Cultivating Inclusion for Transgender and Gender Non-conforming Professionals
Transgender and gender nonconforming identities are not new, but they are becoming more visible as dominating systems of oppression are challenged.
In this talk, we delve into the complexities that face transgender and gender nonconforming individuals in STEM workplaces, particularly within engineering. Engineering often exhibits a culture of tolerance rather than active acceptance toward gender diverse practitioners, leading to many experiencing erasure, discomfort, and harassment.
The discussion includes addressing the realities of "coming out”, "passing”, and the gravity of ensuring personal safety in professional environments. Additionally, we will discuss the significance of pronouns and allyship, and how organizational policies and habits can contribute to the marginalization of gender diverse practitioners.
“Allie’s presentation on support and representation of TGNP was amazing. As a Trans person it really reflected my lived experience and helped educate others.”
Learning Outcomes:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of terminology related to gender diversity (including two-spirit, transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming) and their nuances.
Become aware of challenges faced by transgender and gender nonconforming individuals in engineering.
Identify the importance of allyship, building advocacy networks, and questioning organizational norms to move towards inclusion of transgender employees.
Previously Delivered to:
MCW Group
McElhanney
Diamond Schmidt Architects
WSP Canada Inc.
Availability: Online (anywhere), In-person (Ottawa)
“Allie’s talk was very informative and helpful to understand the nuanced ways TGNC professionals have to navigate micro aggressions, advocate for themselves and be resilient in work environments that are not designed for themI think more discussions targeted in the Engineering and Architecture disciplines would be helpful and relevant for all colleagues and the broader industry.”
Allie Kennington (they/them), EIT, BASc
Allie Kennington (they/them) is a queer, white, non-binary environmental engineer-in-training at AtkinsRéalis in environmental regulation and compliance.
Holding a BASc in Geological Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Allie is pursuing a Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering at the same institution. Their experience extends across construction management, hydrogeology, site assessment and remediation, and climate impacts to water quality and groundwater resources.
Allie’s research critiques “empathy” as a limited design tool, and instead proposes that engineering education can be innovated by critically examining the historical context & impacts of discriminatory engineering practices. Their goal is to transform industry practices to authentically include historically-marginalized individuals in the engineering design process. Allie co-founded the Liu-Kennington Award for the 2SLGBTQ+ Engineering Community with Michelle Liu