LGBTQ+ Experience: Beyond The Rainbow

Back in 2021, I was the Community Manager for Women in CX. I wrote my first article about Pride and the LGBTQ+ community called 'The rainbow profits'. Now, I'm the Head of Operations at WiCX. I think it's really important for companies to support the LGBTQ+ community if they want to make things better for customers and employees. Superficial support isn't good enough - we need real allyship.

The 2022 GLAAD study shows that 70% of LGBTQ+ people had discrimination. That's up from 2020. BIPOC members of the LGBTQ+ group had higher rates of discrimination. 61% said they had aggression or micro discrimination. All this happened in the past two years.

Companies must take real steps to support LGBTQ+ people instead of just putting on a show. It's not okay to only use gay pride slogans and product designs. It's necessary for companies to actually do something about it.

Where are queer voices in leadership? Only 3% of CX leaders identify as LGBTQ+. This is according to the CXPA.

"Progress Made: Taking Positive Steps"

NatWest gives the same parental leave to all parents. Aldi trained its UK managers to support minority groups. Starbucks India and Adidas use trans models. Nike and Budweiser work with trans influencers. This helps everyone.

Gen Z people are important customers and employees in the future. They are two times more likely to identify as queer. They think inclusion and diversity are very important when choosing brands and jobs. That's why, LGBTQ+ inclusion is now very important.

About This Issue. "Serious Concerns Arise On This Issue."

A lot of new laws being made in the USA are against LGBTQ+ people. Since January 2023, 417 bills have been introduced - more than before. These laws make it hard for LGBTQ+ people to go to school and get medical help. This is especially bad for young people. Some big companies are also getting criticized for using LGBTQ+ people in ads or making things that don't follow gender rules.

Businesses must promote inclusivity and respect for LGBTQ+ individuals to improve customer and employee experience. It's essential to understand the 'why' and 'how' of creating positive change.

"Why Pride Matters: Understanding Its Significance"

Pride marks the start of Gay Rights movement. It celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and their accomplishments. Stonewall Riot is also honoured during this celebration.

People find it tough to understand LGBTQ+ peeps 'cause society thinks everyone's straight and cis-gendered (meaning they identify with their assigned birth sex). This makes LGBTQ+ peeps feel ignored and uncertain. But Pride is open and simpler to understand, so it helps people start to accept differences.

We must recognise that everyone has their own perspective. This is important for being a true ally. We all see the world in different ways. Being aware of this is key. Realising individual worldviews is the first step. This is what authentic allyship is all about.

Being a true ally means recognizing that everyone sees the world in their own way. To be supportive, you need to hear what others have to say and allow room for a range of experiences.

Authenticity Matters: Why It's Vital

Being a good LGBTQ+ ally for companies is more than just promoting Pride. True allyship requires continuous commitment, such as showcasing LGBTQ+ stories in advertisements and creating a friendly environment for everyone, including customers and workers.

It's important to understand LGBTQ+ customers and employees. Avoiding mistakes is key. Research is the start of success. Know their needs, wants, and goals. Sadly, LGBTQ+ people are often left out.

Some companies try to be diverse, but they don't always do it well. They may ask weird questions on job applications or make gender mistakes. These things can make people think the company doesn't really care about being inclusive.

To get better, surveys and hiring should use inclusive, non-exclusionary language. Gender options must be diverse, with self-identification and "Prefer not to answer" choices. This is vital because LGBTQ+ people may not want to tell their gender identity or sexual orientation.

To make the experiences better for LGBTQ+ customers and employees, companies can take various steps: 1. Implement policies that support equality 2. Provide training to all employees on LGBTQ+ issues 3. Offer benefits that cater to the needs of LGBTQ+ employees 4. Create a safe and inclusive workplace culture 5. Use inclusive language and marketing materials.

Have policies that protect LGBTQ+ employees from discrimination and harassment. Policies must be inclusive and cover all employees. Equal benefits should be granted to all employees. The company should be accommodating to transgender employees and customers. Non-discrimination policies must be in place.

Train all staff on diversity and inclusion. Teach about LGBTQ+ concerns and ways to prevent discrimination and harassment. Encourage acceptance and understanding.

Create groups to support LGBTQ+ employees. These groups can help them feel more supported, connect with others, and give feedback to management. They're called ERGs.

Make sure that LGBTQ+ employees are present in all levels, including management, executive roles, and research.

Include different types of people in your marketing to represent your customer base. It's important for LGBTQ+ customers to feel recognized and appreciated.

Get involved in the LGBTQ+ community outside work. You can sponsor Pride events or support LGBTQ+ rights and charities.

It's important to listen and respond. Keep communication open with LGBTQ+ employees and customers. Understand and address their needs. Take feedback to improve inclusivity.

Include LGBTQ+ individuals who belong to marginalised groups like people with disabilities or racial and ethnic minorities. Use an intersectional approach for inclusive efforts.

Companies can make effort to create an environment that accepts everyone. This benefits all customers and employees.

To be an ally, you must make spaces safe for LGBTQ+ people. Diversity in leadership and representation is also important. Supporting and understanding consistently is key.

To be an ally, you have to do more than just support someone. You have to understand them too. And it's important to stay loyal and consistent.

Becoming a better ally is tough. We gotta recognize and unlearn our biases. We also gotta support the LGBTQ+ community with continuous and actionable steps.

Make sure your actions match your good intentions. Support inclusivity all year, not just during Pride month. You have a kind heart, keep doing the right thing!

If your company truly follows its values, the LGBTQ+ community will notice and be grateful. We are a faithful group and will back businesses that sincerely support us.

I think we can make a better world by working together. Everyone can be who they really are at work and in shopping. We need to include and understand everyone.

We need to act and make better experiences for customers and employees. This is important for the future of business.