In my experience, when most folks talk about diversity, they think exclusively about race. They also think that all diversity initiatives and programs are only aligned with one political party. While diversity certainly includes race, that is far from the only thing we must consider.
Organizations that strive to be diverse and inclusive have to think about race and ethnicity. If we are ever going to make changes in our organizations, systems, and in our country, we have to work to make sure all of those entities are equitable and just. But we cannot only think about that one aspect of diversity.
I have recently received an ADHD diagnosis that has truly been life-changing for me. There have been so many things throughout my life that I attributed to my personality and to my anxiety diagnosis. Things like moving and talking too fast, and needing to multitask even though I know neurotypical brains can only do one task at a time. My struggle to not jump in a conversation even if it means interrupting folks (which I hate to do), and my talkativeness. To top it off, I also have auditory processing disorder which means I process sound and noises in a different way than neurotypical folks.
Diversity programs have to include inclusion for folks with disabilities and for neurodivergent people (in addition to other groups). When creating programs and practices related to employees, we should consider access needs in addition to working to creating environments that are affirming for LGBTQ+ people, strive to be anti-racist, are equitable for all employees. Finally, we should work to create organizations where all employees feel a sense of belonging.
So I encourage you to think more about what diversity means and to expand your definition to include the various dimensions of identity. Also, if you’re concerned that diversity work is aligned exclusively with one party, I invite you to ask yourself why? Why do you believe that and where did that belief come from? Next, I invite you to think about the broadness of diversity and ask yourself, does making organizations more equitable for folks like me, whose brains are not typical, align only with one party? I hope not…