15 Jan 2021

Diversity Lens - Issue 59

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

Jan 15

Diversity Lens - Issue 59

Welcome to Diversity Lens

Diversify your news consumption.

IN A RUSH?
In this week's issue we spotlight the rise in importance of access to sign language; we recommend a radio series preserving south Asian history; and we celebrate a history-making trans appointment. Our story of the week examines disability and dating, and the surrounding perceptions. Tips on avoiding accent bias and developing trans-inclusive policies can also be found below, keep scrolling to check out all our stories.

LATEST NEWS

Coming to a screen near you! Our Diversifying National TV ad campaign launches on Monday across all Sky channels - and you're the very first to know. We're expanding our reach and connecting a diverse audience with organisations committed to inclusion. If you don't spot us on your screens, don't worry, we'll share the advert right here next Friday.

Why Deaf interpreters are a crucial tool during the pandemic

In the midst of peak COVID transmissions and fatalities, the exchanging of government information and advice is paramount, particularly to those who require the assistance of interpreters. Coupled with the distortion to communication caused by face masks, the necessity of sign language has become more apparent. The Guardian's Alison Stine reports on how the education of sign language is gaining traction through social media circulation. From TikTok to Instagram, Deaf creators are bringing many variants of sign language to the hearing masses. Read more... (5 minutes)

'This is British history': the radio series preserving the nation's south Asian past

'Three Pounds in My Pocket' is Kavita Puri's historical account of the south Asian experience in Britain, and the first oral history of British south Asians. It covers the relocation of Asian communities to Britain from 1960s and how this diaspora has become a permanent element of British culture. For the past six years, Puri has collected accounts of people from Pakistan and India who migrated to the UK as colonial subjects, motivated by the promised of a better life away from the plight of partition. Now in it's fourth season, Puri investigates the impacts of key events on race relations since the 1990s; from the murder of Stephen Lawrence to the rise in Islamophobia caused by 9/11.Read more... (4.5 minutes)

Sarah McBride was just sworn in as America’s highest-ranking trans official

History was made once again this week by Sarah McBride, sworn into the Delaware state Senate - the first out transgender woman to be seated in the upper house, and now the highest-ranked trans official in the entirety of the US. She was sworn into office with two young trans advocates by her side. McBride wants to encourage the queer and trans youth of today to feel able to run for office one day. I hope we see this kind of representation among UK officials soon.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION INSIGHTS

Reducing accent bias begins at the recruitment stage

The French parliament have recently made it illegal to discriminate based on accent. There is no doubt that the UK could benefit from similar action. A survey from Queen Mary University has found that those from Birmingham and Liverpool, as well as people with Indian and Afro-Caribbean accents, are most likely to feel the effects of this bias. The onus is on employers to reassure these individuals of the inclusive culture you can offer them. Showing visible role models within your organisation that speak with a regional accent is likely the most powerful way to communicate this - conduct a virtual event or a more casual ‘meet the team’ to show that diversity and authenticity is appreciated.

EVENTS

BAME Recruitment is delighted to partner with eBay for this informative panel event and Q&A on Thursday 28th January at 6-6:45pm.

Join our virtual panel discussion to learn more about life at eBay, what they are hiring for and why it is a great place to work from a diverse range of panellists. You can easily keep your identity private whilst learning discreetly about your next career move.

Book your free place now. We hope to see you there!

STORY OF THE WEEK

Disability and dating: 'Why do people think I'm my boyfriend's carer?'

The BBC shine a much-needed spotlight on the stigma surrounding relationships with disabled people. We hear from couples who have encountered disbelief, discrimination, and hurtful stereotypes regarding their choice of partner.

When YouTubers Shane and Hannah shared news of their marriage on social media, they received a shockingly negative response. Shane has spinal muscular atrophy and is a wheelchair-user, while Hannah is able-bodied. They believe that the lack of positive representation of dating with a disability leads to people thinking that “disabled people aren’t worthy partners”.

They largely blame the media for misconceptions around disabled people dating. Check out these stories submitted by disabled people and their partners, in committed, romantic and balanced relationships, and help normalise the conversation.

FEATURED VIDEO

How to deconstruct racism, one headline at a time | Baratunde Thurston

Baratunde Thurston explores the phenomenon of white Americans calling the police on black Americans

INSPIRATIONAL PERSON OF THE WEEK

MP Nadia Whittome

Nadia Whittome, Labour MP, comes from a background of community activism, and these motivations clearly still persist within her as a driving force behind her politics.

In 2019 Nadia was the youngest MP elected. She built her campaign around tangible action to improve the community she saw every day around her. In this interview with Gal-dem, Nadia stays true to this community mindset, keen to keep the focus off herself. Despite being deemed a ‘rising star’ in politics, she is determined to stay grounded and keep the attention where it is most needed, in parts of our failing society.

We all know that feelings of community have in many ways taken a beating during the pandemic, and Nadia feels this acutely herself. Vulnerable citizens are now physically isolated from their support systems and the comfort of small, every day interactions. Nadia focuses on the solidarity she is seeing within her community right now, even setting an example herself by returning to a prior job in care work. Since becoming an MP, Nadia has been dislocated somewhat from the working class background she hails from. However, in order to preserve her roots and remain representative of her constituents, she takes less than half of the salary that is allocated to her. Nadia remains doggedly down to earth whilst being a massive inspiration to so many, as a young activist, a person of colour, and an openly queer person in politics.