Welcome to week 4. Happy Eid to all of our Muslim brothers and sisters! Ramadan ended last night, and today is the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, which means ‘festival to break the fast’. It will continue until Tuesday, June 27th at sundown. And if you’re (also) part of the LGBTQ community in … [Continue reading] Action – Part 4 of “How to be an Ally”
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Being Open to Learning – Part 3 of ‘How to be an Ally’
Welcome to week 3! If you missed the last two weeks, you can find them here: - A general overview, but with a focus on Ramadan - The first R in ROAR – Recognize Privilege O = Openness to Learning The whole point of the O is that as allies, there will be many things that you don’t know, don’t … [Continue reading] Being Open to Learning – Part 3 of ‘How to be an Ally’
Recognize Privilege – Part 2 of “How to be an Ally”
Welcome to week 2! An ally is someone who supports someone else. In the context of social justice, allies support people and communities who are marginalized, in their struggle for equity, human rights, justice, etc. An ally is not a member of the group they are allied with. Last week, we … [Continue reading] Recognize Privilege – Part 2 of “How to be an Ally”
What we can all Learn From the Toronto Police Video Discussion about a Woman with Down Syndrome
Every once in a while we get to pull the curtain back and see what people are really thinking and saying about others - sometimes even about us. And when it is less than flattering, we are always shocked, hurt, appalled. And we have every right to be, because ideally people (especially those in … [Continue reading] What we can all Learn From the Toronto Police Video Discussion about a Woman with Down Syndrome
What Does Ramadan Have to do With Work? – Part 1 of ‘How to be an Ally’
This month is Pride month in many places, so I’m doing a series on Allyship using the acronym ROAR (recognize privilege, open to learning, act, recognize diversity). Because LBGTQ-identified people come from all walks of life, I’m starting the series by talking about Ramadan – and how you can be … [Continue reading] What Does Ramadan Have to do With Work? – Part 1 of ‘How to be an Ally’
Who Gets to Complain, Why, and Who Is Heard?
Complaining is something that only those with privilege are really afforded. Did you know that? It’s true. So, who is heard? Complaining is something that only those with privilege are really afforded. Did you know that? It’s true. And to highlight this, I’m going to share two examples from … [Continue reading] Who Gets to Complain, Why, and Who Is Heard?
The impact of the words we use – Islamic? Islamist?
Today’s Toronto Star newspaper article by Shree Paradkar bears blogging about. It’s a perfect example of how bias works, and how language helps to fuel both unconscious bias, and hatred. The columnist - Shree Paradkar - makes many excellent points. Here are a few of my favourites. You can … [Continue reading] The impact of the words we use – Islamic? Islamist?
It’s Never Ok To Use a Derogatory Word
It doesn't matter why you use a derogatory word. It’s just not acceptable. Ever. But they keep flying out of people's mouths. This week we had two Canadian examples of the way we often carelessly throw hurtful words around. One was homophobic, and one was racist. Both words are derogatory and … [Continue reading] It’s Never Ok To Use a Derogatory Word
The People we Push to the Margins
I have spent the last 8 days in Delhi, India – an incredibly busy and crowded city, with beautiful people, stunning monuments that are older than the “birthday” Canada is celebrating this year, ridiculous traffic, some green spaces, and much poverty. I have traveled to many countries, and poverty … [Continue reading] The People we Push to the Margins
Mother’s Day – Not Necessarily “Happy”
This coming Sunday, May 14th is Mother’s Day in North America (and possibly also elsewhere). Whether you appreciate the commercialism or not, for some women, it will be a day where they are wrapped in the warm embrace of family, reminded of the many reasons they are loved by their … [Continue reading] Mother’s Day – Not Necessarily “Happy”