Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/gender-sexuality

Introduction

### Course Review: Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, understanding issues of gender, sexuality, and diversity is more crucial than ever. The Coursera course titled **"Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace"** presents an invaluable opportunity for professionals, educators, and anyone interested in fostering an inclusive work environment. This course offers a comprehensive exploration of key concepts related to gender and sexuality, alongside the evolving nature of these ideas in professional contexts. #### Course Overview The course delves deep into fundamental questions: What do we mean by sex, gender, and sexuality? How do these concepts relate to the workplace, and how have they changed over time? Encompassing a rich tapestry of interdisciplinary studies, this course provides participants not only with theoretical knowledge but also practical insights on navigating diversity in professional settings. #### Syllabus Insights The course is structured to take learners through a progressive exploration of gender and sexuality, encapsulated in four informative weeks: 1. **Changing Landscapes, Identities, and Discourse** - This introductory week sets the foundation by defining key terms like LGBTQIA and contextualizing their relevance in today’s social and political landscape. The shared vocabulary provided here is essential for productive discussions in later sessions. 2. **The History of Gender and Gender in Theory** - Participants will gain insights into the evolution of gender concepts, tracing the historical journey of gender in the U.S. workplace and examining critical theories that emerged from the 1970s to today. This week offers a rich historical perspective, making it clear how past ideas shape present realities. 3. **The History of Sexuality and Sexuality in Theory** - Here, learners will navigate through the development of sexual identities and the various forms of discrimination encountered in the workplace. The discussion covers critical legislative movements, such as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), shedding light on the ongoing struggles for sexual and workplace equality. 4. **Trans Topics Today and Trans in Theory** - This week is particularly enlightening, focusing on the shifting perceptions of transgender identities and the broader implications of gender transgression. It emphasizes the challenges and triumphs of transgender individuals in the workplace, fostering a more nuanced understanding of gender beyond the binary. #### Why Take This Course? **1. Comprehensive Learning:** The course is comprehensive, addressing historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of gender and sexuality in the workplace. This holistic approach allows for a deep understanding of diversity and inclusion practices. **2. Relevance in Modern Workplaces:** In light of growing awareness and advocacy for LGBTQIA rights in the workplace, knowledge of these topics is essential for any professional aiming to create an equitable work environment. **3. Interdisciplinary Approach:** Employing various interdisciplinary tools and methods, the course equips learners with the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing their decision-making and policy-formulation skills. **4. Empowerment through Knowledge:** Gaining an understanding of these critical issues empowers individuals to challenge and change workplace norms, advocating for policies that promote diversity and inclusion. ### Conclusion and Recommendation In conclusion, "Gender and Sexuality: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace" is an essential course for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of gender and sexuality in a work context. It not only equips participants with the necessary knowledge but also encourages critical thinking and advocacy for a more inclusive workplace. I highly recommend this course to HR professionals, managers, educators, and any individuals passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in their organizations. By taking this course, you will be well on your way to contributing positively to a workplace culture that respects and values all identities.

Syllabus

Changing Landscapes, Identities, and Discourse

This week, we introduce a set of key terms (specifically, LGBTQIA) and explore the significance of these terms in a wider social and political context. This sets the groundwork for the following weeks by providing a shared language to discuss key issues in gender and sexuality studies and by introducing a range of critical issues that are directly related to gender and sexuality.

This week, we cover a range of topics on gender including the evolution of ideas about gender, the history of gender in the U.S. workplace, and key theories of gender from the 1970s to the present.

This week, we provide a brief overview of the historical and emerging understanding of sexuality and sexual identity. We then explore the history of sexuality and sexual identity discrimination in the workplace (early days of allowed discrimination against LGB people; larger issue of job insecurity for LGB folks; advent of ENDA, controversies around ENDA –how that has played out to pit LGB people and trans* people against one another).

This week, you will learn about the evolution of understanding about transgender people’s lives and identities, exploring the long history of gender transgression across different cultural contexts, and talk about the ways we understand gender transgression to function. We then discuss how those who identify outside the gender binary present important challenges to fixed ways of being/thinking about gender. Finally, we examine the ways that transgender individuals have faced and surmounted oppression in the workplace (also known as genderism, a term coined by Riki Wilchins), and the kinds of laws that are designed to protect their rights.