Since assuming the role of Vice-President, Human Resources & Equity in October 2016, I have had the opportunity to study how we can better create and support an inclusive work environment for all faculty, staff, and librarians.

After consulting with key clients and stakeholders, I am pleased to announce that effective immediately, all employees, including transgender individuals and those who do not identify as male or female, are now able to identify as a ‘X’ in our HR information system, along with ‘M’ (male) or ‘F’ (female). Employees are also now able to change their “display name” (i.e. the name they wish to go by at work), and their form of address (i.e. Mr., Ms., Mx [pronounced ‘mix’]).

By introducing an ‘X’ gender option, we are taking an important step towards advancing equity and equality for all our employees, regardless of their gender identity or expression. The introduction of ‘X’ will also ensure that employees have access to the health and well-being resources they need, both within the University and with externally-provided services (such as health benefit coverage). Any employees who wish to change their name, gender designation, or form of address will not have to provide documentation showing a legal gender or name change.

More work is also underway to enhance University systems so that anyone at the institution will be able to change their name and have it used throughout the University in a consistent manner.

Faculty, staff, and librarians who are interested in updating their Human Resources record with ‘X’ are encouraged to contact their Business Officer or Divisional HR Office. If you have any questions or comments about this initiative, or if you identify areas where you believe your gender or name is not appearing correctly, please contact us at hrandequity@utoronto.ca.