20 Jun 2021

Diversity Lens - Issue 81

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

Jun 20

Diversity Lens - Issue 81

Welcome to Diversity Lens.
Diversifying your news consumption.

The Euros have dominated this week, but some of the biggest talking points have been about much more than football.

There continues to be resistance to the England team taking a knee prior to each match, even branded “gesture politics” by a high-ranking government official. Many have been quick to point out that “gesture politics” can be more closely exemplified by clapping for the NHS in lieu of a pay rise...

Gareth Southgate supports his team’s decision, and we encourage others quick to judgement to stop and understand the context behind the gesture.

A reminder that football is just a game came when Danish player Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch, saved by the quick action of the team captain and medical staff.

Whilst footballers are heroes to many, those who act with care of life are heroes to us all.

OUR STORY OF THE WEEK

"Rainbow capitalism: The companies that want your Pride money" Independent

Pride season is in full swing, but you’re probably already aware of that from the litany of rainbow branding around. Against the backdrop of what increasingly feels like an obligatory marketing tactic, it’s easy to question: what good does this do for the LGBTQIA+ community?

On one hand, seeing the flag of your community being flown so extensively is emotionally reassuring, representation in the mainstream is happening. On the other; this representation is occurring because of its financial viability, for a twelfth of the year.

Selling a rainbow-covered product for a month whilst funding anti-LGBTQIA+ politics for the rest of the year feels like incongruous ethical stances to take and this duplicity is rife under rainbow capitalism. So how can you enjoy Pride purchases and support the community? Simple! Buy from community-owned businesses where possible, and research the commitments to diversity and inclusivity of larger corporations who are seemingly pandering to the Pride market.

Tune in next week for our round-up of LGBTQIA+ owned businesses you can support all year round!

Forward

IN OTHER NEWS...

Riz Ahmed calls for urgent change in ‘toxic portrayals’ of Muslims on screen

"I want to be able to do what my white counterparts can do. [...] I don't want to be giving interviews about Donald Trump's immigration policy or Muslim ban, shootings and massacres at Mosques, and representation"

Eve Pitts: the Church of England’s first Black female vicar – and one of its fiercest critics

At the beginning Pitts was constantly marginalised because of her race and gender - at one point being asked to resign when defending herself in a sermon. She considered quitting the church altogether, but her next residence changed things, and the dilapidated church began to flourish alongside Pitts.

With a background in activism, Pitts is still fighting for racial justice and pushing the church to address issues of racism - "battling the institution on the inside".(Read time: 11 minutes)

Shon Faye is telling queer history like it’s never been told before

The new podcast from Shon Faye is a must-listen for anyone who favours brilliant and engaging storytelling, from sources you don't offer get the pleasure of hearing from. Call Me Mother platforms older members of the LGBTQIA+ community in fascinating, and often deeply moving, ways. By telling these personal queer histories, Faye shows how we can better understand the struggles we still face today.
(Listen time: Approx. 30 minutes)

THIS WEEK IN D&I...

People are sharing their workplace acne-shaming fears

Alongside Pride, June is Acne Awareness month. Common misconceptions around the causes of acne include youth, personal hygiene, and diet. As well as psychological issues surrounding self-confidence, studies indicate that acne-prone skin can be a barrier to professional success.

Despite this being out of our control on the most part, acne can be stigmatised in a front-facing work environment. Individual authenticity is becoming more of a norm at work, and this should extend to our real skin.(Read time: 3 minutes)

eBay grantees are creating avenues to more inclusive entrepreneurship

Friends of the newsletter eBay are investing in entrepreneurs. They're partnering with nonprofit organisations to remove barriers to entrepreneurship in historically underrepresented communities. Over the last year they have supported a whole host of small businesses.

eBay will continue their grant giving throughout 2021, advancing inclusive and equitable entrepreneurship.
(Read time: 5 minutes)

EVENTS...

Flexpo Business Digital Summit

Is the world of work changing forever?

We’re proud partners of the Flexpo Business Digital Summit – taking a deep dive into the future of inclusive & flexible working.

Use our code FLEXBAME20 to get 20% off your ticket.

Save your spot.

Ethnic minority equality in the workplace

Our Founder Cynthia Davis joins the Westminster Employment Forum next Friday 25th June. The panel will discuss Ethnic Minority Equality in the Workplace, the impact of COVID-19 and how we continue to recover.

The discussion follows the controversial report of the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities published in March. Book your place here.