Impactful Inclusion Toolkit

ACTIVITY 34Cultivate Acceptance

“Our uniqueness, our individuality, and our life experience molds us into fascinating beings. I hope we can embrace that. I pray we may all challenge ourselves to delve into the deepest resources of our hearts to cultivate an atmosphere of understanding, acceptance, tolerance, and compassion. We are all in this life together.”

—Linda Thompson

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Now, more than any other time in history, people are feeling more comfortable in expressing themselves for who they truly are. The reality or the pursuit of living life authentically can be life changing for anyone, but especially those in the transgender community. That said, it's quite likely that we personally know someone who identifies as transgender. Maybe we're aware of who they are or have yet to realize it. Perhaps they are the barista at the coffee shop, your dentist, or your manager. According to the Williams Institute, 1.4 million adults identify as transgender in the United States. Notable members of the transgender community include Laverne Cox, Emmy-nominated actress; Layshia Clarendon, WNBA player; and Martine Rothblatt, CEO of United Therapeutics. Many successful transgender professionals will tell you that a primary reason for their success lies in their ability to live their lives genuinely. The alternative of staying closeted is too overwhelming and mentally exhausting. Yet, the transgender community is probably the most ostracized, most stigmatized, and most discriminated against ...