Disinformation spreads in the workplace

During the conference, several speakers reiterated that there is growing opposition to transgender rights. In recent years, disinformation about trans people has been spread in the Nordic countries, as well as in many other countries. The conference highlighted that the negative stereotypes being spread affect the working lives of transgender people, as the rhetoric seeps into the workplace and creates an unsafe environment.

In addition to the direct impact of negative rhetoric on trans people, the conference highlighted that disinformation risks creating a stigma around researchers working on issues related to the lives of trans people. There is concern that disinformation will lead to a reduction in research funding. The growing opposition to transgender rights is also evident in other sectors. Many companies and organisations that stand up for transgender rights describe encountering strong negative reactions, not least on social media, and there is concern that this will eventually lead to voices being silenced and to work for transgender rights coming to a standstill.

Not least with regard to the social climate, the conference emphasised that the attitude of upper management is crucial to creating a welcoming workplace. In addition to the knowledge needed across HR departments and managers working in the organisation, commitment is needed right up to CEO level. As stated by, for example, Wenche Fredriksen (NO), Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Den Norske Bank (DNB), which aims to be a pioneer in equality and diversity work and is one of the main sponsors of Oslo Pride. In the closing panel discussion, she made a promise to the conference participants:

Wenche Fredriksen (NO). Photo: Maja Brand