Beyond June: Nurturing Connection, Every Day

Jul 3

Each summer, we often see rainbows lighting up our feeds and communities coming together to celebrate LGBTQIA+ identities. While Pride Month offers a powerful opportunity to honor LGBTQIA+ visibility and history, inclusion and belonging are year-round commitments. It’s about creating spaces where people feel respected, valued, and free to show up as their whole selves.

True belonging doesn’t begin or end in any one month—or with any single identity group. It’s an ongoing practice that calls for curiosity, listening, and intentional actions that help people feel welcome across sexuality, race, disability, culture, and countless other aspects of identity.

Understanding Inclusivity as a Living, Evolving Practice

Inclusion is never one-dimensional. Each of us holds many identities that shape how we experience the world—Creating inclusive spaces means seeing people as whole human beings, not reducing anyone to a single label or making assumptions about what they value. It also means recognizing that inclusion isn’t about prioritizing one identity over another. Instead, it’s about shared respect, curiosity, and building connections across all the different ways we experience the world.

Everyday Ways to Deepen Inclusive Practices

Building inclusive communities doesn’t require grand gestures. Often, it begins with small but consistent choices:

Learn and unlearn about experiences outside your own
Use language that helps people feel at ease, and leave space for people to decide what they’d like to share about themselves.
Remain intentional in ways to support people to participate comfortably, whether in conversations, events, or online spaces
Explore books, podcasts, or voices that reflect a range of lived experiences

These aren’t one-time actions. They’re habits that build connection and trust over time.

Reflecting Along the Way

Practicing inclusion means checking in with ourselves. A few questions to consider:

Where might I be missing opportunities to connect with people whose experiences differ from mine?
Whose stories or perspectives could I explore to broaden my understanding?
What small steps could make my spaces feel more welcoming and safe?
How might I stay open to feedback and challenge my assumptions?

Tending to Our Own Growth and Capacity

This work can stretch us. Discomfort isn’t failure—it’s often a sign of meaningful growth. Caring for our emotional and mental health helps us stay engaged and authentic.

That might include:

Seeking therapy or supportive spaces to reflect on identity and growth
Engaging with resources that challenge and expand our perspectives
Taking intentional pauses for rest and reflection

None of this is about perfection. It’s about showing up, staying open, and treating others with kindness.

Inclusion is a Practice of Connection

Inclusion isn’t a marketing campaign or a checklist. While moments of visibility are very important, the real work is ongoing and happens every day. Our collective commitment to more inclusive, affirming spaces is something we carry forward—in conversation, community, and human connection.

References

Parker, P. (2018). The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters. Riverhead Books.
Brown, A. M. (2019). Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good. AK Press.
Brown, B. (2017). Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone. Random House.
Lerner, J. (2021). Outspoken: Why LGBTQ+ Voices Matter. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Singh, A. A. (2019). The Racial Healing Handbook. New Harbinger Publications.

Resources

Inclusive Therapists
A directory and resource hub connecting individuals to culturally responsive, affirming, and inclusive mental health providers, information and tools.
https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/