5 Things / Justice Sotomayor
This week my partner and I went to seeU.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor talk in Chicago. She answered most of her questions while walking through the audience, shaking hands, and signing books. The Justice approaches her work with an amazing amount of grace and gentleness and sees her greatest work as being a trailblazer for others. She’s written three children’s books and dedicates an astounding amount of time to speak with young people.
At no point were the words, “diversity, equity, and inclusion” spoken, but Justice Sotomayor shared some lessons that resonated with me as universal. She’s openly diabetic and shared a story about a time years ago when she was giving herself an insulin shot in a restaurant restroom. Another woman walked in, and later as Sotomayor was leaving, she overheard that woman say to her friend, “That woman is a drug addict” (referring to Sotomayor). The woman assumed that the insulin shot was drugs. That experience stuck with Justice Sotomayor and years later, she wrote a children’s book called “Just Ask” about how we shouldn’t make assumptions about others, and instead ask questions. Those of you who are familiar with my ARC Method know I wholeheartedly agree!
The Justice was also asked about the increasing polarization within our country and the Supreme Court. She emphasized empathy towards everybody, to take a moment to try to put ourselves in their shoes, to take their perspective. She seeks out the good in others, even those, or perhaps especially those, with whom she disagrees, and gave an example of Justice Clarence Thomas’ kindness.
Perhaps most importantly, Justice Sotomayor gave us a call to action: “What choice do we have but to keep trying to change things?’ Because if you feel disenfranchised and let other people fight for what they think is right and you’re not willing to get up and fight, then you are just giving it to them.”
Here are the good vibes I found this week:
Anna May Wong Will Be 1st Asian American Featured on U.S. Currency
For the first time in U.S. history, an Asian American will be featured on currency. Anna May Wong earns this distinction, having been the first Chinese-American film star back in the early part of the 20th century. She’ll be featured on quarters beginning Monday. This matters because the contributions of Asian Americans are largely left out of history, and the lack of representation leads to stereotypes and a lack of possibility models.
You Can Now Buy Hearing Aids Over the Counter
Americans will soon be able to buy hearing aids over-the-counter. They were previously only available with a prescription but now those with mild to moderate hearing loss will be able to buy them at major retail stores. The barrier of needing a prescription, plus the high cost of prescription hearing aids, has meant that 84% of Americans with hearing loss do not use an aid. This matters because being able to buy much more affordable aids over the counter will expand access and destigmatize this widespread challenge.
New Glassdoor Filters Enable Searches on Demographic Group Ratings and Interests Like Work Life Balance
The career site Glassdoor has expanded their filters to allow users to “customize their job search by workplace factor ratings such as work/life balance, culture & values, diversity & inclusion and more, or by overall ratings from demographic groups including race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation and more.” This matters because these expanded filters can help seekers find the org that matches their values and creates the space for them to do their best work.
Social Security Administration Makes It Easier to Change Sex Marker in Records
The U.S. Social Security Administration will now allow people to change their gender marker without third-party “proof” (although they do not yet offer a third gender option). For a transgender person, changing their gender marker can be complicated and cost-prohibitive. The ease of this new policy removes significant barriers for these folks and it matters in allowing them to live as their authentic selves.
Bank of Ireland Offers Workers Paid Menopause Leave
The Bank of Ireland will begin to pay leave time for employees going through menopause. This and similar policies are gaining traction in the UK as well, but I haven’t seen many U.S. companies offering this explicit coverage. This matters because explicit policies destigmatize a routine health condition experienced by 50% of the population.
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