Whilst making ammendments on one of my job descriptions, I noticed the words “equality and diversity” and it caused a reaction in me. A strong reaction.
One of my main job responsibilities (and that as a human being) is centering marginalised voices. Sharing stories with other Disabled, Neurodivergent and Queer people is fundamental to my research work. We are a group of people who are often ignored, even when we have the resources and privilege to be able to self advocate.
It is my responsibility as a community researcher to listen to those I do research with and raise these voices up.
So, no, my work is not about equality and diversity, it is not about ticking a box for funding or credibility.
E and D does not support marginalised people, it just makes our oppressors feel better about invalidating us, ignoring us or down right hating us.
I am not a tick box exercise, I am a person and I deserve to be treated as such.
2 responses to ““Equality and diversity” – I am not your tick box exercise”
[…] When I first saw that the BBC was looking for Autistic people to participate in this series, I was slightly worried. I loved the idea of putting Autistic experiences into film but I was concerned that the director or the BBC would use our stories in a way that didn’t represent us. That we would be used as a freak show or some kind of equality and diversity prop (see what I think about that here). […]
[…] When I first saw that the BBC was looking for Autistic people to participate in this series, I was slightly worried. I loved the idea of putting Autistic experiences into film but I was concerned that the director or the BBC would use our stories in a way that didn’t represent us. That we would be used as a freak show or some kind of equality and diversity prop (see what I think about that here). […]