5 Things / hire trans people
This week was a pretty great week for LGBTQ+ inclusion. First I learned that the Argentinian President signed a decree that creates a 1% job quota for transgender people, regardless of what gender marker is on their ID. This matters because transgender people often face high levels of employment discrimination and, as a result, are often underemployed.
Then I learned that high schools in England will now teach LGBTQ-inclusive sex ed classes. The new guidelines call for information on sexual orientation and gender identity to be integrated into the curriculum for all students.
This matters because critical health information will now be provided to reduce risk factors for LGBTQ+ youth. It will also reduce the stigma of being part of a marginalized group. This is a game changer.
Some other inspiring things I learned this week include:
Barilla Group closed the gender pay gap for their 8,400 global employees. This makes them one of the first FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) companies in the world to do so. This matters because right now women are paid $.81 for every dollar a man makes - and Black, indigenous women of color make even less. Closing the gap is the equitable thing to do.
This week the Academy Awards released new criteria for Best Picture, beginning in 2024. Films must meet at least two of four benchmarks related to casting and hiring under-represented people in all aspects of the film's production. Only films which meet the criteria are eligible for Best Picture. This matters because increasing diversity doesn't happen by accident -- organizations must announce goals and develop systems of accountability.
There were a couple of major firsts announced this week: Jane Fraser was announced as the new CEO of Citigroup. She's the first female CEO of a major Wall Street bank. Also, Doris Burke made news this week when she was revealed to be the first woman to call play-by-play for the NBA conference finals and finals (on ESPN Radio). These stories matter because they provide possibility models for young people, and also, because it's about time.
I choose the "better late than never" perspective on these pieces of news. There's inspiration everywhere, and there are lots of hard working people like you, committed to changing systems and behaviors to be more inclusive. The world needs us. Keep it up.
Photo by Juanje Garrido/shutterstock