Diversity, Inclusion & Equity

What is the difference between Diversity, Inclusion & Equity?

DIVERSITY

Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, encompassing the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another. Diversity is often used in reference to race, ethnicity, and gender. However, it can also include age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance as well as diversity of thoughts, ideas, perspectives, and values.

INCLUSION

Inclusion is the act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued to fully participate. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people. It’s important to note that while an inclusive group is by definition diverse, a diverse group isn’t always inclusive.

EQUITY

Equity is the fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. Improving equity involves increasing justice and fairness within the procedures and processes of institutions or systems, as well as in their distribution of resources. Tackling equity issues requires an understanding of the root causes of outcome disparities within our society.

The everyday slights, indignities, put-downs and insults that people of color, women, LGBTQ populations and other marginalized people experience in their day-to-day interactions. Microaggressions can appear to be compliments but often contain a “metacommunication” or hidden insult to the target group. Microaggressions are often outside the level of conscious awareness of the people who say them, which means they can be unintentional. Microaggressions may be communicated verbally and/or nonverbally.

TED Talks to help you understand racism in America:

Thoughtful talks on a deeply complicated issue. From passionate pleas for reform to poetic turns of phrase, these talks take an honest look at everyday realities of Black Americans and illuminate the way forward.

Everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves equal access to opportunities and services and their safety should be protected. 

However, young people who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex or Questioning (LGBTIQ+) are among the most marginalised and excluded members of society. They are particularly vulnerable to stigma, violence and discrimination, due to their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. 

It's important to educate ourselves on these important distinctions between Sexual Identity, Orientation, Expression and Sex. Education is the only way to increase our understanding and awareness of topics we have not been exposed to or are not knowledgeable about!

Identity, Orientation, Expression, Sex...
What's The Difference?