Kayd Miller
November 30, 2020
Meet Kayd Miller, who has worked with the Berkeley Lab for just over one year as an administrative assistant for the National Microbiome Data Collaborative (NMDC) and Berkeley Lab's KnowledgeBase (KBase) teams. Miller is also a co-chair of the Lambda Alliance ERG, which recently issued new "Gender Identity and Transition in the Workplace" document.
What is the main goal you're hoping to achieve through your work with the Lambda Alliance ERG?
W. Kamau Bell said that sustainable advocacy comes from finding something that you are good at and like doing, and doing that for a cause or group you are passionate about. For me, that is policy analysis. When reviewing documents like the “Gender Identity and Transition in the Workplace” document, my goal is to improve and update the language to be as inclusive and straightforward as possible.
Beyond the worldwide significance of having these cutting-edge guidelines, what is the importance of the “Gender Identity and Transition in the Workplace” document to you?
I have been personally invested in updating these guidelines because I’m currently using them as I am undergoing my gender transition at the Lab. I have a document I can reference that lists my rights and connects me with different resources, and my supervisor also has a document that lists their rights and responsibilities. These guidelines improve the culture of safety for gender-variant employees at the Lab.
What can people do to be an ally to the Sexual-orientation and Gender Minority (SGM) population?
The most important aspect of being an ally is consistent action; it’s not just a one-and-done act. A significant first step would be to come to a Lambda Alliance ERG meeting to see what work is already being done and see how you can help. If you don’t have time during work hours, you could read Out & Equal’s “Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive, Engaging Workplaces” from the Lambda Library collection.
Learn more about the Lab's Lambda Alliance, or sign up to join.