EY is backing a new initiative that will help to bring about positive change for trans and non-binary people in the workplace. Stonewall research found that half of trans people have hidden their identity at work for fear of discrimination or abuse.
EY is supporting Stonewall’s launch of a new UK initiative that will help to bring about positive change for trans and non-binary people in the workplace and the community.
Stonewall’s Trans Allies programme is intended to help non-trans people to understand how they can tackle anti-trans discrimination and ‘come out’ in support of trans people as allies.
Stonewall’s one-day programme, backed by EY, is open to everyone in the UK and will provide employees with a deeper understanding of the impact of transphobia, along with the tools and language to help better include trans people at work. In addition, EY is one of 13 other leading organisations that have committed to delivering the Trans Allies programme for its own employees.
Earlier this year Stonewall released research that showed half of trans people (51 percent) have hidden their identity at work for fear of discrimination or abuse. EY has taken its own steps to support trans inclusion in the workplace. In 2015 the Firm launched an internal guide on gender identity, expression and gender transition to support their transgender community. The guide, regarded as a new benchmark in employer best practice, was developed in consultation with Unity – EY’s employee network for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people and their allies, along with Stonewall, trans*formation and TENI.
Steve Varley, UK Chairman, commented: “We aim to be the UK’s most inclusive employer, creating a working environment where all our people can express their own individual gender identity. We also want to make sure that our colleagues who are undergoing gender transition are supported by their team and the firm.
“I’m proud of the steps we have taken so far within our own organisation and also that we are helping to create wider positive change, by supporting Stonewall with their new trans-equality initiative.”
Sanjay Sood-Smith, Stonewall’s Director of Empowerment Programmes, said: “We’re proud to have the support of EY to help launch our trans allies programme. Their commitment to moving forward in their journey to get trans inclusion right is a sign that a positive future is possible.
“We know trans and non-binary people face abuse and discrimination in their day-to-day lives. Half of trans and non-binary people have hidden their identity at work for fear of discrimination. However, having leading organisations including EY backing our trans allies programme shows there is strong support for trans people across different sectors. We are looking forward to building on this extremely positive initiative to create more inclusive workplaces across Britain.”
