Diversity, equity, inclusion and justice are not new. The challenges of each have been present since (dare I say) the beginning of time. Thank goodness, that today there is a heightened awareness of the need to consciously, intentionally and proactively work to be inclusive, appreciate and leverage diversity, practice equity, and seek justice. Many social identities—e.g., race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, economic status—are widely recognized. However, I find myself and others searching for the best words to use to engage in meaningful conversations about social identities. The lists that follow are not intended to be all inclusive and terms may have different meanings and context among various groups:
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Identity Terms
- Gender Identity Terms
- Racial Identity Terms
- Sexual Orientation Terms
I hope these lists will help you to enhance your understanding of differences, reflect on your experiences, and engage in conversations across differences. I welcome your comments, suggestions, and/or additions to these lists in the comments below. Or, you can you always email me.
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© 2021, John L. Bennett. All Rights Reserved.