender-diverse people have had this same experience. While I am in close proximity to the people I am designing for, I acknowledge that intersectionality leads our lives to be drastically different. With this in mind throughout the design process, I hope to have created something that can change the current situation for many of us. Letting our true selves be heard, loud and proud.

O: Visual Communication Tool for Gender Inclusion is a package of discreet pronoun pins and user guides that foster the active practice of gender-diverse inclusion. These pins work as a secret code between coworkers in customer-facing industries. Reducing the risk of discriminatory action from customers while providing a reference point on each worker’s identity. Each participating workplace will have its own set of pins that reflect its brand and culture. Through these pins’ unique system of internal and exclusive visual codes, coworkers will exercise respect and lead to better teamwork.