‘Building a More 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusive Business’ workshop coming to Fernie on June 8

The Fernie Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Fernie Pride Society are excited to be bringing a workshop to Fernie employers on how to build a more 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive business. This workshop will take place on Wednesday June 8th, from 11:30am to 1:30pm. Option to join in-person at the Fernie Senior Centre (562 3rd Avenue, Fernie) or online via Zoom. During this session we will look at what a more 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive business may look like, what the benefits are to your business and what steps you can take towards being more 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive.

The speaker line-up (joining via zoom) will feature Loren Christie (Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce) who will discuss the potential of the domestic and international 2SLGBTQ+ markets, ways businesses can benefit from becoming more inclusive, and programs available to assist them on that journey.

Keynote speaker Pam Rocker (American/Canadian, atypical activist, consultant, speaker, and musician) will discuss what buzzwords like ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusion’ actually mean and how to explore common themes of 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion and exclusion with curiosity, openness and empathy. This interactive session will look at both visible and invisible ways to make businesses more welcoming, and how to create a more expansive environment for staff, colleagues, and clients.

The speaker line-up will be rounded out by Courtney Baker (Fernie Pride Society) who will be
introducing the 2SLGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion Guide outlining activities you can start implementing in your business today to start building a more 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive business.

Brad Parsell (Executive Director of the Fernie Chamber) explains, “We are so excited to partner with our friends at the Fernie Pride Society on this important workshop. We know that encouraging and enabling more diverse and inclusive workplaces in Fernie has so many benefits to our businesses in terms of new perspectives and new opportunities – not to mention building on Fernie’s efforts to be a safer and more inclusive destination for 2SLGBTQ+ visitors and residents. I strongly encourage our members to register for this session.”

The in-person workshop is $15.00 to register and includes lunch or join virtually on Zoom for only $5.00.

Registrations can be made at the Fernie Chamber website (www.ferniechamber.com). This event is
being held with the support of Women and Gender Equality Canada.