5 Things / #20!
It doesn’t matter what size company you work for, or what size business you own. I believe we all have a role to play to create more spaces in the world where everyone can feel safe enough to be authentically themselves. That’s my vision.
When you read 5 Things today, please look for just one idea that you can adapt for your own organization, no matter the size. These policy changes move the needle in significant ways and come together to create a powerful ripple effect towards meaningful inclusion. Thank you.
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This week I learned that New Jersey became the 20th state in the U.S. to allow resident to select a third gender option (“X”) on their driver’s license. New Jersey joins states like Arkansas, Utah, (yes, really), California, and Oregon to offer this option. This matters because there are more than two genders and its time policy caught up to that!
Then I learned that Instagram has a new feature that allows folks to add their pronouns to their profile in a dedicated space separate from their profile description. This feature is available to all users in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia. This feature matters because a) it’s a proactive approach to reduce the risk of mis-gendering others; and b) sharing pronouns is a powerful way of identifying yourself as an LGBTQ+ ally.
These policy changes will help transgender folks have a more positive experience as they move through the world.
Here are some other good vibes I found this week:
A few weeks ago, I wrote about how New Zealand now requires companies to offer paid bereavement leave for pregnancy loss. But more companies are now offering this on their own, including the digital bank Monzo and U.K’s Channel 4. This goes well beyond the requirements in the U.K.’s current policy and acknowledges the real grief that goes along with pregnancy loss. This matters because taking great care of employees should be a top priority for every organization.
Hudson’s Bay, a large retailer in Canada, has committed to the 15 Percent Pledge. This pledge is a commitment to dedicate 15% of shelf space to Black-owned businesses. In Canada, this commitment is extended to BIPOC-owned businesses. To date, only 22 companies have made this pledge, and Hudson’s Bay is only the second in Canada. This matters because this pledge is specifically designed to make access to shelf-space more equitable, and to create accountability around this very important tactic to reduce the racial wealth gap.
Degree deodorant has new inclusive packaging. Degree Inclusive now has accessible packaging to make the products easier to use for those with mobility and vision issues. Examples include an easy-grip shape and a larger roll-on applicator that can cover more surface area in one swipe. This matters because personal care (and all other) products should be accessible to everyone.
Image by: Them