When yoga teachers and others in the wellness industry are not knowledgeable about teaching and working with LBGTQI+ students and clients, while the intent is likely to be welcoming and inclusive, the impact is often harmful. 

It is crucial as a yoga teacher, especially those who are heterosexual and cisgender, to take the time to educate one’s self about how to create a safer space for our LBGTQI+ students. It is often harmful when we are not aware of lived experiences outside of our own.

Reflect:

• Does my studio/do I have a clear policy on inclusivity of LBGTQI+ students?

• What language do I use that unintentionally causes harm? For example, do I use unnecessary bodily sex characteristics in my cueing? 

• Do I readily share my own personal pronouns, and feel comfortable asking others for their pronouns? Can I comfortably use nonbinary gender pronouns like “they/them”?

Learn more about creating a safer space for LBGTQI+ students:

• Read about the what, why, how, mistakes, sharing, asking, and language of personal pronouns.

• Read Creating Safer Yoga Spaces for Transgender and Non-Binary People

• Follow @transyogaproject on Instagram

Email the DIG Committee with questions, answers to your reflections, and to connect with us!