Inclusivity FTW

What better way to do good than to support our LGBTQ+ community, creating inclusivity wherever we lead classes.

Here are a few tips from ICON, medical anthropologist and research scientist, Daniel Shattuck, as you prepare for POUND 4 Pride events:

1. Think global, act local by finding organizations that serve your specific community. This is where the biggest impact for your community will lie. Also consider how they tie into larger dynamics at play. For example, there are attacks against LGBTQ+ populations, specifically youth, across the US so maybe find youth-focused organizations to work with.

2. Focus on young people. Connected to this, focusing on the youth is critical --- ESPECIALLY trans youth. Anything we can do now to support trans youth - making sure their schools are safe, and they maintain access to gender affirming care - is critical.

3. Think about intersectionality. Who in your community is in the most need? LGBTQ+ people are at high risk for many things like substance use, homelessness, and being jailed disproportionately. These things impact people of color disproportionately as well, so imagine being both. Some members of our community are ignored and need just as much support (if not more) to make sure they are able to live full, free, healthy, and happy lives.

4. Ask for permission and invite your collaborators. If you’re hosting an event to benefit a local organization or charity, ask their permission and invite them to come. If they are a service provider, allow them to invite the population they serve to come for FREE to your event.