How Identity Has Influenced a Communications and Outreach Director's Career at Lumina Alliance
Clementine's queer identity has led to assumptions that they possess expert knowledge on all LGBTQ+ issues, a misconception they actively addresses; this experience highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in communications and the need to avoid speaking for the entire community, emphasizing that "just because I'm a part of that identity doesn't mean I'm an expert on everyone else's experience."
Communication, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership, Overcoming Challenges, Identity in the Workplace
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Clementine Ellis
Director of Communications and Outreach
Lumina Alliance
Agnes Scott College
University of Florida, MA, Sociology
Anthropology, Sociology
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Communication and Marketing
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, LGBTQ
Video Highlights
1. Clementine's experience highlights the importance of not assuming someone's expertise based solely on their identity. Just because she is queer doesn't automatically make her an expert on all LGBTQ+ issues.
2. She emphasizes the diversity of experience within the queer community, highlighting that her perspective as a gay woman doesn't represent the experiences of all queer people, including those of color or transgender individuals.
3. Her approach to communication involves actively seeking diverse perspectives and incorporating them into her work to ensure inclusivity and avoid making generalizations about the LGBTQ+ community.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as queer, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
As a communications professional and someone who is gay, people often assume I have in-depth knowledge about LGBTQ issues. However, that's not my specialty, and it's not something I studied.
While I've always been interested in these topics, I don't possess extensive expertise. Furthermore, I can't speak for everyone in the queer community, especially queer people of color or trans and gender non-conforming individuals.
My own experience is different, and I can't eloquently represent theirs. Even as a lesbian, I can't speak for every lesbian's unique experience.
Therefore, I need to remind others and myself that being part of an identity doesn't make me an expert on everyone else's experience within that identity. It's crucial to seek out diverse perspectives and incorporate them into our outreach materials.