Why Diversity and Inclusion Matter Now More Than Ever

In recent months, we’ve watched a disheartening trend unfold across the U.S.: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs are being cut back, defunded, or outright dismantled. For many of us, it feels like a step backward- a reminder that progress is never guaranteed, and that rights and representation must be continuously defended.

At Origami Customs, we want to say it clearly: Diversity and inclusion are not trends. They are essential. They are the foundation of strong communities, healthy workplaces, and futures where everyone has a chance to thrive.

And no matter what political tides come and go, we’re standing firm.

What’s Happening with DEI Right Now?

Across the U.S., both government institutions and private corporations have begun rolling back DEI initiatives. Some companies are quietly eliminating DEI positions. Some politicians are framing DEI efforts as "divisive" rather than the bridges they actually are. “Diversity hires” are being villainized and blamed as scapegoats for all manner of problems.

The impact of removing DEI programs is real. When DEI work is minimized, the most vulnerable among us- including BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, disabled, immigrant, veterans, and low-income communities- face even greater barriers to opportunity, safety, and representation. These policies aren’t just about budgets or optics. They’re about people's lives.

At Origami Customs, we understand that DEI isn’t a luxury. It’s survival. It’s belonging. It’s being seen, respected, and supported in a world that too often demands conformity instead of celebrating difference.

Why Diversity and Inclusion Matter

When we talk about diversity and inclusion, we’re not just talking about fairness (although fairness matters deeply). We’re talking about what makes teams stronger, ideas richer, and communities more resilient.

Studies have shown time and time again:

1. Companies with Diversity Perform Better Financially

A 2023 McKinsey & Company study analyzed over 1,000 companies across 23 countries and found that organizations in the top quartile for ethnic and racial diversity were 39% more profitable than those with less diversity. 

Similarly, gender-diverse teams had a 39% higher profitability than their counterparts with less gender diversity. A 2020 McKinsey report showed that companies with more than 30% women executives were more likely to outperform those with fewer women executives.

2. Communities That Prioritize Inclusion Have Higher Rates of Health and Safety

Research indicates that diversity and inclusion are crucial in health and community care settings. A diverse workforce that represents various races, ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds is essential to provide the best possible care to diverse patient populations. Inclusive community-led health research can improve health outcomes by ensuring that diverse voices are heard and considered in decision-making.

A study in Injury Prevention shows that when communities are directly involved in health and safety programs, outcomes improve. Inclusive efforts address social structures and cultural needs, making interventions more effective.

3. Representation Leads to Innovation, Creativity, and Connection

A literature review published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that diversity positively impacts creativity and innovation within organizations. Diverse teams bring varied perspectives, which can lead to more innovative solutions. A Harvard Business Review article discussed how diverse teams are more likely to reexamine facts and remain objective, leading to better decision-making and innovation.

4. DEI Initiatives Enhance Employee Satisfaction 

The Building Movement Project study found that nonprofits implementing multiple DEI strategies saw higher employee satisfaction and retention. Employees felt more heard and valued, leading to a greater likelihood of staying with the organization. 

The LEOB Workplace study showed that companies with diverse workforces and inclusive cultures report higher employee satisfaction scores. Employees in such environments feel more engaged and are more likely to remain with their employers.

Science Proves It

Diversity brings different lived experiences, different ideas, and different strengths to the table. Inclusion makes sure that everyone at that table has a voice — and that those voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

When we center diversity, everyone wins.

The Human Impact: Beyond the Numbers

It’s easy to get caught up in data and statistics in an effort to try and validate ourselves. But at its heart, DEI is about real people.

People like the nonbinary teenager who sees themselves reflected in a product for the first time, and feels hope. The neurodivergent employee whose specific way of thinking sparks a groundbreaking new idea at work. The trans person who, for the first time, feels safe shopping for clothing made for their body.

At Origami Customs, we see these moments every day.

We hear from customers who tell us that a simple piece of clothing, made with their needs in mind, can be life-changing. We hear from community members, who expand our understanding of viewpoints and needs. We have employees whose lived experience helps us invent and create things that didn’t exist before. 

And that's why we continue to believe: Representation isn't about checking boxes. It's about changing lives and evolving together as a species. 

What We Stand For at Origami Customs

For us, DEI isn’t a program. It’s built into every stitch, every decision, every action. We create gender-affirming designs that celebrate every body, not just "standard sizes," because everyone deserves clothing that fits and affirms who they are. 

Our commitment to ethical, inclusive production means paying living wages, sourcing sustainable materials, and intentionally working with queer and trans makers to ensure that our values show up at every step of the process.

Beyond our products, we’re deeply invested in advocacy and education. Through our community program, we offer free gender-affirming products and share resources that support trans rights and well-being. 

We also work closely with organizations that center marginalized voices — including BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, disabled, and other historically excluded communities — because true inclusion means lifting up every member of our diverse, beautiful world.

This work is not always easy, but it is joyful. Having diversity as a principle and a practice makes our lives better in every way. Because building a world that is safer and kinder is always work worth doing.

Where We Go from Here: Choosing Hope and Action

The truth is, progress is never linear. Every step forward for our community has been met with resistance. But every wave of backlash has also been met with stronger, more connected communities. We believe that change doesn't stop because of cutbacks or political pushback.
It lives in every action we take. Every product we design. Every community we build.

Practical ways you can support DEI:

• Support businesses and organizations that are committed to DEI.

• Continue to grow your understanding of and celebrate marginalized voices.

• Support and band together to support the other marginalized people you work with. 

• Stay active (as much as it’s safe for you to do so!) Protests, donating to mutual funds, calling your reps- every drop in the bucket creates an ocean.

• Stay connected to other communities and stay hopeful! (If you need support, check out our giant resource lists! USA, Canada)

• And always remember- your voice and your contribution to the world are infinitely valuable.

Thanks For Being Here

At Origami Customs, we’re not going anywhere. We will continue to stand for diversity, equity, and inclusion no matter the cost — not because it's trendy, but because it’s right.

Because our survival, our joy, and our futures are bound up together. We’re so grateful to everyone who continues to show up, support, and believe in a more inclusive world. You are part of this story. And together, we’ll keep moving forward.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for believing in a better future.

Check out our newest swim collection, premiering at the Fat Fashion Show in Calgary on May 3rd!