Belonging Beyond Binaries
This Women's History, Gender Equality, and Trans Visibility Month learn the essential role parents can play in raising trans futures & reimagining work.
In a world increasingly polarized by anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion rhetoric, the vision of a workplace where everyone belongs and no one is excluded feels more crucial (and perhaps elusive) than ever before.
If you’ve followed my work, you know I have long championed this future in my speaking and writing, emphasizing the necessity of building spaces of belonging where all people, including those of us from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, thrive.
This Thursday, March 27th, at 1 p.m. Pacific Time, I will delve into the heart of this vision, exploring the intersection of racial identity, national origin, gender identity, and the profound act of parenting a Black transgender child, with insights drawn from Dr. Lulu's groundbreaking book, About Your Black Transgender Child.
[Image Description: An image of Rhodes Perry (he/him) and Dr. Lulu (she/her) promoting this Thursday’s, March 27th, LinkedIn Live conversation entitled, Belonging Beyond Binaries: Raising Trans Futures & Reimagining Work. The event is planned for 30 minutes and will begin at 1 p.m. Pacific Time. You can join us live here.]
Beyond the Playground: A Blueprint for Workplace Inclusion
Dr. Lulu, a Black immigrant physician, and LGBTQ+ parent coach brings a unique perspective to this conversation. She offers a powerful narrative of love, resilience, and unwavering support. Her book serves as a vital resource for parents and caregivers navigating the complex terrain of raising a Black transgender child.
Dr. Lulu describes this parenting journey as one often fraught with societal judgment and a lack of clear guidance. My upcoming conversation with Dr. Lulu intends to amplify her personal experiences and practical advice for parents in a broader context of building inclusive workplaces.
We explore how the challenges faced by Black transgender youth – from navigating gender identity and mental health to advocating for their rights in hostile environments – mirror the systemic barriers encountered in professional settings. Dr. Lulu's insights into understanding gender identity, responding to coming out, and addressing cultural biases provide invaluable lessons for employers seeking to create truly inclusive spaces, particularly as they prepare for the future of work.
Winning the Future of Work
As demographics shift, with Generation Z already leading the charge in ethnic, racial, and gender diversity, the need for gender-inclusive and anti-racist workplaces is paramount. Dr. Lulu's work emphasizes the importance of unlearning harmful narratives and embracing affirmation, principles that directly align with the Belonging Movement’s vision of a future where belonging is not a privilege but an inalienable right.
This interview will address the urgency of preparing employers to navigate the complexities of identity and inclusion. By weaving Dr. Lulu's personal journey with the broader societal context, we illuminate the path toward creating workplaces where Black transgender individuals, and all marginalized employees, feel seen, connected, supported, and purpose-driven. These are the belonging foundations.
We will also share practical strategies for fostering a culture of allyship, challenging anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion sentiments and building a future where belonging transcends binaries and embraces the full spectrum of our human experience. Join us as we explore how the lessons learned from parenting with love and unwavering support can transform the work landscape.
Want More Gender Justice?
Earlier this month, I wrote this article, Not Your Father’s Workplace, in advance of my live interview with Adam Segal, founder of New Masculinities. Together, we explored the essential role men play in advancing gender equality at work and beyond.
If you can find the time, watch this interview before joining Thursday’s conversation with Dr. Lulu. It will lay an important foundation for assessing your critical role in helping build a future big enough for all of us to belong.
[Image Description: Imagine Belonging Podcast Host, Rhodes Perry (he/him) is conducting a live LinkedIn interview with New Masculinities Founder, Adam Segal (he/they). Access the live interview here, and the audio podcast interview by subscribing to the Podcast here.]
Need Support? RPC Can Help!
With so much uncertainty on the horizon, it makes sense to connect with a consulting firm like Rhodes Perry Consulting. We are well-positioned to help you:
Assess Litigation & Reputation Risk. Has your organization conducted a legal and reputation risk assessment? If not, RPC can help you fortify and advance the heart of your DEI commitments. Contact us for a complimentary discovery call.
Learn On-Demand in Our Community. If you would like to access past interviews, webinars, and valuable resources, over 500+ hours of content over the past 10 years, consider investing in the Belonging Membership Community.
Reboot Your Nervous System. As always, if you need a nervous system reboot considering today’s current conditions, please be sure to join our Thursday Belonging Practice at 8 a.m. PT. There, you’ll build your resources to navigate these headwinds while practicing community care. Save your seat here.
[Image Description: A navy background with gold text that reads, "Practice Belonging," with an image of a person meditating with a red heart on their chest, a jumble of chaos above their left shoulder, and an image of planet Earth on the right.]
Your Belonging Coach
Lastly, I know many DEI professionals and folks in adjacent fields are seeking support for career resiliency. If that’s you, consider this belonging coaching offer.
It is designed to help you use the body as a site for transformation, and this particular offer will help you navigate transitions under the same (and now new) pressures.
Consider scheduling a complimentary discovery call to determine if this offer can help you move in the direction of your career and personal commitments.
Thanks for growing the Belonging Movement!