Be the Glitter: Embracing Imperfection

Table of Contents

• Safe Spaces Over Perfect Places

  • What Does Brave Safe Space Look Like?

  • Tech, Transition, and Transformation

• ✨ Glitter Spotlight: Podcast of Recent Past ✨

• Whatcha Writing?

• Language Corner: Inclusive Communication Tips

• Community Connection

Safe Spaces Over Perfect Places

In a world that often demands perfection, true inclusivity requires something far more powerful: courage. I had the honor to have Dee Grey as a guest on my second podcast episode, and she illuminated a profound truth that resonates deeply with our community – being brave is more important than being perfect.

In our podcast conversation, I was reminded of the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection. Dee shared a transformative approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The essence? Doing the hard work to create spaces that welcome vulnerability, innovation, and uncomfortable conversations.

What Does Brave Safe Space Look Like?

1. Acknowledge Imperfection: Learning how to thrive together gets messy.

2. Embrace Discomfort: We have to overcome and unlearn false stories.

3. Prioritize Listening: Tune in to diverse voices and hear their truth.

4. Celebrate Uniqueness: Find gratitude for our different paths and gifts.

Tech, Transition, and Transformation

Dee's own journey – moving from the United States to Portugal after facing barriers as a trans woman in Utah with a family – exemplifies what it means to create your own inclusive environment when existing systems fail.

✨ Glitter Spotlight: Podcast of Recent Past ✨

In last week’s pilot episode with Yolanda Brown, she invites important issues with giggles and glitter:

• Intersectionality explained like Mac n’ cheese

• Human Experience like a tapestry

• Giving glitter - inspiration that sticks

Whatcha Writing?

As I continue writing my book, Yolanda and Dee's insights remind me that storytelling itself is an act of inclusion – giving voice to those often unheard.

Journal prompt: Think of a time you were the odd one out. What made you different from others? How did that feel? Who brought you in and why?

✨ When will you choose to include someone who adds some diversity to your “relationship solar system”? What does that look, sound and feel like?

Language Corner: Inclusive Communication Tips

This week's communication focus: Pronouns and respect. Remember, using someone's correct pronouns is a simple yet powerful way to create immediate safety and respect.

✨ Simply offer yours first, then ask, “What are your preferred pronouns?”

✨ Repeat them out loud so you are more likely to use them correctly.

Community Connection

Merch Alert! My "If you're not IN with Inclusivity, you're OUT of touch" designs are now available – wear your commitment to brave safe spaces proudly!

On LinkedIn? Share a moment when you chose bravery over perfection. Use #BeGlitter and tag us!

Sending you lots of love,

Laura