Losing the Labels

Briana Tucker describes what it feels like to live under constant scrutiny as a woman of colour in Wisconsin, where everyday situations can carry the risk of being stereotyped, labelled, or treated as a threat. She shares stark examples of overt racism and how assumptions about “aggression”, professionalism, and even hair and appearance shape what feels safe at work, in public, and at home.

Joanne and Briana explore how labels and bias operate at both individual and institutional levels, including policing, healthcare, hiring, and education. They discuss the emotional and practical labour involved in staying safe, the role of allies validating experiences, and why people must take responsibility for their own learning rather than relying on marginalised communities to educate them.

The conversation also touches on faith, spirituality, and finding ways to move from heightened awareness to action. Briana closes by sharing her consulting work in process improvement and DEI advocacy, and why she wants a future where people can live without being defined by stereotypes and can show up as themselves, unapologetically.