Racism is a phenomenon rooted in centuries of colonialism and socially constructed ideologies that continue to shape many institutions today. At the Racial Experience Lab, we provide tools to understand these foundations, supporting greater awareness and helping individuals navigate environments where they may feel disempowered, marginalised, or treated as the other.
Between May and July 2025, 300,000 Black women left the U.S labour force.
From 2017-2022, more than 120,000 UK ethnic minority workers quit their jobs due to racism.
Black women are 3.7x and Asian women 1.8x more likely to die in childbirth than white women
In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, 85% of UK doctors who died were ethnic minorities
95% of young black people report that they have heard and witnesses the use of racist language at school
Of 19,000 UK professors, only 400 are black women
A holistic conceptualisation of racism also recognises the complexity and diversity in our experiences, often shaped by our intersecting social identities, whether that be religion, class, sexuality or gender. For example, whilst black women may face misogynoir, through stereotypes of being loud, aggressive or innately strong, BIPOC LGBTQ+ individuals may encounter oppression rooted in colonial ideologies reinforce narrow ideals of what one’s gender or sexuality should be. With this, it means that as individuals our traumas and stressors are likely to form under similar but unique conditions.
At the Racial Experience Lab, we recognise both the commonalities and the unique individuality within each of us. This is reflected in our tailored, representative, and inclusive workshops and consultancy services.
Our Lab offers a space where feelings of being overlooked or unheard can shift into empowerment through sharing your truths. We also support the development of critical awareness by exploring the deeper processes behind lived experiences and related trauma.
Through this journey, we aim to nurture greater freedom, helping you externalise and challenge limiting narratives that may have shaped your self-perception and sense of worth.
The psychological, emotional and physical stress resulting from repeated exposure to racism and microaggressions. For example, comments like “Wow, I am surprised by how articulate you are” or having your name constantly mispronounced can make individuals withdraw from othering spaces.
The chronic mental strain faced by individuals from stigmatised groups, such as LGBTQ+ and/or racial minorities. For example, a black queer person may face ongoing stress from both racism and homophobia, leading higher risk to anxiety, depression or at worse suicidal thoughts.
The idea that trauma experienced by ancestors can affect future generations through genetic changes. Studies in both humans and animals suggest that stressors like racism, famine or violence can leave biological imprints that shape how descendants respond to adversity.
