Multiplicity
/ˌmʌltɪˈplɪsɪti/
noun: a large number or variety.
“the demand for higher education depends on a multiplicity of factors”
synonyms: abundance, scores, mass, host, array, variety, myriad, a lot
UNDERSTAND THROUGH THEIR EYES
“Not everything is black and white, sexuality and gender identity are spectrums that can shift and change.”
“[I would like service providers and community leaders to have a deeper understanding of] the many dimensions and complexities of multi-sectional identities, [and] the individual types of identities within this.”
“LBGTI individuals can be queer and hold a myriad of faith and cultural identities and that there is no need for there to be schism of any of these identities.”
“We are not all the same or like the stereotypes…it is worth getting to know us as individuals.”
“[Recognise] that we exist. Many destructive faith environments for LGBTI people are upheld by silence and thus erasure. There must be a focus on intersectional diverse training for faith based counsellors and pastoral care providers. Create inclusive theology. Non- faith-based care providers and individual offering care must be aware that faith is a foundational aspect for many people and cannot be so easily erased. Creating therapeutic frameworks, which include an individual’s faith and cultural identity, is paramount for their care.”
“I don’t think my healthcare providers understand any of my identities, let alone understand how they intersect.”
“If [healthcare providers] hear I’m gay/queer/bi they assume I’m not religious and vice versa.”
“Our experiences aren’t monolithic.”
When to take a stand – and when to let it go.
Ash Beckham is no stranger to hard conversations. In her work, she shares how coming out as a lesbian helped her appreciate our common humanity and better understand the hardships that we all face. This equality advocate mixes personal experience and wisdom to help everyone bravely face their demons.
Ash Beckham recently found herself in a situation that made her ask: who am I? She felt pulled between two roles — as an aunt and as an advocate. Each of us feels this struggle sometimes, she says — and offers bold suggestions for how to stand up for your moral integrity when it isn’t convenient.
Ash Beckham approaches hard conversations from a place of compassion and empathy.