Proposing the safe and brave space for organisational environment: including trans* and gender diverse employees in institutional gender diversification
- 25 January 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Emerald in Gender in Management: An International Journal
- Vol. 37 (6), 751-762
- https://doi.org/10.1108/gm-06-2020-0199
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to explore an alternative strategy to decrease disadvantaging gender binarism and cis-normativity in an organisational context by including trans* and gender diverse (TGD) employee voices through the development of a safe and brave space (S&BS). This conceptual paper discusses the potential construction of S&BS and the possible integration as well as requirements of it into an organisational environment. The elaborated theoretical underpinning of a queering approach is used to build the foundation and the design of a potential successful implementation. Current diversity management strategies are repeatedly reported as inadequate to tackle the issue of gender binarism and cis-normativity or even to reinforce them via various strategies. The integration of S&BS could offer cis as well as TGD people an opportunity to participate in the development of organisational structures and managerial decision-making within a democratic and empowering environment. Managing gender with the support of TGD employees may increase inclusion, equity and diversity of gender in management and organisation. Although much of the management and organisational literature accepts the concept of gender binarism and cis-normativity, the integration of TGD employee voices through the adaptation of S&BS from an educational context into organisational management has not been explored.Keywords
This publication has 40 references indexed in Scilit:
- Lay (Mis)Perceptions of Sexual Harassment toward Transgender, Lesbian, and Gay EmployeesSex Roles, 2018
- Listen carefully: transgender voices in the workplaceThe International Journal of Human Resource Management, 2016
- Demographic and Psychosocial Factors Associated With Psychological Distress and Resilience Among Transgender IndividualsAmerican Journal of Public Health, 2015
- Gendered organizations and intersectionality: problems and possibilitiesEquality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, 2012
- Voice, silence, and diversity in 21st century organizations: Strategies for inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender employeesHuman Resource Management, 2011
- The work experiences of transgender individuals: Negotiating the transition and career decision-making processes.Journal of Counseling Psychology, 2010
- The language of diversityEthnic and Racial Studies, 2007
- Genderism and the Bathroom Problem: (re)materialising sexed sites, (re)creating sexed bodiesGender, Place & Culture, 2004
- 'Safe spaces': Reflections on an educational metaphorJournal of Curriculum Studies, 1998
- HIERARCHIES, JOBS, BODIES:Gender & Society, 1990