Dr. Tom Bourdon is an organizational leader who has served at the helm of multiple Diversity & Inclusion (D&I), social justice, LGBTQ, and education-focused organizations. Having recently relocated with his family to Melbourne, Victoria, he is currently working with clients based in both the US and Australia. Bourdon’s 20+ years of experience in the corporate, non-profit, higher education and the government sectors have allowed him to partner and consult with countless organizations in need of strategic guidance and expertise. He is highly sought after as an independent consultant, trainer, educator and coach because of his unique style: culturally competent, genuine, intelligent, fun to work with and passionate about creating positive change.
Tom Bourdon was one of three DE&I experts who conceived the Pandemic Resource Guide, created during the COVID-19 pandemic to highlight the very best practices to establish a culture of inclusivity for employees, customers, business partners and stakeholders. Bourdon served as co-editor and contributor, and helped mobilize over 20 additional DE&I professionals to take part … More COVID-19 Pandemic Resource Guide: Remote Work
One of my personal life-mantras is to think positively and do what I can do to make this world a better place. However, that mantra feels really challenging right now, knowing our country just elected a president who is considered by many to be a racist, sexist, misogynistic, and xenophobic demagogue, along with a vice … More Post-Election Reflections (2016)
There are some things you never, ever, forget. No matter who you are or where you grew up, you can probably think back to a moment in time that someone said something that made you feel…less. Might have been a sibling. That’s a cruel, but understandable part of growing up. Could have been … More Think. Be Smart. It’s Hard to Heal a Wrinkled Heart.
Today is Spirit Day…no, this is not some new holiday Hallmark created just to sell more $8 cards that play an annoying music loop. Spirit Day began in 2010 after a string of LGBTQ-youth took their lives due to bullying, which got a lot of media/public attention. On Spirit Day people are asked to wear … More Spirit Day…ENOUGH of the horrific statistics and tragic stories
Yesterday, October 11th, our daughter turned 5 on the very same day that people around the globe recognized Day of the Girl and National Coming Out Day. Day of the Girl’s website has a very strong message: “Empowerment of and investment in girls are key in breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence and in … More Day of the Girl Got Me Thinking…
The first time I (knowingly) met a person who is transgender was in 2004. I had come out as a gay man six years prior and had just begun working at UCLA’s LGBT Center…yet the “T” in the acronym was still completely foreign to me. My boss at the time had informed me that one … More Smarten Up & Stand Up: Gender Identity
I recently facilitated a Diversity & Inclusion strategic planning session and kicked off the convening with a typical run through of ground-rules/safe-space/brave-space/call-them-what-you-want guidelines. You likely know the drill… this is where participants are encouraged to use ‘I’ statements, respect confidentiality, step-forward/step-back, etc. I always ask if participants want to offer any additional suggestions, and on … More Did you really just say that?!
October is LGBTQ History Month and October 11th is National Coming Out Day—is your organization doing anything to create a more welcoming and inclusive workplace during this time? … More What is your organization doing for LGBTQ History Month?
20 Years of Pride: The Evolution of LGBT Rights By Alexandra Townsend July 2016 The fight for LGBT rights has been prominent for decades. Every day there seems to be a news story about a celebrity coming out, an LGBT teen being discriminated against, or a new piece of legislation that could help or hurt … More 20 Years of Pride: The Evolution of LGBT Rights (Bay State Parent, 7/16)
An interview in Boston Spirit Magazine with Cynthia Germanotta (Lady Gaga’s mother) & Tom Bourdon discussing their aligned missions of encouraging kindness and bravery to creating safer spaces. March 09, 2016 by Rob Phelps How does a parent raise a kid who grows up to be not only one of the most talented … More An interview with Tom Bourdon & Lady Gaga’s mother Cynthia Germanotta (Boston Spirit Magazine, 03/09/16)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Consulting, Training and Coaching 