From queer to shining queer: Building trans, non-binary and two-spirit inclusiveness

🌈 nabs is pleased to partner with APEX Public Relations and present an interactive panel discussion with The Milkshake Sisters, Angel Glady and Virgen Mariana Cortes, moderated by Kenneth Evans.

Many organizations claim to be LGBTQ2S+-friendly workplaces, but seldom walk-the-talk across the spectrum. While we’ve come far in including individuals who identify as lesbian, gay and bisexual, we could do a whole lot more to be inclusive of those who identify as trans, queer, two-spirit and non-binary. Why should companies become educated? Brands have an important role to play in this conversation. With genuine action they have the power to change the way people see the world.

Companies that have taken action to ensure that they are diverse, and specifically trans, queer, non-conformist inclusive:
1. Seek diverse perspectives to better represent their customers
2. Seek out overlooked talent and thinking
3. Have ambitions to reflect the world we all share

As business leaders we need to do better. And it starts by understanding how to be a genuine trans, queer, non-binary and two-spirit ally and why it matters now.

APEX Public Relations partnered with Virgin Mariana Cortes and Angel Glady, two advocates and educators in the LGBTQ2S+ community, to help bring their immense expertise, knowledge and wisdom to our team, peers and beyond via an interactive and highly educational workshop. It comes from the perspective of two high performing, highly knowledgeable trans women who embody the notion of resilience.

The interactive 45-minute chat includes:

• Discussions in the context of the gender/sexual spectrum
• The problem with certain language norms
• A lament of cis-centric society
• Intersectionality realities
• Personal stories of hard-fought victories
• Scenario plays
• And polls
• Questions & Answers

Kenneth Evans, Managing Partner, APEX Public Relations (He/him)

A 20+ year senior corporate communications strategist and communications trainer to some of the globe’s top brands, Kenneth has carved out a reputation for cultivating compelling brand narratives that protect and advance corporate reputations. He is also host of The Pivot, a top-ranking marketing podcast in Canada.

Panelists 

Angel Glady (She/her): Angel Glady is a Toronto-based trans woman activist and educator born and raised in Tamil Nadu, India. She is the first trans woman who went to University of Madras to do an M.A Mass Communication. She is a theatre activist and she feels arts is the best tool to make a revolution in the straight cis normative binary world. She is the co-founder trans theatre group Panmai theatre in Chennai, India and has worked with Trans Plus Canada as a project research assistant.

Virgen Mariana Cortes (She/her/they/them): Virgen is an empowered Colombian Trans woman living in Toronto as an LGBTQQIP2SAA educator and activist. She advocates for the rights of those who find themselves marginalized and vulnerable and creates awareness about social issues and justice. She works in social services and community based programs and is currently enrolled in a social service worker college program.