WE NEED TO STOP POLICING GENDER EXPRESSION IN PHILANTHROPY. From an essay by @cgarcia_leon.

In nonprofit, we deal with money & serious matters. As a result, being able to wear something outside what is perceived as “normal” is only reserved for creative types. This leads to trans & non-binary folx having a disadvantage working in nonprofit.

As fundraisers, we’re not allowed to move past the heteronormative standards of behavior. This is a major problem because creativity is necessary in fundraising. There’s already a lack of staffing of trans & nonbinary BIPOC individuals in the sector.

These folx are already facing erasure of identities through the erasure of their writings. We are doing additional disservice by not allowing these folx to express themselves authentically in the workplace, especially when interfacing with donors.

This is an intersectional issue. Expressing yourself outside of our perceived gender is celebrated if you are white & thin. This kind of expression from BIPOC and/or body diverse individuals is not as admired.

Let people wear what they feel most comfortable in. Dress codes is another barrier of classism that our sector has trouble dealing with. For those worrying about the slippery slope problem of “how far is too far,” give folx the benefit of the doubt.

Nonprofits often act like their policies are unchangeable. As a result, they are unwilling to accept the benefits of change & create moments of discomfort that could provide helpful insights for what is holding these systems of oppression in place.

It’s a harmful practice because it forces us to create inauthentic or fabricated personas, centering whiteness and generating toxicity for BIPOC individuals. Give your donors the opportunity to interact with your fundraiser’s true self.

It’ll give the fundraiser an opportunity to speak w/ donors about other issues that go hand-in-hand with DEI statements. If donors aren’t willing to listen, make negative comments about outfit decisions, or don’t make an effort to grow — drop them.

This is not an easy decision. But in this time & age, there is simply no room for those who aren’t willing to make the effort. There may be people that leave. If you are committed to changing for the better, you have to learn to be okay with that.

This is not only for your future employees, but for your future donors & patrons. Gender norms are things that younger generations are breaking down. These people are our future donors!

If we want to attract & sustain these younger generations, we have to understand that policing gender expression at work is no longer viable.

Read Carlos’ full essay here: https://communitycentricfundraising.org/2021/01/27/the-untold-dress-code-in-philanthropy-how-and-when-we-choose-to-police-gender-expression/