Jen ORyan - Inclusive AF: A Field Guide for Accidental Diversity Experts

Praise for Inclusive AF

Jen ORyan has given a gift to the diversity and inclusion community and anyone challenged to create and maintain an inclusive, welcoming work environment. Inclusive AF is often conversational in tone, sometimes funny, but always founded in science and experience that is both relatable and practical. Literally a quick, direct, and easily understood field guide for those aspiring to translate good ideas and intentions into meaningful and sustainable results.

David Feldman, Manager,
Supplier Diversity, Chevron Corporation

This is a book like no other I have ever read about Diversity & Inclusion. It takes an entirely different angle and approach than Ive ever seen before. If youre looking for a totally different angle and approach, you want this book and you want to read it cover to cover! Its outstanding.

Diane Conklin, Complete Marketing Systems

I love Inclusive AF! This book is REAL, outshining other, sometimes dull books written in a monochrome business style. Its like sitting down with Dr. ORyan for a coffee. As an Inclusion & Diversity professional, I would have loved this book at the start of my journey, and highly recommend it to everyone on the path.

Brian Ballantyne, Senior Program Manager,
Inclusion & Diversity, Amazon

Inclusive AF unpacks in a clear, direct way the neuroscience and sociological dimensions of encountering difference in the workplace. The reader will gain a deeper understanding of what has shaped the lives of the LGBTQ+ people they meet both in regular life and, in particular, at work. This is an essential handbook for how to create a welcoming and sustainable work environment in which LGBTQ+ employees can thrive.

Pierre Bradette, LGBTQ+ Community Activist and Management Consultant

This one will remain in my go-to resource library. Inclusive AF! offers an attainable path for HR teams, to reconstruct the antiquated policies of passively handling humans as a resource, instead of as an investment to improved company environments.

Kym Adams, CEO, The Business Team

Reading this guide feels like finding that endearingly quirky expert who explains the complicated science in hero movies. Imagine having that character explain inclusion and diversity. I am more comfortable leading Inclusion and Diversity efforts with this book in hand.

Mia Rella, Finance Professional,
Bank of America Merrill

Inclusive AF:

A Field Guide for

Accidental Diversity Experts

Jen ORyan, PhD

Copyright 2020 Jen ORyan, PhD. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication shall be reproduced, transmitted, or sold in whole or in part in any form without prior written consent of the author, except as provided by the United States of America copyright law. Any unauthorized usage of the text without express written permission of the publisher is a violation of the authors copyright and is illegal and punishable by law. All trademarks and registered trademarks appearing in this guide are the property of their respective owners.

For permission requests, write to the below address:

Jen ORyan

1752 NW Market Street, #212

Seattle WA, 98107

The opinions expressed by the Author are not necessarily those held by PYP Academy Press.

Ordering Information: Quantity sales and special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the author at Jen@DoubleTallLLC.com.

Edited by: Caroline Davis & Nancy Crompton

Cover design by: Jonathan Nesan

Typeset by: Medlar Publishing Solutions Pvt Ltd., India

Printed in the United States of America.

ISBN: 978-1-951591-30-4 (hardcover)

ISBN: 978-1-951591-31-1 (paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-951591-32-8 (ebook)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020917074

First edition, September 2020.

The information contained within this book is strictly for informational purposes. The material may include information, products, or services by third parties. As such, the Author and Publisher do not assume responsibility or liability for any third-party material or opinions. The publisher is not responsible for websites (or their content) that are not owned by the publisher. Readers are advised to do their own due diligence when it comes to making decisions.

The mission of the Publish Your Purpose Academy Press is to discover and publish authors who are striving to make a difference in the world. We give marginalized voices power and a stage to share their stories, speak their truth, and impact their communities. Do you have a book idea you would like us to consider publishing? Please visit PublishYourPurposePress.com for more information.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to change agents everywhere, and to the unique value of being seen. To those fighting battles that no one else knows about. To those mustering every ounce of courage to walk through the world as who they are. To those who leverage the position or privilege they have, and use it to elevate others, amplify voices, and instigate change. To those weve lost, and those who are still here. You belong.

You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

Contents

Acknowledgements

This has to start by acknowledging the individuals who have shared their stories with me. Your courage and candor with such personal experiences is humbling; I cannot thank you enough for allowing me, and now others, inside.

Countless thanks to my husband, Paul, for (mostly) respecting closed doors and focus time. For those other instances, I offer countless apologies for using profanity like it was glitter on a macaroni art project. You have talked me in from multiple ledges, opened more than one bottle of writing juice, and listened no matter what. I love you. There will probably be another book; sorry for that in advance.

Ray, Kai, and Sydneythank you for being early readers and slogging through some very rough, rough drafts. It is no small task to cover all that ground, while also providing direct and honest feedback. You helped shape this work in multiple ways and its very much appreciated.

To my parents, Wayne and Joanne, thank you for your relentless encouragement and showing us how to find good in the world. Lauren, my sister and original partner in crime, thanks for always having my back. Spencer, you are my light. I couldnt ask for a better son; the world Is a better place with you in it.

My friends and colleagues, you are amazing human beings. I am extremely grateful for your unwavering support along this journey. I could not have made it this far without you all.

Id also like to thank Jenn T. Grace, founder of Publish Your Purpose. Your insights, and uncanny ability to make this all attainable, are greatly appreciated. The book and I are much better works because of your influence.

Thanks also to my doctorate mentor, Dr. Connie Fickenscher. I am extremely grateful to have been able to work with you. None of this happens without the integrity, commitment, and grit that you make seem so effortless.