“Inclusion Always, In All Ways”
The above sentiment is a adage that we use regularly at W.A.G.S. 4 Kids. We believe that there are many ways that inclusion can be practiced, and that it should always be practiced.
Inclusion is defined as: “the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or mental disabilities and members of other minority groups.”
Acts of inclusion can mean installing a wheelchair ramp at your business so that those who have mobility disabilities can easily access your store. It can mean designing shoes that fit easily around ankle braces, or crafting shirts that have easy-snap buttons. It can even mean providing sensory rooms and devices for those with sensory disabilities.
At W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, we believe that acts of inclusion can be practiced everyday, by everyone. We encourage parents to teach their children how to be inclusive - and accepting - from a young age. For example, teaching a child to reach out and simply say "hi" to someone who may look or behave differently from their peers is an example of inclusion, as well as a way for them to make a new friend!
But there is so much more...
At W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, we often share messages of inclusion and celebrate those who take special measures to make their businesses, communities, or products more accessible to those living with disabilities. However, “Inclusion Always, In All Ways'' doesn't exclusively apply to those with disabilities. We also celebrate those who practice inclusion toward members of minority groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community.
Disability access has become more prevalent over the past few years, but there is still so much progress that needs to be made. Inclusion needs to be practiced ALWAYS. The same can be said for LGBTQ+ acceptance and inclusion. Homophobia and transphobia remain major sources of discrimination that need to be recognized and combatted.
While we most often focus on promoting inclusion, accessibility, and acceptance of people with disabilities, practicing LGBTQ+ inclusion in our school systems, communities, and workplaces is equally as important. We serve children and families of all races, religions, income levels, sexual orientation, and gender identity. As we spread education about practicing inclusion for those with disabilities, we also want to share education about how to practice inclusion for those in the LGBTQ+ community.
Ways That You Can Practice LGBTQ+ Inclusion Always, In All Ways
Educate Yourself
Becoming more inclusive begins with educating yourself on gender and sexuality. A great place to start is the Gender Unicorn. Each arrow on the graphic is a sliding scale, and someone may place themselves on the arrow wherever they best see fit. Learn more about the Gender Unicorn here: https://transstudent.org/gender/
Gender identity and sexual orientation are two very different things. This video created by PLAN will help you understand the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity so that you may be a better, more educated ally for individuals who are LGBTQ+.
Use Inclusive Language
Why is it important to use inclusive language? To put it simply, language has power. Just as we educate others to never use the word "retarded" and to say "person with a disability" instead of "disabled person," we also want to educate others on how to use gender neutral language.
Using gender neutral language means that you are not making assumptions on what gender someone identifies as, and it’s altogether more inclusive and accepting.
While adjusting your language may take time, correcting yourself whenever you use non-inclusive language will help you train yourself to speak with more inclusive terms in the future.
Take A Stand Against Hurtful Language & Actions
Once you’ve taken time to educate yourself on LGBTQ+ language and issues, you can educate others when they behave or speak in homophobic, transphobic, or in biased ways. If you hear someone making inappropriate jokes, giving a voice to misinformation and untrue stereotypes, or using language that isn’t inclusive, take a moment to politely educate that person on how they are being hurtful. Take every opportunity to educate others on what they are doing wrong and how they can be more inclusive in the future.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth at W.A.G.S. 4 Kids
At W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, we’re continuing to work toward making our organization as equitable and inclusive as possible. As part of our efforts to improve our organization’s inclusivity, we want to promote helpful education and provide our community with resources where they can find support.
Please visit the sites below to access helpful LGBTQ+ resources for education and support.
LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
PFLAG Cleveland
Plexus
More Resources By the CDC