Rainbow
It's important to remember and acknowledge intersectionality, as everyone has multiple identities, and experience discrimination and privilege in different ways. The acronym LGBTQIA+ stands for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/Takatāpui, queer, intersex, asexual/aromatic/agender and other gender and sexual minorities.” Terms such as rainbow and queer are also sometimes used as blanket terms for all these sexual minorities. You don’t need to understand all these terms, but to be respectful and listen.
It's important to remember and acknowledge intersectionality, as everyone has multiple identities, and experience discrimination and privilege in different ways.
The acronym LGBTQIA+ stands for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/Takatāpui, queer, intersex, asexual/aromatic/agenderand other gender and sexual minorities.” Terms such as rainbow and queer are also sometimes used as blanket terms for all these sexual minorities. You don’t need to understand all these terms, but to be respectful and listen.
An organisation with a diverse workforce can attract a variety of talents and different perspectives, which results in enhancing the company’s ability to provide services to diverse audiences.
Employing workers that belong to rainbow communities can bring significant benefits to your company and community and can contribute to making an overall shift in society.
Key Statistics
4.9% of adults in Aotearoa belongs to the LGBTQIA+ community.
22% of workers Rainbow are confident that their managers would address bullying/harassment of a LGBTQ worker.
41% feel that their organisations should do more to support LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the workplace.
Common workplace barriers
Higher risks of discrimination, bullying and harassment.
Lack of representation in senior roles.
Lack of appropriate language /pronouns and facilities.
Lack of support network.
The Rainbow pay gap
Steps to include Rainbow people in your workplace
Facilitate an inclusive and positive workplace:use gender pronouns in your signature, organize relationships building activities, share with your workers the annual Rainbow calendar as well as opportunities for Diversity and Inclusion development programs.
Ask what a person’s preferred pronouns are, and share yours.
Allocate an all-gender toilet (and bathroom facilities).
Establish a support network/forum.
Workplace policies
Zero-tolerance harassment policy.
Review language of internal policies.
Gender Affirmation policy.
Diversity and Inclusion policy.
How to write job ads for this group
Avoid using gender-specific language.
Ensure job title is gender neutral.
Highlight company’s policy on diversity.
Train your workers to handle queries from gender diverse candidates fairly.
Resources
Events & Learning | Diversity Works New Zealand - DiversityWorks
Trans 101: glossary of trans words and how to use them
Career Development and Training, Human Resources, University of Otago, New Zealand