We understand that gender identity means different things to different people. Gender affirmation is an umbrella term for the range of actions and possibilities involved in living, surviving and thriving in what an individual feels is their authentic gendered selves.

Krithika Hansen, Executive General Manager, People & Culture, says “As an organisation, TelstraSuper is committed to LGBTIQ+ inclusion in line with our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and this policy is just one of the steps we’ve taken to support our LGBTIQ+ community.”

Highlights of the policy

Our new Gender Affirmation policy outlines the support and process available to employees who would like to affirm their gender in our workplace. Key points of the policy are below:

• There is no requirement for any employee to inform TelstraSuper of their intention to affirm their gender; however, if a person chooses to seek assistance from TelstraSuper, appropriate, sensitive, and informed advice and assistance will be available.
• Employees that may begin or complete transitioning their gender while working at TelstraSuper will be fully supported in their journey and their choices.
• Employees affirming their gender can access up to four weeks paid leave and up to twelve months unpaid leave throughout their gender affirmation journey.
• Every employee has the right to choose their name, pronouns, and descriptors.
• Any person wishing to affirm their gender identity at TelstraSuper will be supported by the development of a workplace plan, which includes support people, key dates in the journey, how and when it will be communicated, system changes and other support and training options where needed.
• Every employee has the right to be themselves and feel safe at work – negativity and discrimination will not be tolerated.

TelstraSuper recognises, values and celebrates the diversity of our employees, including diversity in gender identity and expression, which is inclusive of but not limited to trans, non-binary and agender identities. And we’re committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all forms of gender expression, including through dress, personal presentation or other forms of identity that feel right for each individual.

“It’s critical that we create an environment in which everyone feels safe and can fully participate, contribute and thrive,” said Krithika

“While we’ve always been an organisation that values diversity and strives to support our people, this policy formalises our commitment to LGBTIQ+ inclusion by providing clear support channels and processes to allow every employee to come to work as themselves and feel safe to do so.”

To help us launch this policy and to ensure we can fully support our LGBTIQ+ community at TelstraSuper, we’ve partnered with Pride in Diversity, a not-for-profit organisation that specialises in LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion.

“We’re proud to be aligned with such a wonderful organisation and we look forward to working with Pride in Diversity to educate all our people on LGBTIQ+ issues and further inform our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy,” said Krithika.