Be The Change Blog

Hey there, trendsetters of transformation and champions of change! Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating journey through the kaleidoscope of LGBTQIA+ experiences? Brace yourself for riveting stories, empowering insights, and a vibrant community that celebrates the kaleidoscope of love, identity, and everything that makes us beautifully unique.

Here's to #TranscendingLabels 🏷️✨

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The views expressed in blog articles, interviews, and guest submissions on this website belong solely to the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of Be The Transformational Change Fund (BTTC).

BTTC's content is intended to educate and raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ and transgender community issues and to spark discussion. Nothing on this site should be read as an endorsement of, or opposition to, any political candidate, political party, or legislation.

This content is not legal, financial, medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, and it does not create any advisory, professional, or client relationship between you and BTTC. Do not rely on it as a substitute for advice from a qualified professional. Before you act on anything you read here, consult an attorney, a licensed clinician or physician, a financial advisor, or another appropriate expert who can assess your specific situation. We make no promises about outcomes, and we do not warrant that this content is accurate, complete, or current.

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Why Are Nonbinary Employees the Least Likely to Feel Safe at Work?

Nonbinary employees consistently report higher rates of workplace discrimination and lower feelings of belonging than their binary peers. Our 2026 Shine the Light Study, which surveyed 1,386 LGBTQIA+ employees across the United States, found that nonbinary and genderfluid respondents scored the lowest on restroom access and workplace support measures.

Morgan Messick

Jun 4

Three people together - title Negotiate my Salary for LGBTQIA+ Professionals.

How Do I Negotiate My Salary as an LGBTQIA+ Professional?

You can negotiate your salary as an LGBTQIA+ professional using the same market research, documentation, and scripted language any professional would use - with one important addition: an awareness of the identity-based bias that may already be affecting what you are earning.

Morgan Messick

May 21

A Trans person questioning the LGBTQ wage gap

The LGBTQ Wage Gap: What the 2026 Shine the Light Study Reveals About LGBTQIA+ Pay

LGBTQIA+ workers earn 89 cents per dollar. The 2026 Shine the Light Study reveals why — and what to do about it. Data on pay, bias, and negotiation

Morgan Messick

May 5

Code Switching and Identity: Why LGBTQ+ People Often Feel Forced to Change Who They Are

Code-switching is the act of adjusting your speech, appearance, or behavior to mirror the dominant culture, often as a survival tactic in the workplace. Many LGBTQIA+ people use these adjustments to navigate professional environments that may not yet feel safe. It is a common strategy used to manage how others perceive your identity while at work.

Morgan Messick

Apr 23

What Should I Do If a Coworker Keeps Misgendering Me?

f a coworker keeps misgendering you at work, here are practical steps to respond, protect your mental health, and understand your rights.

Morgan Messick

Apr 20

2026 Shine the Light Study – LGBTQIA+ Workplace Experiences & Impact

The 2026 Shine the Light Study reveals that while 74% of LGBTQIA+ workers report feeling supported at work, significant challenges persist, including discrimination and barriers to full workplace inclusion.

Guest Contributor

Apr 10

Workplace Psychological Safety for Trans Folks: Challenges and Solutions

Research shows that 58% of trans employees attempt to hide their gender identity at work, and about a third aren’t open with supervisors about being transgender.

BTTC

Apr 10

Can My Boss Ask That?" - Your Rights Around Gender, Sexuality, and Transition at Work for LGBTQIA+ employees (Be The Transformational Change)

The short answer is: usually, no. Your employer does not have the right to pry into your sexual orientation, gender identity, or medical history just because they're curious or uncomfortable. But knowing where the lines are, and what to do when someone crosses them, makes a real difference. Here's what you need to know. Can my employer legally ask about my sexual orientation or gender identity? Generally, no. In the United States, the Supreme Court's 2020 ruling in Bostock v

Morgan Messick

Mar 12

How Do I Come Out to My Partner as Trans or Non-Binary?

Coming out to a partner is one of the most vulnerable conversations a person can have.

Morgan Messick

Mar 2

How do I Date as a Transgender or Non-Binary Person?

How Do I Date as a Transgender or Non-Binary Person? Dating as a trans or non-binary person comes down to the same things it does for everyone: real attraction, mutual respect, and genuine compatibility. The difference is that you also get to prioritize people and spaces that truly see and honor who you are. You decide when and whether to share personal details, and you don't owe anyone a lesson on your identity just because they're interested in you. The standard is simple:

Guest Contributor

Feb 19

What does it mean to be Aromantic?

Visibility starts with understanding. 💚 Today we’re breaking down what it means to be aromantic—and why representation matters.

Morgan Messick

Feb 8

Starting Fresh in 2026: 5 Ways to Build a Life You Love LGBTQ I Be The Transformational Change

Let's face it, 2025 was rough for the LGBTQIA+ community. Here are some tips on building the life that you love.

Morgan Messick

Jan 29

How to Set (And Keep) Healthy Relationship Boundaries” I Be the Transformational Change

Boundaries are a mental health tool - one of the most powerful ones you have - and they're essential for showing up authentically in your relationships and your life. So why do so many of us struggle with them?

Morgan Messick

Jan 14

Sleigh the Holidays: A Queer persons guide to handling uncomfortable conversations

The holidays are supposed to be about warmth, connection, and joy. But if you're LGBTQIA+, you know they can also mean bracing yourself for invasive questions, comments that sting, and conversations that leave you exhausted before dessert even hits the table.

Morgan Messick

Dec 16, 2025

Chosen Family: Why it matters and how to build one.

The holiday season can bring up complicated feelings about family. While some people look forward to gathering around the table with their relatives, others find themselves navigating strained relationships, feeling out of place, or wondering where they truly belong. If this resonates with you, please know that you are never alone. The love, support, and connection that family is supposed to provide can be found elsewhere:

Morgan Messick

Dec 12, 2025

The Grief That Doesn't Go Away: Living with Rejection After Coming Out

Living with Rejection after coming out.

Morgan Messick

Dec 8, 2025

“What Does It Mean To Be Non-Binary? Your Questions Answered.” I Be The Transformational

What does it mean to be Non-Binary Gender isn’t always as simple as “man” or “woman.” Some people identify with aspects of both, some don’t fit either category, and some experience their gender in ways that shift over time. These identities exist outside the traditional gender binary, and the term non-binary is used to describe them. Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s dive into what non-binary means, how it connects to other gender identities, and some practical ways you c

Morgan Messick

Nov 12, 2025

Gender 101: How to Talk About Identity Respectfully (Without Overthinking It)” I Be The Transformational Change

Imagine you’re in a coffee shop and someone introduces themselves using “they/them” pronouns. You want to be respectful - but suddenly, your brain freezes. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Morgan Messick

Oct 14, 2025