28 Jul 2023

Diversity Lens - Issue 184

Diversity Lens - Issue 133 Diversity Lens - Issue 132 Diversity Lens - Issue 131

94 – 0

94 is the number of openly LGBTQIA+ players in the Women’s World Cup this year. A stark comparison to the Men’s World Cup last year, which had precisely...0.

In their world cup podcast, Big Kick Energy, comedians Maisie Adams and Suzi Ruffell discuss the sad fact that so many out players would be unlikely to happen in the men’s game for “50 years” and how important it is to have this kind of visible representation, especially in a tournament with countries that have laws banning same sex marriage and adoption. The inclusive pod is a must-listen.

QUICK FIRE NEWS

Vladimir Putin signs law banning gender changes in Russia
'Ground-breaking' first out transgender player at a Fifa World Cup
Trans men enter Miss Italy contest to protest anti-trans ‘women from birth’ rule
Swathes of Black female execs leaving the entertainment industry
Racial justice groups criticise Met's refusal to accept force is racist

LET'S GET INTO IT

The 1975’s gay kiss on stage. Allyship or white saviour complex?

What happened?
Matty Healy of The 1975 denounced Malaysia's anti-LGBTQIA+ laws in Kuala Lumpur and defiantly kissed his male bandmate on stage.

Many have applauded Healy's radical act. He used his platform to show solidarity with the persecuted queer communities of Malaysia to his own financial detriment - they sacrificed their own fee for the gig and likely had to pay compensation. Queer people in Malaysia are at risk of up to 20 years in jail, as well as caning and fines. Healy has undeniably brought national attention to this fact.

Others have accused Healy of ‘white saviourism’ and ask artists to practice more considerate allyship. They argue that there was little awareness or research into the context in which this 'careless' allyship was displayed and queer Malaysians will not benefit from this performative activism.

So who is right?
These different perspectives highlight the need for more nuance in our conversations about activism, particularly on social media where there is pressure to have a fully-formed opinion, straight away, about everything. Matty Healy was either totally right, or totally wrong.

Remember, groups aren’t homogeneous - no one person is representative of a whole community. Queer rights are a human right, but the path to liberating all can't only be paved through a western approach.

What's your take?

Good activism
Not appropriate
Undecided

This week Dis/Ordinary, a collective of disabled creatives in architecture, and Re-Fabricate, a collective that focuses on eradicating waste in the built environment, joined us for our weekly lunch and learn. They shared some fascinating insights into their work, particularly their inclusive architecture project, Seats at the Table.

Seats at the Table engaged with local disabled and non-disabled young people to explore the themes of accessibility and participation through the table as a place for bringing people together. The project sought to disrupt traditional design processes and explore how different considerations can bring equity in spaces.

Local disabled and able-bodied communities worked with the Dis/Ordinary x Re-Fabricate team to co-design a table and a set of chairs, to create an accessible community experience. No chair around the table was alike, as everyone’s experience is different! We loved hearing about this inclusive and inspiring project.

Check out the chairs in person at Beyond the Box’s People’s Pavilion Festival at Lea Bridge Library until August 11th.

Is social media making disrespectful tourists?

Holidays are a time to let loose - to an extent. But researchers are suggesting that "social-media driven tourism" is causing negative travel habits. People are losing site of the locals they are effecting by zoning in on how it looks on their Instagram story.

What's the Instagram effect?
You go to a place, you take a photo, you share it online. Your followers see this, and want to go there and take their own photos. The motivation behind the travel is the 'content' which can cause travellers to disregard local customs, communities, and authentic discovery and exploration.

On your next trip, try leaving your phone behind sometimes and experience the moment in real time. Research local customs before you go, and always be respectful of the people who call it home - you are a guest there!