EEB: Opening Doors to a More Inclusive Brewing Community
The Need for Inclusivity in Brewing
Brewing is an age-old tradition that has been around for centuries. While it was initially seen as a predominantly male activity, that perception has since changed. Women have been making a name for themselves in the brewing industry over the years, shattering the gender norms that were once prevalent in this field.
While significant progress has been made in creating a more inclusive brewing community, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. The brewing industry is a mostly male-dominated space, and the voices of women and other marginalized groups are often sidelined or ignored altogether. That’s where EEB comes in.
What is EEB?
EEB stands for Equity of Emotional Labor in Beer. It is an initiative that was started by Ren Navarro, a prominent beer educator, speaker, and consultant. EEB aims to create a more inclusive brewing community by bringing attention to the emotional labor involved in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
What is Emotional Labor?
Emotional labor refers to the invisible work that goes into managing one’s feelings and emotions and those of others. In the context of the brewing industry, this means the work that marginalized groups do to promote inclusivity in the industry. It’s the work that goes into lobbying for diversity, the conversations had with colleagues to change the status quo, the work done to create events that celebrate diverse voices, and more.
Why EEB is Essential
The brewing industry has been, and still is, a predominantly white, cisgender, heterosexual, able-bodied, and male-dominated space. That dynamic has made it incredibly challenging for marginalized groups to break into the industry, let alone make meaningful strides.
EEB aims to shift that dynamic by raising awareness about the emotional labor involved in creating a more inclusive brewing community. By giving a platform to those who have been doing this work behind the scenes, EEB hopes to inspire people in the industry to recognize and value the contributions of marginalized groups better.
How EEB is Creating Change
EEB is making a difference by creating a space for marginalized voices to be heard. They have been hosting various events and seminars and have worked to provide resources on their website to help breweries become more inclusive. Additionally, they have created a “Brewers Inclusivity Pledge,” which breweries can take to signal that they are committed to creating a more inclusive culture.
Conclusion
The brewing industry has been changing, but it’s time for it to change more. By recognizing the emotional labor that goes into creating a more inclusive community, we can build a better future for everyone involved. EEB is an essential initiative that is doing valuable work to move the industry forward, and we should all support their efforts.
