LGBT+ Bias with Lucie Bajgart and Matej Ftacnik

On Air: Podcast by Femme Palette

What are the biases towards LGBT+ people and how do we reinforce them? How can companies prevent unfairness in the workplace and we all can do to help everyone feel safe? We invited Lucie Bajgart and Matej Ftacnik to discuss this and more!

About the guests:

Lucie Bajgart

Lucie is a freelance designer working with international clients from her studio in Prague. Her clients include companies such as fintech giant Klarna, Czech startups Productboard and Snuggs and San Francisco based Empower. Her focus is branding and product design. Lucie identifies as a gay queer woman with her/she pronouns.

Matej Ftacnik

Matej is a co-founder of Vacuumlabs, where he now works as CEO. In 2019, Matej was named EY Technology Entrepreneur of the Year in Slovakia. In the past, he significantly contributed to the creation of the Slovak startup scene and now, in addition to Vacuumlabs, he is also involved in other innovative projects such as Daylight, the first digital banking platform for the LGBT+ community in the USA or the first FintechHub in Slovakia.

Insights from the speakers:

• Don’t assume other person’s sexual orientation
• Don’t make jokes that put other people down
• Keep an open mind, listen to people and respect who they are and what they say
• Think about the power of your words and swap some that no longer serve
• Don’t let offensive slurs or comments slide around you
• Feel free to ask people 1:1 how they wish to be addressed
• Don’t beat yourself up for past mistakes
• Companies can sign the Diversity Charter to show they are serious about safe environment for everyone
• Companies should revisit their benefit packages (e.g. marriage bonuses)