June is famously known as Pride Month. It celebrates the LGBTQ+ community that has brought so much to society as we know it. They are amongst those who are undeniably the backbone to our democracy. We would not be where we are, if it wasn’t for these incredible people and what they have accomplished. Today, there’s more change being pushed and the community is being strongly represented by organizations and allies standing up; using their voices for a more colorful tomorrow.
Someone who has helped to be a part of that change is none other than Munroe Bergdorf. She is a known Transgender Woman from the United Kingdom, a UN Women UK Changemaker with a seat on the Diversity and Inclusion Board of L’Oréal Paris. She has inspired others to step up and pave the way for times to come, she has shown such drive and ultimate ambition throughout her career and continues to do so today. In 2021, Munroe started her own podcast, inviting guests to reflect on their own journeys of growth, exploring how the past has shaped their perspective today and how it impacts their hopes for tomorrow. Appearing guests include known LGBTQ+ ally Jade Thriwall, as well as Mabel, JoJo, Anne Marie, Zara Larsson and so many more. For Munroe, it’s about reflecting on the way they were, celebrating the way they are today and looking forward to the way they will be. Not only is it an inspiring way to share her guests’ stories individually, but it is a chance for them to open up about how their past has shaped who they are today and the growth it took to get here.
Especially as a part of the LGBTQ+ community, sharing is the key to assure that anyone who has felt misunderstood and alone, can find someone to relate to. Through her podcast, Munroe provides her listeners with crucial information and – besides giving known names in the industry a chance to speak their truth – she can use her own voice to educate her guests as well as everyone listening to the podcast. It is so important to share the process it took to get you to where you are today.
In a recent self-written article for GLAMOUR Magazine, Munroe talked about how “the misinformation about who trans people are is coming from people in fairly privileged, powerful positions who often have significantly influential and impactful jobs in the media or in government”. Trans people not having rights, being an imminent threat to society and not belonging in places that are actually known for its diversity, are only a few misconceptions she mentioned. And even though it might be a new topic for some people, it is most certainly not a new concept. As we all know, the media likes to put their own twist on the actual truth which makes it harder to spread the right message.
Thankfully, there are thousands of charities, such as Stonewall and the Trevor Project, and allies out there today to represent and support the LGBTQ+ community and to educate where it’s needed. It is important to not let anyone define who you are or what you think is worth fighting for and to protect. It is important to take note and have people you can look up to. However, you have that same ability to step up and set an example of what can be, for all the generations of women and transgender women to come. Something that is worth remembering when you are pushing boundaries and changing the game, is that leaders lead with love. Be that leader.
ROARA Magazine 