Trans and Non-Binary Assessment Tool

This assessment tool for churches and communities was created by the Trans and Non-Binary Task Force of the Diocese of California. Click below for a PDF version of the assessment tool.

trans_nonbinary_assessment_tool.pdf
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Tangible: 

Forms & paperwork:

• Include the name of use (in addition to any request for a ‘legal’ name)
• Include pronouns (does not use ‘preferred pronouns’) 
• Include gender/sex options beyond female/male (or do not ask for gender/sex at all) Include partnership status and relationship options (include legally recognized and other forms of partnerships) 
• Include gender-neutral honorifics (e.g. Mx. in addition to Mr., Ms.) 
• Emergency contact asks for the relationship to the client 
  

Office/records:

• System for recording name of use and pronoun(s) 
• Name tags/postings include pronouns for all staff and leadership 
• Consent forms/contracts include gender identity/expression non-discrimination pledge People have an anonymous way to express concerns, grievances, complaints, feedback Anti-bias policy explicitly includes gender identity and gender expression, sexual orientation 
• Transgender and non-binary employees can smoothly transition on the job
  • A written policy exists, delineating rights, practices, and protocols for an employee transitioning on the job 
• Transgender and non-binary staff/volunteers have access to bathrooms in line with gender identity and/or all-gender restrooms
• Information provided for background checks is kept confidential [Note: prior names. This information will not impact hiring] 
• All forms are kept confidential that may include information about a staff person’s sex assigned at birth, former name, etc. 
• All staff, leadership, and volunteer orientation includes training on transgender and non-binary cultural competency and addressing bias 

Advertising/Publicity/Website:

• Language and pronouns reflect all genders 
• Websites/name tags/postings include pronouns for all staff 
• Explicit (gender identity/expression) non-discrimination statement included Service exclusions, if any, are explicitly stated 
• Colors/subjects are not skewed toward one gender 
• Human images are diverse 
• Topics appeal to people of various genders, races, interests 
• Trans and/or LGBTQ+ and/or progressive rainbow signs displayed

Building:

• Equal access to all gender restrooms [labeled clearly] 
• Menstrual products are available in all bathroom (does not use “feminine products”) Colors and art are not skewed toward one gender 
• Non-harassment policies explicitly include bathrooms 
• Has visible LGBTQ+ and/or Trans flag 

Library/bookshelves: 

• Trans/LGBTQ+ books displayed for all ages 
• Books on other types of diversity displayed for all ages 
• Included in little free library 

Events: 

• Formation/retreats/events equally and explicitly include transgender and non-binary
  
• Acknowledges Pride Month, Transgender Day of Visibility, Transgender Day of Remembrance, Coming Out Day 
  

Expansive Liturgy: 

• Milestone: Wedding, Baptism, Name-change liturgy 
  
• Changing brothers (& sisters) to Kindred, Siblings, Beloved 
  
• Using gender-expansive names for God 
  
• Add collects for Queer or gender-expansive Saints 
  
• Gender-expansive blessings for Mother and Father’s Day 
  

Youth & YA events: 

• A policy is written that addresses room/roommate placements for trans and non-binary
  
• Ensure there is equal access to restrooms (locations have all-gender options)
  
• Volunteers/Staff are trained on non-discrimination policies related to gender identity/expression and sexual orientation 
  

Intangible: 

Participation and Engagement: 

• What has been our experience working with, showing up for, or serving diverse communities? 
  
• Do you attend, participate, or involved with LGBTQ+ events 
  
• Do you have relationships with LGBTQ+ organizations and community groups
  
• What have been positive experiences:
  
  • Check: What did it feel like? 
    
  • How do you do more? 
    
• What have been negative experiences: 
  
  • Check: What did we learn? 
    
  • Check: What was the problem? Was it rectified? 
    
  • Check: What new procedures can be put in place? 
    
• If you do not have any experience: 
  
  • Check: Why? 
    
  • Check: Who was turned away? 
    

Paying attention to personal attitudes/tones: 

• What is your reaction when issues that affect trans and non-binary people are discussed at meetings, come up in sermons, or conversation? 
  
  • What is your body language? 
    
• Do you have an understanding of what might be invasive curiosity questions?
  
  • If not, who would you ask? 
    
• How are you regularly educating yourself on issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community locally and nationally?