b'PRIDE AT WORKMany colleagues and employers onlydifference in our lives and protects queermost inclusive workplace with benefits focus on health and safety (H&S) practicesand trans communities everywhere.and strategies if the employer doesnt in the workplace, when inclusive H&SThese beyond-the-wall approachesconsider their employees beyond-strategies should be more holistic andreinforce steps to eliminate performativethe-office life or keep consistent with consider the quality of the commute,strategies and rainbow washing. Thetheir existing work environment. For mental health and the security level ofcollective alliance has to consider otherexample, many companies or leaders running errands, buying groceries orsides of our lives when we arent in thesupport anti-2SLGBTQIA+ politicians or leisure time during an employees timeoffice. An excellent example to illustratecontroversial practices while massively off. Other considerable factors for H&Sthis topic happened in June 2022, whenadvertising their inclusive policies. It beyond office walls could include supportthe U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v.shows how shallow and performative their for finding a safe school for employeesWade, changing reproductive legislation and allowing states to ban abortionDEI strategies are. This performative queer children, or one that wont createoutright. While several U.S. states haveapproach extends to inclusion in general, issues with queer parents. Research datamade abortion illegal, many companiestouching on Indigenous rights, gender shows 2SLGBTQIA+ people experiencehave announced support for theirissues, immigration and refugee support, high stress levels when doing ordinaryemployees by offering to cover travel costsracialized groups and more. It is weak, things as they are more exposed to ourfor out-of-state abortion procedures. empty and has no intrinsic value.society and its potential violence andUnfortunately, the same movementWhat we as queer and trans discrimination. didnt happen when anti-trans andcommunity members need is a If we start rethinking those bubblesanti-2SLGBTQIA+ legislation emerged.public commitment from employers, or islands and work to improve ourDEI practices must be universal and protective systems, we will consequentlyprofessionals, allies, family and others to consistent, not just for select groups orensure that they will protect us and our help remove barriers that oppress queeridentities. Companies should have been and trans people. Over time, we couldmore vocal in supporting their queer andrights. We arent asking much; we expect create a space where everyone is welcometrans employees, clients and communitiesthe same rights and respect as everyone to live as their authentic selves beyondwhile lobbying for their safety. Theelse. We want to walk with no fear, being their workplace or home. Our identitiesabortion support wasnt in the workplaceproud of who we are, the journey that as professionals, clients, consumers andbut outside the organizations parameter.we have had and the dreams that we will citizens always overlapone personsWhy not extend the same caring hand tomake come true. We want to experience workplace is someone elses leisuretrans folks, for example? the right to live a good and respected life environment, and vice versa. This isConsidering all of the above, thereregardless of what side of the wall we are why expanding inclusive spaces makes ais no point in developing the best andonif any barrier still exists.MARKETPLACEYAAAS AUTOMOTIVEEVERYONE APPROVEDYaaas Automotive is Canadas premier LGBT owned and operated Vehicle Finance brokerage.We have been helpingExhibitions and Education Programscustomers from all credit types get approved for qualityClay, Glass, and Vitrious Enamellingvehicles for over 7 years now.FreeCanada-wide delivery and a hassle-free sales process are justGallery Hours: Monday: ClosedTuesday - Friday: 11 am - 6 pmpart of the YAAAS difference.Saturday: 10 am - 5 pmSunday: 1- 5 pmAdmission: FreeAccessible to All25 Caroline Street North, Waterloo, ON N2L 2Y5, 519-746-11.844.826.2311 www.theclayandglass.ca 882 WWW.YAAASAUTOMOTIVE.CAIssue 22023 | QBiz CANADA |31'