This International Women’s Day, Laila El-Metoui explains how she overcame obstacles to embrace her authentic self
BY LAILA EL-METOUI, IMAGE BY GETTY IMAGES
As a woman navigating various intersecting identities – cis, lesbian, Arab with a Muslim-sounding surname, disabled, and from a socioeconomically deprived background – the choice of which injustice to fight often pulls me in different directions. The systemic injustices I face feel overwhelming at times, akin to a colibri attempting to extinguish a raging forest fire while carrying water in its beak.
My journey has been marked by numerous challenges, from experiencing homelessness to grappling with trauma and discrimination. Racism, homophobia, sexism, misogyny, Islamophobia, ableism, ageism, menopause stigma, and stereotypical representation in media are just a few of the obstacles I face daily. Adding to this, the concept of cultural taxation, where I am expected to educate others and promote social change, further weighs on me. Global events like the rise in hate crimes against my communities and new legislation affecting LGBTIQA lives, add to the complexity of advocacy work. As someone in the public domain, I also face regular bigots on social media.
Dealing with feeling like an imposter can make it even harder to face all the outside struggles, leaving me feeling lonely and disconnected at times. Overcoming these challenges has required a concerted effort to work on myself and develop inner strength. Through counselling and education about identity, privilege, and systemic oppression, I have addressed underlying issues contributing to low self-esteem. Attending silent meditation retreats has been transformative in cultivating mindfulness and self-awareness, providing space for deep introspection and reflection.
Despite ongoing challenges, I’ve learned to embrace my authentic self and celebrate the diversity of my experiences. As an Equity and Wellbeing Educator at lemEducation.com, my contributions have been recognised through various accolades and achievements, such as being awarded the Stonewall Lesbian Role Model, being honoured on the National Diversity Power List 2024 or accepted as a delegate in the UN Conference this year. I have founded impactful initiatives and organisations, such as Pride in Education, Proud London Councils and UK Queer Arabs, furthering my commitment to advocacy and positive change for my different communities.
Just as the fictional canary is not alone in its efforts to combat the fire, I am not alone in my activism. Together with countless others, we form a formidable force for change, challenging systemic injustices and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable society. In our efforts to extinguish the fires of hate and injustice, each and every one of us can carry water according to our capabilities and strengths. The droplet I pour on this raging fire might not extinguish it, but it might suppress a spark and the more of us come together the more chances we will have to save the proverbial forest.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us remember the interconnectedness of our struggles and the strength of our solidarity. Let us continue uplifting and amplifying the voices of marginalised and racialised communities, working together to create a world where all individuals are valued and respected.
And in doing so, let us acknowledge the privilege we have, mine is living in the UK where legal protections and supportive communities exist and where despite facing multiple societal and personal challenges I am able to be a colibri!
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