#Global Inclusion

[sgisdinclusion]

SGISD PhD Student Explores LGBTQ+ Student Inclusion and Support in Two Recent Publications

LGBTQ+ students, particularly LGBTQ+ students who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color, often face unique challenges at school, including hostility, bullying, and safety concerns. Innovative school and campus support structures are critical for LGBTQ+ students’ safety and educational engagement.

SGISD PhD candidate Matthew McClellan recently published two works exploring LGBTQ+ student experiences with inclusion and support in K–12 and college education settings.

Matthew’s book chapter, Reimagining LGBTQ Student Inclusion and Support in Schools, examines collaborative support structures for K–12 LGBTQ+ students in schools. His chapter discusses how integrated support programs in schools can help empower and educate teachers and staff to provide more adequate and culturally competent support and resources to students, address school inequalities, and help establish more inclusive and supportive education environments.

Matthew also conducted a qualitative study with 14 LGBTQ+ college students to learn about their experiences attending college at a conservative university. His article, LGBTQ College Students’ Lived Experiences and Perceptions of Support on a Conservative Campus proposes strategies for increasing LGBTQ+ representation, facilitating campus education, and creating inclusive policies at the university level.

Matthew’s research interests include queer studies, immigrant and refugee rights, nonprofit leadership, social and cultural issues, equity, and inclusion. In 2020, Matthew also published a book review in the International Journal of Community Well-Being, which reviews the book “Development and Connection in the Time of COVID-19” by Cornelia C. Walther. Read the full review.

[xcziel]

has anybody else thought about how jk could easily manage sofia's parts of slow dance or is it just me?

[hussyknee]

Twitter feels like an even split between pro-Palestine supporters and the most horrific kind of racists, Zionists and white supremacists. Tumblr is by comparison overwhelmingly in support of Palestine. And yet the level of dehumanization, isolation, Othering and casual racism on here is so much more unbearable and suffocating than Twitter could ever be.

Tumblr wants to be seen as the anti-racist good guys on the right side of history while reinforcing the racist white supremacist western-centric status quo. Black and brown people are given platform under strict conditions of what values can be challenged and how far white comfort can be pushed. It's on Twitter that we have our own communities, our own power of advocacy, and a collective drive to interrogate and dismantle structures of power.

It reinforces what I have known for a long time— Tumblr's hatred of Twitter and TikTok is based primarily on refusing to tolerate the reality of equal representation, leftist action and racial justice. A true diversity of power and perspectives is messy, chaotic, conflict-driven and upends the sense of stability and space that can only come with a homogeneity of racial demographic. The majority of disenfranchised people understands that power structures and bureaucracies are built on purpose to exclude them — the poor, the sex workers, the incarcerated, the ghettoised, the disabled, the colonized. We have to fight to be heard, and our reality and political investment cannot be separated from the minority trauma that informs them. True equality entails not having to funnel that trauma through behaviour and ethics that makes their expression more palatable or considering of others; it removes all respectability politics and allows us to behave with the same unpunished toxicity that is unleashed on us by white and western people. Conflict, cacophony and having to tolerate the untempered emotions and self-interest of all groups is the price of true diversity and honest dialogue. It also primarily empowers Black and brown people and disempowers whites. In contrast, the "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion" on predominantly white-driven and Western-oriented spaces is a simply a neoliberal farce that requires us to perform our own humanity and ask validation from whiteness. This is why you see only the worst aspects and negative effects of Twitter and TikTok and use them to reject the the platforms wholesale while creating a narrative of moral superiority around Tumblr's relatively low levels of conflict and glossing over the receding presence of Black and brown people in its userbase.

Race is not a layer of oppression. It's the fundamental bisection that creates the underclass on which the colonial capitalist world order is built. It's the caste hierarchy of humanity; who gets to be labourer and profiteer, the exploiter and exploited, the worker and producer, the consumer and consumed, the masses and the individual. The living bodies and embodied lives. The experience of every other marginalization is shaped by its waters. White women and queers will neither understand nor share in the oppression of women and QPoC from both diasporas and the Global South. Even further, every marginalization becomes a weapon against BIPOC in the hands of its white demographic. Black and brown people of those marginalized communities will always only be a token and shield for their white counterparts, while being the workhorses behind their struggles.

It doesn't matter how many times you post "Free Palestine" when we know its only the product of your preoccupation with your own personal moral landscape. Politics based on egoism will always be eclipsed by threats to your material reality. This is why a userbase that spent its entire existence grandstanding against Nazis now cannot see Zionists as Nazis and begs people to participate in a political establishment that has revealed itself to be a genocidal white supremacist regime in the clearest possible terms. Fascism against its own enfranchised is the end stage of an empire that has begun to collapse under the weight of its war-mongering and now resorts to eating itself to survive. No amount of moral distance between yourselves and its machinery of death, no amount of scapegoating the lives crushed underneath it, will stop the roofs you sheltered under falling on top of you. This the truth that the colonized, enslaved and indentured people that built your house have lived all along.

[theadaptableeducator]

Towards a Sustainable Future: Hannah Arendt on the Interconnectivity and Non-sustainability of Colonialism, Nationalism, Imperialism, and Capitalism

Hannah Arendt’s political philosophy provides a rich framework to examine the interconnectivity and non-sustainability of colonialism, nationalism, imperialism, and capitalism. Through her analysis of power, totalitarianism, and the nature of human activities, Arendt offers critical insights into how these systems are intertwined and why they are ultimately unsustainable. Interconnectivity and…

[sarcastic-salem]

I don’t know how other people seem to be missing that Nazi groups in Europe are obviously using the rising interest in Paganism as a way to spread Nazi rhetoric. Like the fact that people vilify N. American Heathenry to the point that they need to be fucking reminded that the Folkish movement originated IN EUROPE is honestly horrifying.

Like I remember when someone posted something like last summer about Jotnar being evil because Scandinavians said so and just…..No, you dumbass, no. Being Scandinavian does not automatically make someone an ethical source of information on Heathenry. Like have you run a background check on these people — ya know, to make sure they aren’t members of any rightwing hate groups like Norrsk?

And when Scandinavians start claiming that by not adhering to their beliefs, I am appropriating their culture that’s when I really get pissed off. Modern Scandinavians were not indigenous to that area — the Sami were. Modern Scandinavians are colonizers from an open culture.

No one is appropriating shit because you cannot appropriate from an open culture. Its impossible.

[unesco-bmw]

About Us

Welcome to UNESCO Body and Mind Wellness (UNESCO BMW)!

We are a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to sharing & preserving our world's cultural & artistic heritage while promoting respect for Mother Earth. Our vision revolves around the belief that inner peace at at utmost importance in order to support and enhancing overall well-being.

Located in the vibrant community of Frederick, Maryland, our headquarters serve as a hub for a wide range of activities and initiatives. We are committed to providing meaningful opportunities for the youth, empowering them with valuable skills and experiences. Through educational activities, cultural events, workshops, and lectures on eco-friendly choices, we aim to foster a sense of awareness and responsibility towards our planet.

At UNESCO BMW, we believe in the power of connection and collaboration. By growing and scaling our organization, we strive to create a home base where people from all walks of life can come together. Our focus spans social, educational, and recreational activities, ensuring a diverse range of opportunities for engagement. We are dedicated to nurturing a member-driven organization that encourages cross-cultural and cross-generational dialogue, fostering a sense of unity and understanding within our community.

One of our primary goals is to inspire and empower the future leaders of our community. Through our various initiatives, we aim to equip youth and young adults with essential skills such as mental stress relief, work-based training, soft skills, community activism, and cultural enrichment. We firmly believe that investing in the potential of our young generation will shape a brighter future for everyone.

UNESCO BMW relies on the generous support of everyone. Our projects are sustained through contributed funds from our dedicated board of directors, memberships, and private donations. We deeply appreciate the in-kind support we receive, which often surpasses monetary contributions. This collective effort allows us to make a meaningful impact and drive positive change in our community.

We invite you to join us on this inspiring journey towards holistic well-being, cultural preservation, and environmental consciousness. Together, we can create a world where individuals are empowered, communities thrive, and our planet flourishes. Explore our programs, get involved, and help us shape a better tomorrow.

[earlyspringtranscendence]

well, i found something good about the slip arc. it’s the idea that homesickness in the future will be a physical illness that manifests in those especially who will never have the chance to return to earth. cause im gonna be real i wasnt paying attn because i didnt want to but the way i understand it people on new kinshasa weren’t affected by this, people in the upper echelons of sarasvahti (ie people who had money to spend and lives to lead by doing so) weren’t affected by it: only Brahma pests and those too poor for earth to ever be a dream in their hearts were ailing with a homesickness so potent and concrete that it led to physical symptoms.

and i fucking love that. i love that so much, i think theres this divide btwn ppl who would love to go to space and who love the idea of aliens and whatever and then you have those who get sick thinking about the idea that for years the planet has existed with a certain number of souls less than it’s supposed to have because theres always been people on the space station and i FIRMLY belong to that second category so like... this is SO good to me, it’s so fucking real

[lecliss]

Weiss's alternate skin got posted and Im actually really fascinated by the fact that his hair is canonically lighter in Intergrade. Tho I guess it makes sense with a name like Weiss, it should be white and not gray. And while the added details make sense with the decade+ in improved graphics, its the different mako color that really fucks me up. They use a more teal color for mako in 7R rather than just neon blue??? I love how much more Im learning from this update!!!!

[fatherlandflorida]

Enjoy the African Experience in Florida

Fatherland Florida - Giving a social-cultural identity to young Africans and teaching Africa original values reduces the crime rate and creates a better future for the African and African descendant youth globally.

[dragoninatrenchcoat]

I feel bizarre making jokes about it myself, because it was basically the first horrible thing that happened in my life and I have extremely complicated feelings about it. BUT I'm grateful for everyone who does make jokes about it because it gives me perspective/keeps me from developing America brainrot

As someone around for 9-11 and the "NEVER FORGET NUMBER #1 GREATEST TRAGEDY EVER IN HISTURY" response to it I am in thrilled and invigorated by the fact that younger people just make amogus memes and TikTok nonsense about it. A huge chunk of America cared more about it than any entire genocide and thought you would cry learning about it. They hoped it'd make every generation patriotically angry forever and ever and want to join the military. Instead you Photoshop the towers into squidwards house and shit. Never stop lol

[theofficialsiyauniverse-blog]

Human Rights Defence in South Africa: The Story of Siya Hlongwa

Mapping Life Direction and Intent

Education is more than a path to academic achievement; it’s a transformative opportunity to refine one’s skills, foster critical thinking, and cultivate a deeper sense of maturity and purpose. For me, education has been a powerful platform – a means to dream, to envision a world where possibilities are limitless, and to gain the knowledge and training needed to turn those dreams into reality. In my homeland, eMzansi, South Africa, we are still grappling with the profound legacy of apartheid. The apartheid system left deep scars across every aspect of our nation, designed intentionally to exclude and economically paralyze communities outside the white population. Non-white communities were forced into remote, overcrowded townships far from economic hubs, commercial centers, and social services. These “dormitory” settlements were deprived of basic amenities like quality educational facilities, local businesses, and even shopping centers, forcing residents to undertake long, arduous journeys simply to meet their essential needs.

Birth and Upbringing in Umlazi

I was born in eThekwini, previously known as Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (eMzansi). My early years were shaped under the care of my grandmother in Umlazi, a township initially designated during apartheid as a “Bantu stand.” These areas were designed to segregate people of color, cramming families into two-bedroom houses that could fit within an average white suburban lounge and dining room. Growing up here exposed me to authentic community leadership, often spearheaded by women in solidarity. These women sustained their family units while actively contributing to the wellbeing of their community.

Women as Community Pillars

Women and girls in Umlazi led households, and if unemployed, they created multiple informal businesses. They opened salons, sold goods, and hawked on street corners – anything to support their families. These women exemplified humility and strength, addressing issues such as poverty and illness in the community with urgency and compassion. Their actions reflected a spirit of Ubuntu that left a lasting impression on me.

Lessons in Ubuntu from My Grandmother

My grandmother, a nurse at King Edward Hospital, raised me as a single parent. She later became a matron and leveraged her position to provide healthcare to bedridden neighbors in Umlazi. I often accompanied her after work to deliver medicines and essentials. With any additional income, she would buy groceries for families in need, and I, along with friends, would deliver these supplies. Through her example, I internalized the principle of Ubuntu – not as a theoretical concept but as a way of life.

Educational Journey and Professional Development Studying Architecture at the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Attending the University of KwaZulu-Natal to study Architecture was transformative. Here, I trained rigorously in various design disciplines, including graphic, interior, industrial, and urban design. We explored African architecture and its diversity, honing skills in manual rendering techniques, model making, and using materials like balsa wood to create physical representations of architectural concepts.

This education came with personal sacrifices. My grandmother’s limited pension meant I often camped at university, sleeping on campus from Sunday through Friday. Instant porridge and noodles sustained me, and while I completed my degree in record time, I missed out on a formal graduation due to financial constraints.

Working in Architecture and Development

Over the past decade, I have contributed to designing government housing, hospitals, schools, stadiums, police stations, and correctional facilities. Through these projects, I became proficient in 3D rendering software, such as Revit, and AutoCAD for drafting and design development as well as physical models making of architectural and urban designs.

Pursuing Town and Regional Planning at Wits University

Earning a postgraduate diploma in Town and Regional Planning from Wits University allowed me to integrate my previous architectural training into urban planning solutions. I learned traffic engineering, urban design, stormwater management, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Our field studies took us from South Africa to Mozambique, focusing on creating urban frameworks for communities in crisis.

Master of Science in Development Planning

Completing my MSc in Development Planning at Wits solidified my understanding of urban development at a systemic level. I explored urban philosophy, diverse architectural movements, and conducted research that polished my academic writing and data analysis skills. This foundation led to contributions for international organizations like the UN, under my organization, the Global Development Consortium.

Social Development and Collaboration

Beyond academia, I extended my work into social engineering by partnering with institutions such as Wits University’s Transformation and Employment Equity Office and its Gender Equity Office. Through initiatives like the Safezones program, I facilitated social development focused on equity and safety. I am often invited to share on my 8 years of experience in diversity and inclusion policy making and leadership training as an expert locally and internationally where I reflect on the importance of transformation and gender equity while fostering disability rights access.

Conclusion: Embracing Ubuntu as a Lifelong Principle

Today, the principles of Ubuntu guide my perspective and actions. In a time when kindness is often exploited for social gain, I view compassion as a core value embedded in my DNA. My grandmother’s teachings echo strongly: the time spent on negativity is better invested in creating the future we desire.

The image below was captured at the UMP Unleashing Our Voices, Dismantling, Hetero-Normativity event in 2024 as the keynote speaker.

[bitcoinversus]

El Salvador's Bitcoin Investment Yields Over $120 Million Profit

El Salvador‘s strategic investment in Bitcoin has yielded substantial returns, with the nation’s holdings now generating a profit exceeding $120 million. President Nayib Bukele’s administration began accumulating Bitcoin in 2021, aiming to integrate cryptocurrency into the country’s financial system. Recent surges in Bitcoin’s value have significantly enhanced the value of El Salvador’s digital…

[trendynewsnow]

A Global Sports Correspondent's Insight into the Keighley Cougars' Transformation

Behind the Scenes: A Correspondent’s Journey in Global Sports At The New York Times, the Times Insider offers a glimpse into who we are and how we operate, providing fascinating insights into the intricate process of our journalism. My official title is global sports correspondent, a designation that, upon reflection, carries a weight that might seem a bit inflated. While “correspondent” evokes a…

[hussyknee]

Not entirely sure how I'm expected to respond when I point out something is white as fuck and the person I'm criticizing goes "I'm literally PoC!!" Okay? Good for you? Get well soon??

I literally live in South Asia, a place still nursing the world's worst colonial hangover. That's like one billion brown people desperately in need of joining Bootlickers Anonymous. If I had to respect the rancid takes of every yahoo that lives here I'd have to drown myself in the sea.

Living in white countries does something odd to diaspora brains. If you call yourself BIPOC in your own head long enough you end up forgetting you're just a garden variety idiot mainlining white supremacy like everyone else.

[theadaptableeducator]

From Chaos to Harmony: Reimagining Global Order Through Hobbesian Insights

Thomas Hobbes, in his seminal work “Leviathan,” describes the state of nature as a “war of all against all,” where life is “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” He argues that in order to escape this chaotic state, individuals enter into a social contract, surrendering some of their freedoms to a sovereign authority in exchange for security and order. Hobbes’s ideas provide a useful lens…