What is transphobia?
The world is becoming an increasingly unsafe and hostile place for trans people, and the UK is no exception. This article will help you to better understand transphobia. What it is, what is looks like, and why there should not be a trans or gender identity “debate”, only support for people who want to live their lives as themselves.
How silence can be an ally’s superpower…
Allyship is a verb. It’s about action. But sometimes we can forget that choosing not to do something is also an act of allyship. The work in allyship is about understanding when our voices are and are not required, and knowing that we have the influence and platform to elevate the voices that matter.
How to speak up?
How do we speak up when we see or hear something we feel is wrong? This is always a tricky one to navigate. We understand more, and we want to step up as an ally. But how do we do this? There are a number of ways, and the simplest I have found can be split into two groups. Calling In and Calling Out.
What is ableism?
Pretty much everyone who is not disabled will, at some point, take part in something that is ableist. In this article we can bring awareness to the ways in which ableist language and behaviours present in our lives, and take steps to remove them!
What is Islamophobia?
I don’t observe the Islamic faith, or any faith for that matter, and my knowledge of religious identity is definitely lacking. I want to share with you the steps I have personally been taking in the past 10 days to listen, to educate myself, and to prepare myself as an ally. Because I believe that our right to live peacefully and in safety, in a way of our own choosing is too important to do nothing. Image credit: The Guardian.
3 Ways to be Anti-Racist TODAY!
3 ways to be anti-racist TODAY! We live in a world now where simply not being racist is not enough to turn the tide. We must move to a position of being actively anti-racist to make real and long-lasting change possible.
Racism: Who benefits?
Racism is a huge issue. It has been centuries in the making, and it is so inter-woven in the fabric of society that a collection of articles isn’t going to revolutionise anything. But it will provide you with a level of understanding, for you to confidently challenge situations that you feel are not ok, and to create open dialogue about how racism shows up in your work, your home and your life.
What white people need to understand about racism
Most white people believe that racism is simply a case of not liking Black or Brown people, saying offensive things, or belonging to certain racist groups or organisation. And yes, these things are racist. But words and actions of this manner are not the entirety of racism. Here’s what you need to know to be an active ally and stand up against racism.
Age is only a number… as long as it’s the RIGHT number!
Ageism. It’s time we talked more about the “ism” that will impact ALL OF US. There’s no escaping it, regardless of our gender, our skin colour, or our physical abilities. Because like it or not, from the day we are born all of us are ageing, and yet ageism is so often overlooked when it comes to addressing discrimination.
Understanding the cost of being an Ally.
As with all things that are rooted in real and meaningful change, there can also be an opposite side to allyship, and one we must be prepared for if we are to stay the course when it comes showing up for others who are different to us. Because remember: Allyship; it’s not about us.
5 Steps to a successful Apology
Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone knows how to give a genuine and meaningful apology. Now you can learn how to make it count, every time.
Diversity, equity and inclusion work IS emotional.
Today it was always my attention to write about emotions, and how we can often experience a lot of them as we do our work as allies to other communities. And yes, there is a lot of joy to be found in standing in solidarity with others or using our knowledge and privilege to educate and amplify the voices of others. But there are also A LOT more icky ones that arrive for us too, such as guilt, shame, defensiveness, resistance, anger, and fear. So much fear!
The dreaded “F” word… Feedback
For my whole working life I have been in and around companies that have been focused on creating cultures of feedback. So focused in fact, that I wonder if they even remember why they were doing it in the first place!
5 Common biases, and what you can do about them!
Biases. We all have ‘em. ALL of us. But what exactly are they and how do we notice when they start to influence our thinking and our behaviours?
1970: The origin of Pride
June is Pride month, and it would be a totally miss of me not to share some learning on the history of Pride. So, get your rainbows ready, and let’s talk riots and equality of love!
Gender. Sex. Pronouns.
Gender and Sex: What’s the difference? And what are pronouns anyway?! As much as we might hate to admit it, we can all get a bit confused about what terminology is right to use, and when. In this article Katie will take you through the difference between gender and sex, as well as help you understand why pronouns are important , and how to navigate asking about them.
“LGBTQIA+” It’s about more than the alphabet
I know, LGBTQIA+ is a bit of a mouthful. Each letter is representative of a part of the community, and being a good ally is recognising that everyone is important and valid. In this article Katie will take you through what each letter represents and why taking the time to get it right is important.
Meritocracy: Myth or sensible business approach?
In my work, I am often met with comments such as “yes, but we only hire or promote the best person for the job” when talking about recruitment processes and internal systems for promotion and advancement. And I believe that they believe this is true. But I always find myself responding in the same way, and it’s the question that has always fascinated me. What is your definition of best?
The Diversity and Inclusion Equation
X + Y = Z
Diversity + Inclusion = The Goal
But what if we’re pants at algebra, and don’t have the full solution?
5 Things you need to know about Power & Privilege
Let’s lift the lid on all the aspects of our identities that make us, well, us! By examining how power and privilege influence the way we might view situations, Katie shares 5 easy ways we can show up as aspiring allies.