CILIP Conference 2020: We are experts in more than our suffering
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Deborah Varenna, Learning Resources Assistant, Hugh Baird College There is criticism within the library, knowledge, and information profession that LGBTQ+, BAME and disabled LKI workers are only approached to be speakers when a Diversity, Equality Inclusion panel/conference is being held, where they are asked to talk about the inequalities they face within the profession. I propose a (series of) event(s) where those same people are asked (and paid) to speak about a topic of their choice within their area of professional expertise. #CILIPConf20 #NewVoicesBigIdeas
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CILIP Conference 2020: We are experts in more than our suffering
- 1. We are experts in more than our suffering. Deborah Varenna (she/her) Learning Resources Assistant, Hugh Baird College Chair, CILIP LGBTQ+ Network Committee
- 2. ● Increase in Diversity, Equality & Inclusion conferences/events with representatives from LGBTQ+, disabled, BAME communities invited to speak about inequalities in the workplace ● Increase of awareness in the wider profession about the struggles people from marginalised backgrounds face The Good
- 3. ● Some LGBTQ+, disabled, BAME Library, Knowledge & Information workers have raised that they are invited to speak only in the context of talking about the inequalities and suffering they face in the profession ● Example: A trans woman is invited to talk about transphobia in the workplace, but not about her expertise as an LKI worker ● The profession is missing out on decades worth of knowledge and experience because of this practice The Bad
- 4. What should we do about it? ● Use CILIPs diversity networks ● Analyse who you are reaching with calls for presentations ● Specifically, I’m proposing an event where all speakers are disabled and/or LGBTQ+ and/or BAME ● Speakers would be invited to talk about their work, e.g. projects, best practice, exciting developments in their sector
Editor's Notes
- Hello All, Today I’ll be talking to you about how we are experts in more than our suffering.
- The Good: There’s been a drive in recent years to diversify the library, knowledge and information profession, and ensure that voices from lgbtq+, bame and disabled communities are heard. As a result, Diversity, Equality & Inclusion conferences/events have been organised and representatives for these underrepresented groups have been invited to speak about the inequalities they face within their workplaces, which has raised awareness in the wider profession.
- The Criticism: However, alongside the DEI conferences and events, there is criticism that LGBTQ+, disabled, BAME Library, Knowledge & Information workers are often only invited to speak when asked to talk about their suffering within the profession. What I mean by this is that, for example, a trans woman is invited to do a trans awareness workshop and talk about the transphobia she faces in the workplace at a DEI event (which is good because it raises awareness of struggles faced by trans women in library, knowledge and information organisations). But the problem is that she has not since, and has not before, ever been invited to speak at a conference that, for example, centers around her professional knowledge and experience (e.g. health librarianship). The profession is missing out on decades worth of knowledge and experience because Disabled, BAME and or LGBTQ+ LKI workers are often asked to talk in the context of them being part of a “minority” rather than as people with valuable professional expertise.
- So, what should we do? Obviously structural and systemic change cannot happen overnight I would first of all say: use CILIPs diversity networks. The BAME and LGBTQ+ Networks are currently in the process of being handed over to their committees. Go to their websites and use the resources they put out. One way forward would be to analyse who you are reaching with calls for presentations - if you’re only reaching cis-gender, heterosexual, white or able-bodied/neurotypical people, maybe consult with the diversity networks or try to broaden your reach with local organisations. Specifically I’m proposing an event where all speakers are disabled and/or LGBTQ+ and/or BAME Speakers would be invited to talk about their work, e.g. projects, best practice, exciting developments in their sector or similar It is important to me to say that inherent to this proposal would be to pay all speakers for their work, and price the event at a sliding scale to maximise accessibility. If you take away anything from this talk at all, I would like you to reflect on the last time you organised a Diversity, Equality and Inclusion event, and the last time you organised an event not related to DEI at all. I want you to think about the overlap of speakers, and whether you missed out on the experience and knowledge we have to offer. Thank you. I welcome any feedback, questions, or criticism.