Thoughts & Feelings

Inclusion is being able to speak freely without permission or waiting for a pause

Inclusion is not being asked to take the minutes, co-ordinate the room booking or sort the birthday card as the only woman in the room 

Inclusion is not being the only woman in the room

Inclusion is being spoken to, not spoken at

Inclusion is recognising that the structures we exist in are fundamentally biased, so 'treating everyone the same' just isn't good enough 

Inclusion is knowing that you are safe and free from judgement, even if you disagree on something

Inclusion is not pointing out someone's gender, if someone is great - great! I don't need to know that they were a 'young lady'

Inclusion is having the freedom to not have to dress/smile/aim to please but by just being there you are valued 

Inclusion is not making assumptions or asking mothers whether dad is on 'babysitting duty' (no... he's being a dad)

Inclusion is being asked what you'd like instead of being told what you'll have 

Inclusion is still sadly radical. It's disappointing the amount of times I've had to explain (defend) the use of pronouns to please people who have always been 'included'

Inclusion is not having to pretend

Inclusion is knowing that no matter how hard we try, we will still get it wrong but true inclusion, is knowing this and trying anyway