Gathering for understanding privilege

“Privilege can enable one’s security and advancement in multiple aspects of their life,” say the organisers of an upcoming event in Nicosia that will dissect all its facets, “while its power remains invisible to them. At the same time, the absence of privilege may lead to an everyday reality associated with barriers required to overcome and a lack of meaningful opportunities.”

There are several types of privilege in society and this past year they have all been in the spotlight. White privilege, male privilege, rich privilege, the list goes on. An upcoming gathering later this month aims at raising awareness and exploring the multifaceted aspects of privilege in Cyprus.

On July 21 at Yfanturgeio the Workplace, Generation for Change Cy will explore how race, gender, class, legal status and sexual orientation manifest in the lives of those who are privileged by one or more of these identities, and how it affects those living without privileges. “We aim to encourage participants to identify their everyday advantages by examining their own beliefs, practices, and social standing – and look into how we can redress and shift the balance of power,” they say.

The evening will begin at 7pm with a short film screening and feature an array of readings, poetry and sharing of personal stories. Following this, a group discussion will take place with a diverse panel of speakers sharing their experiences: Cypriot writer Marianna Pafite who is also the founder of Neophitos disability culture organisation, economist and asylum seeker Nigerian Bartholomew Okwudiri, academic philosopher Christos Hadjioannou, social worker and artist from the Philippines Maribel Gonzaga, social anthropology student and activist Panayiota Zintili, and artist and sexual health activist Christos Krasidis.

The event will also be the official launch event for the community library Library for Change in collaboration with Yfantourgeio the Workplace and Generation for Change Cy. The floor will be open to anyone who wants to share their story or express themselves through an art medium. To do so, interested participants should send a private message to the Generation for Change Cy Facebook page.

Gathering for Understanding: Privilege

Discussion, screenings, spoken word and more. Event by Generation for Change Cy. July 21. Yfantourgeio the Workplace, Nicosia. 7pm. Free