PRIDE MONTH: EMBRACING TRUE BELONGING.
It is the time of year again where we fly our rainbow flags proudly in the June breeze. Pride Month: a time to honor the diversity, resilience, and unwavering spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. But beyond the parades and parties, Pride Month serves as a reminder of the universal quest for something profound: true belonging.
What does true belonging look like? Many of us, while on the search for it, may not have ever experienced it. We feel that we need to behave differently, think differently or be more accommodating in order to be accepted. And that, my friends, is not truly belonging. Belonging is more than just finding a place at the table or being tolerated—it's about being celebrated for exactly who you are. It's a state of being that goes beyond mere acceptance, embracing every part of our identities without reservation or judgment. True belonging is the freedom to exist without fear or shame, to express ourselves authentically, and to walk through the world with unapologetic confidence. It's the understanding that our differences are not obstacles to overcome but rather sources of strength and beauty.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but when I packed up my life in Georgia and headed for Cincinnati I was seeking exactly that— a place where I belong. From a very early age I noticed I did not feel accepted by my peers in my way of thinking. I also grew up in an environment where only one way of existing was deemed acceptable. During my younger schooling years, I found ways to change and adapt myself to my surroundings. I wanted to believe on the other side I would finally belong. I continued this way of thinking for many years. I truly believed that if I could find a way to belong, even if it meant betraying myself, that I would feel accepted and safe. While I did have temporary success with my attempts; over time, I learned what I really created was a war within myself, it was never true belonging. It’s our nature as humans to seek out community. It doesn't matter how independent someone is, or how much they enjoy being alone…all of us need connection and camaraderie. Even the most self-reliant individuals find solace and strength in shared experiences and the comfort of belonging. In human existence, our relationships and bonds form the fabric of our lives, providing support, understanding, and a sense of identity. Whether it’s through friendships, family ties, a gym community—the yearning for connection is intrinsic to our humanity, enriching our lives with meaning and purpose.
Upon my first few interactions inside Findlay Movement, I saw how the sense of community was infectious, fostering connections that extended beyond the walls of the gym. I saw the shared experiences, the mutual encouragement, and a genuine understanding of each other's unique journeys, and I craved to be a part of it. I instantly felt that this community did not require me to sacrifice parts of myself. And while it’s been a lengthy journey of learning what being myself is, I am continually allowing myself to open up and at every turn I have felt accepted within these walls.
So as we celebrate Pride Month, let's reaffirm our commitment to fostering true belonging, showing up as yourself and not being different in order to “fit in”. Standing in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ siblings, amplifying their voices, and championing their rights as we continue to strive for a world where love knows no bounds and where everyone can bask in the warm embrace of true belonging.
Written by: Jules Vansant
