Karen Catlin’s Post

Ever been in that moment when someone cracks an inappropriate joke, and we're left feeling uncomfortable, maybe even letting out a nervous laugh because speaking up feels intimidating? It's a tough spot, but it’s also a defining one. Allyship isn’t always easy—yet it’s about showing up for those who are on the receiving end of microaggressions. The next time we're faced with that moment, let's ask ourselves: Which relationship matters more—the one with the person making the harmful comment or the one with the person impacted by it? Preparing responses can give us the courage to step up. Let’s build a culture where everyone feels valued, safe, and respected. #Allyship #InclusiveWorkplace #CourageToSpeak"

I'm Peninnah Eshun, an introvert who often wants to explore but ends up feeling muted in those moment. Awkward, right? I know😬 some might say, "Why not just stay home then?" As an introvert, I have a strong passion for advocating for women, which requires courage and resilience—qualities that can sometimes feel hard to tap into. I often find myself with so much to say, but unless I'm online, where I can share my views from behind my phone, I won't utter a word. Even when I feel strongly about something, I’ll often wait for someone else to speak up first. I'm the kind of person who prefers listening over speaking. Until I get familiar with you, I usually stay quiet and keep my opinions to myself. People often tell me they enjoy it once I open up because they get to learn a lot from me. I think it would be great if I could express myself without needing to wait for that comfort or familiarity. Don't you think so too? Now, I need your help to overcome what's been holding me back. I'm not even sure what to call it—whether it's shyness, fear of what might come after, or just feeling too comfortable in my shell until something forces me out. Whatever it is, I’d love your tips or advice.🙏 Please share your tips or advice in the comments. A "thank you" won't be far from my fingertips. #Midweek #WCW #Wednesday #Womenempowerment

As a brown woman who recently moved to a predominantly white country, I’ve become increasingly aware of the daily microaggressions faced by visible minorities—comments often disguised as compliments but rooted in subtle racism and ingrained stereotypes, it’s not okay to say: “Oh! How do you speak English so well? Were you educated abroad?”—as if proficiency in the language must be an exception for someone coming from my side of the world. “I can never tell where you’re from. You could be Italian, Spanish, Greek… That’s amazing because you can fit in so easily!”—implying that assimilation is something I should aspire to, as though my identity is malleable to fit others’ comfort. Not to mention the unsolicited advice on how things work “on this side of the world,” as if my background automatically limits my knowledge or ability to navigate life here. If I need help I WILL ask! The most striking part is the way this subtle exclusion manifests even with strangers. In one Facebook group I’m part of, an admin will comment “this is against the rules” when a someone posts something against the guidelines, but switches to “this is against *our* rules” when the post comes from a person of color. Words matter! They’re the building blocks of bias, of belonging, or exclusion. The subtleties of these interactions may seem small, but they compound—revealing an underlying attitude that speaks volumes and to be honest Im tired of educating people. Please do the the work, because guess what I’m also on my journey to identify my own unconscious biases and break them, because surprisingly a brown girl can have that too. So shout out to anyone doing the work, please share resources, interesting reads and anything that could help! #DoTheWork #WordsMatter #BrownGirl #SubtleRacism #Microaggressions #UnconsciousBias #VisibleMinorities #EverydayRacism #BreakingStereotypes #InclusionMatters #SpeakUp #Belonging

How much do you know about unconscious bias? 👀 Well, being aware of our snap judgements is the first step to tackling it - and what better time to unpack this than Pride month. Pride month serves as a reminder to us all, to treat everyone how we want to be treated. 🌈 Check out our link below to learn a bit more about unconscious bias.👇 #PrideMonth #UnconsciousBias #Prejudice #Blog https://lnkd.in/eh6J7MHE

"Your posts about anti-racism don’t always make me feel good, and that itself is good." Whenever I question whether or not I have the energy to keep posting, it's messages like this that make all the difference: "I wanted to write and say thank you. I always perk up when I open LinkedIn and see one of your posts. I appreciate that you share the tough times along with the easy, the rough with the smooth. And I’ve also learned so much from you how to be a better anti-racist and ally to BIPOC communities. Your posts about anti-racism don’t always make me feel good, and that itself is good. I grew up in a very racist/homophobic/xenophobic/bigoted family, and even though I’m gay, it’s too easy to hide behind the extreme privilege I have as a white man. Thank you for making me feel uncomfortable and have necessary conversations with myself about my privilege and how to harness it to help others. Thank you!" #Antiracism #AntiracismEducation #AntiracistEducation #Antiracist #AspiringAntiracist #BlackLivesMatter _____________________ Don't miss a post from me ----> ring my bell 🔔 and follow my hashtags #TheRealDrBatGuy🦇💜 & #RedefiningProfessionalism "My Feminism will be Intersectional or it will be Bullshit" - Flavia Dzodan *My views are my own and do not reflect those of my employer* ~I do not condemn anyone’s right to protect their peace and safety through silence. Being outspoken can be dangerous for many people— your safety is paramount.~ All the links: https://linktr.ee/ShevaGuy

Tired of Being Told "EVERYONE STRUGGLES" It’s exhausting. Absolutely, undeniably, soul-crushingly exhausting. To be a neurodivergent individual in a world that seems hell-bent on ignoring our experiences. The constant refrain, "Everyone has their struggles," rings hollow. It’s like a white, cisgender, heterosexual man complaining to a Black woman about his challenges while she's fighting for basic human rights. It's a comical comparison, but it highlights the absurd lack of perspective. Neurodivergence isn't a personality quirk or a temporary phase. It's a fundamental difference in how our brains process information, interact with the world, and experience emotions. It's a daily battle against sensory overload, social anxiety, and the CONSTANT NEED TO MASK who we truly are. To equate this to the "struggles" of neurotypical people is to completely erase our experiences. It's like telling someone drowning to stop complaining because everyone gets wet. It's infuriating. And then there's those who claim to be allies. But their allyship often stops at performative social media posts and empty platitudes. It's rare to find someone who is genuinely willing to EDUCATE THEMSELVES , to LISTEN WITHOUT JUDGEMENT, and to truly UNDERSTAND the CHALLENGES we face. It's a constant labor to exist in a world that doesn't see us. To be constantly gaslit, invalidated, and misunderstood. Will this never CHANGE?? It’s time for neurotypical and privileged Humans to stand up, acknowledge their privileges, educate themselves, and create truly inclusive spaces. Until then, we'll keep fighting, one exhausting day at a time. #NeuroProud #unmasking #inclusionintruesense #DEI

How can you be a better Ally? Check out these great tips from Equality Careers! Don't forget to like/follow Equality Careers if you haven't already! #allyship #activelistening #inclusivity #EqualityCareers

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙬𝙚 saw this image of ourselves—the adult, towering and shouting—through our child’s eyes? I’ve been that adult. I’ve completely failed in moments of exhaustion and anger, letting words escape that filled me with guilt, shame and a dreadful regret.😪 𝘿𝙤 𝙬𝙚 truly understand the weight our words carry, especially in moments of frustration—their ability to uplift or undermine, to connect or alienate? 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙬𝙚 chose to pause, to breathe, and to respond with intention rather than reaction? 𝘿𝙤 𝙬𝙚 realise how a single outburst—a scream, a sarcastic snap—can linger in a child’s heart far longer than we ever intended? 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙬𝙚 could use those failures as a reminder of the responsibility we hold? 𝘿𝙤 𝙬𝙚 consider what our children hear in those moments, how their trust in us can fracture with every harsh word? 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙬𝙚 remembered that every time we raise our voice in anger, we have the power to repair the rupture? Apologising, owning our mistakes, and showing them we are trying to be better can teach resilience and trust, even after the hurt. 𝘿𝙤 𝙬𝙚 grasp how our words shape the world our children live in? 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙬𝙚 chose compassion over control, connection over fear? What kind of legacy would we leave if every word was an act of building up, not tearing down? Isn’t that the parent we all want to be? #parenting #gender #humanresources #mentalhealth