In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood invites Saba Ali to share her inspiring journey and discuss the theme of speaking truth to power. Joanne and Saba explore how individuals can champion the voices of marginalised communities, navigate cultural abuse, and work towards institutional change. Joanne reflects on her first encounter with Saba on a panel discussion and highlights Saba's recent accolade as an ally for the trans community. The episode delves into the importance of truth-telling and support, especially in challenging times, emphasising unity within the LGBTQIA community and beyond.

Saba Ali, a public speaker and advocate for justice, focuses on intersectionality, cultural abuse, and the lived experiences of queer South Asian individuals. Saba's superpower lies in her ability to amplify marginalised voices to drive institutional change. Her personal background includes overcoming childhood abuse and navigating intersectional discrimination as a queer woman of colour with hidden disabilities. Through years of therapy and self-improvement, Saba has emerged as a critical friend to the criminal justice system and an unwavering ally for those in need of advocacy and support.

Throughout the episode, Saba shares her journey from a childhood marred by abuse to becoming a powerful advocate for marginalised communities. Reflecting on her lived experiences, she emphasises the importance of creating spaces for honest conversations and providing platforms for those whose voices often go unheard. Joanne and Saba discuss the significance of critical friends within systems like the criminal justice system to ensure authentic representation and positive change.

Towards the end of the episode, the conversation shifts to dealing with societal challenges and supporting individuals in harmful environments. Joanne reflects on her experiences with hate crime reporting, underscoring the importance of supportive, compassionate communication from authorities.

A key takeaway from this episode is the transformative power of allyship and the importance of speaking up to create spaces where marginalised voices can instigate institutional change. Whether through grassroots advocacy or engaging with established systems, listeners will learn how impactful collaboration can drive inclusivity and societal transformation.