Tit talks: Tokenism on steroids

March 28th 2023

 

  • Tit Talks: Tokenism on steroids :: recorded at AGNSW
  

The Bearded Tit’s panel series Tit Talks appeared at the Art Gallery of NSW during World Pride to look at the relationship between diversity, inclusivity and equity. Kilimi Aketi Foketi, a Western Sydney-based queer Tongan DJ, radio presenter and thought leader was joined by three panelists to chat about all the complexities of tokenism:

Kelly Lovemonster [Dezart Smith] – “I’m a producer and curator here in Sydney. For obvious reasons, I’m talking on this panel. My intersections: I’m Bla(c)k, I’m queer, I’m a dad, I’m an uncle and aunty… all those things make me up.”
Prince [Aydin] – “I guess my intersections are being an Arab, Assyrian trans person. I’m also a primary school teacher, an artist, and an artist educator in the context of the museum space.”
Nayuka [Gorrie] – “I’m a Gunai/Kurnai, Gunditjmara, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta person. I live on Wurundjeri Country in Melbourne. I’m a writer. I suppose that’s how I’ve came to be in this space. Not so much an artist, but I have opinions.”

Across the 30 minute discussion, the panel looked closely at the varying impacts of “diversity hires” and inclusion initiatives.

Prince – “The problem with representation is that it does not provide presence. It provides abstraction. And so what happens with that is that when we’re abstracted, from ourselves, we tend to also internalise all the things they’re saying that we are.”

In many ways, the discussion brought the pitfalls of tokenism to the surface. Nayuka raised the point that including people of colour in projects can cause distress not only to those involved, but those who witness the finished product.

“Some things I’m like, “Why do we need to be seen in that thing?” There are some shows for example, where people are like, “There’s no Bla(c)k and brown people in that show.” I’m like, “Why would you want them on there?” I don’t need to see a brown person be brutalised…”

Want to learn more? Listen to the full discussion up top, check out other Tit Talks panels here, or keep an eye out for the next one via The Bearded Tit’s socials.

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