Gender in Focus

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. Thi...

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...

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 d...

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 peop...

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 simpl...

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...

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 refl...

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 incl...

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 ta...

Many trans employees end up doing inclusion work on top of their actual job - helping fix workplace problems they never signed up to solve. In this episode of Gender in Focus, we explore why trans and non-binary people can find themselves carrying significant amounts of unpaid diversity and inclusion labour in the workplace. From noticing barriers in everyday systems to helping shape policy decisi...

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...

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 exp...

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...

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 com...

“Won’t all-gender bathrooms be gross?” When organizations introduce all-gender, multi-stall wash rooms, hygiene is often among the top concern s people raise. Will wash rooms shared among genders be less clean? Are these types of multi-stall washrooms more likely to get messy? And is there any real evidence that cleanliness or sanitation standards actually decline? In this episode, we unpack the f...

How do you share your pronouns as an ally without making it awkward, political, or performative? Many allies want to normalize sharing pronouns. But in real life, it can feel uncomfortable. You might worry about being judged. You might wonder if it is necessary. You might even be asking yourself, should I share my pronouns at work or in social settings? In this episode, we explore how to share you...

Ten years ago, TransFocus didn’t exist — and conversations about gender identity in the workplace and trans inclusion were very different. What began as a volunteer effort advising on gender inclusion in public spaces has grown into a decade of consulting, education, and strategy focused on trans inclusion, non-binary inclusion, and workplace gender diversity. In this special 10-year anniversary e...

When organizations start working on workplace inclusion, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, or broader DEI strategy, there’s often pressure to act quickly. Add a new category to a form, update a policy, maybe change a washroom sign or run a training session. Those steps can feel tangible and productive. But real inclusion, especially when it comes to gender identity, trans inclusion in the...

Are Your Systems Outing Trans People? Most organizations don’t intend to out trans or non-binary people - but everyday information systems often do, accidentally and repeatedly. In this episode of Gender in Focus, we explore how routine systems and processes can disclose someone’s gender history without consent, resulting in accidental outing, often in public or high-stress settings like waiting r...

When trans people come out or begin living more openly, they’re often met with a well-meaning response: Wouldn’t it be easier to just fit in? This episode explores why that question comes up so often - and what it misses about coming out as trans or non-binary, gender identity, and the cost of suppressing who you are. That question can sound like concern for safety or ease. But it often overlooks...

Trans athletes have become a lightning rod in public debate about sport. Headlines warn of “unfair advantages.” Politicians speak in urgent, alarming tones. Entire policies are being built on the idea that trans people pose a threat to sports, especially when it comes to women’s and youth sports. But what if that story isn’t true? In this episode, we’re joined by Ellie Roscher and Dr. Anna Baeth,...

What does real, lasting inclusion actually look like inside an organization? In this episode of Gender in Focus, Kai sits down with Keely Kidner, Equity & Inclusion Advisor at the District of Squamish, for a rich, grounded conversation about what it really takes to move beyond good intentions and into meaningful, systemic change at work. This is a practical, human guide for anyone responsible...

Many organizations think of all-gender washrooms as something they do for trans and non-binary people. But in reality... these spaces make life easier for almost everyone. Parents helping kids. Caregivers assisting disabled family members. People with mobility needs, or those who just want more privacy. When done right, all-gender washrooms don’t just include trans people - they include everyone....

We’ve all had moments where curiosity gets the better of us, but when it comes to asking personal questions about gender identity, the line between interest and intrusion can blur fast. In this episode of Gender in Focus, Kai and El unpack why curiosity isn’t neutral, especially in the workplace. From “What’s your real name?” to “Have you had 'the' surgery?”, they explore why these questions come...

You might think 2025 was hopeless, but the numbers tell a different story. In this episode of Gender in Focus, Kai and El reflect on a year marked by political pushback, anti-trans legislation and widespread misinformation, but also by hope, resilience and meaningful allyship. They share practical ways allies can keep showing up for trans and non-binary people, even when progress feels uncertain....