[CHAT] Different together: diversity
Every family has their own way of defining what’s normal. In my family, normal just so happened to mean tagging along with mum to four pride parades before the age of ten. As a little kid, it never really occurred to me that anyone would find anything about my family to be abnormal. Having a mum who identified as a lesbian was basically all I’d ever known, why would I think we were anything but just a regular family?
The way we think about diversity as a society depends a lot on the idea of what’s normal, but how do we define it? What does it mean for those of us that fall outside of that definition? It can be really difficult to exist in a world that finds you different, whether it’s because of you sexuality, gender, race, religion or ability level. Sometimes people can be not so nice when faced with people who are different from them, people from diverse backgrounds are often stereotyped and talked down to. Sometimes people can mean well, but still miss the mark when it comes to treating people with the respect they deserve.
So what can we do to give people who might be a little different an easier time of it? Making an effort to learn about people who are different from you is one pretty great way of showing respect to the diverse backgrounds of the people you meet. Of course, we need to remember that while learning about the differences of others is awesome, treating them like your personal information centre on the topic… Not so awesome.
I think the biggest part of accepting difference in others is learning that being different from one another isn’t a bad thing. Diversity is something that should not be tolerated but celebrated, and especially not hidden away. The world is made up of all kinds of different people and I think that’s one of the things that make people pretty freaking amazing.
So come and join @Myvo and I on Monday the 18th at 8pm AEST, where we’re going to be talking about all of the wonderful ways we’re different and how we can celebrate that!
What is one piece of advice you would say right now to someone who is struggling with being different?
Once you accept the thing that is making you feel different, then others can't hurt you with it.
Try a new hobby.
@stonepixie So sorry to hear about it. Most of it comes from my dad but some it from other places. Half my peers at high school wouldnt understand why I would stay in class even when I was yelling at the top of my lungs because I just wanted to get on with what I was doing. My whole highschool was spent trying not to punch twats that didnt get me.
Awesome chat everyone! Just about time to sum up:
- First we talked a bit about what makes you proud to be unique. Some things that came up were the unique cultural backgrounds we come from, the resilience we have, curiosity, being hard working, compassion, inner strength, physical appearance and accomplishments.
- Next we chatted about what we think diversity means. You guys talked a bit about sexuality, cultural differences, race, gender, different experiences, knowledge, traditions, attitudes and not passing judgment just to name a few!
- After that we talked about some of the people who inspire us to be awesome. People that came up included family members, celebs like Ellen, Margret Cho, Amal Alamuddin, Catherine Hamlin, TED talks, friends and RO (yay!).
- Then we covered the not so awesome topic of stereotypes. Some things that came up were stereotypes about mental illness, chronic illness, racial background, gender, location, sexuality and socioeconomic background. Not cool.
- On a lighter note, we chatted about some ways we can combat these stereotypes. Suggestions included, being who you are regardless of what people think, educating people on why what they say is harmful, considering people’s views from multiple perspectives and walking away.
- After that we talked about self-care in the face of stereotyping. You guys had some great tips such as reminding yourself that other people don’t know the whole story, self-soothing, walking away when you need to, not letting other’s opinion’s overrule your own experience, doing things you love, finding a safe space and talking to others.
- Then we talked a bit about learning about others and how we can do it in a respectful way. You guys suggested being considerate and respectful, thinking about it from the other person’s perspective, listening, asking politely, being open minded and not pushing.
- We also talked about why diversity is so rewarding. Some great points that you made were that the world would be boring without it, it’s what makes us unique, it can help us learn about ourselves, it can help us grow and that we can learn awesome things from others.
- Advice for people having a hard time being different was also a part of tonight’s chat. You guys offered great advice like giving yourself time, that being different is awesome, people will like you with your differences and don’t change for anyone.
- Lastly, we talked about some things that we can do this week to celebrate diversity. Some ideas you had were ignoring criticisms, engaging with the world, talking to others, meeting new people and trying a new hobby.
And that's all for tonight! Thanks so much to everyone for participated, don't forget to come back for next Monday's Getting Real Session! 😄
Coolios! Thank you so much to everyone who joined us here tonight! 
And super awesome special thanks to @Chessca_H for being a lovely co-facilitator and for creating this ace summary!
See you all next time! 
Give yourself time.
What is one piece of advice you would say right now to someone who is struggling with being different?
There are people in the world who will understand/like your differences and you will find them eventually 🙂
Getting to know so much, it's a huge learning experience!
@stonepixie That sucks! Presenting is nerve-wrecking for anyone, no matter how much of a 'grown adult' someone is!
@Elsie That's pretty cruel 
Going onto our next question...
9. What is one piece of advice you would say right now to someone who is struggling with being different?
9. What is one piece of advice you would say right now to someone who is struggling with being different?
Being different is awesome! Don't change yourself to fit in. Try and find someone who is accepting of who you are. You will both gain valuable learing experiences from it. Just remember that everyone is different. It is what makes them, them. Don't censor yourself so as to make other people comfortable, most of the time they are just jealous of how awesome you are!
I think the world would be dull and boring without diversity. It's what makes you you and others who they are. Learning about other pet can help you also learn about yourself
@Elsie Acknowledging your mistakes, learning from them and apologising is a great step to take!
Here's the next question guys!
When learning about people from many different backgrounds, what makes diversity so rewarding?
When learning about people from many different backgrounds, what makes diversity so rewarding?
That we're not all the same. We offer our many skills, experiences, opinions, interests, and tastes to the society that we live in. I love getting to know new people and what their great passions are. Learning is an ongoing activity and it's never enough to think it's enough.
When learning about people from many different backgrounds, what makes diversity so rewarding?
For me, I grow as a person, I become more accepting and accomodating. It is an awesome learning curve, which can help you become more globally aware. Heck, you may even get a new friend out of it.
