As the weather gets warmer and we step into summer, I've noticed a change in my spirit. A lightness. It also has something to do with lifted COVID restrictions. And, as if on cue with the weather, I have noticed that I'm slipping back into former COVID habits - like not washing my hands right …
Allyship
Canada Geese, Diversity, and Inclusion
Spring is in the air in Toronto. Today at least. But there are other signs – last week my daughter and I saw snowdrops – small white flowers – on our way home. And for the past week we have spotted a few Canada Geese Vs. So today I’m taking a bit of a departure from the ordinary, and I’m going to …
The Importance of Allyship
Allyship is a word we hear and use often in reference to LGBTQ communities and LGBTQ inclusion – but it’s not specific to that group. Today I’m going to explore what the word means and why it’s important for furthering inclusion, equity, diversity and social justice. To be an ally …
Recognize Difference – week 5 of ‘How to be an Ally’
Welcome to week 5 of "How to be an Ally." We’re on the last letter of the ROAR acronym this week: the R. If you missed the others, they are R – Recognize Privilege O – Openness to Learning A - Action The last R is for Recognize Difference. This is possibly the most important of …
[Continue reading] Recognize Difference – week 5 of ‘How to be an Ally’
Action – Part 4 of “How to be an Ally”
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 …
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 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’
Day of Pink – April 12
This Wednesday April 12th is Day of Pink – the international day against bullying, discrimination, homophobia, transphobia and transmysogyny. An act of support It didn’t start out meaning to be a day recognized around the world; it started as an act meant to support one person. Jadrien Cota – …
Islamophobia at a School Board meeting
This is what Islamophobia looks like This is what Islamophobia looks like: A policy that has been in place for 20 years, allowing Muslim students the opportunity to pray at schools on Fridays, being violently opposed. This is what Islamophobia looks like: Tearing pages out of the Qu’ran. This …