Out & Equal Workplace Advocates' Building Bridges: Transgender Diversity in the Workplace training program breaks down barriers between transgender and nontransgender people, provides essential information for human resources professionals who work with employees in transition, and encourages participants to reflect on how gender roles in society affect their own experiences in the workplace.

The Transgender Diversity Training Program achieves three goals:

1. Awareness: Through a series of interactive exercises and educational materials, participants examine the ways common beliefs and stereotypes influence their views of transgender people, learn definitions and information about transgender terminology and reflect on personal stories about affirmative and negative experiences as a result of transgender identification. All components are conducted within the context of workplace issues.
   
2. Assessment: Trainers lead participants through an assessment of the current environment for transgender employees (or employees who have transgender family members or friends), how this environment affects productivity and employee retention and the need for support systems for employees who transition.
   
3. Action Plan: The workshop concludes with the development of an action plan for making changes (or affirming positive steps already in place) to create a more comfortable, productive and profitable environment for all employees.

Participants who complete the training will be able to:

• State the significance of transgender issues in the context of broader diversity issues
• Evaluate myths and stereotypes about transgender people
• Discuss the relationship of gender and discrimination
• Assess the workplace environment from the perspective of transgender employees, clients, and customers
• Generate a personal or organizational action plan to address problem areas

Building Bridges: Transgender Diversity in the Workplace training is a four-hour workshop conducted by two certified Out & Equal trainers (one of whom is a transgender individual). Depending on the needs of the organization, the target group can include senior executives, managers, HR and diversity professionals, customer service representatives, and the general employee population. All employees benefit from this training, though it is particularly helpful for human resources and diversity professionals who work directly with transitioning employees.

Contact Us
For additional information or if you would like to schedule a Building Bridges training program, contact us at info@outandequal.org or (415) 694-6500.