Thinking Out Loud v2
Thinking Out Loud v2
Things rattling around in my head.
You can’t sit with us
Sharing my rough ideas
I recently attended a meet-up with some DE&I folk in the city, and it was an incredible breath of fresh air. It was the first time I felt comfortable in a space with other folks working in DE&I. Reflecting on this and the comments generally made in the group, something has been reaffirmed—the DE&I space is not one of inclusion.Â
As much as I would love to believe that every DE&I space is filled with folks who practice active inclusion and allyship, it is not. So often, I have gone to DE&I events or meet-ups to realise a sense of stand-offish behaviour—one where cliques are incredibly apparent. Now, I am far from a big networker, as someone who is incredibly outgoing but also naturally introverted - the pendulum can swing both ways when I am in a large group. Yet, I get the underlying feeling that many DE&I folks stick together and rarely invite others in; the posture is not unwelcoming but somewhat tribal. I don't have a fully formed analysis of why this might be the case, but I am spitballing a couple of things that I notice.
Many DE&I teams consist of one person; thus, status and hierarchy within this space are more abundant than in others. For example, in a team of one, it is easy to be a director plus something.
So much of the DE&I community is centred on brand building to signal knowledge and awareness for career mobility; some might say this is the purpose of my newsletter; however, the circulation is small, and my energy for posting selfies on LinkedIn is zero.
Stereotype threat and imposter syndrome are real. Many DE&I professionals are insecure about their DE&I chops, or they are marginalised folks in positions of high visibility and stakes, reducing individual psychological safety and thus likely reducing one's ability to form bonds.
Writing this and reflecting on the above, some might say the DE&I role seems precarious, lonely, and scary. Ultimately, it can be, alongside being emotionally draining, no wonder DE&I practitioner spaces are cliquey; everyone is doing their best in a tricky spot. I suppose we all carve out psychological safety wherever and however we can. However, it might be less lonely if we open ourselves up to each other and focus less on self and more on human connection.
🔊 Spread the word
So, with all your newly acquired knowledge, how about taking me for an outing on LinkedIn or stunting on a colleague? Don’t forget, likes are free, so press my buttons…
Currently Vibing
📚 Mislaid in Parts Half-Known - Seanan McGuire
So, I gave up on the Gilden Ones (sorry, definitely not sorry) and divided headfirst back into the Wayward Children series, and I am so thankful. My reading mojo is back back back again! I love everything from this series. The idea of finding a magical world and then being rejected hits so hard on themes of self-acceptance and rejection; they constantly make me cry. The latest entry was a wild ride between alternative worlds and abusive adults who pass down their trauma until someone breaks the cycle. Loved it and finished it!
📹 Girl State
I watched Boy State with my documentary club (yes, I had one), and over the weekend, I watched Girl State. Ok, so before I go into what could only be described as 90 minutes of patronising sexism - I have to say Girl State is brilliant; the pacing, the comradery and the community were beautiful. But! The glaring differences between Boy State and Girl State are beyond; the only way to describe Girl State is like WIP in vs the Boy State is v6. The lack of funding and inability to focus on politics and inject some level of seriousness for the young women was wild; they lacked funding and access to actual politicians. They also had a wild dress code and had to constantly walk around the campus in a pair or more. And don’t even get me started on those gaslighting councillors who refused to be called out by the young women. Girl State really highlights how young women are not taken seriously and peddles the notion that all young women need is empowerment - it is subtle but incredibly dangerous. Also, shoutout to Emily for being a real one, she did what needed to be done: EXPOSE THOSE MOFOs.
🎧 Tsatsamis - Faith
I used to be so into music discovery that I just fell off and hard. However, I am back, and my latest find this week is Tsatsamis. To be honest, I know very little about them. Beyond, they have released the most delightful gay and camp video and song, Faith. If you want some unpretentious Hot Chipesque vibes that Troye Sivan could never, then you have Faith. Give it a whirl.