Taking the equality challenge
Recently awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire). She explains why she accepted it.
The decision to accept this honour was not easy and has involved considerable soul searching. As a Quaker, I am called upon to witness to our Testimony of Equality and this is what compelled me to go to Riga PRIDE 2007 and the subsequent PRIDE parades in Central & Eastern (C&E) Europe since. It is the same testimony that gives me profound discomfort over the gender differentials and class basis of this order. I cannot but feel deep concerns about the use of the word ‘empire’ as the descendant of a family closely associated with that empire, and one that may have benefited directly from the slave trade. As an educator, it seems reasonable that any society should recognise talent, excellence and promote ‘good causes’ but it does seem to me problematic that the packaging of this honour excludes those who deserve recognition but have genuine and conscientious concerns, concerns that I share.
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