June is Pride Month in the United States. Traditionally during this time, many organizations, communities, and individuals come together to celebrate and uplift the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community.
We also celebrate this month as something more than just honoring sexual and gender identity. Pride Month prompts us all to look closely at the inclusion practices and norms we have in our lives, workplaces, and relationships, and examine how we can lean into the love and meaning of this month to make the world a truly more inclusive place.
Yoga teachers and studio owners are uniquely positioned to create welcoming spaces designed to help everyone feel and be their most authentic, true selves. Setting up inclusive yoga classrooms and studios is simple, and small steps can make huge impacts on those that come together to practice.
Here are four small actions that will make a big difference in creating inclusive yoga spaces:
1. Offer gender-neutral restrooms.
This takes virtually no effort and is as simple as removing a gender-defining sign or logo on a restroom door. Just this small gesture signals that all are welcome and there is no need to publicly define oneself just to meet the basic human right of using a restroom.
2. Create non-gendered retail spaces.
If you sell merchandise, consider making choices that are not uniquely marketed toward one gender or the other. This is most noteworthy when it comes to clothing, as many shirts and pants come in “men” or “women” cuts and styles. Seek local gender-neutral partners to simultaneously support and give back to your community!
3. Update liability forms to include pronouns.
This allows your clients and students the opportunity to share how they identify in a discreet manner and gives you the chance to learn about those you are serving. Pronouns are especially important when addressing or referencing any person directly.
4. Use gender-inclusive and non-discriminatory language.
Gender-inclusive language includes refraining from categorizing groups or individuals into men, women, or using sweeping gender stereotypes. One common example is referring to a group of people like this, “Hi guys!” Instead, you could say “Hello everyone,” “Hi folks,” or “Welcome, class.”
For more on yoga, inclusivity, and the LQBTQIA+ community, members can explore the following Continuing Education Workshops:
CE Workshop | Embodied Inclusion: Increasing LGBTQ+ and Body Positive Representation in Yoga, Part 1
CE Workshop | Embodied Inclusion: Increasing LGBTQ+ and Body Positive Representation in Yoga, Part 2
CE Workshop | Embodied Inclusion: Increasing LGBTQ+ and Body Positive Representation in Yoga, Part 3
CE Workshop | LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity: Holding Space for Other Communities
CE Workshop | We Are Not the Same: Working Practices for Engaging with LGBTQ2SIA+ and BIPOC Folks