My Lifemap — The Events that Shaped My Worldview of Diversity

Part One — People with Disabilities

My employer is working on DIBs (diversity, inclusion, and belonging) in our workplace. As a middle-aged, able-bodied, straight, white male, I’ve lived a life of privilege — even if I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I didn’t always believe this, but the older and wiser me does now.

I want to be part of the solution to the problems of discrimination and intolerance. So when I was asked to participate in a pilot program at the office where I would receive “leadership” training on how to become an advocate for and ally of diversity, I was more than happy to join in.

One of the first things I was asked to do was “identify 5–10 defining moments that you have experienced that relate to diversity/differences.” The exercise is based on the premise that people are prejudiced, intolerant, and discriminate against people who appear or seem very different from them because of ignorance — a lack of exposure to and experience with people who are different.

This process of creating a “lifemap” and placing defining moments on a timeline helped me understand myself better. Before, when I was asked why I’m a progressive, liberal-minded individual, my short answer was simple: “I don’t like bullies.” Now, I…