Representation Matters: Insights From Street League Staff
Media plays a vital role in shaping our perspectives and understanding of diverse communities. At Street League, we are dedicated to supporting young people from all backgrounds, and inclusivity is at the heart of our mission and values. This month, during Pride Month, we took to our social media platforms to emphasise the importance of queer representation in the media and to provide recommendations from our staff members.
Why did we do this? At Street League, our values of commitment, fun, inclusivity, passion, and trustworthiness guide everything we do. We firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, should feel welcome and valued. Whether in our offices or at our employability programmes, we are committed to inclusivity and creating a safe space for everyone. We also understand that entertainment is a powerful and accessible medium for learning and growth, and that representation matters..
So we turned to our passionate and diverse staff members to compile a thoughtful selection of films, TV shows, books, musicians, and podcasts. By sharing these recommendations, we hope to inspire others to explore and learn from these rich and diverse narratives.
By engaging with our social media posts, sharing your recommendations, and actively participating in conversations, you can help build a more inclusive society. Together, we can cultivate empathy, foster understanding, and nurture acceptance, harnessing the transformative power of media to drive positive change.
Click through the arrows below to see our top picks
In addition to our media recommendations, we are thrilled to share a valuable resource – a comprehensive glossary of LGBTQ+ terms. Education lies at the core of our efforts, and we believe that understanding the experiences, terminology, and norms of others is essential for creating a more inclusive society. With this, we aim to equip individuals with the knowledge and language necessary to engage in conversations with sensitivity, respect, and inclusivity. The glossary was thoughtfully curated, drawing from reputable organisations such as Stonewall.
By familiarising ourselves with terms such as dead-naming, gender reassignment, heteronormativity, pronouns, and ally ship, we can actively contribute to a more respectful and inclusive environment. We hope the glossary will empower individuals to use inclusive language, demonstrate ally ship, and create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.