Inclusion and Belonging

Challenging the Supreme Court: The Real Impact of the Ruling on Trans Lives

Challenging the Supreme Court: The Real Impact of the Ruling on Trans Lives
In this compelling article, award-winning speaker and trans awareness educator Rikki Arundel challenges the UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the definition of sex under the Equality Act. Drawing on decades of experience shaping equality legislation, Rikki argues that the ruling misrepresents the original intent of the Act, undermines the Gender Recognition Act, and fuels a dangerous climate of fear and discrimination against trans and non-binary people. The article dissects the biased interim guidance from the EHRC and highlights the real-world consequences — from vigilante harassment to social exclusion — now facing gender non-conforming individuals. It ends with a rallying call to organisations to visibly support trans inclusion during Pride Month and beyond. This is essential reading for anyone concerned about human rights, workplace inclusion, or the integrity of equality law in the UK.
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Mental Health Awareness Week: Why This One Matters More Than Ever for Trans and Non-Binary People

Mental Health Awareness Week: Why This One Matters More Than Ever for Trans and Non-Binary People
In a powerful and timely piece for Mental Health Awareness Week, award-winning speaker and trans inclusion educator Rikki Arundel calls attention to the devastating impact of recent events on the mental health of trans and non-binary individuals. Highlighting the toxic backlash following the Supreme Court ruling on the Equality Act, Rikki paints a deeply personal yet universal picture of how public debates and media hysteria translate into real-world fear, isolation, and stigma. The article calls on allies, friends, and employers to step up—urging them to show support, not just during Pride Month but now, when it is needed most. With statistics on suicide and self-harm among gender non-conforming people already alarmingly high, Rikki offers both a sobering warning and a hopeful call to action: inclusion and allyship are not seasonal values—they are lifelines.
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Beyond the Binary: How Embracing They/Them Pronouns Can Help Bridge Divides

Beyond the Binary: How Embracing They/Them Pronouns Can Help Bridge Divides
In a world increasingly defined by polarisation, language has the power to break down barriers. In their latest article, Rikki Arundel explores how embracing they/them pronouns is not just about inclusivity - it’s about challenging binary thinking and fostering a more equal society.
 
We already use they/them in everyday speech:
Someone left their phone - do you know if they’ll be back?
Tell whoever calls that I’ll get back to them.
 
If this is second nature, why do we struggle when someone asks for they/them as their identity? Rigid binaries fuel division - whether in politics, gender, or identity - and adopting non-binary pronouns is a small but powerful way to move toward a more nuanced, inclusive world.

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Bridging the Divide: How Leaders Can Navigate Trans Rights Conversations in the Workplace

Bridging the Divide: How Leaders Can Navigate Trans Rights Conversations in the Workplace
In this insightful article, Rikki explores how business leaders, HR professionals, and DEI specialists can navigate the divisive debate around trans rights in the workplace. Drawing on Justin Lee’s Talking Across the Divide and Social Identity Theory, the article explains why these discussions often become emotionally charged and how leaders can foster meaningful, respectful dialogue. Rather than forcing agreement, Rikki advocates for a strategic approach—shifting the goal from winning debates to planting seeds of understanding, using storytelling to create emotional connections, and emphasising shared values to build common ground. The article offers practical steps for facilitating workplace discussions that reduce polarization, ensuring all employees feel respected and heard. With trans rights increasingly at the forefront of workplace culture, this article provides timely guidance for leaders looking to manage these conversations effectively. It also highlights Rikki’s expertise as a speaker for Pride Month and beyond.

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The Manufactured Crisis: How the Gender-Critical Movement Misleads the Public on Trans Rights

The Manufactured Crisis: How the Gender-Critical Movement Misleads the Public on Trans Rights
Award-winning speaker and LGBTQ inclusion expert Rikki Arundel exposes the misleading narratives pushed by the gender-critical movement in their latest article, “The Manufactured Crisis: How the Gender-Critical Movement Misleads the Public on Trans Rights.”

For years, gender-critical activists have used distorted statistics and fear-driven rhetoric to portray trans women as a threat to cisgender women. However, there is no credible evidence supporting these claims. Instead, the real dangers to women—rising sexual violence, police misconduct, and the radicalization of young men into misogyny—are being ignored.

Rikki argues that business and public sector leaders cannot afford to ignore the impact of this misinformation. A toxic workplace culture, where trans employees feel unsafe or silenced, damages productivity, morale, and inclusivity.

Through compelling analysis, Rikki dismantles gender-critical fear-mongering and calls on leaders to take action. The solution? Education, inclusion, and truth. Hiring trans speakers and educators ensures organizations foster a culture of respect, equality, and belonging.

This is a must-read for those committed to diversity, equity, and real social progress.
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Rikki Arundel MSc, PSAE, FPSA, ALAM(hons)

 
Meet Rikki Arundel, an award-winning speaker and esteemed speaking coach with over 40 years of expertise in public speaking training and coaching. Rikki, the founder of the UK Professional Speaking Association, has twice won the Toastmasters District 71 Speech Evaluation Contest and holds a prestigious teaching qualification in public speaking as an Associate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.
 
Rikki's approach to coaching is as engaging as it is effective, making them a sought-after mentor for those aiming to captivate and entertain through speech. With a knack for unravelling the complexities of storytelling and audience connection, Rikki guides aspiring and seasoned speakers alike to discover their unique voices and deliver presentations that resonate and inspire.
 
The launch of the Speakers Ecademy marks a new chapter in accessible, comprehensive speaking training from Rikki. This platform promises a wealth of video and written resources, drawing from Rikki's rich reservoir of knowledge and experience. It's designed to elevate your speaking skills, ensuring your messages not only reach but profoundly impact your audience.

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