An unprecedented hope

Munroe Bergdorf is 31-year-old activist and model who has inspired many to love themselves and fight for their rights. In a world of oppression, privilege and power, she is the contrast we all need

Seeing someone like Munroe, who I’ve idolised for so long, sitting in front of me talking about her hopes for the future of the world gave me an unprecedented feeling of hope. I don’t feel hope very often and in truth I am very cynical, but there is something fundamentally soothing about hearing Munroe talk about herself. It rubs off on you and makes you think that maybe, just maybe you also can make a change. Munroe didn’t romanticise herself, her cause, or her struggles as a transgender black woman but she was authentic and kind.

Munroe being unapologetic about her identity is a breath of fresh air, during the talk she discussed the micro aggression of having to explain and discuss her identity and oppression. She talked about the notion of not having to actually partake in discussions with people who belittle your experiences.

As a black woman I related to what she was saying. In the past I’ve had people roll their eyes at me and minimise my experiences. It’s a micro-aggression and I sometimes forget how it actually affects me. It makes me feel like my opinion doesn’t matter, like I can’t be vocal about things that matter to me and it ever so subtly leaves me questioning my position in society.

Her advice to value yourself enough not to justify your importance and rights really stuck with me. Munroe Bergdorf was such a powerful presence, whose message of self-acceptance and self-love really stuck with me.

Aiesha

Munroe Bergdorf - a crucial voice

"Say what you believe to be true."

Munroe Bergdorf's words truly stuck with me. Before attending Munroe's event on February 27th, I didn't know her profile all too well. But it's safe to say that I absolutely adore her now.

Funny, kind and strong-minded, Munroe proved to the audience of the sold out event why she is such an influential figure. Host and DMU student Sophie Hamilton asked all the right questions, from what Munroe's biggest achievements of 2018 were to what she wants to be remembered for. Hearing about Munroe's life and her hard work was extremely moving. 

I walked out of the room feeling inspired and motivated by her words. One point that specifically stood out to me was Munroe saying allies of marginalised communities can use their skills to support others, including writing and art. As a writer myself, hearing this was really important. I want to help make a difference with my own skills, and Munroe's advice has only pushed me further towards this aspiration.

Munroe isn't afraid to say what she thinks and what she believes to be true. Her powerful voice and mind reach out to all kinds of audiences, including young people who may be facing struggles similar to Munroe's past ones. Having someone who all kinds of people can look up to and be inspired by is important in this ever-changing world, and for that, I can only give my thanks to Munroe. 



Belinda Campbell

"Social media is a mirage"

Yesterday evening I attended an hour-long discussion with LGBTQ+ representative Munroe Bergdorf.

As a transgender homosexual woman, Bergdorf has much to tell us about her daily experience of navigating today's society. She talked of self-care and surviving whilst baing apart from the white, cisgendered, heterosexual 'elite'. I found her talk thought-provoking and incredibly powerful.

Many of us deal with our own struggles and Bergdorf made sure to make everyone feel included. The audience at her talk was "one of the most diverse I have ever spoken to," she said.

She covered a large variety of topics. The one that resonated most with me was her statement that "Social media is a mirage." This came during her discussion of her mental health and her teenage experience of body dysmorphia before she transitioned. It's so easy to be sucked into the lie that is 'Social Media', especially on apps where everyone's goal is to make their lives look flawless unlike their day-to-day reality. This has led many people unstable mental health. Some who I know have had to take deliberate breaks from social media to allow themselves to heal.

This topic seemed to really hit home with the majority of the audience, as the atmosphere in the lecture theatre was thick with personal reflection - as well as awe for Munroe Bergdorf.
 

Jordan Warwick

Munroe Bergdorf: activist and inspitayion

DMU is very lucky to have activist and model Munroe Bergdorf as a guest during Cultural Exchanges 2019. 

 Her appearance may just be my highly anticipated event of the week. She is highly known for her work within the LGBTQ+ community and for her insight on diversity. In this modern age, such topics are more relevant than evert. 

In past articles from the likes of Teen Vogue and Grazia, Bergdorf has discussed topics ranging from mental health to feminism. I'm very much looking forward to hearing what she has to say and applying her knowledge to not only my every day life, but my writing as well.

https://www.dmu.ac.uk/about-dmu/news/2019/february/cultural-exchanges-2019.aspx

Munroe will be at Cultural Exchanges on Wednesday 27th February. 

Book here today, and read more on her website in the mean time!


Belinda Campbell