The School of Public Policy is committed to creating a thriving, inclusive environment at the School, where everyone takes an active role in incorporating diversity, inclusion and belonging into their work, classroom and interactions with students and colleagues. To that end, we’re excited to share our monthly recommendations for books, poetry, documentaries, podcasts, art and more for students to refer to on their personal and professional journeys to cultivating diversity, inclusion and belonging.
In the month of October we observe LGBT History Month and Global Diversity Awareness Month. To that end, here are a few recommendations from SPP staff, faculty, and members of the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Taskforce for you to engage with this month!
Watch
A Living History of the LBGT Movement Since The 1800s (YouTube)
AARP and NextDayBetter present "A #LivingHistory of the LGBT Movement" powered by AARP - a storytelling series honoring past, present and future heroes of the LGBT movement. We know that the history of the LGBT movement is still being written. By understanding our history, we can create a better future for everyone, especially for our aging LGBT older adults.
What School Lunch Looks Like Around the World (YouTube)
Lunch time at school can be one of the best parts of a kid's day. From aloo gosht in Pakistan to sausage rolls in Australia and smoky, tomato-y jollof rice in Nigeria, we’re taking a look at what kids around the world eat for lunch.
Equal (HBO Max)
The innovative, four-part docuseries Equal reclaims forgotten or overlooked LGBTQ trailblazers from the post-war America to the pre-Stonewall uprising eras through never-before-seen archival footage, untold backstories and portrayals by Hollywood’s most prominent actors, including Anthony Rapp, Isis King, Jamie Clayton and Samira Wiley as Lorraine Hansberry.
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson (Netflix)
Marsha P. Johnson has been called “the Rosa Parks of the LGBTQ movement,” because of the pivotal role she played in the Stonewall riots of 1969 alongside the likes of Sylvia Rivera and others. She was also a pioneer of the gay liberation movement, co-founder of S.T.A.R. (Street Transvestites Action Revolutionaries), a self-proclaimed drag queen, community leader and, according to her friend and roommate, Randy Wicker, an “Andy Warhol model, prostitute, starving actress and saint.” Her life and tragic death is captured in The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson from David France.
The Gospel of Eureka (Amazon Prime)
Love, faith and civil rights collide in a southern town as evangelical Christians and drag queens step into the spotlight to dismantle stereotypes. The Gospel of Eureka takes a personal, and often comical look at negotiating differences between religion and belief through performance, political action, and partnership. Gospel drag shows and passion plays set the stage for one hell of a show.
Listen
History is Gay (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher)
History is Gay, a podcast by two self-described "queer nerds," sets out to "examine the overlooked and underappreciated queer ladies, gents, and gentle-enbies from the unexplored corners of history." And it succeeds admirably.
Tiny Spark (Spotify, Apple Music)
This podcast discusses topics including international development, humanitarian aid, well-known charities, and global politics. Hosted by former Africa correspondent Amy Costello and on-air since 2011, Tiny Spark reports deeply and constructively on important issues. Often featuring leading voices and field experts, there are few podcasts that offer listeners such rich and intellectual conversations.
Queer as Fact (Spotify, Apple Podcasts)
Queer as Fact is a podcast run by four Melbourne-based queer people with a background in history and a passion for sharing queer stories. The podcast explores topics and figures from around the world, and examines their place in the wider context of queer history. The group publishes two seasons of well-researched content on a diverse range of topics each year, with each season containing ten episodes.
Read
The Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the Streets by Gayle E Pitman
This book is about the Stonewall Riots, a series of spontaneous, often violent demonstrations by members of the gay (LGBTQ+) community in reaction to a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. The Riots are attributed as the spark that ignited the LGBTQ+ movement. The author describes American gay history leading up to the Riots, the Riots themselves, and the aftermath, and includes her interviews of people involved or witnesses, including a woman who was ten at the time. Profusely illustrated, the book includes contemporary photos, newspaper clippings, and other period objects. A timely and necessary read, The Stonewall Riots helps readers to understand the history and legacy of the LGBTQ+ movement.
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum
Walk into any racially mixed high school and you will see Black, White, and Latino youth clustered in their own groups. Is this self-segregation a problem to address or a coping strategy? Beverly Daniel Tatum, a renowned authority on the psychology of racism, argues that straight talk about our racial identities is essential if we are serious about enabling communication across racial and ethnic divides. These topics have only become more urgent as the national conversation about race is increasingly acrimonious. This fully revised edition of Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of race in America. It’s a great book for adults about racism and diversity.
The Grand Mosque of Paris: A Story of How Muslims Rescued Jews During The Holocaust by Karen Gray Ruelle and Deborah Durland DeSaix
Beautifully illustrated and thoroughly researched (both authors speak French and conducted first-person interviews and research at archives and libraries), The Grand Mosque of Paris is a hopeful, non-fiction book that introduces children to a little-known part of history. Perfect for children studying World War II or those seeking a heart-warming, inspiring read that highlights extraordinary heroism across faiths.
Experience
The National Portrait Gallery’s LGBTQ+ History Month Exhibition
For this year’s LGBTQ+ History Month, The National Portrait Gallery is celebrating key figures from their Collection, including recorded conversations with LGBTQ+ trailblazers, portrait photos and paintings, and poetry. The Gallery will continue to share new content throughout February, including a collaboration with the National Youth Theatre as well as a blog looking at the impact of drag on art.
Reel Affirmations: Washington DC's International Film Festival And Monthly Film Series
Reel Affirmations: Washington DC's International LGBTQ Film Festival is celebrating its 29th Year from October 20th-23rd with virtual and in-person screenings, and virtual director talk backs. The film festival will present several days of NEW AND EXCITING international, documentary, short and feature films from all over the world to Washington DC. Films encompassing many genres including comedy, drama, and rom-coms. Films that will make us laugh, cry, relate, ponder, wonder and nod our heads in understanding and empathy. Films highlighting the humor, the humanity and the struggles that we all have in common.
Mexican Geniuses: A Frida and Diego Immersive Experience
Mexican Geniuses: A Frida and Diego Immersive Experience is a 360-degree digital art experience features one of the most extensive displays of both Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera's work, all in true-to-size replicas to demonstrate the sharp contrast in size (yet somewhat convergent style and subject matter) that the two artists employed. With more than 300 projections of light and sound and an exclusive VR experience, this exhibit will delight adults while being simultaneously kid-friendly. The team behind the exhibit has spent nearly two years perfecting the show, and now presents original artworks, more than 100 images of original photographs, and 100 CGI assets. At the end of the exhibit, you'll have a capstone VR experience that brings you on a fictionalized imagining of how Frida and Diego's meeting in the afterlife might transpire.
Take Action
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) Historical Society
Founded in 1985, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) Historical Society is recognized internationally as a leader in the field of LGBTQ public history. Our operations are centered around two sites: our GLBT Historical Society Museum, located since 2011 in the heart of San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood; and our Dr. John P. De Cecco Archives and Research Center, open to researchers in the Mid-Market district.
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
By inspiring and engaging individuals and communities, the Human Rights Campaign strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. HRC envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people plus community members who use different language to describe identity are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
Global Diversity Foundation
The Global Diversity Foundation offers changemakers the resources they need to achieve solutions to complex challenges. The multidisciplinary team provides hands-on support for their projects, connects them up to global networks and offers practical tools to sustain their efforts. GDF incubates the most promising ideas through embedded support and mentoring, establishing long-term field programmes in selected regions.