(In)visibility in the context of inclusion vs. marginalisation

Within MathPsych, academia, and in general, some of us tend to be more visible and have more audible voices than others, in ways that relate to experiences of inclusion and support vs. exclusion and marginalisation. Sometimes the dimensions in which we are more or less visible are something over which we have little control. For instance, it would be difficult to hide our skin colour or potential reliance on a wheelchair to move about. Similarly, the dimension in question could be an important part of who we are as a person that we cannot bear hiding. Other times we may find ourselves in situations that compel us to make invisible parts of us that might otherwise subject us to marginalisation, discrimination or even physical violence. For instance, when immigrants to the USA in the 20th century changed their surnames to blend in with their new environment; Or intellectuals like Juana Inés de la Cruz tried to mask their gender to access higher education, which until recently had been reserved for men. Overall, visibility and invisibility can have advantages and perils, which vary between individuals and situations. At the same time, it is arguably an important, worthwhile goal to foster communities in which everyone can be safe, free, and welcome enough to be visible and use their voice, accessing space and resources to develop their potential, and supporting others in developing theirs. The panel seeks to offer an opportunity to discuss varied forms of marginalisation and concomitant invisibility, which the panelists may approach from their personal and/or work related perspective and expertise. It also seeks to help remind us of the positive sides of being diverse and unique, in spite of the marginalisation this sometimes subjects us to, and to explore ways in which MathPsych can be an inclusive place that supports and uplifts its diverse members, fostering a safe and welcoming environment that reduces barriers to visibility and participation.