Diversity

Just wondering how people generally feel about diversity. I realize it's a sore subject for some, but I think it would be interesting to see how diversity in the workplace has impacted your career. Have you benefited from your race, gender, etc? Have you ever felt like someone at your firm was treated differently due to the previously mentioned qualities? Do people feel like they have been passed over unfairly due to their race/gender/etc already being overrepresented at the company? Do you think it's important to have equal representation? Floor is yours. Mature discussion would be great.