Photo by Arthur Edwards
During her role as Secretary , Megan volunteered and developed new skills . She relished challenges and new experiences ; she began to have a solid understanding of all the facets involved in running the club from technical crew skills , to presenting shows , performances and administration duties .
Once again , Megan felt driven to challenge herself further . She decided to run for the Vice President position and was elected into the role . She elaborates , “ the Vice President role , put me in a very good place to run for President in 2021 . I was hugely honored that the Magic Circle members chose me to hold this position ”.
Megan ’ s goal “ is to make the Society an even more friendly , welcoming place for everyone . Our Apprentice scheme really helps to set the tone for people joining us , and our Equality , Diversity and Inclusion panel will help us to consider everyone ’ s needs . We ’ ve come a long way , but there will always be more work to do ”.
This goal is very important to Megan , reflecting her own personal experiences . She returned from university as an attractive , young woman . For the first time , in her lifetime , she experienced creepy , unwarranted sexual comments from her male colleagues , some of whom she had previously considered friends . It was shocking and unexpected , as some of the magicians she had known since she was ten years old .
Their misconduct affected her confidence and diminished the joy she felt within the magic community .
She said , “ when it happens in your club , which should be your safe-place ; where you have to return every week and wonder where or when the next shocker will come from , it undermines your self-assurance ”.
She started to question everyday decisions like what to wear at magic meetings , attempting to discourage derogatory comments . There were a lot of casual sexism and assumptive remarks that would often make her feel uncomfortable and that she
didn ’ t belong . Thankfully Megan didn ’ t wilt and give up . With time , experience and maturity , she has gained the confidence to handle inappropriate comments and situations . She found allies and discovered that the improper behavior was not the norm , but only belonged to a select few .
Over time more and more members have spoken up about the importance of equality , diversity and inclusion . Megan states , “ I am proud of how far The Magic Circle has come on this topic . I hope that future members will always feel welcome . I ’ d hate anyone to be put off by unpleasant experiences such as I encountered ”.
There is another bright light in The Magic Circles directorate and that is their current Vice President , Katherine Rhodes . Megan shared , “ she is truly wonderful to work with . She ’ s brilliant , trustworthy and reliable ”.
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