This week is National Inclusion Week 2021 (7 September – 3 October), where organisations and individuals commit to sharing, learning, promoting, celebrating, and inspiring greater commitment to inclusion in workplaces around the globe.
As part of registering to support and take part in National Inclusion Week 2021, we wanted to take part in their ‘Share Your Inclusion Library’ challenge with the aim to broaden our perspectives across all aspects of inclusion and diversity and encourage each other to do the same.
We asked the BSA team to share something they’ve been listening to, reading, or watching that had themes of inclusion, diversity or a protected characteristic including (but not limited to) religion, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation and age.
We asked whether it changed their opinion, gave them a new perspective, or whether they will now approach things differently. Here’s what they told us…
What we’ve been reading
Queer: A Graphic History by Meg John Barker
Recommended by Jill Wells, Grants Manager
“Queer: A Graphic History makes me want to read a lot of dense queer theory, and has made a lot of complex concepts really accessible. Plus, it’s always good to learn theory through pictures!”
Empire's Endgame: Racism and the British State
By Gargi Bhattacharyya, Adam Elliott-Cooper, Sita Balani, Kerem Nişancıoğlu, Kojo Koram, Dalia Gebrial, Nadine El-Enany and Luke de Noronha
Recommended by Abi Hilditch, Policy Partnerships Manager“I’m currently reading this so can’t give a final verdict, but so far it has been a stunning yet horrific examination of ethnicity and its relation to media, politics and criminalisation in the UK. If you weren’t already on the path to questioning the role of the police in our society, it will definitely take you there.” You can also find a podcast of the co-authors discussing the book here!
The school that created a city for the blind
(BBC Future article) by Sophie Hardach
Recommended by Katherine Mathieson, Chief Executive
“I particularly liked the point about the adaptations making the city a hotbed of innovation for everyone (not only for visually impaired people).”
This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson
Recommended by Jill Wells, Grants Manager
“This book is aimed at a young audience, and is a great introduction to concepts around sexuality and gender. It feels like the lesson we never got at school.”
What we’ve been watching
Sex Education (on Netflix)
Recommended by Anna Woolman, Engagement Manager
“Generally they have been awesome in representing a range of characters with different backgrounds from ethnicity, to sexuality, gender, socioeconomic status and age (older people often get overlooked when we talk about sex).
In particular, this series shed a spotlight on those who identify as non-binary which has really made me a lot more thoughtful on this aspect of gender identity. In general, I was super inspired by how the series approaches representation. Plus it’s just a great show – full stop – which I wish I’d had exposure to when I was growing up.”
Love on the Spectrum (on Netflix)
Recommended by Liliana Shymanska, Corporate Communications Officer
“I think It’s wonderful how Love on the Spectrum tackles misconceptions about autism, like how people on the spectrum aren’t interested in love or relationships, as well as educating about autism more generally.”
What we’ve been listening to
The Worldwide Tribe
Recommended by Beth-Louise Sturdee, Communications Manager
From the people leaving their countries and everything behind them, to the volunteers working alongside them. In this podcast, you’ll be hearing from those currently living in refugee camps, and people working on the front line.
Distopia by DisArt
Recommended by Valia Giannakaki, Events & Festival Operations Manager
“This podcast includes great in-depth conversations with Disabled artists (and more). It gives a very insightful glimpse in to how different people experience disability within the cultural sector.”
As Me with Sinéad by Sinéad Burke
Recommended by Beth-Louise Sturdee, Communications Manager
What’s the first step towards becoming more empathetic? Listening. In this podcast, Sinéad leads candid conversations with guests like Victoria Beckham, Riz Ahmed, Jamie Lee Curtis and many more to understand what it’s like to be them. They challenge us to confront our biases, deepen our humanity, and feel empowered to impact and change the world around us.
Out with Suzi Ruffell
Recommended by Jill Wells, Grants Manager
“It is my standout podcast of the last year – an LGBTQ+ focused podcast with interviews from some great people. Be prepared for the one with Rev Richard Coles, it’s beautiful.
The care and sensitivity with which it’s done, as well as the range of different guests is really lovely. During the pandemic, it was such a nice way to feel connected to community.”
Move Beyond Words
Recommended by Beth-Louise Sturdee, Communications Manager
Exploring dyslexia in all its surprising, fascinating, and often misunderstood forms, each week, hosts Charlotte and Elizabeth invite different guests to talk, listen and share.
It’s your turn!
Tried out any of our recommendations? Let us know your thoughts.
Why not share your inclusion library with your colleagues and friends and encourage them to do the same? This may offer them a new experience and understanding that otherwise, they may not have been exposed to. A greater understanding of our different experiences will create greater inclusion and acceptance between us.