P : Thinking about a typical spa guest journey , where do you think spas can have the biggest impact in making trans and non-binary guests feel welcome ?
K : Trans and non-binary people can often tell when a business is uncertain about , or uncomfortable with , inclusion . Often , that starts with language , which may seem miniscule , but actually has the biggest impact on creating spaces that are safe and welcoming . Using inclusive language is a meaningful , but also realistic , way to eliminate gender bias from our everyday interactions .
Regardless of someone ’ s gender expression , each person should have equal access to the same experience . Instead of using unique language and vocabulary for gender non-confirming individuals , adopt updated practices during everyday interactions . For example , offer your own pronouns when greeting a new person and ask guests and colleagues how they would like to be addressed , eliminating gendered greetings and use gender-neutral pronouns until you ’ re able to confirm them or are corrected . And understand that mistakes will happen . The most caring way to react if you are ever corrected for using the wrong pronoun is to simply say , “ Thank you ,” and continue on , while being intentional about addressing the error in the future . Oftentimes , these situations can be avoided altogether by using someone ’ s name rather than their pronouns — everyone loves to hear their name ! n
“ The most caring way to react if you are ever corrected for using the wrong pronoun is to simply say , ‘ Thank you ,’ and continue on , while being intentional about addressing the error in the future .”
Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion Glossary
The language we use is a crucial part of creating spaces that are inclusive of transgender and non-binary guests and staff . Here are a few important terms to keep in mind .
CISGENDER : of , relating to , or being a person whose gender identity corresponds with the sex the person was assigned at birth .
GENDER EXPRESSION : how a person ’ s gender identity is expressed , usually through behavior , clothing , personal styling or voice . Gender expression may or may not conform to social stereotypes about gender .
GENDER IDENTITY : a person ’ s innermost concept of self as male , female , a blend of both or neither — how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves .
NON-BINARY : an adjective describing a person who does not identify exclusively as a man or a woman . Non-binary people may identify as being both a man and a woman , somewhere in between or as falling completely outside these categories .
SEXUAL ORIENTATION : an inherent or immutable and enduring emotional , romantic or sexual attraction to other people .
TRANSGENDER : a broad term for people whose gender identity and / or expression is different from cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth . Being transgender does not imply any specific sexual orientation .
NOTE : all definitions adapted from The Human Rights Campaign . Learn more at hrc . org .
MARCH 2021 ■ PULSE 31