11 Jun 2021

Diversity Lens - Issue 80

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

Jun 11

Diversity Lens - Issue 80

Welcome to Diversity Lens.
Diversifying your news consumption.

This week we saw a resurgence of the term ‘woke’ and we think many could do with a reminder of its definition…

Adjective INFORMAL alert to injustice in society, especially racism.

Being ‘woke’ has somehow become charged with negativity and hurled at genuine attempts to advance equality in our society.

To accuse something or someone of being 'woke' exposes more about that person’s regressive world view than anything else. Being vocal against 'wokeness' is at best coming from an uninformed, privileged position and at worst plain discrimination.

OUR STORY OF THE WEEK

"Olly Alexander: LGBTQ+ Education Isn’t Radical, It’s a Necessity" Vice

An anthology on today's queer community titled, We Can Do Better Than This: 35 Voices on Future of LGBTQ+ Rights features musician and actor, Olly Alexander.

Among the most important issues facing queer people today, Alexander's input describes how the lack of LGBTQIA+ awareness in schools enables 'both casual and explicit' homophobia.

"Teaching kids that queer people are real is not radical....it just makes sense."

In Alexander's school, as with the large majority, the lack of open conversations surrounding queer people meant that they lived in hushed rumours and stories.

He stresses that the introduction of teaching of queer sex and relationships in schools can lead to better physical and mental health later in life, and the avoidance of huge amounts of shame to work through.

Forward

IN OTHER NEWS...

Boris Johnson refuses to condemn fans booing England taking the knee

In conflicting messaging, PM urges UK to get behind the England football team but has refused to condemn those booing players taking the knee. The action by racist fans have overshadowed the start of Euro 2020. Johnson's response through his spokesperson appears unwilling to take a side on the subject - a silence that speaks volumes.
(Read time: 3 minutes)

Kate Winslet: Huge increase in terrific roles for women in my age group
Winslet, who has been in the industry from age 17, feels like things are changing for women. From equal pay, to the breadth of roles available and the control over their portrayal, Winslet is optimistic. In her most recent role in Mare of Easttown, she felt "in complete control" of her sex scene, and was adamant her body was not digitally altered.(Read time: 3.5 minutes)

Joe Biden sends message of solidarity to ‘brave’ trans youth
Biden unequivocally expresses his support for the trans community this Pride. "Your president has your back,” Biden tweeted.

His message comes at a time of relentless state attacks on trans rights in the U.S. While Biden's words are significant, we hope more action is to come. (Read time: 3 minutes)

THIS WEEK IN D&I...

'Five-day office week will become the norm again'

Centre for Cities think tank warns that the hybrid working model is expected to be reversed within two years.

Figures are showing a gradual rise in office space rentals and this is expected to increase further after June 21st. Most firms reportedly want to keep a five-day office, but mandatory office time will inevitably exclude people who benefitted from remote working such as carers, parents, and people will disabilities.
(Read time: 4 minutes)

EVENTS...

Pride in Education - LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Education

Come and join this 3 day global LIVE virtual conference on LGBTQ+ inclusion and celebration in all aspects of Education. There will be a mixture of keynotes, panel presentations, research, knowledge sharing and workshops - including a performance from Trudy Howson British Poet Laureate.

View the programme and save your space.

WATCH: H ow to design more inclusive public space

Public spaces are largely designed from the white, male and heterosexual perspective: "From licensing regimes that favour heterosexual male drinking establishments to parks and sports facilities built for boys".