For career professionals to adequately support 2SLGBTQI+ jobseekers, they must understand the challenges and barriers this client group can face, as well the immense diversity that exists within it. It is important to be aware of effective and appropriate communication and resources that may benefit clients. Celebrate the 2SLGBTQ2I+ community this Pride and beyond by building your knowledge through the guides, toolkits, organizations and more shared in this article. Don’t miss the additional reading section at the bottom for articles on this topic.
Looking for networking and professional development opportunities for your clients this month and beyond? Check out our recent roundup: Events to support the career development of 2SLGBTQ+ clients
Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC)
Canada is home to over 100,000 2SLGBTQI+-owned businesses. CGLCC offers programs that either support 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs with training and tools to be more successful in Canada’s business landscape, or help businesses better support 2SLGBTQI+ employees, businesses and consumers.
Creating Authentic Spaces: A Gender Identity and Gender Expression Toolkit to Support the Implementation of Institutional and Social Change (The 519) [Toolkit]
This toolkit highlights the experiences and challenges faced by trans people and supports organizations and individuals to develop approaches to fostering a trans-inclusive environment. It also highlights the small and larger steps they can take personally and within their organizations to create more inclusive spaces and services for trans people.
Egale Canada [Organization]
Egale Canada works to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQI people in Canada . It conducts research and offers training and educational materials, including a Guide to 2SLGBTQI Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and webinars on “Workplace Inclusion for Gender and Sexual Diversity” and “Welcoming LGBTQ+ employees in SMEs and non-profits.”
Employment support services for LGBTQ+ individuals (Ontario HIV Treatment Network) [Guide]
This guide answers questions including:
- What are the best practices for providing LGBTQ+ specific employment support?
- How do these models/best practices differ for transgender people and LGBTQ+ newcomers to Canada?
- What are the barriers LGBTQ+ people face when seeking, gaining and maintaining employment?
EngiQueers Canada [Organization]
EngiQueers Canada is a nationwide non-profit organization that represents over 30 member groups at engineering schools across the country. It offers professional development opportunities such a national conference; provides equity, diversity and inclusion training; and hosts social events.
exeQutive [Organization]
ExeQutive is a member-driven organization for Toronto/GTA-based lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) leaders – current and aspiring professionals, executives and entrepreneurs. It hosts events for members.
Finding Work: A Trans-Positive Guide (Simon Fraser University) [Guide]
This guide shares tips on how to research trans-positive workplaces, have a professional online presence, prepare job applications that highlight your strengths and reflect your skills and personality, and have a successful interview. It informs you of your legal rights at the workplace, steps you can take if you feel like they are being violated, and ways to find more information or support.
LGBTQ and Career Development (CERIC) [Literature search]
Topics include: LGBT training, transgender voices in the workplace, mental health, workplace inclusion, discrimination and career counselling with gender-diverse individuals.
Pride at Work [Organization]
Pride at Work Canada empowers Canadian employers to build workplaces that celebrate all employees regardless of gender expression, gender identity and sexual orientation. Its website features resources including a job board, webinars, a workplace audit for organizations, “Know Your Rights: A Guide for LGBTQ2+ Employees” and “Transitioning Employers: A survey of policies and practices for trans inclusive workplaces.”
Start Proud [Organization]
Start Proud aims to connect 2SLGBTQA+ students with employers, while promoting the development of 2SLGBTQA+ professionals, and celebrating the achievements and service of those in the community. Its Proud on Campus Program works with queer student groups, offering support, advocacy, and the tools needed to make a difference on campus
Out & Equal [Organization]
Out & Equal is a U.S.-based organization that works to advance LGBTQ+ workplace equality. Its resources include guides on “How to Celebrate Transgender Employees on TDOV and Year-Round,” “Assessing LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in Your Workplace” and “Supporting Intersex Inclusion in the Workplace.”
Your Journey: A Career Guide for Trans and Nonbinary Students (University of Toronto) [Guide]
Your Journey encourages students to reflect on their wants, needs and values, and how these might show up in different career possibilities. It emphasizes the importance of community in the career process, and having a circle of support and guidance to help jobseekers make choices that they feel comfortable with. Your Journey also provides practical tips and strategies – such as how write an effective resume – as well as useful information on rights in the workplace.
Additional reading
- 7 ways to make your workplace welcoming for trans people (CPA Canada)
- Beyond binarism: Countering gender identity discrimination in the workplace (Careering magazine)
- Career Resources for 2SLGBTQQIA+ Students (Wilfrid Laurier University)
- Case Study: Job-shadowing program helps LGBTQ2+ students navigate workplace concerns (Careering magazine)
- Developing trans-inclusive career resources for students (Careering magazine)
- Job Searching While LGBTQ: How to Find a Truly Inclusive Place to Work (The Muse)
- Job-Smart Strategies for LGBTQ2S+ Youth (Alis)
- In Their Own Words: LGBTQ+ Employees Share Their Work Experiences (Great Place to Work)
- LGBTQ+ Workplace Issues: Quick Take (Catalyst)
- LGBTQ+ Microaggressions in The Workplace (NCDA)
- LGBTQ2+ minority stress in the workplace: How discrimination hurts health (CareerWise)
- Making meaningful connections: LGBTQ2+ communications (CareerWise)
- Pride stories: 7 2SLGBTQ+ books for career practitioners (CareerWise)
- Research: How to Be a Better Ally to the LGBTQ+ Community (HBR)
- Resources for LGBTQ+ Students (York University)
- Resources to support the career development of transgender people (CareerWise)
- Roll out the employer welcome mat to LGBTQ jobseekers: Diversity matters, inclusion is us (Careering magazine)
- Singular They is Okay: Practical Approaches for Creating Inclusivity for all Genders (NCDA)
- Supporting LGBTQ+ Workers’ Mental Health (HBR)
