Gender in Focus

What if the barrier to being a good ally... is the fear of not being one? In this episode, El and Kai talk about something many of us feel but rarely say out loud: the fear of getting it wrong when trying to support trans people - of saying the wrong thing, doing the wrong thing or being seen as “part of the problem.” But the truth is, allyship is much more about presence than it is about perfecti...

This week, Kai is joined by his good friend and colleague Chase Willier for a a conversation that is both deeply personal and powerful. Recorded on xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) land - also known as Vancouver - this episode marks Indigenous History Month with compassion and connection at its heart. Chase shares his lived experience during the Six...

This International Trail Day, we’re lacing up our boots and heading into the wild - not just to celebrate the outdoors, but to share the tender, personal ways nature has shaped how we understand ourselves. In this episode, we chat about how time under open skies has helped them connect more deeply with their own sense of gender and self, and how the rich, effortless diversity of the natural world...

What happens when the simple act of being yourself is dismissed as a “trend”? In this episode, we explore the profound impact of visibility for trans people - how seeing your own experiences reflected in the world offers not just affirmation, but a deep sense of recognition and belonging. Yet when that reality is brushed aside as a passing fad, the harm runs deep, especially for trans youth who ar...

This week, in honour of Asian Heritage Month, Kai is joined by Finn Liu, a fellow TEDx speaker whose story left a lasting impression when they first shared a stage. In this conversation, Finn reflects on his TEDx experience and the impact of representation - especially in spaces where he hadn’t often seen himself reflected before. He shares his journey of exploring gender and identity within the c...

What story are your workplace visuals really telling about belonging and inclusion? Join Kai and El in this episode as they delve into the surprisingly powerful world of inclusive visuals and why authentic representation is so crucial for transgender and non-binary people to see themselves reflected in their workplaces. They share some awkward and oh-so-common missteps (glitter beards, we're looki...

This week, Kai and El are getting into one of our favourite behind-the-scenes heroes of inclusion: the toolkit. Think of it as your organization’s go-to guide for supporting trans and non-binary employees - before, during and after someone comes out at work. No scrambling, no awkward guesswork, no “uhh… what do we do now?” moments. A great toolkit does more than hand out definitions or policies -...

In 2023, Kai took to the TEDx stage with a powerful talk on gender and the ever-widening divide in how it’s understood. For some, gender feels simple; for others, it’s layered and complex. Kai’s talk was all about building bridges between those perspectives - bringing people together to learn from each other, reflect on their own experiences, and deepen their understanding through connection and c...

Let’s talk about everyone’s favourite topic… toilets! 🚽 This week, Kai is joined by Marni Robinson, Senior Director of Social Impact at HCM Architecture. Over the years, Kai has had the chance to collaborate with Marni and the HCM Architecture team on a number of projects, so this episode is the perfect opportunity to lift the lid (pun intended!) on what it really takes to design facilities that...

In this episode, Kai and El explore one of those moments that many of us shy away from - the awkwardness of correcting someone else’s mistakes. It’s one thing to fix our own slip-ups, but what do we do when someone else makes an error? It's a daunting thought for a lot of people - especially in the context of gender diversity.  Kai and El discuss how to navigate these situations with care and...

The pressure on leaders to have all the answers? Yeah, it’s REAL - especially when it comes to inclusive leadership. In this episode, El asks Kai about his experiences working with organizations to make workplaces more inclusive for trans and non-binary people, sharing how even the most experienced leaders are still learning and evolving when it comes to creating inclusive and diverse work environ...

Language shapes how we see the world - and when gender is built into the words we use, inclusion becomes a real challenge. In this episode of Gender in Focus, Kai is joined by TransFocus team members Nico, Ange and Mirko to explore what gender diversity looks like in the French, Spanish and German languages, where gender is woven into so many aspects of communication. They discuss the obstacles, t...

In this episode of Gender in Focus, Kai and El are tackling a crucial aspect of workplace inclusion: how we collect gender data. We discuss ways to update our approach to gender data collection, with a particular focus on being inclusive of trans, non-binary and Two-Spirit people. We explore why it’s time to rethink how this information is gathered, and how a more thoughtful approach can make all...

In this episode of Gender in Focus, Kai and El explore the importance of celebrating trans joy and why it deserves as much attention as the challenges trans and non-binary people face. With Trans Day of Visibility approaching, we’re shifting the focus to gender euphoria, the everyday moments that bring affirmation, and why representation matters. We share our own experiences of trans and non-binar...

With Trans Day of Visibility just around the corner, we’re diving into what it really means to be seen . In this episode of Gender in Focus , Kai and El unpack the complexities of trans and non-binary visibility - the good, the challenging and the moments in between. When does visibility feel affirming? When does it feel like a risk? How do trans and non-binary people navigate being seen in a worl...

In this episode of Gender in Focus, Kai sits down with Adrienne Smith (they/them), a trailblazing human rights lawyer and activist. Adrienne has spent years advocating for the legal rights of trans and non-binary individuals, working on groundbreaking cases that challenge the status quo and push for greater gender equality. From advocating for trans people’s right to safe and inclusive workplaces...

Curiosity is natural, especially when we want to understand the experiences of those around us. But what happens when that curiosity crosses the line into intrusive or uncomfortable questions? In this episode, Kai and El explore the delicate balance between asking questions about gender identity out of genuine interest, and respecting personal boundaries - especially in the workplace. Trans and no...

Workplace humour - essential for team bonding or a fast track to HR? We all love a bit of banter to get through the day, but what happens when the joke is at someone's expense? All too often, trans and non-binary people find themselves as the punchline of jokes that make the workplace anything but inclusive. In this episode, Kai and El unpack the fine line between laughing with your colleagues and...

In this episode of Gender in Focus , El and Kai dive into the crucial topic of recovering from mistakes, particularly common missteps like misgendering or using incorrect pronouns. Mistakes can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to derail your relationships or progress as an ally. We explore how to manage the emotions that come with making mistakes, why over-apologizing can create additional c...

In today’s episode of Gender in Focus, El and Kai dig into the cultural and structural barriers that prevent trans and non-binary folks from thriving in the workplace. From subtle everyday practices to long-standing institutional structures, these invisible forces can hold people back in ways we don’t often see. The key takeaway? Transforming a workplace takes time - and it’s all about making gent...

This episode of Gender in Focus dives into the essential language of gender diversity, unpacking terms like transgender, cisgender and non-binary to bring clarity to complex topics.  Kai and El explore the differences between sex assigned at birth, gender identity and gender expression, shedding light on how these concepts shape the experiences of trans and non-binary individuals. Through tho...

Ready to level up your communication? This episode of Gender in Focus takes you on a journey through the transformative power of inclusive language, revealing how the simple act of respecting pronouns can change lives. Kai and El dive deep into the world of pronouns -from gender inclusion and neo-pronouns to navigating misgendering and even the choice of no pronouns at all. They share their though...