In this episode, El and Kai step into the everyday world of washrooms and changing rooms - those ordinary spaces that, for many trans and non-binary people, are anything but simple. These are places where something as basic as peeing can come with an undercurrent of discomfort, scrutiny or even violence.

They talk about what it means to be seen (or questioned) in these spaces, and how the unspoken access rules - based purely on how someone looks - end up failing all of us, not just trans folks. Through unpacking what safety with all of us in mind really means, they explore how we might start to imagine washrooms that offer dignity, not dread.

If you’ve ever felt unsure, awkward or just curious about why washrooms matter so much in conversations about trans inclusion, this one’s for you.

Download our FREE resource - "Rethinking Safety in Washrooms" here: https://www.transfocus.ca/freeresourcedownload
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Want to get in touch? Contact us at podcast@transfocus.ca

Join us on social media:
LinkedIn [https://ca.linkedin.com/company/transfocus-consulting] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/transfocusconsulting] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@transfocus] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@transfocusconsulting] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/transfocusinc]

Pee. Panic. Repeat. What Trans People Face in Public Washrooms

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 perfection.

El and Kai share their own stories - moments of clumsiness, fear and learning as they’ve tried to show up for other equity groups. And how, far from disqualifying them, those moments have deepened their understanding and strengthened their commitment to allyship.

This episode is a gentle reminder that allyship isn’t about getting it right every time. It’s about showing up, staying involved and being willing to learn. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been doing this work for years, we hope you find something here that resonates.

Check out our Stress-Free Allyship sessions and Practice Pods here [https://www.transfocus.ca/dialogue]!

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Want to get in touch? Contact us at podcast@transfocus.ca

Join us on social media:
LinkedIn [https://ca.linkedin.com/company/transfocus-consulting] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/transfocusconsulting] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@transfocus] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@transfocusconsulting] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/transfocusinc]



Imperfect Allyship and Showing Up Anyway

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 Sixties Scoop, offering insight into a painful chapter of history that continues to echo in the present. He speaks to the brutal impact of colonization, and the many ways it has disrupted connection - for First Nations people broadly, and for Two-Spirit people in particular.

Alongside the grief, Chase also shares the healing that has come from reconnecting with culture - through receiving teachings, being held in community and finding belonging as a Two-Spirit person. His story is a reminder of the beauty in honouring Two-Spirit people, and the depth that lives in returning to who we truly are. In this conversation, Kai and Chase explore what it means to carry the weight of that history, while still choosing love as a compass. As Chase puts it: "If it doesn't come from love, then it's not our culture."

Download our free guide: Supporting Two-Spirit People - A Resource for Allies [https://www.transfocus.ca/freeresourcedownload]

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Want to get in touch? Contact us at podcast@transfocus.ca

Join us on social media:
LinkedIn [https://ca.linkedin.com/company/transfocus-consulting] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/transfocusconsulting] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@transfocus] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@transfocusconsulting] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/transfocusinc]

Held in Community - Love, Culture and Two-Spirit Belonging

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 invites us all to loosen narrow ideas of who we’re allowed to be. We also gently unpack the very real challenges trans and non-binary folks can face in outdoor spaces. It’s a thoughtful wander through belonging, becoming and the quiet magic of nature.

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Want to get in touch? Contact us at podcast@transfocus.ca

Join us on social media:
LinkedIn [https://ca.linkedin.com/company/transfocus-consulting] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/transfocusconsulting] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@transfocus] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@transfocusconsulting] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/transfocusinc]

International Trail Day is for Trans People Too!

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 are still finding their way.

We look at the growing wave of trans erasure unfolding around the world - from attacks on rights to the systematic removal of scientific research and historical records - and how these acts of deliberate forgetting distort our collective understanding of trans lives, erasing a history that has always existed.

Join us for this important conversation as we push back against harmful myths and offer an important reminder: trans lives are not new, not a trend, and absolutely not going anywhere.

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Want to get in touch? Contact us at podcast@transfocus.ca

Join us on social media:
LinkedIn [https://ca.linkedin.com/company/transfocus-consulting] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/transfocusconsulting] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@transfocus] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@transfocusconsulting] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/transfocusinc]

Trans Lives: Not New, Not a Trend, Not Going Anywhere

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 context of his Chinese Canadian upbringing and the cultural and generational dynamics that have shaped how he understands himself.

Kai and Finn also talk about the role of family, the challenge of bridging different worldviews, and the small, sometimes unexpected moments that open the door to connection. Ultimately, they reflect on belonging, identity, and the ongoing process of honouring both where we come from and who we’re becoming.

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Want to get in touch? Contact us at podcast@transfocus.ca

Join us on social media:
LinkedIn [https://ca.linkedin.com/company/transfocus-consulting] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/transfocusconsulting] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@transfocus] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@transfocusconsulting] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/transfocusinc]

Asian Heritage Month: Family, Culture and Finding Your Own Way

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 looking at you!) alongside actionable insights and real-world examples of how to create inclusive workplace visuals in everything from office posters and website imagery to internal training materials that truly foster a sense of belonging and make everyone feel genuinely seen and welcome. Discover a fresh perspective on how to make your visual communication truly equitable and build a more inclusive work environment. Check it out to learn more about diversity and inclusion in the workplace through effective visual strategies!

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Want to get in touch? Contact us at podcast@transfocus.ca

Join us on social media:
LinkedIn [https://ca.linkedin.com/company/transfocus-consulting] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/transfocusconsulting] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@transfocus] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@transfocusconsulting] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/transfocusinc]

Glitter Beards and Good Intentions - Getting Inclusive Visuals Right

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 - it sets your whole team up to respond with clarity and confidence. It answers questions before they even come up, like:

• How do we update names and pronouns across all our systems?

• What should a manager say (or avoid saying) when someone comes out?

• What if no one’s come out yet - should we still have one? (Spoiler: yes.)

In this episode we talk about what makes a toolkit actually useful, how it connects to broader inclusion work, and why it’s one of the smartest moves you can make if you want to be ready - not just reactive.

Take our quizzes and get our free downloadable resources!

1. How Do You Show Up as a Trans Ally at Work? Take our quiz for individuals here [https://transfocusallyquiz.scoreapp.com/]

2. How Ready is Your Organization for Trans Inclusion? Take our quiz for organizations here [https://transfocusorgreadiness.scoreapp.com/]

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Want to get in touch? Contact us at podcast@transfocus.ca

Join us on social media:
LinkedIn [https://ca.linkedin.com/company/transfocus-consulting] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/transfocusconsulting] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@transfocus] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@transfocusconsulting] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/transfocusinc]

HR's New Best Friend - The Trans Inclusion Toolkit

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 curiosity.

In this episode, El and Kai pull back the curtain on what it really takes to prepare for a TEDx talk - the story behind his message, the countless hours of preparation, and the emotional energy that went into crafting something so impactful. Kai also shares a really powerful story that didn’t make it onto the stage (lucky us!) and the lessons he picked up along the way.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of TEDx, or if you’re looking for ways to approach conversations about gender with curiosity, connection and openness - this episode is for you!

Download our Keynote Information Package here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zTi3zqVJmtkZR_tegVord-u52WwXBfm_/view?usp=sharing]!

Check out Kai's TEDx Talk here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSy9HONlK5w]

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Want to get in touch? Contact us at podcast@transfocus.ca

Join us on social media:
LinkedIn [https://ca.linkedin.com/company/transfocus-consulting] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/transfocusconsulting] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@transfocus] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@transfocusconsulting] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/transfocusinc]

TEDx, Gender and the Power of Curiosity

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 work for everyone.

We wander into the tiled, echoey world of workplace washrooms - From the quiet stress of choosing which door to walk through, to the tiny design details that shape how safe and welcome we feel once we’re inside - this episode explores what it really means to create spaces that work for everyone, trans and non-binary people included.

Whether you’ve never given a second thought to public washrooms or you’re all too familiar with the calculations some of us make just to pee in peace, this conversation will leave you looking at bathrooms in a whole new way.



Take our quizzes and get our free downloadable resources!

1. How Do You Show Up as a Trans Ally at Work? Take our quiz for individuals here [https://transfocusallyquiz.scoreapp.com/]

2. How Ready is Your Organization for Trans Inclusion? Take our quiz for organizations here [https://transfocusorgreadiness.scoreapp.com/]

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Want to get in touch? Contact us at podcast@transfocus.ca

Join us on social media:
LinkedIn [https://ca.linkedin.com/company/transfocus-consulting] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/transfocusconsulting] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@transfocus] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@transfocusconsulting] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/transfocusinc]

Toilet Talk: Making Washrooms Work for Everyone

What does it really take to create an inclusive world for trans and non-binary people? If you've ever wondered how to make meaningful changes - whether at work, in your community, at home, or beyond - you're in the right place. Hosted by Kai, President of TransFocus Consulting, Gender in Focus dives into the heart of inclusion, with real stories, expert advice and practical tips. Sometimes Kai will be joined by special guests, but each week, you can expect fresh perspectives, moments of reflection, and actionable takeaways to help you lead with kindness, confidence, and a whole lot of heart. Hey, maybe you’ll learn more about your own gender through different experiences. So, whether you're already on your inclusion journey or just getting started, tune in and discover how you can make change happen. Let's get started - change is just a conversation away.

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