Sparking Conversations Around Non-Binary Inclusion in the Workplace

"I wish that there was more non-binary representation in the media, but I found role models within my community growing up – the friends I made and people I met."

Grace Keppel, financial adviser for New Forest Wealth Management, spoke to myGwork about the growing importance of non-binary representation both in the media, and throughout the workplace in general. Describing their initial trepidation upon coming out, they offer advice for those who wish to change their organization's culture for the better to make it a safer place for the non-binary community.

Hi Grace, thanks for talking to us. Can you please tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a financial adviser with New Forest Wealth Management, a senior partner practice of St James’s Place. I was appointed in 2022, after a year of training and I am thoroughly enjoying the role. I came into this industry after finding it difficult to see financial professionals like me – openly queer and gender non-conforming. I think it is important that we take up space in professional services, so that clients can access advice that is accessible and suitable to them, from advisers who understand and can relate to their needs.

I love being able to help de-jargon and explain the industry to my clients and financial education matters greatly to me.

What does allyship to the non-binary community look like to you?

One of the biggest fears I first felt when coming out, was wondering what people were saying about me when I wasn’t there. The allies at my workplace have been so important in helping colleagues who needed some more time to learn, which relieved a lot of the pressure from myself.

Why is it important to have conversations on non-binary inclusion in the workplace?

For anyone working in a company and unsure of whether or not it is safe for them to come out, having an employer that openly and proudly supports non-binary and trans inclusion in a workplace is so important. Any negative comments made can have a lasting impact, but positive or supportive comments do the same.

What are a few things that workplaces can do to ensure they are welcoming for their non-binary colleagues?

Active support to me looks like doing the work in ensuring all the employees are on the same page regarding openness and supporting non-binary people. Having the resources and tools available for all employees to use to educate themselves gives employees a place to direct any questions they might have.

Did you have any positive non-binary representation growing up? 

The impact of role models is so positive. I wish that there was more non-binary representation in the media, but I found role models within my community growing up – the friends I made and people I met. To have people around me that are similar is very validating. Visible, successful and happy non binary people are inspiring to me.

How do you think you can personally contribute to changing your organization’s culture for the better?

The culture in my organization embraces individuality and freedom of expression, which I think is fantastic and was one of the reasons I joined. My personal contribution is being visibly myself for clients to feel welcome. Each financial adviser is different and will be best suited to helping different clients. Respecting our differences and seeing that one way is not better than the other has been really lovely to see play out.

New Forest Wealth Management is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website http://www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James's Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

New Forest Wealth Management is a trading name of New Forest Wealth Management Ltd. 

SJP Approved 12/07/23