We use the term “people of colour” as a unifying term that recognises the experiences of racism, discrimination and systemic barriers that a diverse group of different backgrounds and cultures face. We also recognise and hope to never erase the full diversity of these groups - that although we have many commonalities in our experiences, there are also many differences, nuances, complexities and layers to our identities and our lived experiences.
We recognise and will prioritise the unique experiences of First Nations, Bla(c)k, Indigenous, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the oppressions faced in their own land.
Some Definitions:
The collective Creatives of Colour uses the following working definition: “We are using the term ‘people of colour’ as a term of solidarity to include a spectrum of racialised identities and lived experiences, including people of African, Asian, Latinx, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Pasifika descent as well as First Peoples. However, we do not wish to erase the unique struggle for sovereignty by First Peoples. Creatives of Colour will always align ourselves with the struggles of First Peoples. We also want to acknowledge the distinct lived experiences of Black people.” - Creatives of Colour
Some people do not identify with this term - the following think piece demonstrates some of the complexities in the ongoing discourse about the term: "So while we grapple for an appropriate "team name", I wonder if it is even possible to land on a one-size-fits all term we can all agree on, when at the core of it, our common trait is that throughout history, we have been designated as "other" by white colonists, explorers, traders, settlers and conquerors?” - Who identifies as a person of colour in Australia? (ABC)
