Most of us know June is pride month for us 2S and/or LGBTQIA+ folks but did you also know it is G*psy, Roma, and Traveller History Month?! Since circa 2008, June has also marked a celebration of us Romani and Traveller ethno-racial identities! Here I have censored the word G*psy because it is and always has been, a racial slur but some Romani peoples have reclaimed it. Whilst I am not Traveller, I am Romani and I can tell you that one of the most common stereotypes I encounter in the animal care/wellbeing sector is that us Romani peoples are animal abusers. In fact, this prejudice is SO common that for many years I tried to hide my ethno-racial identity often just saying "I'm Indigenous." Fortunately nowadays I am far more confident than my younger self and proudly say I am Roma! But I have found the last decade that many of us Romani peoples attempt to hide their identity.
How does your organization support Romani and Traveller communities? Do you encounter the myth that we are animal abusers? How do you advocate for us?
As you can see from a presentation given by LAB, us Roma adore our animals. Even ensuring our pets have masks during the influenza pandemic of 1918. My family has a long legacy of caring for bears.
#AccesstoCare#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice#FieldServicesandPublicSafety*#PetSupportServices*------------------------------
Melinda Trueblood-Stimpson
Founder; scientist
Ludar Animal Behavior
OH
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