Happy Pride Month!

I could not let June slide by without writing about Pride.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

While June is a month when colourful parades and rainbows pop everywhere, Pride is so much more than that. It is about celebrating who we are as humans, with all the differences inherited from our condition; it is a celebration of identity, an act of self-love, and community. It should also prompt us to reflect on the journey of self-discovery and on the challenges that many members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community encounter throughout their lives.

For many people, coming out and their journey to self-acceptance can be quite emotional and scary. The fear of being rejected by friends, family, or society itself can cause an enormous amount of stress. Therefore, it is crucial that these difficulties be acknowledged and nurtured and that people realize that asking for assistance in navigating these emotions is a sign of courage and strength rather than weakness.

I firmly believe that somatic and art may be effective tools that help people explore and manage their emotions without constantly needing to express these difficult feelings verbally. Expressive therapy enables a person to communicate their personality and life experiences without having to always use words, but instead being able to communicate through artistic expression in moments where no amount of words could fully capture what goes on inside.

That said, this month, let us remember that embracing our true selves and honouring the complexities and uniqueness of each of our journeys is a profound act of love and courage. Let us too be reminded that through support, understanding, and creative expression, these difficulties can be more easily navigated together.