Chapter 12: Exploring Deia Outside and Inside the Margins

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism (DEIA) is trending (Argueza et al., 2021; Jones et al., 2022; Tajiama, 2021). Researchers in various field from medicine to library science are examining ways in which racism is ingrained in their practices and employing diversit, and equity inclusive agendas (Argueza et al., 2021; Jones et al., 2022; Tajiama, 2021). However, this has been a way of life for me. I had roommates who were a White man, and two women, Hispanic and Japanese. I learned much about diversity and equity from these experiences. I lived with these people. We shared a home. These experiences exposed me to a deeper understanding of different cultures. The Hispanic roommate taught me how to cook fried cabbage. The Japanese roommate taught me about meditation and stillness. The White roommate taught me about trust funds. It was a granular lesson in White privilege, and how different minorities experienced America. A plethora of experiences: I grew up in the racist south; I was raised with a gay stepbrother; and I married a bisexual man, have served as a foundation for my academic career as a faculty member advancing DEIA in the classroom and beyond.