Wendy Gloyd, Westford Resident
Inclusion is something we talk about a lot in Westford. We say we want to “bring the community together” or “find common ground.” These are admirable goals. But they won’t become reality unless we’re willing to take an honest look at ourselves—especially at how we treat one another. Inclusion doesn’t happen just because we say it matters. It happens when we live it.
I’ve had the privilege of serving on Westford’s DEI Committee for nearly two years. This work is deeply personal to me, both as a community member and as someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community. Along the way, I’ve seen moments of real connection and progress—but I’ve also experienced challenges that have made me think more deeply about what inclusion really means.
There have been times when I’ve been accused of acting in bad faith, even by people I once considered allies. I’ve felt the pain of being undermined by someone I thought was part of my own community—someone who used insider knowledge to try to have me removed from the committee. I’ve been advised not to support certain political candidates publicly, not because of differing views, but because my LGBTQ+ identity might “taint” them in the eyes of homophobic voters. And I’ve faced criticism from people who believe they should automatically be welcomed into inclusive spaces, simply because they check a box—regardless of how they behave or treat myself and others.
These experiences have taught me something essential: inclusion isn’t just about who you are—it’s about how you show up. Everyone deserves a seat at the table. But being in community with others means more than just being present—it means treating others with respect, listening with openness, and doing our part to build trust.
Being part of a community isn’t passive—it’s a practice. It means being mindful of how our words and actions affect others. It means being willing to take responsibility. And it means setting boundaries that protect the dignity and safety of everyone, especially those who are most often left out or pushed aside.
Too often, those who claim they’re being excluded are unwilling to reflect on how their own behavior may be contributing to the divide. Inclusion requires shared effort—not just a desire to be welcomed, but a commitment to engaging respectfully with others. Disagreements are part of any healthy community, but disrespect should never be. Sometimes, a sense of entitlement can blind people to the impact of their actions. Inclusion doesn’t mean we all have to think alike—it means we show up with care, especially when we don’t agree. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being fair, being willing to listen, and being open to growth.
We also need to move beyond the idea that inclusion means accepting every behavior just because someone holds a marginalized identity. It doesn’t. True inclusion requires accountability. It means drawing clear lines around actions that harm others. It’s not enough to say, “I deserve to be welcomed because I belong to a marginalized group,” if the way we treat others is harmful or divisive.
Inclusion is a two-way street. Communities should strive to be welcoming, but individuals also have a responsibility to uphold the shared values that make a community safe and strong. That’s not exclusion—it’s care. It’s how we make room for everyone to feel heard, respected, and supported.
So let’s work together to build the kind of Westford we can all be proud of—compassionate, honest, and fair. Let’s have open, thoughtful conversations. Let’s ask questions when we’re unsure, and let’s hold ourselves accountable when we fall short. Inclusion isn’t something you check off a list. It’s a commitment—one we live out every day in how we treat each other.
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