Skip to content
Artwork for Gender in Focus
BusinessEducationGovernmentSociety & Culture

Gender in Focus

TransFocus

What does it really take to create an inclusive world for trans and non-binary people? If you've ever wondered how to make meaningful changes - whether at work, in your community, at home, or beyond - you're in the right place. Hosted by Kai, President of TransFocus Consulting, Gender in Focus dives into the heart of inclusion, with real stories, expert advice and practical tips. Sometimes Kai will be joined by special guests, but each week, you can expect fresh perspectives, moments of reflection, and actionable takeaways to help you lead with kindness, confidence, and a whole lot of heart. Hey, maybe you’ll learn more about your own gender through different experiences. So, whether you're already on your inclusion journey or just getting started, tune in and discover how you can make change happen. Let's get started - change is just a conversation away.

Play
  • 24 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 31 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • S2 · E14
    April 13 · 23 min

    14. Why More Companies Should Be Hiring Trans Leaders

    Many organizations are still trying to understand trans and non-binary people in the workplace and how to support them while building more inclusive leadership. Conversations about inclusion at work often focus on policies, barriers or how to avoid getting things wrong. Yet trans leadership talent is rarely part of the conversation. In this episode of Gender in Focus, we explore why more companies should be hiring trans and non-binary leaders and what workplaces can gain when they recognize this often overlooked talent pool. We discuss how lived experience can shape leadership styles, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and approaches to supporting diverse teams. We also unpack the striking tension that many trans professionals have high levels of education while facing significantly higher unemployment, and what this reveals about untapped leadership potential. If you are interested in diversity hiring, inclusive leadership, workplace culture, or understanding trans inclusion beyond surface-level awareness, this episode offers practical insight into how a strengths-based approach can change how organisations recognise talent, develop leaders, and build stronger teams. 🎧 Listen now to explore how recognizing trans leadership can support innovation, retention, and more resilient workplace cultures. Topics include: Trans and non-binary people in leadership roles Hiring and supporting trans and non-binary employees Trans inclusion in the workplace Developing trans talent and inclusive leadership pipelines Why highly educated trans professionals face higher unemployment Innovation and problem-solving shaped by lived experience Moving from deficit thinking to strengths-based DEI Building inclusive workplace culture and psychological safety The business and cultural impact of diverse leadership Pride at Work's THRIVE programme: http://prideatwork.ca/programs/thrive/

  • S2 · E13
    April 6 · 27 min

    13. Stop Using Fill-In-The-Blank Gender Options!

    How do you ask about gender on surveys and forms without creating new problems? Fill-in-the-blank gender options often feel like the most inclusive solution. But when organizations try to analyze responses or turn demographic data into action, the reality can be much more complicated. In this episode of Gender in Focus, we look at what really happens when teams start collecting gender data. We explore why gender questions with fill-in-the-blank are desired by trans and non-binary communities because it feels affirming to have the space to fully describe oneself, especially after being mislabeled for so long. However, this approach may inadvertently make it harder to spot patterns in discrimination, inclusion and employee experience. We talk through common mistakes in survey design, what organizations need to think about before adding a gender question on a form, and how organizations can balance self-identification with the need for usable insights. You will also hear why being clear about how gender data will be used can increase trust and participation. If you are designing inclusive forms, running equity, diversity, and inclusion surveys, analyzing demographic data, or trying to understand how different gender groups experience your organization, this conversation offers practical insights grounded in real-world experience. Topics include: gender data collection, inclusive survey design, non-binary options on forms, demographic questionnaires, EDI surveys, analyzing inclusion data, and building trust when asking personal questions.

  • S2 · E12
    March 31 · 23 min

    Why Is Misgendering Such a Big Deal?

    Misgendering is often thought of as a simple mistake - a brief moment that can be corrected and moved past. But for many trans and non-binary people, misgendering can happen repeatedly in everyday interactions. Over time, these moments can shape how safe it feels to speak up, participate, or navigate workplaces and social spaces. In this episode, we explore what misgendering actually means, why it can feel like such a big deal even when it is unintentional, and how assumptions about gender identity and pronoun use are formed. We also look at why frequency matters, and what helps individuals and organizations build confidence in using more inclusive language. If you have ever wondered why misgendering matters, felt unsure about getting pronouns right at work or in social situations, or wanted to better understand gender identity in practice, this conversation offers clear insight and practical ways forward. Topics include: misgendering meaning, pronouns and pronoun mistakes, pronouns at work, gender assumptions, gender identity, trans and non-binary inclusion, inclusive language, allyship and inclusive workplaces.

  • S2 · E11
    March 23 · 25 min

    Trans Visibility is More Complicated Than You Think

    Trans Day of Visibility is often framed as a celebration, but for many trans and non-binary people visibility is not always straightforward. Being open about identity can involve ongoing decisions about safety, relationships and what feels possible in a given moment. In this episode, we sit with that complexity. We talk about why being visible is not necessarily the goal, how assumptions about coming out can create pressure, and how these questions show up in everyday life, including at work. We also explore why recognizing Trans Day of Visibility can still matter for organizations that believe they do not have any trans and non-binary employees, and what thoughtful support can look like in practice. If you have ever wondered what Trans Day of Visibility really means, whether visibility is always positive, or how to respond more confidently when someone shares their identity, this conversation offers space to reflect. Topics include: Trans Day of Visibility meaning, trans visibility, non-binary visibility, and safety, coming out, allyship and workplace inclusion.

Showing 21–24 of 24 episodes