INCLUSION, EQUITY
I would describe myself as an antiracist trans-inclusive feminist. I would also describe myself as a cis-gendered straight white woman. As a company owner and as a human, I have some work to do.
I have heavily procrastinated putting out this statement. Partially because it is difficult, but also because I am still in the midst of doing my own work around this topic. However, if I am doing this work correctly, it will last my entire life. It is important to me that I, as a small business owner, announce to my (teeny tiny) audience my values and the steps I am taking to create a more inclusive and equitable environment.
Here is what I am committed to:
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Continuing my own personal anti-racism and inclusion work.
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Making myself and my business a safe and inclusive space for everyone. Businesses have defaulted to being a white/straight/cis-gendered safe space for too long. I am not interested in continuing this.
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Donating a portion of company profits to a BIPOC organization (this will change monthly).
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Doing the emotional labor of holding myself accountable so marginalized groups don't have to.
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Taking a deep look at my client base. Most of the clients I work with are white. I am looking into why that is and how I can support BIPOC communities as well.
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To the best of my ability, holding my clients accountable in the same ways I hold myself accountable. Making sure that my client's business is inclusive is not an optional service - it is integral to what I offer.
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To assist my clients to the best of my ability in their own work towards being inclusive and actively anti-racist.
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Making sure the websites I work on are inclusive. This can mean anything from appropriate stock photos to inclusive language to accessibility for the disabled.
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To keep listening, learning, and changing as needed.
I am lucky enough to work with clients who share my values. I refuse to work with any client or company that actively expresses racist ideas or behaviors with no intention of changing.
Thank you,
Devin Lee
