20 Nov 2020

Diversity Lens - Issue 53

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Nov 20

Diversity Lens - Issue 53

Welcome to Diversity Lens

Diversify your news consumption.

IN A RUSH?
In this issue, we discuss the first Steve McQueen short film release. We look at the fight for gender-neutral passports and the controversy sparked by the festive Sainsbury's advert. Watch the powerful Question Time speech from a disabled comedian and the women protesting in Poland. Make sure you register for our upcoming panel event with Avanade discussing BAME inclusivity and allyship in the workplace!

LATEST NEWS

UK’s highest court to hear landmark case on gender-neutral passports after decades-long fight by non-gendered activist

Christie Elan-Cane has campaigned for a third gender option on British passports for more than 25 years. Non-gender specific or 'X' passports are available in a number of countries already, including Argentina, Canada and a number of US states. However, Christie's battle in the UK is ongoing with the latest appeal finding that "binary gender options for UK passports is not unlawful". However, they have recognised for the first time that Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights includes the right to respect for those who identify outside the gender binary. There is hope we are moving in the right direction. Read more... (2.5 minutes)

Comedian says she is ‘disabled and proud’ after Question Time speech

Rosie Jones is a well-known comedian with cerebral palsy who appeared on Question Time last week, 25 years since the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act. In her impassioned speech, she describes the experiences she was able to access due to the landmark act: mainstream school, university, employment.

“I am disabled and I am bloody proud of it.”

Yet tragically, she speaks of wearing headphones in the street to tune out abuse. She goes on to talk about the employment discrimination that disabled people face and the need for more support and care.
Read more... (2 minutes)

Sainsbury’s defends Christmas advert as customers threaten to boycott store for featuring black family

A new Sainsbury's ad has received a torrent of racial abuse from viewers. In one of its three christmas adverts, a Black family are depicted reminiscing over past Christmases and 'dad's famous gravy'. Many have since called for a boycott of the supermarket giant and claim that the advert does not represent them. Sainsbury's were forced to defend themselves and emphasise that their store is for "everyone".

‘We are proud that our advertising represents the diverse communities we serve"

The feelings of hatred provoked by the wholesome and inclusive advert are indicative of the racism still prevalent in the UK today.
Read more... (3.5 minutes)

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION INSIGHTS

Transgender Awareness Week: what should employers be doing to promote equality?
As we come to the end of Transgender Awareness Week marked by Transgender Day of Remembrance, we look at how employers can be more inclusive and welcoming to transgender employees. Proactive actions to promote equality include having anti-bullying and harassment policies in place, support for health related appointments, inductions and training that include gender identity equality. It is recommended that in order to be truly inclusive, implementation of such protocols should involve input from trans and non-binary staff. However, relevant policies should be in place regardless of whether you are aware you have transgender employees or not in order to promote good practice.
Read more... (2.5 minutes)

The ‘Coded Bias’ documentary is ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ for Big Tech algorithms
Directed by Shalini Kantayya, this documentary explores how gender and racial biases can become embedded in the algorithms that decide much of our lives. Coded Bias looks at the ramifications of Big Tech and AI being developed by a relatively small group of "homogenous" people - "their world views get embedded in code". Taking a wide array of real life cases, Kantayya forms an argument for more rigorous checks on major algorithms.
“The film is told from the perspectives of half of the population that’s overlooked in science and tech documentaries, which are women and people of colour"
Read more... (2.5 minutes)

EVENTS

W orkplace Allyship: Promoting BAME Inclusivity
BAME Recruitment is delighted to partner with Avanade for this exciting upcoming event.

This virtual panel discussion will give attendees the opportunity to hear from a diverse range of panelists discussing allyship in the workplace and inclusion for BAME employees. The event will aim to

Provide tools for colleagues to better support one another
Expand your awareness of other people’s career experiences
Explore effective actions and solutions to increase feelings of value and belonging in the workplace for all.

Tune in on November 24th, register for free here.

Orion on Tour: Demystifying Publishing

We have partnered with Orion Publishing Group to bring you this informative panel event designed to demystify publishing and encourage a broader range of people into the field. If you have ever had an interest in publishing but didn't know where to start, tune in on Monday at 6pm!
At Orion, and at BAME Recruitment, we believe that every story matters. Access the discussion via Zoom here.

STORY OF THE WEEK

Steve McQueen’s Mangrove is a necessary movie about racist Britain

The first of Steve McQueen's 'Small Axe' series of films aired this week on BBC. They aim to examine the history of institutional racism in the UK. The first instalment, Mangrove, follows the story of the Mangrove Nine trial and transports the viewer into Black life in 1960s Notting Hill.
"Steve McQueen acutely illustrates the anxieties and indignities of living like prey in your own home, and it is at times exhausting to witness."
We bear witness to the police brutality and constant raids of the Mangrove restaurant that eventually led to a peaceful demonstration from the West Indian community and activists being charged for inciting a riot. McQueen reports the story from a perspective of 'admiration' of their anger, skilfully infecting the audience with the same admiration, anger and shared mission of justice. Furthermore, the women pushing the movement forward, often missing from accounts, are rightfully portrayed front and centre. Catch up on BBC Iplayer now and watch out for the upcoming films.
Read more... (5.5 minutes)

FEATURED VIDEO

'Sex is not a crime': the women protesting Poland's new abortion law

"When the government doesn't protect us, I must protect my sisters", protestors shout.

INSPIRATIONAL PERSON OF THE WEEK

Islamophobia Awareness Month Edition.

Zahra Lari

Zahra Lari is UAE’s first figure skater and the first international skater to compete with a hijab. It was only after her first competition in which Lari received a deduction for being covered, and was hit with the media attention, that she realised she was making history. The ice skating community had never seen a skater compete in a hijab before and had not approved it as costume. Lari subsequently campaigned for a change to regulations and the rules were amended.

Zahra is pictured above sporting a Nike branded Hijab which she in fact helped design. "It will really encourage a lot of Muslim girls to be active and do what they love", she says. Zahra first found her dream to become a figure skater after watching the film Ice Princess. Despite her father's concerns that people might not understand their culture in the sport, she persevered and went on to establish the Emirates Skating Club. Vogue follow the inspirational athlete and activist as she takes us through a typical day filled with training sessions, physiotherapy, a photoshoot, and a talk to up-and-coming skaters. Alongside her rigorous training, Zahra is working towards a degree in environmental health and safety.
S ee more... (1 minute)