Are you supporting your Trans colleagues?
Julia Davies
Feeling seen, for who we truly are, matters more than we sometimes realise. It helps us feel connected. Valued. Safe. For some people, that sense of belonging comes naturally — perhaps because they’ve never had to question where they fit or whether they’ll be accepted. For others, it’s far more complicated.
UK research paints a stark picture. Stonewall’s LGBT in Britain report found that 48% of trans people had experienced depression in the previous year. The same report revealed that 41% of trans people had experienced a hate crime or incident because of their gender identity. Meanwhile, the Government Equalities Office National LGBT Survey reported that more than 80% of trans respondents had experienced anxiety in the previous year, and many avoided expressing their gender identity for fear of negative reactions.
Empathy doesn’t require us to have lived the same experiences as someone else. It simply asks us to listen. To stay open. To be willing to understand, even when something feels unfamiliar.
For many transgender people, feeling seen and accepted isn’t a given. And the mental health impact of that lack of acceptance is significant.
UK research paints a stark picture. Stonewall’s LGBT in Britain report found that 48% of trans people had experienced depression in the previous year. The same report revealed that 41% of trans people had experienced a hate crime or incident because of their gender identity. Meanwhile, the Government Equalities Office National LGBT Survey reported that more than 80% of trans respondents had experienced anxiety in the previous year, and many avoided expressing their gender identity for fear of negative reactions.
These statistics are not about being transgender as a problem. They reflect the impact of discrimination, rejection, inequality, and the daily stress of navigating environments that are not always inclusive.
Experiences such as family rejection, workplace exclusion, social stigma, and gender dysphoria can all contribute to poorer mental health outcomes.
And many of these factors persist because, as humans, we are not always talking enough — or being kind enough.
And many of these factors persist because, as humans, we are not always talking enough — or being kind enough.
Workplaces have a powerful role to play. For many adults, work is where we spend the majority of our time. A supportive workplace can act as a protective factor for mental wellbeing. An unsafe one can deepen isolation and distress.
Creating a more inclusive environment for transgender employees doesn’t require perfection. It starts with intention. With curiosity. With respect.
Creating a more inclusive environment for transgender employees doesn’t require perfection. It starts with intention. With curiosity. With respect.
That might look like:
- Using correct names and pronouns
- Challenging discriminatory language or behaviour
- Reviewing policies to ensure they are inclusive
- Providing education and awareness training
- Creating spaces where people feel psychologically safe to speak
When someone feels seen for who they are — not who others assume them to be — it changes everything. It fosters belonging. It reduces isolation. It improves wellbeing.
So here’s a simple question to reflect on:
What are you doing to make your workplace more supportive and inclusive for your trans employees? Sometimes, small changes truly do create life-changing impact.
So here’s a simple question to reflect on:
What are you doing to make your workplace more supportive and inclusive for your trans employees? Sometimes, small changes truly do create life-changing impact.