Celebrating Trans Day of Visibility at Criteo

Konstantinia Tsakalou, DEI Team Leader at Criteo, discussed the importance of celebrating Trans Day of Visibility. She also reveals her trans hero and shared her journey of being an ally to the transgender community.

What does Trans Day of Visibility mean to you and why is it important?

For me as a Trans ally, Trans Visibility Day is a day to honor the resilience of trans people who have overcome obstacles and barriers to live authentically as themselves. It's a day to celebrate their visibility, which is an act of resistance in a world that often tries to erase or silence their existence.

Visibility helps break down stereotypes and stigma and promotes understanding and acceptance. Trans Visibility Day is a call to action for all of us to uphold the rights and dignity of transgender people, fight discrimination and violence, and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

What will you be doing to mark Trans Day of Visibility? Or tell us how you have marked this in the past

At Criteo, the Criteo Cares Pride Community (Pride ERG) marks Trans Visibility Day by hosting a webinar titled “Moving Past Visibility with Diamond Stylz” on March 30th, which will feature Diamond Stylz, a renowned transgender activist and founder of Black Trans Women Inc. This webinar will provide an opportunity to learn about the experiences of transgender individuals and how to support them beyond mere visibility.

Another initiative this year is a workshop hosted by myGwork, which is aimed at promoting transgender inclusion in the workplace. The workshop is designed to educate Criteos (Criteo Employees) on how to create a more supportive and inclusive work environment for transgender employees. By providing education on this topic, the workshop can help to promote greater awareness and understanding of the unique challenges faced by transgender individuals in the workplace.

Tell us about your trans hero (or heroes)

Laverne Cox is my trans heroes! Not only for playing in the Netflix series "Orange is the New Black," and for becoming the first transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category, but also because she is a vocal advocate for transgender rights and visibility. She has used her platform to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by transgender individuals, particularly those of color, and to advocate for greater acceptance and inclusion in society. She uses her talent and voice to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and promote acceptance and equality for all.

Tell us what your workplace is doing to create a trans-inclusive workplace, and/or tips on how workplaces can be trans-inclusive

At Criteo, we have taken steps to create a more trans-inclusive workplace. One initiative we launched in September 2020 is the 'That's My Name Project.' This project involves aligning our systems with the name that our colleagues and clients prefer to be identified with, rather than their legal name. By doing this, we aim to be respectful and inclusive towards everyone and ensure that our systems reflect this.

Another way we create a trans-inclusive workplace is through our LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Training. This training covers inclusive language and the different elements within LGBTQIA+, including sexual orientation and gender identity. It specifically focuses on the different experiences of trans and non-conforming individuals and emphasizes trans-inclusive workplace behaviors. By offering education and training on these topics, we aim to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace for all employees.

Last but not least, we have implemented gender-neutral bathrooms. This is an important step in creating a more inclusive environment for our trans and non-binary employees, providing a safe and comfortable space for them.

Share your journey of becoming a trans ally and why it is important for you to stand up for trans rights

I see trans allyship as a journey that requires a willingness to learn, listen, and advocate for the rights of trans individuals. It means recognizing and respecting the experiences and identities of trans people, and actively working to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for them. 

It is important to stand up for trans rights because trans individuals face a range of challenges and discrimination in many aspects of their lives, which can have significant negative impacts on their mental health and well-being. By becoming an ally, you can contribute to building a more equitable and just society for all.

Please give us 5 to 10 tips on creating a trans-inclusive workplace.

1 - Educate yourself and your team about what it means to be transgender, and the challenges transgender people face in the workplace. You can start by reading articles and books on the subject, attending workshops or training sessions, or inviting a trans speaker to talk to your team.

2 - Develop inclusive policies and provide gender-neutral facilities: Provide gender-neutral restrooms and changing areas to ensure all employees feel safe and comfortable.

3 - Use inclusive language in all communication, including job postings, employee handbooks, and company policies. Use gender-neutral pronouns and avoid making assumptions about employees' gender identity or expression.

4 - Foster a culture of respect for all employees, regardless of gender identity or expression. Encourage open communication and provide training on respectful communication and behavior.

5 - Have clear policies and procedures in place to address discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on gender identity or expression. Ensure that employees know how to report such incidents and that they will be taken seriously and handled promptly.

6 - Encourage the formation of employee resource groups for LGBTQ+ employees. Provide support for these groups and listen to their feedback and recommendations.

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