COLUMBIA, Md.–During the installment of a DEI Signature Speaker Series hosted by the MD|DC Credit Union Association, attendees were offered insights into how to build a more inclusive work environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Addressing the event were CUNA Mutual Group’s Abby Churchill, who is also the founder & director of Trans Law Help Wisconsin, along with CU Pride Co-Founder Zach Christensen. Their message focused on how to make a credit union’s LGBTQ+ employees feel welcome, safe, heard, and valued.
Recognizing Diversity
According to the MDDCCUA, Churchill pointed out Millennials are significantly more likely than older generations to identify as LGBTQ, “making an inclusive workplace increasingly important.” Churchill cited a GLAAD/Harris Poll that found 20% of Millennials identify as LGBTQ+, with 11% of those identifying as transgender.
To create a more supportive environment, Churchill said credit unions can begin by recognizing the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.
“We’re often talked about as being one group, when in fact the community is made up of many different communities with varying interests, political and religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds,” she said, according to the MDDCCUA.
Credit unions can help build a sense of community and belonging through Engagement Resource Groups (ERG), Churchill continued. CUNA Mutual Group has more than a dozen staff-led ERGs, including Prism (LGBTQA), that enable employees with similar backgrounds, lifestyle and passions to connect as well as support business goals and help drive the company forward.
Pronouns in the Workplace
Using someone’s correct personal pronoun in the workplace helps ensure all people, regardless of their gender, feel like they belong, the MDDCCUA stated, adding that some businesses are addressing the issue by utilizing personal pronouns in email signatures.
Churchill stated gender-neutral pronouns such they/them/their are accepted as singular third-person pronouns and said being intentional with the use of pronouns matters.
“It is one of the easiest ways to show support for transgender, nonbinary and gender non-conforming people is through honoring the use of their pronouns,” said Churchill. “It’s a way to respect them just like using a person’s name is a sign of respect.”
How to Make a Difference
The MDDCCUA said Churchill suggested some additional actions credit unions can take to be more inclusive:
- Be sure to include sexual orientation in your non-discrimination policies
- Avoid gendered language and making assumptions about someone’s spouse or partner
- Hire more LGBTQ+ staff
- Sponsor local LGBTQ+ organizations and events such as Pride parades
CU Pride
CU Pride, which was co-founded by Zach Christiansen in 2020, is also working to make difference, according to the MDDCCUA. The organization has built a network within the credit union system to promote visibility and create a safe space for LGBTQ people and allies.
“We are creating change, as small as it may be, as incremental as it may be - we are building change and we are creating a more inclusive environment,” Christiansen said.
The MDDCCUA stated that while significant progress has been made, including a 2020 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 includes protection from employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, Christiansen stated there are still challenges.
He noted, for example, data from the Movement Advance Project indicate 70% of LGBTQ+ individuals live in states that still allow credit and lending discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Christensen said this is where credit unions can make a difference.
Other Steps
In addition, providing a forum for an open discussion can also make a difference, the association noted. Christensen recommends setting up rules of engagement and encouraging people to speak and ask questions. According to Christensen, some of the things to keep in mind when starting a discussion:
- Recognize these conversations are not easy
- Ensure it is a safe space
- Being uncomfortable means there is room to grow. “Listen if you are unsure of what to say or how to contribute.”
Christensen further stated being willing to invest the time to learn about the LGBTQ+ community can make someone a stronger ally.
“It allows you to increase your awareness of what we are going through and of the challenges that we face. It also creates a sense of love and belonging, which is all something we want,” he said.