5 Things / Your Lane
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This week I moderated a panel on microaggressions at the Illinois Women’s Symposium. I love that topic because microaggressions are the moments that challenge those who have good intentions to be an ally. You say you believe in an inclusive workplace? Prove it when you hear a microaggression.
As I often say, inclusion requires intention. It’s so easy to “stay in our lane “ and folks who have heard me speak know I talk about how I shifted out of my “gay lane” even though it was uncomfortable. Moving out of my lane required me to be vulnerable and risk rejection. But the more I do this work, the more I realize that equity and inclusion are very simply connected to my belief in our common humanity and to the universal concept that can be summarized by: loving one another. Is it that simple? Yes and no. In theory, yes, but the reality of each individual's lived experiences, personal traumas, and workplace culture, causes power struggles, competition, and the belief that more for you means less for me. All of that keeps us in our lanes.
A few years ago, I developed the ARC Method to help us all get out of our lanes through the power of curiosity. ARC stands for Ask–Respect–Connect and this ARC Method cheat sheet provides conversation starters to help you move out of your lane, connect with people who are different from you, and gently call someone out if you witness, or experience, a microaggression. We also have a number of workshops that teach the ARC Method.
Here are the good vibes I found this week:
Maryland Just Made It Easier for Its Residents to Access Gender-Affirming Care
The State of Maryland has a new law that allows transgender residents on Medicaid to receive gender-affirming care. The law will go into effect early next year. This law is incredible, especially given how transgender people, and youth in particular, are being attacked in so many other U.S. states. This coming Friday is Transgender Day of Visibility and I’m glad there will be at least some good news to celebrate.
Wetzel’s Pretzels Is Giving Female Entrepreneurs a Boost With New Franchisee Equity Program
Wetzel’s Pretzels, a company with franchisees, has a new plan to expand access to franchise ownership. The new Access to Equity program provides women and underrepresented people with a discount on their franchise fees, financial assistance, and educational and mentorship opportunities. The goal is to help these folks create wealth through franchise ownership. BIPOC people, in particular, have a more difficult time getting lower-rate loans. It’s quite a robust program. I love it.
Disability Rights Advocates Speak Out Against Candace Owens Harmful Comments on Disability Representation
There’s been a viral conversation about products for people with disabilities after anti-diversity activist Candice Owens claimed that the Skims line of adaptive underwear is too inclusive and mocked a model in a wheelchair. The products offer adaptive features for those with limited mobility, on the autism spectrum, and more. The incident with Owens caused an uproar in the disability community and increased support for Skims. Adaptive products matter because, without them, products are not truly for everyone. About 1 in 4 adults have a disability.
Chip Makers Will Have to Provide Child Care to Tap Joe Biden’s Huge $39 Billion Semiconductor Industry Fund
The U.S. Biden administration recently provided $39 billion for semiconductors and chip manufacturers but made a requirement that companies who access the subsidy must build affordable child care near the site, or pay for childcare elsewhere. The idea behind this is to diversify the manufacturing, construction, and chip industries by making it easier for women, who are often the primary caregivers, to get jobs. Child care is unaffordable in most places in the U.S., which often means that women may not be able to afford to return to work. Providing child care creates a win-win for everyone.
Google’s Muslim Employee Resource Group Helped Make Ramadan Better for Everyone
Google is doing a nice job of including its Muslim employees this Ramadan, and as a result, is improving its product as well. The company now offers a comprehensive Ramadan guide that provides non-Muslim Googlers with tips on how to support their Muslim colleagues. Now there are even Ramadan-themed Meets backgrounds and an improved search experience that provides tips for connecting with Muslim consumers around the joy of the holiday. This initiative was led by the Muslims@ Employee Resource Group. I love this story because it shows the power of ERGs to drive both a positive experience for employees and a better experience for customers.
Call to action:
Friday is Transgender Day of Visibility. Visit GenderCool.org to meet some amazing transgender youth. These youth are brave and inspiring, and they keep showing up even when their community is under attack.
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