Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month: reflections

In support of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month, hear from Jordanna Blockley, an advocate at the Scottish Bar and a member of Themis Advocates, as she reflects on her personal experiences and how we can support the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

I was honoured to be asked to contribute to the Diversity+ post as part of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month.

I spent a long time considering what unique perspective I could offer, but ultimately, I realised that I have nothing new. Perhaps that is the point. The more I speak to people, the more I realise that much of our experience as minority communities is a collective one. 

I have nothing new to share. Perhaps that's the point...Our experience as minority communities is a collective one.

If we move into a traditional job, we worry about whether to disclose our origins, and whether that will negatively impact us, or our children. 

For a long time, I did not have the option to keep that part of my identity hidden. I travelled with a fairground. I went to many different schools, on rotation, every year. It was obvious who I was, and where I came from. 

Reflecting on my own experiences of the times in my life that people have treated me poorly, it is challenging to distinguish between prejudice and personal differences. This is especially true for me because I often bring a “but why?” energy that parents, teachers, and bosses have never been particularly receptive to.

Now that I am older, I have an advantage. If I choose not to disclose my background then I am treated like any other white woman. What has changed? It is difficult to describe an absence. An absence of people nitpicking your behaviour. An absence of people going out of their way not to acknowledge you. An absence of people keeping interactions with you to a minimum. 

Noticing the absence led me to understand how insidious this behaviour can be. If people are consistently rude and dismissive, you start to wonder “is it just me”?

I wonder if this resonates with others? If so, how have you handled that? 

For me, the answer has been, if you will pardon the pun, to just keep moving. Sometimes the world is a hostile place. But there are people out there who are kind and decent and wildly funny. Find them and nurture those relationships. Pour your energy into places and people that are supportive. 

A decade ago, if you had told me I would one day call to the Scottish Bar feeling accepted and encouraged I would have laughed.  But sometimes my scepticism is misplaced. It was hard for me to put that aside. It has not been frictionless, but it remains the best thing I have ever done for myself.

Stories and experiences...are vital in making our communities more visible 

I encourage you to share your stories and experiences if you feel able. They are vital in making our communities more visible. Together, we can amplify our voices and work towards a more equitable society. 

In closing, I want to express my gratitude to Diversity+ for the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation. Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month is a time to reflect on our past, acknowledge our present, and envision a future where we are all able to be open about who we are without backlash. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this journey. 

For help in improving equity, diversity, and inclusion within your organisation, get in touch with us at hello@diversityplus.info or read more about our services here.