WATCH, READ, LISTEN

I’m back with another installment of Watch, Read, Listen - where I’ll highlight content that raises awareness and builds understanding around issues critical to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Let’s get to it…

WATCH: TIME
This Oscar-nominated documentary on Amazon Prime had been on my watch list and we finally tuned in. Truly, it is a powerful glimpse at how our justice system is too often far from just, particularly when it comes to its treatment of Black men. Drawing from 100+ hours of home video footage, director Garrett Bradley poignantly brings humanity to one couple’s experience being incarcerated. The story is a testament to faith and family, as well as a call to action for criminal justice reform. I felt like I wanted to stay connected to the film’s subjects, Fox and Rob, and now follow them on Instagram.

READ: A GUIDE TO GENDER IDENTITY TERMS
As we celebrate Pride month this June, NPR put together an excellent resource to understand gender identity terms. As they correctly note, language is continually evolving, so even if you think you are up to speed on your inclusive language, the information culled from organizations including GLAAD, the National Center for Transgender Equality can help you make sure. With an unprecedented number of anti-LGBTQ bills making their way through state legislatures, it is more critical than ever that we use our collective voices to speak up for equality for all, and understanding both the terminology and the issues matters.

LISTEN: DISABLED SCIENTISTS ARE OFTEN EXCLUDED FROM THE LAB
I credit my husband for sharing this story from one of the many podcasts he listens to. Scientist and PhD candidate Krystal Vasquez describes simple ways laboratories can become more inclusive for people with disabilities and how accessibility ultimately benefits us all. In listening to this piece, I was reminded of a quote I recently read from writer David Radcliff, in which he explains that it is ableism, rather than disability, that creates barriers.

IMAGE CREDIT: Kaz Fantone for NPR
IMAGE ID: Drawing of three smiling individuals wearing “Hello” name tags that have their respective pronouns: he/him, she/they and they/them.