YW Boston announces new gender inclusivity practices

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BOSTON, Mass – November 20, 2016 – Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance, YW Boston announces its increased commitment to creating a community that is inclusive of all genders. The organization is undertaking internal practice and policy shifts to improve gender inclusivity, and is expanding these practices to its public-facing engagements as well.

“We are instilling these practices because we want to make sure that people of all genders have the freedom to be who they are, and the dignity to be treated as such,” said Youth/Police Dialogues Manager and Gender Inclusivity Group co-founder Mica Warton. “It is key to achieving our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.”

Among the practices YW Boston is instituting, led by the Gender Inclusivity Group:

  • Staff training on gender identity, gender expression, and creating an environment of inclusivity;
  • Sharing personal pronouns along with names and titles at meetings and personal introductions;
  • Incorporating personal pronouns  into nametags, forms, and other material that connects the public to the organization; and
  • Reviewing organizational policies to ensure they facilitate inclusion of people of all genders.

The organization is also exploring the development of a gender neutral bathroom. 

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YW Boston has been a leader in building a better Boston for all since 1866, when it was founded as the first YWCA in the nation. Today, YW Boston serves over 3,000 Bostonians with programs that educate + empower people across racial, gender, class, and organizational lines. YW Boston is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. 

Press Contact:
Emily Boardman
YW Boston
eboardman@ywboston.org
617-585-5414