The Inclusion Bites Podcast

Beyond Binaries: Unpacking Gender Diversity

Cynthia Fortlage explores the complex tapestry of gender equity, historical roles, and the societal journey towards understanding and embracing the full spectrum of gender diversity.

In this thought-provoking episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne joins hands with Cynthia Fortlage, exploring the fluidity of gender roles throughout history, the impact of binaries on society, and the active role inclusion must play within workplaces. Cynthia draws from extensive research and personal experiences to question historical interpretations that enforced gender disparities and examines the broader implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the fight for gender equity. Jo and Cynthia address the setbacks, including pay disparities and representation, offering a deeper glance into the transformation necessary for true societal progress.

Cynthia Fortlage is not only an esteemed gender diversity speaker and consultant, but her journey encompasses a shift from a high-ranking technology executive to a champion of non-binary recognition and women's rights. Her work has influenced over 500 corporations in 30 countries. Cynthia brings a wealth of knowledge and insights into corporate cultures, leadership, and the embracing of diversity. She also speaks on the potential undervaluation of non-binary individuals within statistical measures and the absence of women in specific religious hierarchies, underpinning this with her personal narrative.

The episode shines a light on the historical maltreatment of gender diverse communities and draws connections between biological diversity, inclusivity, and evolving societal norms. Cynthia demonstrates the need for workplaces to adapt and value diversity, underlining the economic and psychological benefits of remote working and inclusive cultures. Jo and Cynthia discuss the role of men, particularly those in privileged positions, in advancing the discussion on sexism, racism, and homophobia.

Listeners are invited to engage with Cynthia directly through LinkedIn or her website to continue this vital conversation. As always, Joanne echoes her appreciation for the audience's support and encourages the growth of the community intended to evolve inclusion by subscribing to and sharing Inclusion Bites.

This episode serves as a rallying cry for re-examination of our core beliefs around gender and inclusivity. It challenges the very foundations of binary thinking, pushing for a world where individuals are not just recognised but celebrated for their unique identities. The key takeaway resonates with an urgency for action, urging organisations to become bastions of change and allies to continue advocating for a society that upholds dignity and equity for all gender expressions.

  Published: 09.05.2024 Recorded: 20.02.2024 Duration: 0:58:17 Downloads:   Shownotes:

• AI Extracts and Interpretations
• The Inclusion Bites Podcast #109: Beyond Binaries — app.castmagic.io
• Other Links
• SEE Change Happen: The Inclusive Culture Experts
• Inclusion Bites Podcast on YouTube

Clips, Quotes and Hook

Gender Roles Throughout History: “if we look at Cleopatra, who was a pharaoh in Egypt, yet pharaoh was an assumed male role. So how was this woman all of a sudden had this role as pharaoh?”
— Cynthis Fortlage [00:10:34 → 00:10:46]

Diversity within Humanity: “We are so diverse and the spectrum is so wide that at the end of the day, the fact is that biologically we are very diverse.”
— Cynthis Fortlage [00:12:28 → 00:12:39]

Perceptions of Left-Handedness: “And everybody uses the study of left handedness where at one point it was illegal and then it was considered, well, if you write or use or dominant with your left hand, then you are working with the devil, and that’s the devil’s hand.”
— Cynthis Fortlage [00:13:46 → 00:14:03]

Historical Omissions of Female Voices in Religious Texts: “many of the books that were created by women were not included. None of them were included in the final product that we see in use today”
— Cynthis Fortlage [00:20:11 → 00:20:20]

Perceptions of Intelligence Through History: “Well, if that’s true, then if we go all the way back to some of the prehistoric peoples and so forth, they had larger skulls and larger brains, but that did not make them necessarily smarter and so forth.”
— Cynthis Fortlage [00:25:30 → 00:25:47]

Diversity in Senior Leadership: “Based upon the current trend of how many leaders actually make it to that most senior level and are black, it’s going to take about 235 more years.”
— Cynthis Fortlage [00:29:38 → 00:29:49]

Fostering Inclusivity in the Workplace: “And so the reality is that what we have to do is get together to start overcoming all of these biases and perceptions that hold us back and the realisation that we have to start shifting it.”
— Cynthis Fortlage [00:36:50 → 00:37:08]

NHS Waiting Lists and Patient Care: “It was on the BBC News last night, I think it was, and they were talking about the NHS waitlists and how all the people that have been referred to specialists are no longer counted on those lists, yet they’re still actually waiting for cancer care, for heart treatment, for some very serious health conditions.”
— Cynthis Fortlage [00:46:00 → 00:46:19]

Corporate Privilege and Self-Actualization: “I quote, had made it, and I had the salary and the cars and the house and the holiday and the bank account and everything else.”
— Cynthis Fortlage [00:52:56 → 00:53:04]

Gender Identity and Social Challenges: “I have men who try and put their power over me to show that they are, quote, sexually superior or so forth and create advancements that I didn’t ask for in my personal space or that I’m trying to get from point a to b and they feel they get to interject because, well, it’s just convenient for them.”
— Cynthis Fortlage [00:54:39 → 00:55:05] Please connect with our hosts and guests, why not make contact..?
Brought to you by your host Joanne Lockwood
SEE Change Happen
A huge thank you to our wonderful guest Cynthia Fortlage
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