It was yet another beautiful day at Inclusion Inc., a workplace that thrived with equality and uniqueness being a reality where employees felt at home amidst an environment driven by collaboration and empathy.

Such an environment was possible because of the emphasis on two factors — gender identity and gender expression.

Gender Identity

Gender Identity refers to what a person thinks of themselves as male, female, or both. Their perception is different from the sex assigned at birth. 

People identify with a single gender, multiple genders, or no gender. Common gender identities include:

• Cisgender: A person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.
• Transgender: A person whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth.
• Non-binary: A person whose gender identity is not exclusively male or female.
• Genderqueer: A person whose gender identity is not conforming to traditional gender norms.
• Gender fluid: A person whose gender identity fluctuates over time.

Gender Expression

Gender expression otherwise known as gender presentation includes the way a person dresses, speaks, and behaves. Their expression may or may not align with traditional norms. 

There are several methods in which gender identity and gender expression can be enabled at the workplace, making it supportive of different gender identities:

Encourage employees to be more aware of gender identities and respect them. This can slowly make the way for an inclusive environment at work.

Create safe spaces where individuals can express themselves freely without fear of judgment.

The company policy should be comprehensively designed to accommodate all gender identities and protect them from harassment. Policy guidelines should be communicated to all employees. Take feedback to revise policies and improve work culture.

Support groups should provide mentoring to address problems faced by individuals with diverse gender identities. A sense of belonging and confidentiality should be made available to them.

Provide training sessions to all employees about gender identities to create awareness amongst them so that they are sensitive.

A liberal dress code that allows different gender identities to express themselves. A parental leave policy and health plan that caters to all.

Individuals with different gender identities should be promoted to senior leadership positions giving them an equal chance.

Organizations should establish physical workplaces like restrooms and nurseries that don’t have labels such as male/female. Their usage should be open to all regardless of gender. 

When you address an individual wrongly, apologize speak to them, and find out the right way to address them.

Organizations can circulate employee handbooks on pronoun usage, and understanding the concept of gender identity and gender expression. They should practice this in written and verbal communication.

Awareness can be created about gender identities at school so that everyone can contribute to a future generation that is empathetic and conscious about how gender is evolving.

Conduct events and games where all employees collaborate and know more about one another to gain a different perspective, enlightening their understanding of gender.

It is important to embrace diverse gender identities and expressions, fostering inclusivity. When we accept the melange of identities, we celebrate the uniqueness of human identity.