Why does representation matter?

Representation is a topic that gets talked about a lot these days. We all crave being visible, being heard, being recognized for who we truly are–our unique selves in the world. And we feel joy when we see others like us, helping us to feel a little less alone and a little more hopeful about what we might do someday.

Which makes me wonder–what then actually is representation if it’s so uniquely personal? Is there one singular definition that we can use to measure individual or societal progress on the topic? Is fair representation even something that we can strive for in the world if representation means something different to each of us??

I like questions like these, because I don’t think there’s just one answer that can ever satisfy them. Living Untitled, after all, is a podcast about really big questions–questions that often make us uncomfortable but are still worth asking and investigating in the hopes of helping ourselves and others around us live a better life. And so when I thought about addressing the topic of representation–I knew I couldn’t start by trying to figure out why representation matters to all of us. I had to find out why it mattered to one person. And go from there.

So for this first of hopefully many conversations on this topic, I sat down with Nic Comparato , a wildlife scientist focused on the bioacoustic study of bats and birds at the NYC Bird Alliance. After earning a master’s degree in biology, they developed an interest in bioacoustics through research on bird song and park soundscapes as part of their graduate studies. This interest eventually expanded to bats after they were given the opportunity to survey bat populations in Westchester County. Today, Nic assists with a variety of monitoring projects at green infrastructure sites throughout Manhattan.?

Nic came to terms with their sexuality and gender identity later in life and is currently at an early stage in their transition. This journey wasn’t easy, but thanks to the support of their chosen family and the NYC Bird Alliance, Nic feels a strong sense of acceptance for who they really are. They hope that by being a visible queer scientist, they can help others accept themselves, as well–in the science community and beyond.?

When I asked Nic about doubt and uncertainty, I was thrilled with their answer. They weren’t stuck on the ways in which the inevitable doubt that can creep up inside us forces us to see limits to what we can achieve. Instead, they reflected on how being an authentic representation of themselves in the world opened up a whole new range of possibilities. That’s the kind of answer we all crave because it gives us hope in the times we need it the most. And especially for people trying to live as their true selves in a world that isn’t always ready to understand every part of them, it hopefully offers the motivation needed to take the leap of faith.

Subscribe and listen to Living Untitled wherever you listen to podcasts.