Gender in Focus

TransFocus

What does it really take to create an inclusive world for trans and non-binary people? If you've ever wondered how to make meaningful changes - whether at work, in your community, at home, or beyond - you're in the right place. Hosted by Kai, President of TransFocus Consulting, Gender in Focus dives into the heart of inclusion, with real stories, expert advice and practical tips. Sometimes Kai will be joined by special guests, but each week, you can expect fresh perspectives, moments of reflection, and actionable takeaways to help you lead with kindness, confidence, and a whole lot of heart. Hey, maybe you’ll learn more about your own gender through different experiences. So, whether you're already on your inclusion journey or just getting started, tune in and discover how you can make change happen. Let's get started - change is just a conversation away.

  1. Why Your All-Gender Bathroom Isn't Working

    Jun 8 ·  Video

    Why Your All-Gender Bathroom Isn't Working

    Thinking about making your office washrooms more inclusive? Slapping an “all-gender” sign on an existing door might seem like a quick, low-cost fix, but it almost always backfires. In this episode of Gender in Focus, El and resident "washroom king" Kai Scott to pull back the curtain on the design and corporate strategy required to build a successful all-gender multi-stall facility. From knocking down load-bearing walls to navigating deep-seated workplace tensions, we break down why simple sign changes fail and how to design a space that actually works for everyone. What We Discuss in This Episode: How to navigate limited footprints, existing plumbing, and structural limitations - e.g. load-bearing walls. Why converting only one gendered washroom into an all-gender space while keeping the other one gender-specific (e.g., keeping the women's room but converting the men's, or vice versa) triggers organizational friction and resentment. How to conduct a physical washroom inventory by counting actual fixtures (i.e., toilets and urinals) to see if your facilities are falling behind corporate inclusion benchmarks. The benefits of transparent information sessions that explain the "why" behind the changes, lower internal anxiety, and highlight how all-gender facilities benefit families, care aides, and employees with mobility devices.Resources Mentioned: Clayton Community Center All-Gender Bathroom Video Tour: https://youtu.be/x7Hjh7Ao9fA?si=wBXsAXg3uV3n0K2C Book a Washroom Strategy Session with TransFocus: https://www.transfocus.ca/organization Download the Free Washroom Inventory Tool: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1L2tcgCJoG0xYX0ssQfFIMfKHyZbtyJvA/edit?gid=1956903258#gid=1956903258Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to hit Follow on Spotify, Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, and leave us a 5-star review to help more allies find these vital conversations!

    32 min
  2. You Can't Tell Someone's Gender From Their Pronouns

    Jun 1 ·  Video

    You Can't Tell Someone's Gender From Their Pronouns

    Most people automatically assume they know someone’s gender the moment they hear their pronouns. But pronouns and gender identity are not always the same thing — and that mental shortcut can create a surprising amount of confusion, pressure, and harm. In this episode, El and Kai unpack one of the most misunderstood conversations around pronouns and gender diversity. Together, they explore why people often try to “reverse engineer” someone’s gender from their pronouns, where that assumption comes from, and why separating pronouns from gender identity actually makes respectful communication much simpler. 🔍 In this episode, we unpack: Why pronouns and gender identity are not interchangeable The “autopilot” thinking that leads people to make assumptions about strangers Why some people use pronouns that others may not expect The exhausting reality of daily misgendering for many non-binary people How workplace systems accidentally create bad data and reinforce incorrect assumptions Why titles like Mr., Mrs., Ms., and Mx. can create unexpected issues in HR systems How organizations unintentionally create extra pressure for trans and non-binary staff Why respectful communication is often much simpler than people thinkKai also shares data from TransPulse Canada showing how frequently non-binary people experience incorrect assumptions about their gender in everyday life. 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS • Master Inclusive Communication: Want to build a confident, inclusive workplace culture? Explore the TransFocus On-Demand DEI Courses for actionable training on mistake recovery, navigating microaggressions, and respectful team interactions: https://transfocusacademy.thinkific.com/courses/gender-diversity-basics-course?th__ug=3f3cab1f&th__c=websitepromo • The Data Source: Check out the community research and metrics collected by TransPulse Canada mentioned by Kai in today's episode: https://transpulsecanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WPATH-2022_Impact-of-Misgendering-on-Non-Binary-Peoples-Health-and-Wellbeing-in-Canada.pdf Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to hit Follow on Spotify, Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, and leave us a 5-star review to help more allies find these vital conversations! Connect with us online: 🌐 Website: www.TransFocus.ca ✉️ Email: podcast@transfocus.ca ➡️ Have feedback for us? Fill in this short survey: https://podcastsurvey.scoreapp.com/ Join us on social media: LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok | Threads | Facebook

    26 min
  3. Why Are There Tampons in the Men's Bathroom?

    May 25 ·  Video

    Why Are There Tampons in the Men's Bathroom?

    Why are there menstrual products in men’s bathrooms - and why is it sparking backlash? In this episode of Gender in Focus, we unpack one of the most surprising inclusion debates showing up in workplaces, schools and public spaces. As organizations begin introducing free menstrual products in all washrooms, including men’s and all-gender washrooms, many are discovering that what seemed like a simple wellbeing initiative can quickly become complex. We explore why menstrual products in men’s washrooms can trigger strong reactions, what this reveals about assumptions around gender and biology, and how these decisions can affect trans men, non-binary people and even cisgender men in ways that are not always obvious. From gender dysphoria (the intense distress or discomfort someone may feel when their body, social role, or how others perceive them does not align with their gender identity) and washroom safety to disposal logistics, period poverty and workplace culture, this conversation looks at what thoughtful implementation can actually look like in real environments. We also discuss why copying approaches from women’s bathrooms does not always work, and how organizations can respond in ways that reduce harm, build inclusion and avoid unintentionally creating new barriers to participation. If you have been wondering how inclusive washroom policies work in practice, why menstrual products at work can become controversial, or how to support trans inclusion in everyday infrastructure decisions, this episode offers practical insight you can actually use. Download our FREE resource here: https://www.transfocus.ca/s/Providing-Free-Menstrual-Products-in-Washrooms.pdf Topics include: Menstrual products in men’s washrooms Tampons and pads in public and workplace bathrooms Trans men and menstruation Gender dysphoria and washroom safety Period poverty and access to free products Inclusive and gender neutral washroom design Workplace backlash and cultural readiness Disposal logistics and practical implementation Supporting trans and non-binary inclusion in everyday systems

    37 min
  4. Trans People Aren't 'Born in the Wrong Body'

    May 18 ·  Video

    Trans People Aren't 'Born in the Wrong Body'

    People often get this wrong about being trans. A lot of people have heard the phrase “born in the wrong body.” It’s one of the most common ways trans experiences are explained — in media, online, and everyday conversations. But how accurate is it? In this episode of Gender in Focus, we unpack where that idea comes from, why it’s so widely used, and why it doesn’t reflect the reality for many trans and non-binary people. We explore: * Why the “born in the wrong body” narrative became so dominant * How media and culture have shaped common misunderstandings about trans people * What trans experiences actually look like in real life * The difference between social, medical, and personal aspects of transition * Why not all trans people pursue medical transition — and why that matters * How ideas about “the right body” are shaped by societal expectations * A more accurate way to understand what it means to be trans and how gender identity actually works This episode is for anyone trying to better understand trans and non-binary experiences, whether you’re new to the topic or looking to challenge what you’ve previously heard. If you’ve ever searched: What does it mean to be transgender? Are trans people really “born in the wrong body”? Do all trans people want surgery or medical transition? How does gender identity actually work?This conversation is a grounded, real-world starting point. 🎧 Listen now to rethink one of the most widely accepted — and most misunderstood — ideas about being trans.

    33 min
  5. You're Thinking About Transitioning All Wrong!

    May 11 ·  Video

    You're Thinking About Transitioning All Wrong!

    What does it mean to transition - and do all trans people medically transition? When people hear the word “transitioning,” most immediately think of surgery, hormones, or medical care. But that’s only one part of the picture. In this episode of Gender in Focus, we look at what transitioning actually means for trans and non-binary people - and why the way it’s commonly understood doesn’t quite reflect everyone's reality and needs. We focus on one of three types of transition, namely social transition, including changes to name, pronouns, appearance, and how someone moves through the world — and why these shifts are often dismissed as “less real” or “less serious.” Along the way, we also unpack that: * Transitioning isn’t about “becoming” someone or something new * The difference between social, medical, and legal transition * Why not all trans people medically transition — and why that doesn’t make their identity any less valid * How social transition can be a process of exploration, alignment, and self-understanding * Why people may express their gender differently depending on context, safety, and environment * What support can actually look like in workplaces We also look at how everyday experiences — like changing one's name, trying a new style, or entering a new phase of life — can make social transition easier to understand. If you’ve ever searched: * What does it mean to transition? * Do all trans people medically transition? * What is social transition? * Why do trans people change their name or pronouns? This episode offers a clear, grounded way to understand the answers — without assumptions. ⸻ 🎙️ Gender in Focus is a podcast by TransFocus exploring the systems, structures, and everyday realities shaping trans and non-binary experiences.

    30 min
  6. Think You Need a Trans Inclusion Policy? It's More Complicated Than You Think

    May 5 ·  Video

    Think You Need a Trans Inclusion Policy? It's More Complicated Than You Think

    Do you need a trans inclusion policy at work? Or could it actually create more problems than it solves? When organizations look to support trans and non-binary employees, one of the first questions that comes up is: Should we create a trans inclusion policy? In this episode of Gender in Focus, we break down how to approach trans inclusion in the workplace — and why creating a standalone trans inclusion policy isn’t always the best solution. While policies can play an important role, they can also lead to unintended consequences, confusion, or even backlash if they’re introduced in the wrong way or at the wrong time. We explore how to decide whether you actually need a trans inclusion policy, how to avoid common mistakes, and what to do instead. We talk about: When a trans inclusion policy is useful — and when it isn’t Why some workplace trans policies backfire How to support trans and non-binary employees without creating unnecessary complexity How to embed gender identity and inclusion into existing policies (like anti-discrimination and privacy) The difference between policies, guidelines and toolkits — and when to use each What’s changing in Canada and the U.S. — and how legal and cultural shifts are shaping workplace decisionsWhether you’re in HR, leadership, or responsible for workplace policies, this episode will help you make more informed, practical decisions about trans inclusion — beyond surface-level solutions. Find out more about how you can work with us here: https://www.transfocus.ca/organization

    25 min
  7. You've Heard of He/She/They… But Some People Don't Use Pronouns At All!

    Apr 27 ·  Video

    You've Heard of He/She/They… But Some People Don't Use Pronouns At All!

    Some people don’t use pronouns at all. No he. No she. No they. So what does that actually mean - and how are you supposed to talk? In this episode, we break down what it means when someone uses no pronouns, why some trans and non-binary people ask for this, and how to refer to someone without using pronouns in real life. For many people, this is something they haven’t come across before. It can take a bit of getting used to, especially when we’re used to relying on pronouns in everyday language. We talk about: * what “no pronouns” means * why someone might not use pronouns at all * how to refer to someone with no pronouns in conversation and in writing * how to talk without pronouns (without sounding repetitive or awkward) * what to do when you mess up * how to respond when people say this is “too much” This isn’t about getting everything perfect. It’s about understanding what’s going on, and having a place to start.

    30 min
  8. Why Trans Employees Keep Getting Asked to Work for Free

    Apr 20 ·  Video

    Why Trans Employees Keep Getting Asked to Work for Free

    Many trans employees end up doing inclusion work on top of their actual job - helping fix workplace problems they never signed up to solve. In this episode of Gender in Focus, we explore why trans and non-binary people can find themselves carrying significant amounts of unpaid diversity and inclusion labour in the workplace. From noticing barriers in everyday systems to helping shape policy decisions and educate colleagues, this work often happens quietly and without formal recognition. We talk about how this pressure is sometimes misunderstood as enthusiasm or willingness to help, when it can come from urgency, concern that others will face the same challenges, or simply a lack of alternative support. Over time, these dynamics can contribute to burnout, tokenization, and difficult expectations to represent the needs of an entire community. We also explore what more thoughtful approaches can look like in practice. How can organizations respond when issues are raised without placing the responsibility for solving them on the people most affected? What role can consent, compensation, advisory structures, and strategic decision-making play in creating more sustainable inclusion work? If you are trying to understand how to better support trans and non-binary employees or improve inclusion at work, this conversation offers practical insight into the hidden labour that often drives change behind the scenes. 🌐 Learn more about our work: https://www.transfocus.ca Topics include: What invisible and emotional labour can look like for trans and non-binary employees Why trans and non-binary people are often expected to educate colleagues about gender diversity Tokenization and the pressure to represent an entire community How everyday workplace systems can quietly create barriers Why inclusion work can become exhausting for trans employees The limits of lived experience and the role of organizational expertise How teams can respond more thoughtfully and sustainably Consent, compensation, and advisory roles in inclusion work Strategic decision-making around workplace inclusion

    28 min
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About

What does it really take to create an inclusive world for trans and non-binary people? If you've ever wondered how to make meaningful changes - whether at work, in your community, at home, or beyond - you're in the right place. Hosted by Kai, President of TransFocus Consulting, Gender in Focus dives into the heart of inclusion, with real stories, expert advice and practical tips. Sometimes Kai will be joined by special guests, but each week, you can expect fresh perspectives, moments of reflection, and actionable takeaways to help you lead with kindness, confidence, and a whole lot of heart. Hey, maybe you’ll learn more about your own gender through different experiences. So, whether you're already on your inclusion journey or just getting started, tune in and discover how you can make change happen. Let's get started - change is just a conversation away.

Information

  • Creator
    TransFocus
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Gender in Focus