Transgender Law Center Launches Expanded Transform Tech Initiative

(San Francisco, CA - July 31, 2017 )- Today, as part of an ongoing partnership with Slack Technologies, Inc., Transgender Law Center (TLC) is excited to announce the next phase of Transform Tech, an initiative which launched in April with a summit for transgender people working in the technology sector and leaders in the field to connect and discuss challenges. This second phase will focus on the creation of a comprehensive set of curriculum for use across the technology sector to better assure the inclusion and retention of transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) employees, potential talent, and clients.

"At a time when transgender people across the country are under attack, it's heartening to see the tech sector take concrete action to invest in greater support for transgender communities," said Kris Hayashi, executive director of Transgender Law Center, the largest trans-led organization in the country.

The curriculum will include recruitment and hiring best practices for TGNC potential candidates that will address any existing obstacles. Additionally, for those technology companies who provide client services, the curriculum will also provide skills and language to better serve TGNC customers. Slack has provided the initial funding for the creation of this curriculum, and will continue to work in partnership with Transgender Law Center to develop, trial and accelerate its adoption in the tech community.

TLC will build on its long standing partnerships with the tech and business communities by offering curriculum on a variety of topics from trans-inclusive healthcare policies, data collection practices, and restroom/facility usage.

"At Slack, we strongly believe that all people deserve equal treatment under the law, and our ongoing partnership with Transgender Law Center is an effort to change in our industry and beyond," said David Schellhase, General Counsel at Slack. "We share TLC's belief that gender self-determination and authentic expression are basic human rights, and our hope is that this curriculum helps make tech a more welcoming and inclusive place for transgender and gender nonconforming employees."

The first Transform Tech summit, hosted by TLC and Salesforce in partnership with Lesbians Who Tech, brought together over 200 tech industry employees and leaders for a day of workshops, panels, and learning. For more information on Transform Tech, please visit: https://transgenderlawcenter.org/transform-tech.

Read this statement online: https://transgenderlawcenter.org/archives/13971


Transgender Law Center is the largest national organization dedicated to advancing justice for transgender and gender nonconforming people through litigation, policy advocacy, and public education. Transgender Law Center envisions a future in which all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression. www.transgenderlawcenter.org

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