It's Pride Month!

Beloveds,

It's June and there's a lot to be proud of. 

The queer community sees themselves more represented in film, TV, advertising, the corporate world, in politics, schools, and in local businesses.

Friends and allies fly flags and post decals and stickers to bid their welcome.

But it's also scary times for the LGBTQIA+ community.

There are movements pressing into positions of power that are seeking to undermine the rights and well-being, as well as to harm and eliminate the queer community.

The more out of the "norm" you are; the more you are vulnerable to harm and victimization. The intersection of gender, sexual orientation, race, skin color, abilities, financial circumstances can heap on the threat.

If you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I hope this time of solidarity bouys your sense of self, worthiness, community, and possibility.

If you are NOT a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I hope you spend some of the remainder of pride month in a time where you contemplate how you might support the queer community and then take action in solidarity. How can you lift up and bolster those who are targeted by their mere authentic existence? And how can you slow down and disrupt the harm that is happening in school boards, town halls, corporate board rooms, state assemblies, in Congress, and in the White House? (There is lots of space for creativity here as well as joining in solidarity with other allies who have established actions.)

It's not easy to be ourselves. Let's do our best to show up for ourselves while making space and creating opportunities and providing resources for marginalized folks.

That's something we can ALL take PRIDE in!

Remember: othering kills and we're in this together.

---

May you always see the blessing, beloveds.

-esb

Questions for Contemplation:

• What do you take pride it? 

• What identities make up your personhood?

• What and who are you throwing parades for?

• What parts of you are screaming for recognition and celebration?

P.S. - Thanks for being here. I’d love to hear how you’re doing!

P.P.S. - The art and information in these emails is my copyright, unless otherwise indicated/credited.

P.P.P.S. - Things are popping on The LYHL Podcast with an episode coming out every 1.5 weeks. I can’t wait to keep sharing these powerful conversations with you! What episode has really impacted you?