DEI Through a Parent’s Eyes: A Future Where Every Child Belongs

What Does DEI mean to me?  This is seemingly, an easy enough question to answer.  It doesn’t include a long equation that asks me to “show my work when finding the answer”.  It doesn’t ask me to choose between my favourite things in life, nor does it ask me who I idolize and why.  And yet, this question is very difficult and incredibly important answer.  You see, I have two young kids, both boys.  One of those boys is very rambunctious, very strong willed, very hands on, and very much loves princesses, wearing ball gowns and high heeled, sparkly shoes.  He loves his monster trucks, but he loves his princess dolls just as much – probably a little bit more actually.  You might say that, his preferences for clothing and toys is quite diverse, but would you feel comfortable including him to play with your children at the park if he were wearing one of his dresses and fancy shoes?  Some people, without even considering a second thought, would say of course – he’s just a child, why wouldn’t we include him and let him dress the way that makes him happy.  And yet, other people would be uncomfortable, might not want to deal with questions from their own kids about why a little boy is wearing a dress and sparkly shoes.  Why he doesn’t look like the rest of the boys at the park?  Why did his parents let him leave the house like that instead of saying no?

To me, diversity, equity and inclusion means that my kids can grow up and be whoever they want, however they want, and not have to worry about whether they fit in or whether they look different than the people around them.  It means, having a sense of belonging to our community just as much as anyone else would.  It means that my kids can go to the park to play and not be afraid to be who they are, that they will be safe being exactly who they are, and that no one would make them feel less than, for being who they are.

I believe that DEI means treating people, like people.  Being kind, welcoming, and open because well, its just the right thing to do.  Would you be okay with someone having the thoughts you maybe did earlier about my son, towards your own child, niece, nephew, or grandchild just because they might not be what you were raised to be or told to believe is “normal”, because they’re different in some way than you are.  I believe that an inclusive world isn’t just better for people who’ve been traditionally marginalized—it’s better for everyone. It’s better for my kids. It’s better for your kids. It's better for all of us. Inclusion is about breaking down the walls we’ve built around ourselves—whether those walls are built from prejudice, fear, or misunderstanding—and replacing them with bridges that unite us, allow us to learn from each other, and move forward together.

This is why I believe in DEI. It’s why I advocate for it, because a world where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued is not only morally right—it’s also a world where all of us can truly thrive. When I look at my kids, I want them to have a future where differences don’t divide them, but rather make them stronger.

The question now is, what are you going to do about it? We all have a role to play in shaping the world our children will inherit. This starts in our own lives—in our homes, in our workplaces, in our communities. Whether it’s choosing to be more inclusive in how we treat others, supporting policies that foster diversity, or simply making sure we are more mindful in our day-to-day actions, we each have the power to create change.