Enhancing Workplace Inclusivity for TGNC (Transgender/Nonconforming) Communities: “A Path to Psychological-Safety”

Abstract

Discrimination against transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals remains a
pervasive issue, significantly impacting their psychological safety and overall well-being. This marginalised
community faces an array of challenges, including experiencing homelessness, poverty, and harassment, which
are interconnected and, to a considerable extent, a consequence of systemic discrimination. Studies by Tebbe
et al. (2019) reveal that the TGNC community grapples with disproportionately high rates of homelessness,
poverty, and harassment, thus highlighting the systemic nature of the challenges they confront. Workplace
discrimination within the TGNC community extends across a spectrum, impacting individuals’ authenticity and
potential for forced engagement in underground economy work to offset poverty, including survival sex work
and drug dealing (Par & Howe, 2020).

Workplace discrimination is a pivotal determinant of psychological safety and well-being for TGNC individuals.
Frazier et al. (2017) emphasise the critical importance of preventing discrimination and conflict in the
workplace, which contributes to negative mental health outcomes. The consequences of discrimination are
profound. A significant portion of the TGNC community reports a history of suicidal ideation, ranging from 45%
to 77% (Testa et al., 2017). Promoting psychological safety and well-being for this marginalised community is
not only a moral imperative, but also a pathway to fostering more prosperous and inclusive societies. This
research utilises a qualitative methodology, through semi-structured interviews among diverse gender
identities. By exploring the lived experiences of TGNC individuals in the workplace, this study uncovers the
impact of discrimination on psychological well-being. The results of the findings demonstrate how to improve
the psychological-safety of gender-diverse communities through