14: Creating Equity One Story at a Time with Lisa Cunningham

Guilty Privilege

In this powerful exchange between Lisa Cunningham, Director of Digital Media and Public Health, and your host Amber Cabral, a clear message emerges - a call for cities to adopt inclusive policies, such as gender-neutral restrooms, and for society as a whole to recognize the profound impact of storytelling.

Lisa's journey as a storyteller kicks off in the dynamic world of music videos and entertainment, where she witnessed firsthand the incredible power of storytelling in shaping culture. But her evolution into a more profound form of storytelling reveals her remarkable ability to make a genuine impact on people's lives and well-being.

This episode then takes a turn, shining a light on the ongoing challenges for LGBTQ communities across different U.S. cities. You'll notice disparities in legal protections and opportunities, with Atlanta emerging as a beacon of progress, while just a short 30-minute drive away in Roswell, Georgia, LGBTQ individuals continue to face significant hurdles. This chat also gets personal as we explore the daily struggles faced by gender-nonconforming individuals, from something as basic as restroom access. This recognition is what nurtures empathy and understanding for diverse perspectives, reinforcing the need for change and education to ensure equal rights and access for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Get ready to journey into the world of storytelling, equity, and the transformative power of making a difference, leaving you with plenty to think about and be inspired by.

KEY POINTS:

-Stories have the potential to educate, inspire, and impact change

-Your own experiences shape the stories you tell and how you see the world

-Embrace diverse stories for your growth and inclusivity

-Minor infrastructure changes can make a big difference in your life

-Acknowledge your privilege, use it for good and amplify voices

-Past issues persist driving you to strive for a fairer, equal society

-Explore allyship, and support the LGBTQ community, small impactful actions matter

QUOTABLES:

"I don't want to just be preaching to the choir." Lisa Cunningham

"We have to learn that sometimes our identities are rooted in the same old story." Lisa Cunningham

"Just keep equity top of mind in your everyday life." - Lisa Cunningham

"It is the narrative. It's the narrative that has to change." - Amber Cabral

GUEST INFORMATION:

Lisa Cunningham

IG | @captcunningham

Twitter | @captcunningham

Facebook | captcunninghamatl

LinkedIn | captcunningham

Amber Cabral

IG | @bamcabral

LinkedIn | @ambercabral

Facebook | @amber.cabral

Twitter | @BamCabral

Grab a copy of Amber’s books at Amazon!

Allies and Advocates: Creating an Inclusive and Equitable Culture

Say More About That: ...And Other Ways to Speak Up, Push Back, and Advocate for Yourself and Others -

Guilty Privilege is produced by EPYC Media Network