Insights from the Pronouns & 2SLGBTQIA+ Allyship Course

Creating a Safe and Inclusive Environment: Insights from the Pronouns & 2SLGBTQIA+ Allyship Course

Introduction

Our team at Back At It recently had the privilege of participating in an educative course titled “Pronouns & 2SLGBTQIA+ Allyship,” hosted by Scale Naturally’s Makaylah and Fia-Lynn. This course was a profound learning experience, filled with powerful personal stories that highlighted vulnerability and passion. By sharing their lived experiences, Makaylah and Fia-Lynn provided us with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and offered practical strategies to create a safer and more inclusive environment in our clinic.

The Power of Personal Stories

One of the most impactful elements of the course was the personal stories shared by Makaylah and Fia-Lynn. They openly discussed how events such as the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Florida have made them feel less safe, emphasizing the constant awareness of being in a minority and the associated vulnerabilities. These stories brought a sense of urgency and empathy to our learning, reminding us of the importance of creating safe spaces for everyone.

Building a Safe Environment in Our Clinic

Here are some key takeaways from the course:

1. Understanding 2SLGBTQIA+: It’s crucial to learn what 2SLGBTQIA+ stands for and recognize the unique identities each part of this acronym represents. This foundational knowledge helps us appreciate the diversity within the community.
2. Using and Normalizing Pronouns: Sharing and respecting pronouns is a simple yet powerful way to make individuals feel seen and heard. By including pronouns in introductions and on intake forms, we signal our commitment to inclusivity. For instance, saying, “My name is Vanessa, and I go by she/her,” fosters a sense of safety and validation.
3. Looking Beyond Our Lens: We need to be aware of our biases and strive to see the world from perspectives other than our own. This broader awareness is essential in a diverse and dynamic environment like ours, especially in a tourism town where visitors may have different views and experiences.
4. Practicing Self-Compassion: It’s important to acknowledge that we are all learning. Mistakes are part of the process, and owning them, apologizing and learning from them is crucial. This approach not only helps us grow but also sets a compassionate example for others.

The Role of the Nervous System in Therapy

Creating a calm and safe environment is fundamental to the effectiveness of our treatments. The nervous system plays a critical role in how our bodies respond to therapy. When clients feel safe and supported, their nervous system can relax, enhancing the therapeutic benefits of our treatments.

Commitment to Continuous Learning

While we pride ourselves on being part of a relatively safe and inclusive community, we recognize that our learning journey is ongoing. We must continuously strive to understand and support the diverse needs of our clients. The Pronouns & 2SLGBTQIA+ Allyship course has provided us with valuable tools and insights to enhance our practice and foster a more inclusive environment.

Learn More

The Pronouns & 2SLGBTQIA+ Allyship course was a powerful reminder of the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces in our clinics. By learning from personal stories, normalizing pronouns, broadening our perspectives, and practicing self-compassion, we can make meaningful strides in supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. As we continue this journey, we are dedicated to putting in the effort, leading by example, and fostering inclusivity.

Scale Naturally has been collaborating with Back At It for a few years, helping us build a better business that encourages our community to show up authentically. “We are passionate about empowering leaders to create inclusive workplaces of the future, where diversity and uniqueness fuel organizational success. As nature shows us, diversity and uniqueness are the key to thriving.” Please check them out HERE