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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.

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Yesterday · 34 min· Video
Why Your Gender Policies Keep Failing (And the Simple Fix)
Why does gender show up as the deciding factor in some workplace policies and programs - often in ways that quietly exclude trans and non-binary people - even when it's not really what's at stake? In this episode of Gender in Focus, TransFocus's Kai Scott and El Orchard break down the "Who to What" reframe: the framework they use to help organizations stop treating gender as a blanket category and get specific about what a policy or program is actually trying to achieve. Kai and El unpack how shifting from "who" (someone's gender) to "what" (the actual need, interest, or purpose behind a decision) makes policies and programs clearer, easier to measure, and more genuinely inclusive for everyone - including trans and non-binary people. In this episode: Why gender-designated washroom and changeroom policies often fail to create real safety - including a disturbing real-world case of a teenage girl forced to prove her gender to use a public restroom How "women in leadership" programs and women's groups can unintentionally exclude trans women and non-binary people - and how to build genuinely gender-diverse leadership programs without losing the point of the group A real example from an international hostel chain that completely rethought how it assigned gender-designated dorms with the help of TransFocus Where this framework can backfire: how vague "what" criteria have been used to discriminate against trans women, with examples from sports eligibility policy How the "Who to What" method connects to SMART goal-setting for setting achievable, measurable diversity and inclusion outcomes Whether you're in HR, DEI, policy design, or just want practical language for talking about gender inclusion at work, this episode gives you a framework you can start using right away to support transgender employees, non-binary staff, and build a genuinely inclusive workplace. Gender in Focus is a podcast from TransFocus, exploring gender diversity, transgender and non-binary experiences, and how organizations and individuals can build genuinely inclusive workplaces and communities. New episodes weekly. Follow the show so you don't miss an episode, and if this one was useful, a rating and review helps others find it. Connect with us online: 🌐 Learn more about how we can support your workplace: www.transfocus.ca/organization 📸 Instagram: @transfocusconsulting 🎥 Watch our YouTube episodes here: www.youtube.com/@transfocusconsulting 📧 Email: podcast@transfocus.ca ➡️ Have feedback for us? Fill in this short survey: www.podcastsurvey.scoreapp.com
September 14 · 39 min· Video
Why Isn't "I Know Who I Am" Enough?
Why do trans and non-binary people often have to prove their identity to doctors, psychiatric panels, and even courts - even after they've already told you who they are? In this episode of Gender in Focus, TransFocus's Kai Scott and El Orchard unpack gender self-determination: the idea that people should be able to define their own gender identity without needing outside approval, and why so many systems still require something else instead. Kai and El break down what "proof" actually looks like in practice across healthcare, legal recognition, and beyond - and why these systems tend to reward conformity to narrow gender stereotypes rather than genuinely reflecting whether someone's identity is real. In this episode: Why the UK's "real lived experience" requirement (often one to two years) puts people in the position of performing gender rather than living it - including a story about a trans man who brought a photo of Jesus to a review panel to argue that long hair doesn't disqualify a man from being one What psychiatric panel interviews and behind-the-glass group observations actually involve, and why being watched and assessed by strangers shapes how people answer, rather than revealing anything true How Canada's more self-determination-based approach to hormone access compares to the process typically involved in surgical care, and where some process may still be reasonable The safety risks of tying legal gender markers on ID to court approval, particularly for people who may be targeted or doxed A striking real-world example from a Janet Mock interview, where Mock asks a cisgender woman the same invasive questions trans people are routinely asked - with revealing results. You can find the full video of this interview here: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2nx5pu Whether you're new to conversations about trans rights and healthcare or have followed this debate for years, this episode offers a clear, human look at what gatekeeping actually costs - and what genuine self-determination could look like instead. Gender in Focus is a podcast from TransFocus, exploring gender diversity, transgender and non-binary experience, and how organizations and individuals can build genuinely inclusive workplaces and communities. New episodes weekly. Follow the show so you don't miss an episode, and if this one was useful, a rating and review helps others find it. Connect with us online: 🌐 Learn more about how we can support your workplace: www.transfocus.ca/organization 📸 Instagram: @transfocusconsulting 🎥 Watch our YouTube episodes here: www.youtube.com/@transfocusconsulting 📧 Email: podcast@transfocus.ca ➡️ Have feedback for us? Fill in this short survey: www.podcastsurvey.scoreapp.com
September 7 · 27 min· Video
She/They Pronouns Explained: Why People Use Multiple Pronouns
What does it actually mean when someone uses multiple pronouns, like she/they, he/they, or he/she (among others) - and why do so many people assume it's just for attention? In this episode of Gender in Focus, El and Kai break down multiple pronoun use: what it means, why trans and non-binary people use two or more pronoun sets (like she/they, he/they, or he/she), and how to get it right without overthinking it. Drawing on research with thousands of trans and non-binary people, they unpack the real reasons behind multiple pronouns - from being bi-gender or gender fluid, to blending past and present identities, to simply feeling safer easing people in gradually - and take on one of the most common myths head-on: that using multiple pronouns is attention-seeking. El also shares their own experience coming out with multiple pronouns, including a night at a party where being asked question after question about their pronouns left them feeling picked apart rather than accepted. In this episode: What it means when someone uses multiple pronouns (she/they, he/they, and more) The real reasons people use two or more pronoun sets, from research with trans and non-binary communities Debunking the "attention-seeking" myth around multiple pronouns How to actually use someone's pronouns in conversation - alternating vs. picking one Why you don't need to understand someone's reasons to respect and use their pronouns What workplaces get wrong with pronoun on forms, in HR systems, and during onboarding Practical tips for managers and colleagues supporting non-binary and multiple-pronoun team members Whether you're non-binary, questioning your own gender identity, or an ally trying to better support trans and non-binary people, this episode gives you a clear, judgment-free breakdown of multiple pronoun use - and why practice, not perfection, is what actually matters. Topics: she/they pronouns, he/they pronouns, multiple pronouns, non-binary, genderfluid, bi-gender, pronoun etiquette, gender identity, trans inclusive workplace Follow the show so you don't miss an episode, and if this one was useful, a rating and review helps others find it. Connect with us online: 🌐 Learn more about how we can support your workplace: www.transfocus.ca/organization 📸 Instagram: @transfocusconsulting 🎥 Watch our YouTube episodes here: www.youtube.com/@transfocusconsulting 📧 Email: podcast@transfocus.ca ➡️ Have feedback for us? Fill in this short survey: www.podcastsurvey.scoreapp.com
August 31 · 31 min· Video
Do Trans Bathroom Bans Actually Protect Women? Here's What the Data Shows
Trans bathroom bans are marketed as protecting women. The data say otherwise. In the US, at least 21 states now restrict trans people from using washrooms that match their gender identity, requiring access based on sex assigned at birth instead. Canada has taken the opposite approach - gender identity has been the legal standard for washroom access since the late 1990s. So which model actually works, and who does each one really protect? In this episode of Gender in Focus, hosts Kai and El dig into Williams Institute research comparing both systems - and the findings are surprising for people on both sides of the debate. They cover: What the data actually shows about safety in states and provinces with gender-identity-based washroom access - including why no rise in safety incidents has been found What happens when sex-at-birth laws force trans men into women's washrooms and trans women into men's washrooms — and even then, 10% of trans men and 7% of trans women are still denied access to the washrooms they're legally required to use The overlooked group also harmed by appearance-based bathroom policing: gender-nonconforming cisgender women Real-world consequences of sex-at-birth policy, including a trans woman's ID mismatch that led to a fraud charge How organizations and workplaces can write a washroom policy based on behaviour, not appearance - with a practical code-of-conduct framework any employer can use Whether you're following the US bathroom bill debate, trying to understand Canada's gender identity laws, or building an inclusive workplace policy, this conversation breaks down what the evidence actually says - not just what the political rhetoric claims. Content note: this episode discusses discrimination, harassment, and misgendering. Research mentioned: https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/safety-in-restrooms-and-facilites/ Gender in Focus is a podcast from TransFocus, exploring gender diversity, transgender and non-binary experience, and how organizations and individuals can build genuinely inclusive workplaces and communities. New episodes weekly. Follow the show so you don't miss an episode, and if this one was useful, a rating and review helps others find it. Connect with us online: 🌐 Learn more about how we can support your workplace: www.transfocus.ca/organization 📸 Instagram: @transfocusconsulting 🎥 Watch our YouTube episodes here: www.youtube.com/@transfocusconsulting 📧 Email: podcast@transfocus.ca ➡️ Have feedback for us? Fill in this short survey: www.podcastsurvey.scoreapp.com
August 24 · 41 min· Video
A Trans Employee Came Out at Work - What Should HR Do Next?
A transgender employee just came out at work—what should HR do next? In this episode of Gender in Focus, El and Kai break down exactly what HR, managers, and DEI leaders need to know when an employee discloses their gender identity at work, and why "employee-led" doesn't mean hands-off. TransFocus consults organizations on building trans and non-binary inclusive workplaces, and in this episode Kai and El go deep on what workplace disclosure really looks like: what transgender and non-binary employees are weighing before they ever say a word, why so many feel like a burden just for asking for the basics, and what a proper trans inclusion toolkit actually needs to cover. In this episode, we cover: What "disclosure" means (and why we don't say "coming out" or "transitioning" at work) Why work is usually the last place transgender and non-binary people come out—and what that tells you about the risk they're taking What "employee-led" actually means, and how HR and managers get it wrong in both directions The practical stuff no one thinks about: pronouns, names, gender markers, time off, who tells the team, and how Why having zero policy in place is a legal risk, not a neutral stance What transgender and non-binary employees are legally entitled to ask for at work (workplace rights and accommodations) How to build (or get) a disclosure toolkit for your organization Get our free disclosure template: join the TransFocus newsletter and we'll send you our 10-12 page disclosure template—a ready-to-use HR guide covering exactly what to ask, what not to ask, and how to document a workplace disclosure process properly. 👉 https://www.transfocus.ca/freeresourcedownload Want a tailored trans inclusion toolkit for your organization? TransFocus works directly with organizations to build custom trans and non-binary inclusion toolkits and disclosure guidelines. 👉 www.transfocus.ca/organization Gender in Focus is a podcast from TransFocus, exploring gender diversity, transgender and non-binary experience, and how organizations and individuals can build genuinely inclusive workplaces and communities. New episodes weekly. Follow the show so you don't miss an episode, and if this one was useful, a rating and review helps other HR leaders and DEI professionals find it. Connect with us online: 🌐 Learn more about how we can support your workplace: www.transfocus.ca/organization 📸 Instagram: @transfocusconsulting 🎥 Watch our YouTube episodes here: www.youtube.com/@transfocusconsulting 📧 Email: podcast@transfocus.ca ➡️ Have feedback for us? Fill in this short survey: www.podcastsurvey.scoreapp.com
August 17 · 33 min· Video
"Have You Had 'The' Surgery?" - The Question Trans People Can't Escape
Why does almost every conversation about trans people eventually turn to surgery? In this episode of Gender in Focus, El and Kai Scott unpack the "have you had the surgery?" question — where it comes from, what it reveals about cis assumptions around gender and bodies, and why it's especially loaded at work. Kai breaks down why "the surgery" is never just one surgery, why genitals so often become the unspoken centre of the question, and why most trans people never undergo every — or even any — gender-affirming surgery. El and Kai also dig into the difference between a question that comes from genuine support and one that's really just about satisfying your own curiosity, using a powerful story about disability, dignity, and asking better questions. Then they bring it into the workplace specifically: how much (if anything) a trans employee should have to share about medical transition, what HR and managers actually need to know versus what they're just curious about, and how organizations can avoid treating trans and non-binary staff as a monolith. If you've ever wondered whether a question you're curious about is actually okay to ask — or if you're trans or non-binary and tired of fielding it — this episode is for you. If this episode was helpful, the best way to support the show is to follow it and leave us a rating and review — it makes a real difference in helping other people find these conversations. About Gender in Focus: Gender in Focus is a podcast from TransFocus, exploring gender diversity, trans and non-binary experiences, and how organizations and individuals can build genuinely inclusive workplaces and communities. New episodes weekly. Connect with us online: 🌐 Learn more about how we can support your workplace: www.transfocus.ca/organization 📸 Instagram: @transfocusconsulting 🎥 Watch our YouTube episodes here: www.youtube.com/@transfocusconsulting 📧 Email: podcast@transfocus.ca ➡️ Have feedback for us? Fill in this short survey: www.podcastsurvey.scoreapp.com
August 10 · 28 min· Video
Supporting Trans Employees Through Hostile News Cycles
Trans and non-binary employees are exhausted by non-stop anti-trans news cycles — and most workplace support falls flat because it's performative, not practical. In this episode of Gender in Focus, El and Kai unpack the real impact that constant anti-trans news, legislation, and court rulings (including the U.S. Supreme Court's Skrmetti decision) are having on trans and non-binary employees — and why so much of the standard advice for supporting them at work misses the mark. They dig into why "performative allyship" — Pride flags, one-off statements, quick reactions to every headline — often does more harm than good, and what actually makes trans and non-binary employees feel supported day to day. They also explore the hidden cost of hyper-visibility: why organizations shouldn't rely on their trans and non-binary employees to educate everyone else, defend policy decisions, or explain every headline — and what sustainable, everyday inclusion looks like instead. Whether you work in HR, DEI, or people leadership, this episode gives you practical, non-performative ways to support trans and non-binary staff through a hostile news cycle — including how to find the balance between over-responding to every issue and ignoring it altogether, how to recover from mistakes without falling into performative guilt, and what to actually prioritize this year to build real trans allyship and gender diversity in your workplace. Gender in Focus is a weekly podcast from TransFocus exploring trans and non-binary workplace inclusion, gender diversity, and what's happening in the world for trans people — for HR professionals, DEI practitioners, and anyone building a genuinely inclusive workplace. Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to hit Follow on Spotify, Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, and leave us a 5-star review to help more allies find these vital conversations! Connect with us online: 🌐 Learn more about how we can support your workplace: www.transfocus.ca/organization 📸 Instagram: @transfocusconsulting 🎥 Watch our YouTube episodes here: www.youtube.com/@transfocusconsulting 📧 Email: podcast@transfocus.ca ➡️ Have feedback for us? Fill in this short survey: www.podcastsurvey.scoreapp.com
August 3 · 41 min· Video
Trans Regret Rates: What the Research Actually Shows
Do trans people regret transitioning? The research says something very different from what most people assume about transition regret. In this episode, El and Kai break down the real data on transgender regret rates, gender-affirming care outcomes, and detransition statistics — including a meta-analysis of 27 studies across 14 countries and nearly 8,000 trans patients, which found a combined regret rate of just 1%, compared to 20% or more for other common medical procedures like bariatric surgery and LASIK. They unpack why regret after gender-affirming surgery happens on the rare occasions it does (hint: it's mostly not about gender identity), the pressure trans and non-binary people face to have "all the answers" before being taken seriously, and what loved ones can actually do if they're afraid someone they care about might regret transitioning. They close with practical guidance on responding to a loved one's gender journey — binary or non-binary — with curiosity instead of fear. In this episode: Why regret became the go-to fear around trans identities Transgender regret rates vs. other medical and surgical procedures What regret is actually about when it happens Detransition and detransitioner support — what the research says How to support a loved one exploring their gender identity A free allyship resource for working through "stuck" thoughts and bias Resources mentioned: 1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8099405/ 2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002961024002381 3. https://int.livhospital.com/most-regretted-surgery-the-shocking-top-5-list/ Stress-Free Allyship guide: https://www.transfocus.ca/s/Final-_-TransFocus-Resource-on-Stress-Free-Allyship-Resource.pdf About Gender in Focus: Gender in Focus is a podcast from TransFocus, exploring gender diversity, trans and non-binary experiences, and how organizations and individuals can build genuinely inclusive workplaces and communities. New episodes weekly. Connect with us online: 🌐 Learn more about how we can support your workplace: www.transfocus.ca/organization 📸 Instagram: @transfocusconsulting 🎥 Watch our YouTube episodes here: www.youtube.com/@transfocusconsulting 📧 Email: podcast@transfocus.ca ➡️ Have feedback for us? Fill in this short survey: www.podcastsurvey.scoreapp.com
July 27 · 44 min· Video
"You're Making Us Look Bad": Why Trans People Police Each Other
“You’re making us look bad.” It’s a phrase some trans and non-binary people have heard. Not from critics, but from other trans people who worry that being too visible, too different, or too outspoken will make acceptance harder for everyone. In this episode of Gender in Focus, Kai and El explore the fear that sits underneath comments like “tone it down,” “don’t rock the boat,” and “you’re asking for too much.” Why do conversations about pronouns, non-binary identities, gender expression, and visibility sometimes create tension within the trans and non-binary community itself? Together, we unpack how fear of backlash can turn inward, why trans and non-binary people are not a monolith, and what happens when people feel pressured to make themselves smaller in order to be accepted. We also explore what organizations, allies, and community members can learn from the wide range of experiences and perspectives that exist across the trans and non-binary community. Whether you’re trans, non-binary, questioning, an ally, or simply interested in understanding today’s conversations around gender identity, pronouns, inclusion, and belonging, this episode offers a thoughtful look at one of the most complex and misunderstood dynamics within the trans community. Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to hit Follow on Spotify, Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, and leave us a 5-star review to help more allies find these vital conversations! Connect with us online: 🌐 Learn more about how we can support your workplace: www.transfocus.ca/organization 📸 Instagram: @transfocusconsulting 🎥 Watch our YouTube episodes here: www.youtube.com/@transfocusconsulting 📧 Email: podcast@transfocus.ca ➡️ Have feedback for us? Fill in this short survey: www.podcastsurvey.scoreapp.com Join us on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Facebook. SEO Keywords: Trans community, Non-binary identities, Gender identity, Pronouns, Gender expression, Trans inclusion, Trans acceptance, Trans allyship, Non-binary people, Gender diversity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, Workplace inclusion, Respectability politics, Social acceptance, Allyship, Trans rights.
July 20 · 38 min· Video
The Problem With Trans People's Old Photos Nobody Talks About
Photos are supposed to preserve memories. But what happens when a photo captures a time in your life that feels complicated to look back on? For many trans and non-binary people, photos from before coming out or transitioning can bring up a wide range of reactions. Some people find them painful or uncomfortable. Some keep them private. Others find them funny, nostalgic, or even enjoy sharing before-and-after photos. In this episode of Gender in Focus, El and Kai explore the often-overlooked topic of old photos of trans people and why there is no single “right” way for trans and non-binary people to feel about them. What should you do if you accidentally find a photo of someone from before they transitioned? Should you mention it? Ignore it? Ask about it? El and Kai unpack these questions while exploring why trans and non-binary people can have very different relationships with old photos, ranging from discomfort and privacy to humour, nostalgia, and celebration. They also discuss how social media features like Facebook Memories can unexpectedly bring past images back into view, why asking to see photos from before someone’s transition may not be as harmless as it seems, and how friends, family members, partners, coworkers, and workplaces can navigate old photos with more thoughtfulness and care. Whether you’re a trans person reflecting on your own relationship with photos from before transition or someone who wants to better support the trans and non-binary people in your life, this episode offers practical insights into a topic that many people have never stopped to consider. In this episode: Why trans and non-binary people can have very different reactions to old photos Photos from before transition and coming out What to do if you find an old photo of a trans or non-binary person Facebook Memories, social media, and unexpected reminders of the past Before-and-after photos and transition journeys Comments and “compliments” that can miss the mark Family photo albums, photos on display, and shared memories Workplace photos, staff directories, websites, and ID badges How to navigate old photos without making assumptions Gender in Focus is a podcast from TransFocus Consulting exploring gender, allyship, inclusion, and the everyday experiences of trans and non-binary people. Connect with us online: 🌐 Website: www.TransFocus.ca ✉️ Email: podcast@transfocus.ca ➡️ Have feedback for us? Fill in this short survey: www.podcastsurvey.scoreapp.com/ Join us on social media: LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok | Threads | Facebook
July 13 · 53 min· Video
Why Inclusive Workplaces Still Exclude Non-Binary People (And How to Fix It)
Many organizations are working hard to become more inclusive of trans and non-binary people. But even in workplaces with supportive leaders, inclusive policies, and good intentions, non-binary employees can still end up being overlooked. In this episode of Gender in Focus, Kai and El explore what happens when workplace systems are built around the assumption that everyone is either a man or a woman. From gender data collection and workplace washrooms to employee programs, surveys, and everyday interactions, they unpack the hidden ways non-binary people can be excluded even in organizations that genuinely want to do the right thing. They discuss: • Why non-binary identities are often misunderstood as a “third gender” rather than a diverse range of experiences • Why workplace washrooms, gender data collection, employee programs, and other everyday systems can create barriers for non-binary employees • Why many non-binary people feel invisible in workplaces that were never designed with them in mind • The impact of constantly navigating assumptions about gender, appearance, and identity • Why many non-binary employees choose not to raise concerns, even when barriers exist • The difference between cultural barriers and structural barriers in workplace inclusion • How organizations can move beyond good intentions and create systems that work for a wider range of experiences • The unique strengths, perspectives, and problem-solving approaches non-binary people bring to teams and workplaces They also explore a bigger question: What if non-binary inclusion isn’t just about supporting non-binary people? What if it helps organizations build workplaces that are more flexible, responsive, and effective for everyone? Whether you work in human resources, EDI, leadership, operations, education, healthcare, or are simply interested in workplace inclusion, this episode challenges some of the most common assumptions about gender at work and offers practical ways to build workplaces where more people can thrive. Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to hit Follow on Spotify, Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, and leave us a 5-star review to help more allies find these vital conversations! Connect with us online: 🌐 Website: www.TransFocus.ca ✉️ Email: podcast@transfocus.ca ➡️ Have feedback for us? Fill in this short survey: https://podcastsurvey.scoreapp.com/ Join us on social media: LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok | Threads | Facebook Workplace Inclusion, Non-Binary Identity, Gender Diversity in Business, HR Best Practices, EDI Strategy, Inclusive Leadership, Trans and Non-Binary Support, Gender-inclusive workplace policies.
July 6 · 22 min· Video
It's Not Just Trans People Who Hate Public Bathrooms
Let’s be honest: public washrooms are a space that a lot of us, whether trans or not, deeply dislike. Between the giant gaps around stall doors, the total lack of auditory privacy, and the strange amount of eye contact it’s somehow possible to make while peeing, it often feels like public bathroom design completely ignores how uncomfortable the experience actually is for the people using them. This week, El and Kai dive into the one room we all seem to collectively hate. They unpack the history behind modern public washroom design, why so many bathrooms prioritize cost and maintenance over privacy and comfort, and how conversations around trans-inclusive washrooms are starting to reshape the way people think about public spaces more broadly. They discuss: • Why so many bathroom stalls have those huge gaps, and why they became standard in the first place • How a lack of visual and auditory privacy can turn an awkward experience into something genuinely stressful for trans and non-binary people • The emotional labour, safety calculations, and health risks that can come with navigating public washrooms • Why some people avoid public bathrooms altogether • Practical ways organizations can improve privacy and comfort without needing a massive renovation budget • Why better washroom design benefits far more people than many realize Whether you work in design, run an organization, or you’re simply someone who has ever hung a coat over a stall gap for a tiny bit of privacy, this episode explores what happens when we start designing public spaces around actual human experience instead of just efficiency. Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to hit Follow on Spotify, Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, and leave us a 5-star review to help more allies find these vital conversations! Connect with us online: 🌐 Website: www.TransFocus.ca ✉️ Email: podcast@transfocus.ca ➡️ Have feedback for us? Fill in this short survey: https://podcastsurvey.scoreapp.com/ Join us on social media: LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok | Threads | Facebook
June 22 · 24 min· Video
Most Organizations Collect Gender Data for No Reason
Why does your organization ask for gender on so many forms, surveys, and employee systems? For many workplaces, the honest answer is surprisingly simple: “Because we’ve always done it that way.” In this episode of Gender in Focus, Kai and El unpack the hidden assumptions, workplace risks, and ethical questions surrounding gender data collection. From human resources systems and onboarding forms to healthcare benefits and workplace engagement surveys, they explore what can go wrong when organizations collect gender information without a clear purpose - or start using that data to make assumptions about pronouns, identities, or legal records. They discuss: • Why many organizations struggle to explain why they collect gender data • How workplace systems quietly repurpose gender information behind the scenes • Why mandatory gender questions can create anxiety and mistrust among trans and non-binary people • The common ways organizations accidentally misuse gender data • When gender data collection actually is useful, including pay equity and representation tracking • Why voluntary disclosure and transparency matter • How organizations can audit forms, surveys, HR systems, and employee records more responsibly Whether you work in human resources, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), compliance, healthcare, education, operations, or workplace leadership, this episode offers a practical look at how employee data collection impacts real people - and why small form fields can have much bigger consequences than organizations realize. 🛠️ Take Action: Audit Your Organization's Forms The simple recommendation is: if you don't have a use for it, don't collect it. Take the first step toward ethical data practices by downloading the free 10-page Gender Data Uses Template highlighted by Kai in this episode. Use this operational tool to run a clean inventory of your data collection points, map out downstream system access, and activate your data in ways that are safe, powerful and beneficial. 👉 [Download the Free Gender Data Uses Template Here] 🔍 Key Episode Topics & Search Terms Workplace gender data collection, diversity equity and inclusion metrics, ethical data practices HR, transgender workplace privacy, designing inclusive surveys, corporate compliance, demographic data tracking. Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to hit Follow on Spotify, Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, and leave us a 5-star review to help more allies find these vital conversations! Connect with us online: 🌐 Website: www.TransFocus.ca ✉️ Email: podcast@transfocus.ca ➡️ Have feedback for us? Fill in this short survey: https://podcastsurvey.scoreapp.com/ Join us on social media: LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok | Threads | Facebook
June 8 · 31 min· Video
Why Your All-Gender Bathroom Isn't Working
Thinking about making your office washrooms more inclusive? Slapping an “all-gender” sign on an existing door might seem like a quick, low-cost fix, but it almost always backfires. In this episode of Gender in Focus, El and resident "washroom king" Kai Scott to pull back the curtain on the design and corporate strategy required to build a successful all-gender multi-stall facility. From knocking down load-bearing walls to navigating deep-seated workplace tensions, we break down why simple sign changes fail and how to design a space that actually works for everyone. What We Discuss in This Episode: How to navigate limited footprints, existing plumbing, and structural limitations - e.g. load-bearing walls. Why converting only one gendered washroom into an all-gender space while keeping the other one gender-specific (e.g., keeping the women's room but converting the men's, or vice versa) triggers organizational friction and resentment. How to conduct a physical washroom inventory by counting actual fixtures (i.e., toilets and urinals) to see if your facilities are falling behind corporate inclusion benchmarks. The benefits of transparent information sessions that explain the "why" behind the changes, lower internal anxiety, and highlight how all-gender facilities benefit families, care aides, and employees with mobility devices. Resources Mentioned: Clayton Community Center All-Gender Bathroom Video Tour: https://youtu.be/x7Hjh7Ao9fA?si=wBXsAXg3uV3n0K2C Book a Washroom Strategy Session with TransFocus: https://www.transfocus.ca/organization Download the Free Washroom Inventory Tool: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1L2tcgCJoG0xYX0ssQfFIMfKHyZbtyJvA/edit?gid=1956903258#gid=1956903258 Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to hit Follow on Spotify, Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, and leave us a 5-star review to help more allies find these vital conversations!
June 1 · 26 min· Video
You Can't Tell Someone's Gender From Their Pronouns
Most people automatically assume they know someone’s gender the moment they hear their pronouns. But pronouns and gender identity are not always the same thing — and that mental shortcut can create a surprising amount of confusion, pressure, and harm. In this episode, El and Kai unpack one of the most misunderstood conversations around pronouns and gender diversity. Together, they explore why people often try to “reverse engineer” someone’s gender from their pronouns, where that assumption comes from, and why separating pronouns from gender identity actually makes respectful communication much simpler. 🔍 In this episode, we unpack: Why pronouns and gender identity are not interchangeable The “autopilot” thinking that leads people to make assumptions about strangers Why some people use pronouns that others may not expect The exhausting reality of daily misgendering for many non-binary people How workplace systems accidentally create bad data and reinforce incorrect assumptions Why titles like Mr., Mrs., Ms., and Mx. can create unexpected issues in HR systems How organizations unintentionally create extra pressure for trans and non-binary staff Why respectful communication is often much simpler than people think Kai also shares data from TransPulse Canada showing how frequently non-binary people experience incorrect assumptions about their gender in everyday life. 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS • Master Inclusive Communication: Want to build a confident, inclusive workplace culture? Explore the TransFocus On-Demand DEI Courses for actionable training on mistake recovery, navigating microaggressions, and respectful team interactions: https://transfocusacademy.thinkific.com/courses/gender-diversity-basics-course?th__ug=3f3cab1f&th__c=websitepromo • The Data Source: Check out the community research and metrics collected by TransPulse Canada mentioned by Kai in today's episode: https://transpulsecanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WPATH-2022_Impact-of-Misgendering-on-Non-Binary-Peoples-Health-and-Wellbeing-in-Canada.pdf Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to hit Follow on Spotify, Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, and leave us a 5-star review to help more allies find these vital conversations! Connect with us online: 🌐 Website: www.TransFocus.ca ✉️ Email: podcast@transfocus.ca ➡️ Have feedback for us? Fill in this short survey: https://podcastsurvey.scoreapp.com/ Join us on social media: LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok | Threads | Facebook
May 25 · 36 min· Video
Why Are There Tampons in the Men's Bathroom?
Why are there menstrual products in men’s bathrooms - and why is it sparking backlash? In this episode of Gender in Focus, we unpack one of the most surprising inclusion debates showing up in workplaces, schools and public spaces. As organizations begin introducing free menstrual products in all washrooms, including men’s and all-gender washrooms, many are discovering that what seemed like a simple wellbeing initiative can quickly become complex. We explore why menstrual products in men’s washrooms can trigger strong reactions, what this reveals about assumptions around gender and biology, and how these decisions can affect trans men, non-binary people and even cisgender men in ways that are not always obvious. From gender dysphoria (the intense distress or discomfort someone may feel when their body, social role, or how others perceive them does not align with their gender identity) and washroom safety to disposal logistics, period poverty and workplace culture, this conversation looks at what thoughtful implementation can actually look like in real environments. We also discuss why copying approaches from women’s bathrooms does not always work, and how organizations can respond in ways that reduce harm, build inclusion and avoid unintentionally creating new barriers to participation. If you have been wondering how inclusive washroom policies work in practice, why menstrual products at work can become controversial, or how to support trans inclusion in everyday infrastructure decisions, this episode offers practical insight you can actually use. Download our FREE resource here: https://www.transfocus.ca/s/Providing-Free-Menstrual-Products-in-Washrooms.pdf Topics include: Menstrual products in men’s washrooms Tampons and pads in public and workplace bathrooms Trans men and menstruation Gender dysphoria and washroom safety Period poverty and access to free products Inclusive and gender neutral washroom design Workplace backlash and cultural readiness Disposal logistics and practical implementation Supporting trans and non-binary inclusion in everyday systems
S2 · E18
May 18 · 32 min· Video
Trans People Aren't 'Born in the Wrong Body'
People often get this wrong about being trans. A lot of people have heard the phrase “born in the wrong body.” It’s one of the most common ways trans experiences are explained — in media, online, and everyday conversations. But how accurate is it? In this episode of Gender in Focus, we unpack where that idea comes from, why it’s so widely used, and why it doesn’t reflect the reality for many trans and non-binary people. We explore: * Why the “born in the wrong body” narrative became so dominant * How media and culture have shaped common misunderstandings about trans people * What trans experiences actually look like in real life * The difference between social, medical, and personal aspects of transition * Why not all trans people pursue medical transition — and why that matters * How ideas about “the right body” are shaped by societal expectations * A more accurate way to understand what it means to be trans and how gender identity actually works This episode is for anyone trying to better understand trans and non-binary experiences, whether you’re new to the topic or looking to challenge what you’ve previously heard. If you’ve ever searched: What does it mean to be transgender? Are trans people really “born in the wrong body”? Do all trans people want surgery or medical transition? How does gender identity actually work? This conversation is a grounded, real-world starting point. 🎧 Listen now to rethink one of the most widely accepted — and most misunderstood — ideas about being trans.
S2 · E17
May 11 · 30 min· Video
You're Thinking About Transitioning All Wrong!
What does it mean to transition - and do all trans people medically transition? When people hear the word “transitioning,” most immediately think of surgery, hormones, or medical care. But that’s only one part of the picture. In this episode of Gender in Focus, we look at what transitioning actually means for trans and non-binary people - and why the way it’s commonly understood doesn’t quite reflect everyone's reality and needs. We focus on one of three types of transition, namely social transition, including changes to name, pronouns, appearance, and how someone moves through the world — and why these shifts are often dismissed as “less real” or “less serious.” Along the way, we also unpack that: * Transitioning isn’t about “becoming” someone or something new * The difference between social, medical, and legal transition * Why not all trans people medically transition — and why that doesn’t make their identity any less valid * How social transition can be a process of exploration, alignment, and self-understanding * Why people may express their gender differently depending on context, safety, and environment * What support can actually look like in workplaces We also look at how everyday experiences — like changing one's name, trying a new style, or entering a new phase of life — can make social transition easier to understand. If you’ve ever searched: * What does it mean to transition? * Do all trans people medically transition? * What is social transition? * Why do trans people change their name or pronouns? This episode offers a clear, grounded way to understand the answers — without assumptions. ⸻ 🎙️ Gender in Focus is a podcast by TransFocus exploring the systems, structures, and everyday realities shaping trans and non-binary experiences.
S2 · E18
May 5 · 24 min· Video
Think You Need a Trans Inclusion Policy? It's More Complicated Than You Think
Do you need a trans inclusion policy at work? Or could it actually create more problems than it solves? When organizations look to support trans and non-binary employees, one of the first questions that comes up is: Should we create a trans inclusion policy? In this episode of Gender in Focus, we break down how to approach trans inclusion in the workplace — and why creating a standalone trans inclusion policy isn’t always the best solution. While policies can play an important role, they can also lead to unintended consequences, confusion, or even backlash if they’re introduced in the wrong way or at the wrong time. We explore how to decide whether you actually need a trans inclusion policy, how to avoid common mistakes, and what to do instead. We talk about: When a trans inclusion policy is useful — and when it isn’t Why some workplace trans policies backfire How to support trans and non-binary employees without creating unnecessary complexity How to embed gender identity and inclusion into existing policies (like anti-discrimination and privacy) The difference between policies, guidelines and toolkits — and when to use each What’s changing in Canada and the U.S. — and how legal and cultural shifts are shaping workplace decisions Whether you’re in HR, leadership, or responsible for workplace policies, this episode will help you make more informed, practical decisions about trans inclusion — beyond surface-level solutions. Find out more about how you can work with us here: https://www.transfocus.ca/organization
S2 · E20
April 27 · 29 min· Video
You've Heard of He/She/They… But Some People Don't Use Pronouns At All!
Some people don’t use pronouns at all. No he. No she. No they. So what does that actually mean - and how are you supposed to talk? In this episode, we break down what it means when someone uses no pronouns, why some trans and non-binary people ask for this, and how to refer to someone without using pronouns in real life. For many people, this is something they haven’t come across before. It can take a bit of getting used to, especially when we’re used to relying on pronouns in everyday language. We talk about: * what “no pronouns” means * why someone might not use pronouns at all * how to refer to someone with no pronouns in conversation and in writing * how to talk without pronouns (without sounding repetitive or awkward) * what to do when you mess up * how to respond when people say this is “too much” This isn’t about getting everything perfect. It’s about understanding what’s going on, and having a place to start.

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