There is no question that the world is full of a plethora of unique and dynamic individuals with different identities, beliefs, values, backgrounds, and motivations. For most of us, the need to interact with these people is very real. We all have jobs to do, passions to explore, and goals to achieve. Depending on our life circumstances, that may mean spending a significant amount of time being very judicious in what we choose to share about ourselves in order to ensure harmonious, if surface-level, relationships.
As an anti-racist, feminist sexuality educator, I'm often the "only" in various professional circumstances I find myself in. I truly love this work and believe strongly in the importance it has for necessary culture change, so this is something I recognize as necessary. My work allows me to engage with so many different individuals and engage them in insightful and challenging dialogue, helping to educate and in turn be educated in the process. However, that sense of isolation can be exhausting. It's hard work, as all of my colleagues know, to often find yourself first needing to justify the need for your work before actually engaging in it.
For this reason, I cherish the opportunities to gather with like-minded colleagues to exchange ideas, listen, dialogue, and provide professional and emotional support for one another. This past week, I found myself with that opportunity once again at the NCORE (National Conference on Race and Ethnicity) Conference in New Orleans. As is often the case at such conferences, it was an energizing reminder of why we do this work and what is possible when we come together. It was also a reminder that I'm not alone.
The conference itself celebrated it's 35th anniversary this year, and it was my 5th year attending. The event brings together 5000+ students, faculty, staff, and community organizers who are all committed to anti-racist and social justice work in their respective spheres of influence. The wealth of knowledge, experience, compassion, and commitment is unmatched, and it is an honor each year to share space and community with so many amazing humans.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion professionals are often quite siloed at their respective departments and institutions, and it can sometimes feel as though our work is not having an impact. I've felt many times as though I was simply spinning my wheels as I ran up against wall after wall, wrestling with setback after setback. I'm certainly not alone in that feeling, as was evidenced by the many stories that were shared in the past week.
We are a social species, and we derive energy, support, and motivation in community with others. The many efforts to oppress, marginalize, and erase communities of color, queer and trans communities, and many others are based on efforts to separate, isolate, and alienate. When we feel alone, we begin to lack the will to fight back. That is what these hateful, fascist ideologues want. However, our collective strength lies in our diverse perspectives, ideas, lived experiences, and skills. When we share that in community with one another, our singular concerns become our collective struggle. So, find your people, remember your people, and stay in community with your people. That will always be our biggest strength. As Audre Lorde said, "There is no hierarchy of oppression".
"The world would be a paradise of peace and justice if global citizens shared a common definition of love which would guide our thoughts and action."
