Retail marketplace company Coles announces ten-day gender affirmation leave

Coles has announced the introduction of ten days of paid leave for trans and gender-diverse employees who will be undergoing gender affirmation.

For the uninitiated, gender affirmation surgery refers to procedures that help people transition to their self-identified gender, mainly through surgeries.

According to the supermarket chain, they have at least at least 900 team members who identify as transgender or gender diverse. 

Coles Pride Steering Committee chair and Chief Legal and Security Officer David Brewster said, "We need to have proper policy and education in this area so there is clear guidance around taking leave for this important transition in their life.”

He also added that the company wants to provide clear guidance for these employees.

In addition to the paid leave, Coles also signed up as an official partner of Pride Cup Australia, which advocates inclusivity and diversity in sport.

"Our Pride network has grown significantly over the past year, and we have Pride committees in every state, driving activity and engagement at a local level," added Brewster.

"Our partnership with Pride Cup Australia will help ensure that LGBTQI+ athletes at all levels can play sport in a safe place in all communities around Australia. Our goal is for the program to reach regional and rural areas as well as in metropolitan locations."