The Old Waconian 49 2021 | Page 28

Striving for Inclusion

Interview by Emma Clarke
Tarique Shakir-Khalil , Class of 1988
Real estate investor | Former PwC Partner | Lauréat 2020 Role Models in France - LGBT + & Allies
Tarique Shakir-Khalil is an LGBT + ally striving for a more inclusive society . He was a Lauréat in the French 2020 LGBT + Rôles Modèles awards and was the ambassador for SHINE during his tenure as a partner at PwC .
“ When my son came out as trans I was so grateful he felt able to speak to me . But I soon realised that many other kids don ’ t have that sense of safety . As time passed , I wanted to do something to help .”
For Tarique , this presented a rich opportunity for personal growth . “ Becoming genuinely aware of LGBT + issues can be hugely beneficial ,” he says .
Tarique used social media to share LGBT + information and ideas . “ I used my 30 year business network . At first , I wondered if I ’ d be alienating people who are uncomfortable talking about this but I decided that being authentic was more important to me .”
Tarique became a regular speaker in LGBT + ally seminars . He involved other businesses as well as his own company as well as supporting school and university events . Such events offer fantastic networking opportunities . “ With so little effort you can do so much to create an inclusive , supportive environment for everybody ,” he says . “ The most important thing you can do is educate yourself . Accept there are a lot of things you know and lots that you don ’ t know .”
Changing our vocabulary is one way to help . “ Language is powerful . Use words that don ’ t have inbuilt assumptions about the person with whom you are speaking . Words like ‘ boyfriend ’ can easily be swapped for ‘ partner ’ which would make someone feel considerably more at ease if the ‘ boyfriend ’ about whom you were asking was in fact a ‘ girlfriend ’. Of course mistakes will be made but if the intention is there that ’ s fine .”
Tarique suggests one way businesses can improve LGBT + awareness is by running compulsory training on natural bias , particularly in HR . “ Recruiters need to recognise their conscious or unconscious biases and prejudices . This can seriously impact the careers and wellbeing of LGBT + people .”
What small , simple things can everyone do ? “ I use the Pride rainbow symbol in my email signature , on lanyards and on my business cards to immediately communicate that I ’ m a friend .”
For schools Tarique recommends that LGBT + awareness should be an everyday topic , like bullying . “ Make it a subject that comes up . Talk about it . Make it part of school life .”
He recommends that teachers review gender-normed teaching practices . “ For instance , in music classes voices can be grouped by tonality , not by gender . In sport , do boys and girls need to be routinely separated ? Be open to exceptions .”
Tarique has one overarching message for parents . “ The person who will best educate you is your own child . Listen to your child .”
Beyond the Green Door | Edition 49 15