Where to start: Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation

Just like race and immigration, under gender identity and sexual orientation, there are going to be a multitude of experiences as there is a large spectrum of identities. Each identity in the greater 2SLGBTQ+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning) community will have different needs and lived experiences. Additionally, there is going to be a multitude of experiences based on the country, region, and intersections with different identities, such as socio-economic status and ability. We've seen that some communities, such as trans and non-binary individuals, face additional targeted discrimination. Understanding these nuances is key.

It is important that you involve a gender-expansive group, inclusive of people who represent different 2SLGBTQ+ communities. How to do this in a non-tokenizing manner is to take each of these experiences as an individual experience and not have it speak for the entire gender or 2SLGBTQ+ community.

In your organization or community, you might already have a group of individuals with lived experiences who are advocating for the types of experiences that need to feel like they belong. Listen to these firsthand experiences. Involve them in your ideation.

Simple ways to avoid creating homophobic, transphobic, or misogynistic experiences:

• Read blogs and stories by members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, 2SLGBTQ+ advocates, and gender equality advocates

• If advocates have shared why certain features or actions are homophobic, transphobic, or misogynistic, remove those features immediately, and commit to continually to incorporate additional features to proactively address racism or xenophobia moving forward

• Involve a gender-expansive group, inclusive of people who represent different 2SLGBTQ+ communities

• Ensure you use gender neutral language and allow users to use their chosen names, pronouns, etc.

• Understand the impacts of historical and systemic discrimination on different communities

• Research which communities are underrepresented in your product use or services

  • Spend time listening to those communities on why they are not using your product or service