{"id":220393,"date":"2023-06-29T15:30:16","date_gmt":"2023-06-29T13:30:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.growens.io\/?p=220393"},"modified":"2023-10-04T17:46:27","modified_gmt":"2023-10-04T15:46:27","slug":"genderbread-person-workshop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.growens.io\/en\/genderbread-person-workshop\/","title":{"rendered":"Embracing diversity: the Genderbread Person Workshop"},"content":{"rendered":"

Diversity is a defining characteristic of the human race, encompassing various aspects such as culture, race, and backgrounds. However, our identities probably stand out as one of the most profound and complex topics. In today\u2019s world, the importance of open discussions regarding gender and sexuality, particularly in the workplace, has reached an unprecedented level of importance.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>I\u2019m Marco Biondi, UX Designer at Growens, and I would like to share with you how, together with Rachael Eidsmoe, Community Specialist at Beefree, we are building awareness around gender and sexuality in the company<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grow @ Growens<\/b><\/h2>\n

As Growens expands in size, complexity, and international footprint, it becomes crucial to foster a culture of respect and understanding<\/strong>. This ensures that employees feel seen, heard, and respected. This is one of the reasons Grow has emerged as a significant project within the company, aiming to increase awareness, dialogue, and transparency on the subjects of equality, diversity, inclusion<\/strong>, and access to opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our world is evolving and so are the people in it. It\u2019s in our human nature to want to be part of something and to feel seen as individuals. Fostering a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practice is a way to support and empower everyone, especially in the workplace, as Grow is doing at Growens.<\/span><\/p>\n

Currently, Grow<\/strong> functions as a small group that operates both as a committee and a community. We are organised into task forces, each dedicated to promoting various aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). My involvement in Grow, alongside Rachael Eidsmoe, revolves around raising awareness regarding LGBTQIA+ matters<\/strong>. This is where and why we designed a workshop based on the <\/span>Genderbread person worksheet<\/span>, a project that is part of <\/span>Hues<\/span><\/a> (a global justice collective).<\/span><\/p>\n

Why the Genderbread Person Worksheet?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Genderbread Person<\/em><\/p>\n

The Genderbread Person Worksheet is a powerful thought-provoking tool<\/strong> designed to help individuals explore and understand the complexities of gender, sexuality, romantic and sexual attraction, and gender expression. It not only facilitates open conversations but also acknowledges the wide spectrum of identities that humans can embrace. This worksheet provides a wonderful and accessible starting point for engaging discussions on these topics.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Genderbread Person Worksheet breaks down a \u201ccomplicated concept into bite-sized, digestible pieces\u2019\u2019. Using the metaphor of a person shaped like a cookie, each topic is visually represented and connected to the corresponding body part associated with that aspect. Specifically:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Sex<\/strong> (also called biological, anatomical or physical sex) \u201cis comprised of things like genitals, chromosomes, hormones, body hair, and more\u201d. Sex and gender are not the same;<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Gender identity<\/strong> is the personal conception of the self. \u201cWho you, in your head, know yourself to be, based on how much you align (or don\u2019t align) with what you understand to be the options for gender\u201d;<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Gender expression<\/strong> is how you decide to present yourself to the world \u201cthrough your actions, clothing, demeanour, and more\u201d;<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Attraction<\/strong>, divided in sexual and romantic attraction, a fundamental component that differentiates from the other ones but represents you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Genderbread Person Workshop\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

    The Genderbread Person Workshop was born from a conversation<\/strong>. While Rachael and I were talking about what we could do to share our experiences and knowledge about the LGBTQIA+ world, a thought crossed our minds: how can we enable people to talk about gender and sexuality?<\/span><\/p>\n

    By putting ourselves in our colleagues\u2019 shoes, we realised that not everyone has a wide knowledge about this kind of topic. Sometimes it\u2019s because they never had a chance to be involved in a conversation about it, and sometimes just because they don\u2019t know how to start or participate in them.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The Genderbread Person worksheet was indeed the right tool to help us initiate and guide these discussions effectively. Through this workshop, we aim to facilitate understanding<\/strong> and raise awareness<\/strong> by sharing our (Rachael\u2019s and my own) experiences, and by actively involving participants in the conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

    To reach this goal we decided to divide the workshop into two parts<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The first part focuses on increasing awareness about the 4 key topics<\/strong> of the Genderbread Person worksheet (anatomical sex, gender identity, gender expression, and attraction) by exploring each definition and spectrum. For instance, when exploring gender identity, we delve into various examples such as trans, cisgender, agender, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"SexualSexual and romantic attraction flags slide<\/em><\/p>\n

    The second part of the workshop involves dividing participants into two groups, each tasked with completing their own Genderbread Person worksheet. During this activity, they will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and insights while explaining their completed worksheet. Additionally, participants can address any questions or doubts by directing them to the designated spokesperson of their group. This segment encourages active participation and fosters a collaborative learning environment<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The key-factor of the workshop\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

    The key-factor of this workshop relies on the speakers themselves. Rachael and I come from different countries and cultures<\/strong>, so we bring a wide range of perspectives and insights about the LGBTQIA+ world.<\/span><\/p>\n

    During the workshop we are the ones that start the conversation by sharing our experiences<\/strong>, our Genderbread Person worksheet and by providing different takes on how the world sees gender and sexuality. For instance, since my first language is Italian and Rachael\u2019s is English, we have moments during the workshop in which we examine the differences between inclusive and non-inclusive communication and how these topics are handled across different languages. Moreover, there are a lot of differences \u2014 across Italy, USA and other countries \u2014 on how gender and sexuality are seen and welcomed.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"DifferencesDifferences between English and Italian slide<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

    Providing definitions is the first step<\/strong> to get to know and have a first understanding of the LGBTQIA+ word, but having an intercultural exchange and hearing from people of the community is the final step of raising awareness and expanding the knowledge base.<\/span><\/p>\n

    This is how we want to start the conversation and enable people to continue it in a safe space<\/strong>. However, especially in the workplace, speaking about these topics can be challenging and not everybody is ready to do so right away. It is okay to join the conversation at your own peace, but creating a safe environment that welcomes this types of conversations ease this transition.<\/span><\/p>\n

    During the workshop we provide practical tips and guidance<\/strong> to incorporate this knowledge in your daily lives, enabling participants to communicate and write in a more inclusive manner. Moreover, at the end of the workshop we always say \u201cTake time for yourself and to process. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at any time\u201d. This is how we want to create and foster a safe space for everyone where questions are welcomed and mistakes are a learning opportunity.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"\u201cTake\u201cTake your time\u201d slide<\/em><\/p>\n

    What is the value of this workshop?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

    There are several reasons why this kind of workshop can be helpful for a business environment<\/strong>\/company: it increases awareness and understanding, enhances communication skills, improves inclusivity, fosters personal growth, develops empathy \u2014 just to mention a few benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

    It\u2019s important to foster DEI in workplaces for 4 main reasons<\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n