Ep302: Loc'd Out at Work: Black Hair Discrimination, with Walter Gainer II

Changing Lenses: Diversify Your Perspectives

If you’re Black, you’re probably well aware of what Walter Gainer II is going to share in this episode. (Trigger warning, the content may be traumatizing or upsetting to you – please take care of yourself and stop listening at any point.)
.
.

If you’re not Black – you NEED to hear what Walt has to say. I thought I knew about the issue from the general media – but in my privilege, I had no idea how pervasive and intrusive anti-Black hair discrimination actually is.
.
.

If you’re an employer or manager – you especially need to hear Walt’s stories. Workplace discrimination is insidious because it’s rarely overt. #WorkingWhileBlack is a real thing, and if you’re thinking, “not at my company” – think again.
.
.

Tune in as Walter changes our lens on how we see Black hair in corporate North America.
.
.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• 🎙️ The racialized origin of the term locs (or locks, or dreadlocks)
  🎙️ Hair discrimination against men
  🎙️ A defining moment in Walter’s loc journey
  🎙️ Advice for people with locks in corporate jobs
  🎙️ Advice for the rest of us to see locs differently

Link to episode transcript here.

✨Are you looking for job search and career coaching?

As a racialized, recovering recruiter, I'm here to help you survive the search!
👉🏻https://www.changinglenses.ca/jobcoach👈🏻

Find more support and resources, and contact me directly at: https://www.changinglenses.ca/

Guest Bio and References/Links

About Walter Gainer II:

Walter is a host and producer of Boss Locks, a show where we speak to Black leaders from all around the world to identify the range of Blackness and hear their stories of new growth. Walt’s mission is to create support systems for people Working While Black and lead the world to new growth.

Find Walter on:

Website: https://bosslocksmedia.com/
Podcast on Apple (or wherever you listen): Boss Locks
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn

References and resources in this episode:

The CROWN Act (to end hair discrimination): https://www.thecrownact.com/

Walter’s Facebook group to support professionals Working While Black: https://www.facebook.com/groups/workingwhileblack

LinkedIn Creators Accelerator: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6886299814888296448/

✨Support Changing Lenses✨

Buy me a Bubble Tea! 🧉👉🏻 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/changinglenses👈🏻