Today in a panel on decolonising creative writing, I shared a resource from @ShapeArts on the social model for disability, because decolonisation means understanding that *systems* disable and oppress, not so-called 'impairments' (corporeal/cultural etc): https://www.shapearts.org.uk/news/social-model-of-disability

What do we actually mean by 'diverse' or 'marginalised'? Diverse from what (assumed) default? Marginalised by whom? Change the systems: behaviours and internal cultures. The onus is on the gate-keepers to reposition ourselves as facilitators & eradicate the barriers WE created.

We are not here to help writers 'overcome difference'. This centres the noble saviour & it is problematic. When we challenge systemic oppression and violence, it's very hard not to take this challenge personally, but we MUST do the work to de-centre ourselves. Myself included.