This morning, Pure Kitchen just announced that they are taking the next step towards trans inclusion and gender diversity in the workplace, by inviting staff and patrons to wear pronoun buttons at Pure.
"Pure Kitchen is honoured to partner with the Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity (CCGSD) to invite our work-family and patrons to feel comfortable being their truest self in an inclusive environment" said Tara Porter, Pure Kitchen's Community Outreach Coordinator.
"Our work manifesto has always included that our work space and offerings are for everyone and everybody - this partnership is another key to opening our doors to all who share the same values. As it says on our walls, 'We are always evolving.'"
While many establishments in Ottawa have made the important commitment of 2LGBTQI+ inclusion like creating gender neutral bathrooms; today, Pure Kitchen launches a further challenge to all business in Ottawa to also to celebrate gender diversity, and support trans and non-binary staff and patrons by embracing and encouraging the use and understanding of pronoun buttons.
Pure Kitchen is a member of Ottawa's Proud City, a network of 2LGBTQI+ friendly businesses and organizations in Ottawa, working together to address barriers the local 2LGBTQI communities are facing. The campaign includes free training for businesses and tools on how to improve services.
"This is a huge step forward" said Calla Barnett, President of the Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity.
"Today, we have Ottawa's first restaurant, supporting trans employees by creating strategies that both address discrimination and celebrate identity, it is brilliant."
We think this is an important step, towards addressing gendered assumptions which contribute to misgendering folks based on social norms and cues. Pure Kitchen will also be putting up new awareness posters in the restaurants to ensure everyone will respect each individual's gender identity, implementing a full staff training on trans inclusion and 2LGBTQI 101, and providing staff with pronoun buttons that they are encouraged to wear.
Pure Kitchen has also selected the Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity as one of their Community Smoothie recipients for December, so check out their new chocolate chai smoothie and help raise awareness and funds for the CCGSD's educational program.
THE CANADIAN CENTRE FOR GENDER & SEXUAL DIVERSITY (PRESS RELEASE)