A Mother’s Journey: How My Child’s Courage Inspired Simply Good Form
One day, my family’s world changed forever. The societal ‘village’ that had always supported my children suddenly felt out of reach. We found ourselves on the fringe, wondering why the community we once knew no longer seemed to include us. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a journey. It led to the birth of Simply Good Form. My consultancy is dedicated to building bridges of understanding in workplaces and beyond.
Our story, like many journeys of personal and professional growth, isn’t linear. It’s a tale of transformation. It is much like the moth in our logo. The moth is often mistaken for a butterfly. Yet it is equally beautiful and significant in its own right.
When my child was younger than five, they told me they wanted to grow up to be a butterfly. Little did I know then how prophetic those innocent words would become.
Years later, at age ten, my child found the language to express their gender identity. This revelation triggered a chain reaction. It launched me on my own gender journey of unlearning, learning, and transitioning alongside my child. For an entire summer, I found myself wordless, grappling with a new reality that felt both scary and empowering.
As we navigated this new terrain, we encountered challenges. These challenges opened my eyes to the urgent need for education and empathy in all spheres of life. This is particularly true for the workplace. During a presentation I gave on ‘Going Beyond the Binary,’ I shared statistics that hit painfully close to home:
- 32% of surveyed trans youth had to move away from their communities
- 26% had experienced physical violence
- 96% had heard that being trans was not normal
These weren’t just numbers; they reflected my child’s struggles before adolescence. After three years of harassment and bullying, we pulled our child from middle school. Night terrors led to sleepless nights, and social media threats isolated them. Feeling powerless, we decided to move from the neighborhood we once called home.
It became clear to me that change was necessary, not just in schools and neighborhoods, but in workplaces too. After all, today’s children are tomorrow’s workforce. I started to think about how I would contribute; how I would become part of the solution that I needed to see in the world around me.
This question became the driving force behind Simply Good Form. I recognized that HR directors and business leaders play a crucial role in shaping inclusive cultures. You can create environments where employees bring their whole selves to work. This fosters innovation, loyalty, and success.
At Simply Good Form, we don’t just offer consultancy services.
We share a journey of personal growth and professional development. Our approach is rooted in lived experiences, extensive research, and a deep commitment to fostering belonging.
The Butterfly Effect
I believe in the ‘Butterfly Effect’ – that small actions can lead to significant change. Every conversation, workshop, and policy revision is an opportunity to create ripples of inclusivity that extend far beyond office walls.
Recently, a conference attendee shared with me,
“Your session really hit home for a lot of our members… The people present learned so much and were truly changed.”
These moments remind me why this work matters so deeply.
You might be just starting your inclusion journey. Or you could be looking to enhance existing initiatives. I created Simply Good Form to support you. Together, we can create workplaces where every individual, regardless of their gender identity or expression, can thrive. Let’s work together to build a world where no one feels invisible. In this world, diversity is celebrated. Every person can spread their wings and soar. Are you ready to join me in creating a more inclusive future? Let’s start a conversation and see where it takes us.
*There are approx. 1/2 a million gender diverse and transgender children in Canada. **Canada is home to 1 million people who identity as LGBTQ+, accounting for 4% of the population. 56% of Gen Zers know someone who uses gender neutral pronouns.
The rules must apply to everyone. Only then can many of us as parents exhale and rejoin the Village. Inclusion matters.
This Blog is where I share everything I’ve learned along my journey thus far. It is a place where we celebrate gender diversity and gender identity. It serves as a navigational and support tool for others. They may be beginning their journey and looking for real and true information. It is hopefully an inspiring space where every child can thrive.
Learn more:
Business Support Series: The Bridge Beyond Binary
*Based on stat of 8 million children in Canada and the underreported stat that approx. up to 3% of people identify as transgender (2018).
** Stats Canada, June 2021 and Wunderman Thompson.
Updated: December 2023
