In a groundbreaking move, New York state officials are addressing issues of inclusivity by delving into the employment experiences of transgender, non-conforming, non-binary individuals in the state. The Department of Labor’s first-of-its-kind report sheds light on the challenges faced by this community in workplaces across New York.
According to Kate Curry, board member and director of marketing at Cafe Euphoria, a transgender and gender non-conforming owned and operated cafe and restaurant, fostering meaningful conversations is crucial for addressing discrimination based on gender identity.
Curry emphasized the significance of having a supportive community to navigate the difficulties faced, especially in larger companies where change is challenging.
“It’s so hard to change, especially if you work for a large company. It’s so hard to change things from the inside out. So having a community, or having a support group to talk to about the stuff that you’re dealing with, is super helpful. That’s why we try to facilitate as much as we can here,” Curry said.
The report underscores the prevalent issues of employment discrimination and a lack of understanding surrounding gender identities in New York workplaces.
It suggests that the issues can be tackled through meaningful conversations, as highlighted by Curry, who advocates for businesses to avoid making anyone feel like an afterthought.
“What a lot of businesses can do to help is don’t let anyone feel like they’re an afterthought,” Curry shared.
Cafe Euphoria prioritizes visibility and creating a supportive environment. Rykeland Sweeney, a member and co-owner, explained the importance of programs focused on assisting transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.
The cafe aims to provide a space where anyone who needs it can exist comfortably, enjoy food, and have a good time.
“Visibility is super important, not just for other people to be able to show empathy and support, but for our own community to acknowledge they’re not strange, they’re not weird. They’re not going to grow out of it. You know, they’re not wrong. No, you’re just existing,” Curry explained.
“We have different programs that we run that are focused on helping them out. But overall, we just want anybody who needs a space to exist to be able to come here to have some food, hang out, have a good time,” Sweeney said.
The report not only identifies existing disparities, but also puts forth policy recommendations to dismantle systemic barriers. It proposes uniform gender identity data collection by federal agencies to enhance understanding and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, acknowledging the state’s historical commitment to LGBTQ+ civil rights, expressed support for greater respect, stronger protections and better opportunities for the community.
The struggles faced by non-binary and trans individuals, including genuine fears for safety and workplace discrimination, are highlighted in the report.
“Listen to transgender and gender-nonconforming people, as they know what they need and what is best for them,” said Sweeney.
For further details and to access the complete report from the New York State Department of Labor, visit here.
