Ezra Cukor’s Post

As we close out #blackhistorymonth,we want to share this beautifully penned blog by Drew McDowell from our racial equity work stream. 🌈 Embracing Intersectionality: Discovering My Unique Identity 🌈 In a world that often tries to fit us neatly into boxes, Andrew's powerful blog, "Intersectionality and Me," challenges these rigid boundaries. Through his personal journey, he unveils the complex layers of his identity as a Gay-Black-Colombian and neurodivergent cis-man with gender fluid tendencies. Andrew's story is a testament to the struggles he faced as a mixed-race child, navigating the prejudices of various communities. He shares the painful experiences of being rejected for not fitting neatly into predefined racial and social categories. However, his journey doesn't end there. In his late teens and early 20s, he grapples with another facet of his identity: his sexuality. He confronts the stereotyping within the LGBTQ+ community and the unique challenges faced as a gay man of diverse racial backgrounds. The heart of this blog lies in the message of "intersectionality." Andrew's narrative illustrates how each of us bears unique sets of challenges, benefits, and beauty due to our intersectional identities. It's a call to embrace our multi-dimensional selves, recognizing that no one identity is superior or inferior. Instead, it's about acknowledging the prejudices, inequities, and exclusions faced by various marginalized communities and coming together to fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Join Andrew on his journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Let's break free from the constraints of societal norms and celebrate the beautiful complexity of our individuality. #Intersectionality #EmbraceYourIdentity #DiversityMatters #blackhistorymonth2023 https://lnkd.in/evD5UT_M

Today, I would like to amplify the voice of an individual I have the privilege of calling a colleague and fellow diversity champion Drew McDowell Drew's story serves as a powerful testament to the intricate intersections of identities that many individuals navigate. It underscores the challenges of being multiracial and a part of the LGBTQ+ community, along with the societal pressures to conform to a single group or identity. It's essential to stress that the voices of marginalised communities should not be confined to specific months, such as Pride or Black History Month. As Drew's story beautifully illustrates, intersectionality is a real and lived experience for many people. Drew's journey towards accepting and embracing his multi-dimensional identity as a Gay-Black-Colombian neurodivergent cis-man with gender fluid tendencies is a testament to the importance of recognising and celebrating diverse identities. Drew's story reminds us that all marginalised communities face prejudice, inequity, racism, and exclusion. To truly achieve diversity, equity, and inclusion, we must work together, acknowledging that we are all fighting the same fight rather than competing for the same space. By amplifying voices like Drew's and sharing these stories year-round, we can promote a more compassionate and inclusive society where everyone is valued and accepted for who they are. Read the full story here https://lnkd.in/eVqvEs3U. #intersectionality #Diversity #inclusion

Here's my most recent article on the struggle for queer liberation and the anti-war movement.

This looks like a really interesting book..my colleague PK Kulasegram and I use the powerful framework of #CompassionateCuriosity in our work to break down barriers for disabled & LGBTQ+ people in the workplace & beyond. Why not get in touch & see how Simply Equality could help you & your organisation.

As most people know, June is Pride Month. But do you know why? Check out this video. As an Ally, this quote from Kamala Harris is spot on, it's not what you say when someone is in the room... "“Being an ally can’t just be about nodding when someone says something we agree with – important as that is. It must also be about action. It’s our job to stand up for those who are not at the table when life-altering decisions are made.” Here are some other great quotes I've seen: 1. There's no STRAIGHT Pride month for the same reason we don't have soup kitchens for the rich. 2. “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” – Brené Brown 3. “We deserve to experience love fully, equally, without shame, and without compromise.” – Elliot Page 4. “To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow – this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.” – Elizabeth Gilbert 5. “We cannot be antiracist if we are homophobic or transphobic… All Black lives include those of poor transgender Black women, perhaps the most violated and oppressed of all the Black intersectional groups.” – Ibram X. Kendi 6. “We’re all born naked, and the rest is drag.” – RuPaul 7. “It is time that we all see gender as a spectrum instead of two sets of opposing ideals.” – Emma Watson 8. “No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow.” - Alice Walker (Personal favorite ) 9. “There’s nothing wrong with you. There’s a lot wrong with the world you live in.” – Chris Colfer 10. “We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers.” – Bayard Rustin 11. “Equality means more than passing laws. The struggle is really won in the hearts and minds of the community, where it really counts.” – Barbara Gittings 12. “Every gay and lesbian person who has been lucky enough to survive the turmoil of growing up is a survivor. Survivors always have an obligation to those who will face the same challenges.” – Bob Parris 13. “I want to make sure that any young person or anyone really who is looking up to me—who sees a glimpse of I am as a person—that they see no shame, that they see pride, and that I’m truly unabashed about the person that I am.” – Samira Wiley 14. “Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” – Jason Collins And finally, 15. “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” – Audre Lorde Feel free to share this if you feel so moved, lets help everyone understand why we have Pride Month and spread the love! https://lnkd.in/gETnP9AC

As we gather to commemorate Juneteenth, a day that marks the end of slavery in the United States, I find myself reflecting on the journey of freedom, not just as a celebration, but as a continuous fight. As a 29-year-old black queer veteran, I know that the struggle for true freedom and equality is far from over. Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of our resilience, our strength, and our relentless pursuit of justice. This day is more than just a historical milestone; it's a call to action. It's a day to honor our ancestors who fought for their freedom and to acknowledge the ongoing struggles that many of us still face. While we have made significant strides, the reality is that systemic racism and discrimination continue to permeate every aspect of our society. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we must also confront the harsh truths about the freedoms that remain elusive for many. The black community, especially those who identify as queer, continues to face disproportionate levels of homelessness. The intersection of race, sexuality, and economic hardship often leaves many without a safe place to call home. This issue is not separate from our fight for freedom; it is intrinsically linked. The promise of freedom must include a safe, stable, and dignified life for everyone. The Framily Support Network, which I co-founded, is dedicated to addressing these very issues. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to thrive, regardless of their background. Our work in supporting homeless LGBTQ youth, advocating for low-barrier shelters, and pushing for systemic changes is part of the broader struggle for true liberation. On this Juneteenth, let us honor our past by committing to a future where freedom is truly for all. Let us remember that the fight for freedom didn't end in 1865; it continues today. It continues in our streets, our communities, and within our hearts. We must carry forward the legacy of resilience and strive for a world where everyone, regardless of their race, gender, or sexual orientation, can live freely and authentically. Join us in this journey. Celebrate Juneteenth not just as a day of remembrance, but as a day of action. Together, we can create a future where freedom is not just an aspiration, but a reality for all. In solidarity, Aaron E. Lewis Co-Founder & President, Framily Support Network

In the words of Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet Audre Lorde “caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” 🌷 Today, self-care is more important than ever for racialized women. In a blog post from 2022, we shared our self-care practices and tips on what you can do to create a self-care routine of your own. Because self-care should not be taken lightly. It’s imperative to our activism, and we can’t show up for each other, without showing up for ourselves first.  Find the link in the comments below. What do you turn to during difficult times? #selfcare #workplacewellness #womenofcolour #activism #community

I've been researching and writing about bias and "self-other awareness" since 2008, when I first started writing articles. I've come to realize that the problem isn't so much a lack of understanding of people different from ourselves; rather, it's the fact that any shift in our "politics", if any, from an increase in understanding tends to be so limited that it makes no difference. We ended a great many relationships with people who were very dear friends because we didn't like maintaining relationships with people who continued stepping on our necks. One day, I may write a sequel to my article The Power of Empathy because when I wrote that article in 2014, I believed that empathy was the answer. It's not, which is why conservatives who opposed same-sex marriage until their close relatives came out as gay tend to continue voting in ways that harm LGBTQ+ people, for example. "Othering, ... where we refuse to turn towards one another to foster understanding and relationships, is driving one of the most urgent issues of our time: division and disconnection.... The rupture between families and communities due to politics or social identities ... is getting worse.... Through my research, I learned that there’s a potent tool that can help us to bridge these differences and forge more meaningful connections with one another [is] curiosity.... By getting to know who they are as an individual, independent of their group identities or affiliations, you begin to humanise them in ways that counter the stereotypes you once held. That’s exactly what happened to me at the Trump rally. A man voting for Trump, who was an optometrist and did mission trips, told me LGBTQ+ people deserve equality, too – even though I cringed at his use of “the gays” to describe our community. I met another man who said his girlfriend was a Democrat, and although he loved her, he felt ostracised by her friends.... Throughout the day and evening, I met dozens of Trump voters who nuanced my understanding of who “they” were. I realised that they aren’t just a single monolithic group. Some of them believed in climate change. Others were parents. Many valued the same things I did: family, service and belonging.... The big takeaway from my experiences was that at the heart of the division and disconnection so rampant all around the world is a lack of curiosity. When we turn away from one another, we operate from assumptions and biases. We’re more likely to dehumanise a group, which makes it easier for us to fear or hate those people. If we instead choose to turn toward each other with curiosity, it becomes a potent force for understanding and connection.... Society will continue to grapple with crisis after crisis and while we can’t control these things, we can harness the superpower of deep curiosity to better navigate them." https://lnkd.in/gS-rKGeq

Happy Juneteenth! 🖤 Today, we celebrate the liberation of Black people in America, recognizing the immense struggle and triumph that this day symbolizes. As we reflect on this historic milestone, it's crucial to remember that Queer and trans liberation is inseparable from Black liberation. ✊🏽 As a nurse, I see firsthand how the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality impact health outcomes. Our healthcare system still grapples with systemic racism that affects the quality of care our Black and Queer communities receive. It's not enough to just acknowledge this – we must actively work towards change, advocating for equality and justice within our profession. ✨Let's celebrate Juneteenth by✨: 🖤 Educating ourselves and our peers about the unique challenges faced by Black and Queer individuals. 🖤 Advocating for policies that promote equitable healthcare access and outcomes. 🖤Holding ourselves and each other accountable to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. #Juneteenth #BlackLiberation #QueerLiberation #TransLiberation #HealthcareEquity #NursesForChange #Pridemonth #Pride

Today we're honoring Juneteenth, celebrating the freedom of African Americans from slavery and reflecting on our journey toward equality and justice. It's a powerful reminder of our past and an opportunity to recommit to building a more inclusive society. But let's also shine a light on the ongoing challenges faced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), including those subtle, everyday jabs known as microaggressions. Microaggressions might seem small, but they pack a punch, especially for teens. Whether about race, gender, sexuality, or anything else, these daily slights can really impact someone's self-esteem, well-being, and mental health. Let's educate ourselves and each other about these harmful behaviors so we can tackle them head-on. Let's keep pushing for justice, equality, and respect for everyone, no matter where they come from. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels valued and supported. #Juneteenth #Equality #BIPOC #TeenMentalHealth