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Glitter Beards and Good Intentions - Getting Inclusive Visuals Right
0 Playsin 6 hours
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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Transcript
Introduction to Gender in Focus Podcast
00:00:02
Speaker
This is Gender in Focus. I'm Elle, and each week I sit down with the president of Trans Focus Consulting and all-round gender diversity genius, Kly Scott. I get to ask all the questions you've ever wanted to ask about how to make the workplace and the world a better place for trans and non-binary people.
00:00:20
Speaker
Let's get into it.
Underrepresentation in Corporate Visuals
00:00:23
Speaker
In today's episode, we are exploring the wonderful world of visuals. Images are a powerful way to convey humanity in all its rich diversity.
00:00:32
Speaker
However, trans and non-binary people often do not see themselves represented in visuals used in corporate communications. Similar to people of color or people with disabilities, They are often underrepresented or just simply overlooked on websites, brochures, reports, posters, and PowerPoints.
Avoiding Stereotypes in Gender Representation
00:00:50
Speaker
How do we address this gap without resorting to stereotypes or overemphasizing struggles? We explore the nuances and considerations to help you and your organization source and use more inclusive imagery to represent the full spectrum of gender diversity in today's episode. And I'm really excited to be joined by my colleague Elle to sort these issues out.
00:01:12
Speaker
Visuals are a really important one to get right. And since you've probably been dealing with this for quite a long time now, what would you say are some ah common mistakes that workplaces make when trying to get this right when it comes to including trans and non-binary people in their visuals?
00:01:28
Speaker
Yes. So there's a lot of missteps coming from a good place. People are wanting to represent ah trans and non-binary folks, but unfortunately they resort to stereotypes.
00:01:40
Speaker
And this can often come with kind of an overemphasis on things like bodies. That's where a lot of cisgender people who tend to be sourcing the visuals tend to focus, right? so okay.
00:01:52
Speaker
trans is about bodies and them changing and whatnot. Now, that's not always the case. For some, it is. For others, it isn't. ah And so people can resort to things like how somebody presents, maybe the clothing that they wear, ah but also you know how people might be changing their bodies. It's typically like ah very dramatically, I find sometimes the representation of needles and and scalpels and and whatnot, which is very kind of in-your-face representation of the medical aspects of transition, which is, if people choose that aspect, a very short period of time, and then everything else is you know not that.
00:02:38
Speaker
And so it seems very odd to over-focus. Another one that I find is overused is this image of somebody looking in the mirror presenting one way outside of the image and then another way uh in the image and to represent the kind of two aspects of uh being visible and not visible and whatnot and ah but very confusing for many because like which one is the right one and and so And also very much resorting to the binary always, right? So always representing kind of men and women, masculine, feminine, but never the spectrum.
Spectrum of Gender Identities
00:03:19
Speaker
So it's very difficult for non-binary folks to see themselves well-represented Another big one that we see a lot is the half man, half woman icon.
00:03:30
Speaker
And I'm like, hey, to suggest that there's actually two parts in every trans person um rather than just their actual gender identity.
00:03:41
Speaker
Is that in washrooms that see that? That comes up in washrooms, but also I'll see that in articles about trans people. And that's meant to kind of represent, you know, one person having multiple aspects of of themselves.
00:03:58
Speaker
Now, I will say, if there is somebody by gender who identifies as a man and a woman, that might be suitable, right, for that one person. But as a way to represent all trans and non-binary folks, it's a definite miss because it it doesn't ah land for everyone.
00:04:15
Speaker
But yes, definitely on washroom signage, ah people who think are trying to represent all genders will have a man, woman, and then this half man, half woman icon. Yeah. to represent trans and non-binary folks. And it's just like many people in the community groan at that representation. Again, people are trying, but missing the mark in that regard.
00:04:38
Speaker
So you talked about the kind of spectrum of different visuals. Can you go into that a little bit and just a bit more about how workplaces can explore that in their visuals and really represent everybody?
00:04:50
Speaker
Yeah. So I think many people... assume that trans people all look a particular way, that there's there's one trans way to represent everything.
00:05:03
Speaker
And really it's just a spectrum similar to cisgender people or non-trans people. They ah come in all shapes and sizes and forms and colors and and whatnot. So, you know, similarly trans and non-binary folks will look many different ways.
00:05:20
Speaker
And so it's really just about making sure that there's a spectrum of gender expression. And that's a really important way to represent everyone. is So it's not just very feminine and very masculine looking people, but it's actually ah whole spectrum, including folks who are androgynous or who perhaps have a mixture of different feminine and masculine traits and um ways of expressing themselves.
00:05:47
Speaker
Another really important way, especially if we're showcasing trans stories, is to ask folks if they feel comfortable ah to to indicate that they're trans. So it's a visual of that person, maybe a photograph or an illustration that is then accompanied with a description that then showcases transness. And in that way, it's not stereotyping ah because this is someone's genuine expression and way of being in the world.
00:06:16
Speaker
And so that's a helpful way to make sure that there's a good representation. By virtue of a visual accompanied with a description, i always recommend that it's not just one ah representation, that there's a spectrum of of different trans people illustrated, ah perhaps together, i maybe enjoying, you know, just any everyday activity that you can think of.
Depicting Everyday Lives of Trans People
00:06:42
Speaker
um and in that way it really helps people to show to see that there's many different ways of being trans and non-binary and for some to be hopefully as the reader to be surprised ah because oftentimes for example we expect non-binary people to always be androgynous when as you very well know, is not the case, right?
00:07:07
Speaker
ah So it's it's making sure that people can see the full spectrum of both gender identities and gender expressions. You just said something then that has been a topic of conversation that we've had before.
00:07:22
Speaker
which is about how a lot of visuals may be, well, you said this at the beginning, that that over-representation, either the sort of medical aspect of transition, but also the struggle and the kind of negative aspects of that.
00:07:35
Speaker
And you just then mentioned about ah people just kind of living their lives and, being trans and just kind of existing. um Could you go into that a little bit more and just talk about why seeing trans people just living life is important in visuals and just experiencing joy, especially?
00:07:53
Speaker
Yeah, it seems so simple, but it actually is really important because when I look at you know stock photography, just to get a sense of what people, the kind of imagery that is put forward about trans and non-binary folks, ah typically i would probably imagine not a lot of involvement from trans and non-binary folks.
00:08:14
Speaker
It typically is, you know, the medical piece, but then also the kind of um protesting and, you know, pushing back, which is an important aspect to represent because there is a lot happening these days where, unfortunately, trans and non-binary folks still have to fight for kind of basic rights, basic, you know, um care, you name it.
00:08:37
Speaker
ah And so I think it is important. But if that's the only thing, unfortunately, it over indexes on struggle versus, of course, trans people also, we just live our lives.
00:08:50
Speaker
And so, you know, having people, you know, together with folks, um you know, sharing a meal or whatever. walking or playing a game or, you know, just something very benign, ah very simple to show not only one trans person, um but as part of a community as well.
00:09:10
Speaker
ah Enjoying life, being a part of life, contributing to life, I think is really important. ah Sometimes what what I found in the stock photography is that the trans or non-binary person is just solo against a beige background.
00:09:26
Speaker
im just like That's just so flat, right? It's like, of course, we're doing stuff out in the world, being a part of communities, being a part of families, friendship circles and whatnot. And so that does a disservice to the fullness, the multidimensional aspects of being trans.
00:09:44
Speaker
And so having it with people is super important, colorful, ah full life, um you know, whatever that looks like, even the kind of simple stuff ah to the even more important things, giving speeches, contributing to, you know, thought leadership, you know, what whatever may think be the case, but it's really important to draw out those, ah whether it's part of stock photography or images that you create with trans person that you're working with or trans people.
00:10:15
Speaker
You mentioned about asking the people that you're taking a photo of, um whether they're comfortable with you sharing that they're trans. And you've told me a story about yourself and that is kind of related
Personal Stories and Misconceptions
00:10:28
Speaker
to this. So I was wondering if you would mind ah sharing that.
00:10:32
Speaker
Yes, so I was involved in a trans-specific campaign to ah highlight ah different experiences of trans folks within, let's say, let's keep it general. I don't want to specifically highlight this ah because I know this person meant well, but unfortunately just didn't quite understand.
00:10:56
Speaker
And in this campaign, there were multiple people. And i think the person organizing was struggling with how it was going to be obvious to the other people, to the people looking at the campaign, that we were trans.
00:11:12
Speaker
ah Some people don't look obviously trans in the way that society expects, right? Mm-hmm. And so, especially when it came to me, you know, she was saying, well, how will people know?
00:11:26
Speaker
And part of me was like, well, just say it, right? think that's And it's a part of ah a trans campaign to highlight a lack of inclusivity or struggles with accessing particular types of spaces.
00:11:40
Speaker
And so I thought that was sufficient. um But then she went a step further and was like, well, what if um you were in a swimming pool and you had your shirt off and you're in your swimming trucks, right?
00:11:53
Speaker
And then it would be really obvious in that way ah for for the reader because I have surgery scars from top surgery and then people would understand. Well, that kind of took me by surprise because again, it's very kind of medically focused that people's understanding of transness comes from. um If they're not themselves, trans are non-binary or part of the community more generally.
00:12:18
Speaker
And so it it was quite, it felt very reductive um that my transness was only defined in terms of my the surgeries that I've had.
00:12:29
Speaker
rather than being a full human being with many different aspects. Certainly, surgery was very important to me, um not to discount it, but that's not it really the main thing.
00:12:41
Speaker
And so it would it did take me aback and it felt really gross, right um like very prying. And I will say too that that does not guarantee people understand when they see surgery scars.
00:12:55
Speaker
I can say that because I've been in the pool and people have asked me about my scars ah and thought I had you know lung cancer or something like that. um So you scars don't really guarantee understanding or seeing scars.
00:13:11
Speaker
And so, again, it's just thinking about it. What is the trans person comfortable with? Certainly some people are excited to you know, after having top surgery, they want to, you know, be shirtless and celebrate that aspect. so Absolutely. If they choose it support it.
00:13:28
Speaker
If it makes sense, obviously. Right. oh And also, you know, if somebody doesn't lead with that, don't push somebody or even suggest that. I think people just don't realize what they're asking for.
00:13:42
Speaker
And, you know, thinking about the audience and connecting the dots, there are different ways of doing that. Certainly sharing, you know, one's identity is key to that or can be a part of that rather than, you know, having to focus so much on the visual aspects.
00:14:01
Speaker
Can i ask you, and and you have already sort of gone into it a bit, but I just wanted to go further into the why behind not sharing things that are sort of over focusing on the medical aspect, because you've mentioned this a couple of times, and this is definitely something that most cis people that I've spoken to about basically any trans issue, um they leaked that quite quickly.
00:14:24
Speaker
And so would you mind going into that a bit more? Yeah, absolutely. There's many different dimensions of that, ah but I'll boil it down to a few things. One, um the assumption is among most cisgender people that in order to be trans, there's some sort of medical transition. Like that's just built into their definition when in fact most don't.
00:14:49
Speaker
um And so I think that's a bit surprising for folks. Trans is just that gender identity is different than sex. That's it. What somebody does about it, if they need to or feel compelled, that's up to them, right? a very individualized journey.
00:15:06
Speaker
Now, what I will say is that for up until fairly recently, in order to transition, there was an overemphasis on um trans people becoming cis, so to speak, right? Mm-hmm. that they align turn their gender to how their body looked.
00:15:25
Speaker
So having kind of almost forcing people into surgical or medical intervention, but also how they looked. I mean, until very recently, There was something called real lived experience. And I put that in very heavy quotes ah because people assumed that if you're a man, you're going to present or want to present in masculine ways and, you know, dress in masculine, you know, et cetera, et cetera.
00:15:51
Speaker
And so in order to transition or to be, to be oneself, know, These were some of the heavy gatekeeping and um expectations and kind of forced alignment that people were were compelled to do.
00:16:07
Speaker
And so it's a very visceral reaction to any sort of um preconceived notions of what somebody should or ought to do or have done or be doing in order to be their true selves.
00:16:21
Speaker
ah When in fact, especially also among cisgender people, just everybody comes in different shapes and sizes and um expressions. And so just being able to relax those expectations is really key to allow people just to show up as they are, as they want to show other people as much or as little, right?
00:16:43
Speaker
To really come alongside rather than trying to impose something on top of the trans or non-binary person.
Inclusive Visual Representation Strategies
00:16:50
Speaker
here There are some real benefits of using illustrations over photos.
00:16:56
Speaker
And obviously, you've been talking predominantly about photos at the moment. But could you just go into that a little bit and how illustrations can really benefit workplaces when it comes to inclusive visuals?
00:17:06
Speaker
Absolutely. So i understand why people go to photographs, whether created themselves or stock photography. you know we We like to see realistic representations of ourselves.
00:17:20
Speaker
Now that said, stock photography still has a ways to go to really authentically, uniquely, and you know fulsomely displaying and representing trans and non-binary folks.
00:17:34
Speaker
So we at Transfocus made a very intentional decision to use illustration ah rather than photography in our marketing and um you know all what we do essentially, ah because it gives us a lot more latitude to ah create that diversity um because it's not quite there yet in photography.
00:17:56
Speaker
It allows us to you know represent not just gender identity or gender expression in a fulsome way, but also you know um you know color, skin color, ah disabilities, and you know and create those in an intersectional way as well. right So you know trans people with disabilities and a vast variety of folks so that it's not we're not so um you know, constrained or are limited in and what we can do.
00:18:30
Speaker
It really just is the imagination that is limiting. And so we've tried our best. I'm sure we have still ways to go to, um you know, we're not by any means the standard bearer here, ah but certainly, you know, being a lot more creative in that representation is really important.
00:18:49
Speaker
Amazing. What are your closing thoughts on inclusive visuals for for people's workplaces, Kai? So, um you know, we've given you some examples of what not to do, some tips and strategies for for what to do.
00:19:04
Speaker
i think really important thing to add is if you are working with trans and non-binary folks ah to share their stories or to be a part of a campaign or whatever the case may be, is really important to take your time in getting to know somebody, ah seeing what their level of comfort is in sharing their story, in and how they wanna be depicted.
00:19:29
Speaker
ah And so just allow enough runway. Sometimes I find companies, they wanna kinda get it done very quickly ah when this is a very sensitive matter for many trans and non-binary folks.
00:19:42
Speaker
And making sure you have consent along the way, like who's gonna see this, how far distributed um and whatnot. Also to be able to offer many different ways of being represented. I know image is a very powerful thing. It does connect folks to each other, to see each other.
00:20:00
Speaker
But I would say that there's other different ways of doing that. So, and you know, people telling their story, ah maybe having a shot from behind if there's confidentiality considerations.
00:20:13
Speaker
So you really want to think through all of those options that you're able to make available to folks. ah or to have an illustration rather than a photo. ah Because right now, you know things are really difficult for trans and non-binary folks. And some people are pulling back from being highly visible.
00:20:34
Speaker
And so that's where it's really important to offer many different options to still be able to tell one story, but in a safe way. So I just kind of add a few of those tips and tools in there as well.
00:20:47
Speaker
ah but very much encourage to pivot away from, you know, particular bodies and or particular gender expressions ah for trans and non-binary folks, but really for everyone too, right?
00:21:02
Speaker
I know many cisgender people also kind of have that burden of expectation. And what if we allowed everyone to kind of is a bit more relaxed so that they could feel like they could show up as their authentic selves and and be represented in those images.
00:21:20
Speaker
And how powerful that is for the audience to see that as well, to be like, I never knew that that this was possible and maybe that resonates for them to do in their own lives. So it it unlocks a lot for folks to see that whether it's for themselves or you know just so people know that there's this diversity that exists, even if it's not maybe directly in their own lives at present.
00:21:48
Speaker
And if I can say anything as a last note, I'm only laughing, um but I've seen a lot of stock photography and there's some pretty incredible, awful examples out there.
00:22:02
Speaker
I think you're laughing because you know what I'm about to say. oh The most ridiculous thing that I've ever seen is um somebody, ah i don't know if they were shirtless, I can't remember, it doesn't matter, but in some level of undress, shall we say, and in front of a mirror shaving, and this person had a glitter beard.
00:22:27
Speaker
And I'm not saying, no shade towards people with glitter beards. And if they have rock But more often than not, you know people don't have glitter beards. and But the the other thing that just took it to the next level is this person looked really sad.
00:22:46
Speaker
So they were like mournfully shaving their glitter beard. That's my favorite one. That's my favorite bit. And you know I just, wow. i was like, wow, this is and this was um tagged as um as a transgender picture.
00:23:01
Speaker
And I was like, we've got a ways to go here, folks. And so just say, if you ever see that image, just steer very clear of that. That is not helpful representation, um even if it might apply to one person or a few.
00:23:19
Speaker
Anywho, just to leave you with that kind of more lighthearted, but also um a bit of a a grimace. and But there's many other things that are starting to develop and there's a much more encouraging its direction that inclusive imagery is going in. So I am quite hopeful, even if I shudder sometimes at some the things I see.
00:23:42
Speaker
That is one of my favourite ones that that you've shown me. um But yeah, so visuals is something that we do talk quite a lot about in um places like our social media, but also you do do a lot of work with organisations around visuals. And one of the things you put together was the inclusive visuals document.
00:24:01
Speaker
Do you mind going into that? Absolutely. So we get a lot of questions about, well, how do I do inclusive imagery in organizations and people yeah want to do good by trans and non-binary folks. So we've put together, think it's about an A-page resource. It's quite dense.
00:24:22
Speaker
ah Basically, you know the the first part is like, don't do this. This is very reductive ah slash problematic. Or just more like, you know, kind of like really like one example is they them pronouns. That's a very popular one to say. This is, you know, a non-binary person.
00:24:41
Speaker
And, you know, ah maybe it fits in certain contexts, but most contexts that's pretty reductive way to talk about non-binary folks as well. And ah so, you know, what not to do, and then really it's just a whole bunch of examples and points about why ah how you can make something more inclusive and what makes it much more richer, much more diverse, much more exciting and engaging imagery that one can use.
00:25:10
Speaker
as well as links to stock photography that are created by trans people for trans people and that are free and available if you source properly.
00:25:21
Speaker
And so it's a great resource if you just want to kind of run, ah you know, run with it essentially and make your organization's imagery more inclusive.
00:25:32
Speaker
Amazing. Well, I will add that to the show notes. And like I said, we do share quite a lot about visuals on social media. So In light of that, where can we find you, Clay?
00:25:44
Speaker
So there's many different platforms that we're on ah in terms of social media, whether it be LinkedIn, Facebook, Threads, Blue Sky, YouTube, ah Instagram.
00:25:57
Speaker
I'm sure I'm missing one. Oh, yeah, TikTok. So find us on any one of the platforms or multiple platforms and and see some of the regular. We post you know most five times a week. So you'll get a lot of really good content that hopefully is engaging and you learn from and be able to implement, whether in your own personal life or also professionally at work.
00:26:21
Speaker
Sweet. Thank you so much. Thank you too. Bye for now.