One of the most wonderful aspects of being a human being is the range of unlikely people on every inch of our planet. However, in today's world, as cliché as it may sound, the concept of being "different" has pushed people apart and created boundaries, rather than bringing people together. Embracing our differences is increasingly important in order to build connections, broaden our perspectives, and live open-mindedly.
There are many platforms where people speak up about issues like these to form harmony between people from different backgrounds, cultures, and everything that makes us different. In fact, a popular and impactful platform over the years has been TED Talks. Welcoming variety and heterogeneity through speeches given during TED Talks has helped expand a large audience's mindset and way of viewing diversity. Here are some of our favorite TED talks regarding diversity, inclusion, and everything in between:
1. The Transgender Battle for Inclusion - Shreegauri Sawant -TEDxYouth @NavrachanaSchoolSama
In this phenomenal, eye-opening talk, Shreegauri reforms the ideas society perceives about the transgender community. Our speaker also raises awareness about the harsh realities faced by the trans community while bringing to light the need for complete inclusion in society.
2. Your words have the power to end the suffering of LGBTQ youth - Kat Clark - TEDxTauranga
“If we can come together and understand that love is love and everyone deserves that, we might just save a life": Kat uses a heart-touching personal anecdote to describe the experience of coming of age and coming out simultaneously. Kat is the proud owner of 2 Youth Week awards and through the talk educates the audience on the importance of promoting acceptance for everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community.
3. A Case for Color Blindness - Coleman Hughes - TED
While not an official TEDx talk, this one is among our favourites because during this must-watch TED talk, Hughes toys with the idea of using a colourblind approach towards racism to further our progress towards complete equality. Coleman goes on to communicate that both positive and negative focus on race can hinder the process. Although this talk is considered 'controversial', it is impendently necessary.
4. Cultural Diversity: The Sum of Our Parts - Hilda Mwangi - TEDxUCSD
“That voice, in order for it to be heard, you must be willing to share, you must be willing to speak your experiences," says Mwangi. Cultural diversity is beyond our exteriors. Learning about different cultures and their traditions and ways of living can improve our relationships with one another. This talk is all about the beauty behind our diversity and the importance of our voices.
5. Autism is a Difference, Not a Disorder - Katie Forbes - TEDxAberdeen
In this significant, indispensable talk, Katie Forbes reforms society's conception of autism. She also focuses on the negative impact of the idea of autism as a "disorder" or "condition". The talk, given by someone who is on the autism spectrum, is all about how autism does not make someone any "less" but rather gives them differentiating qualities. “I have this unique ability to hyper-focus even on mundane tasks," she says.
These are just some of the many, many talks given by a large mix of different people. The one thing all these TED talks have in common is the message for the need for inclusion and commemorating diversity.