I introduce people and organizations to allyship tools so they can create safer environments for LGBTQ+ communities.

Most LGBTQ+ workers decide whether to disclose their identity or not within the first year. Unfortunately, 45% of employed LGBTQ+ Americans fear discrimination for being open about their identity, risking exclusion from projects, promotions, or job loss.

Picture a workplace where LGBTQ+ individuals fear expressing their authentic selves, resulting in internal conflicts, diminished morale, and lower productivity. The anti-LGBTQ comments overheard or experienced by 55% of LGBTQ+ employees foster an unsafe work environment, increasing the likelihood of legal action and turnover (with loss of critical knowledge). These issues persist without proper training, policies, and programs while harming the individuals and organization.

The solution? LGBTQ+ workplace training and consulting that promotes education, frameworks, and action, fostering a more confident and inclusive workplace across the employee journey. Let’s explore implementing tools such as LGBTQ+ ERGs, mentorship opportunities, educational programs, and pronoun practices. The outcome? An organization that thrives harmoniously and innovatively, benefiting from diverse perspectives and experiences. These efforts symbolize a genuine commitment to building an authentically inclusive, allyship-driven workplace culture, which helps you attract and attain even more talent.

Punny professional available for hire

Hi! I am Charlie Ocean, MSW, and I use they/them pronouns. You may have known me as Chris Angel Murphy, but my name has changed as of August 2023. My background is in social work, tech, and LGBTQ+ community organizing. I provide quality LGBTQ+ training, speaking, consulting, and programming for ERGs, nonprofits, mental health practitioners, and businesses of all sizes.

When you hire me, you get someone with professional and lived experience within the LGBTQ+ community. I’m proudly neuroqueer, trans, and nonbinary.

I organize various online events, maintain a hub of national US LGBTQ+ resources, and produce my own downloadables. You can also listen to my award-nominated podcast, Allyship is a Verb, or purchase The Corporate Guide to LGBTQ+ Events, which I co-authored with my dear friend Rex Wilde.

My services

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Training & Speaking for Groups

Popular requests are LGBTQ+ 101, Transgender 101, Pronouns 101, and Allyship is a Verb. Half-day and up is available for helping professionals seeking LGBTQ+ cultural competency.

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ERG Programming & Coaching

Beyond pride month in June, there are several other LGBTQ+ awareness events across the year! Let’s talk about strategies to make your employee resource group strong, active, and balanced.

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Hourly Consulting

Interested in a one-off project like reviewing your program for inclusivity? What about a strategy for rolling out pronouns in your place of work? I’ll support you throughout the process.

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Volunteer & Donation Planning

Want to host a local or national volunteering event for employees? Donate to local LGBTQ+ organizations? What about a more intentional, long-term relationship with a nonprofit? I can help!

Let’s work together :)

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Learn about my latest projects and offerings

A fun, safer space to learn

I reach wider audiences with memes, pop culture references, and some off-key singing (if you’re really lucky) balanced with data + my lived and professional experiences.

 

In-person & remote options

I’ll travel to your office from Denver, CO by car or plane. Have staff across various time zones? No worries – let’s use Zoom.

Due to the on-going pandemic, I limit the amount of in-person events and sessions I do.

Recent News & Upcoming Events

  • PFLAG Los Angeles Presents: Trans and Nonbinary Joy Panel

    Transgender and Nonbinary 101
    Thurs, Nov 16th @ 6:30 - 8pm PT

    PFLAG Los Angeles is excited to host a vibrant discussion featuring an inspiring panel of trans and nonbinary community members. In this engaging session, they will share their unique experiences and insights on what brings them joy and ways we can collectively create more of it for ourselves and each other.

  • Flyer for three part series with Denver Public Library

    Three Part Denver Public Library Series

    Transgender and Nonbinary 101
    Wed, Nov 15th @ 11:00am - 12:30pm

    The remaining events are virtual, free, and open to folks outside of Colorado. Resources and the recorded link will be provided after and available for 30 days.

  • A flyer of an event titled "Queer, Trans, and Gender Expansive Joy In The Workplace." Features two photos of the speakers, the date and time, location of the event, and some additional text outlining what to expect.

    Queer, Trans, and Gender Expansive Joy In The Workplace

    Fri, June 2nd @ 12 PM MT/2 PM ET

    Join Rex Wilde (they/them) and Chris Angel Murphy (they/them) for a quick conversation about the importance and practice of queer joy and gender euphoria in the workplace.

    With so much discussion and movement around anti-LGBTQ legislation, it’s important to ground ourselves in how we can cultivate joy for LGBTQ+ and TGX+ (trans and gender expansive) folks – especially at work!

  • Photos of the six entreprenuers highlighted in the Forbes article. Three across the top, and three across the bottom in a grid.

    6 Trans Entrepreneurs Share How Anti-Trans Legislation Affects Their Lives And Livelihoods

    Article by Travers Johnson at Queerency for Forbes.com posted on Trans Day of Visibility, March 31st, 2023

Previous Events

Connecting With Community:
How to Build an Online Audience for your LGBTQ-owned Business

This event is ideal for LGBTQ+ small business owners, side hustlers, and “wantrepreneurs.'' Allies are welcome! Watch

Are You OK?:
Empowering Trans Youth Through Storytelling feat. Jesse Freidin and Rebecca Minor

"Are You OK?" documents the experiences and stories of 130+ trans and nonbinary youth living in the United States during this time of horrific anti-trans legislation. Watch

Trans Day of Visibility: Nonbinary Visibility Panel

One-hour panel with 3 nonbinary folks across the United States to honor Trans Day of Visibility. TDOV falls on March 31st every year since it was first created by Rachel Crandall in 2009. It's a day of empowerment and recognition! Watch

“I have worked with Charlie Ocean for many years as part of the PFLAG Speakers Bureau panels where we would present to schools, businesses, non-profits, and universities. Charlie is a knowledgeable and engaging presenter and educator who speaks from the heart with poise, humor, and sincerity. Charlie is a strong leader and advocate within the LGBTQ+ communities.”

— Liz Mullen (she/her), PFLAG Los Angeles Board Member