Learn how meditation can contribute to inclusivity and equality for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond!
Happy Pride! June is Pride Month, a celebration of the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender, and Queer/Questioning) community. Pride month started in 1969 as a protest by Queer folks attacked for their gender identity and sexual orientation.
Pride Month provides a reprieve for a marginalized minority that faces debilitating discrimination. The LGBTQ+ community still faces stigma and inequity in healthcare, housing, education, and employment.
As a proud mother and meditator, I am inspired to share how meditation helps create inclusivity. And how it can also give strength and healing to the LGBTQ+ community. I take solace from the wisdom of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of Art of Living. He shared the following on the topic of diversity.
”Spirit loves diversity. There is not just one type of fruit, one type of people, and one type of animal on this planet. So let’s not confine the spirit to a uniform. Let’s enjoy the diversity in creation by honoring, respecting, and loving them all.”~Gurudev
Meditation is not the sole solution to systemic discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. A broader institutional, cultural, social, and religious shift is needed. But it can be a powerful tool.
Emma Seppälä, Science Director of Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, agrees it could help. She states “meditation makes us more compassionate and increases emotional intelligence and social connection.”
Meditation can help LGBTQ+ folks manage sustained trauma and stress. It can also support activism by preventing burnout. And it could potentially make the general population more accepting, reducing violence and helping with mental health issues amongst people who are homophobic.
According to Andrew Nunberg, an “Out” Art of Living instructor, “Meditation does help us safely process all the stresses we pick up on a daily basis, and that’s where it’s really key for marginalized communities. For a few min utes each day, we go to a place that is beyond identities. We simply exist, and those moments are incredibly uplifting and healing.”
Six ways meditation can make the world more inclusive
1. Enhancing self-awareness – Research has shown that meditation helps reduce implicit biases. It enhances self-awareness which can prevent stereotyping. It could also help with internalized homophobia.
2. Improving clarity of mind – So we can cut through the clutter of discriminatory misinformation, and be more inclined to educate ourselves about the LGBTQ+ community. (Read more about how to be an ally).
3. Generating compassion and empathy – Which helps in combating homophobia rooted in prejudice, fear, hatred, and mistrust.
4. Focusing on spirituality - Gurudev discusses the distinction between religion (used as an excuse for homophobia) and spirituality, which “is a way of life, based on unity in diversity, love, and belongingness rather than anger and alienation.”
In a talk in Feb. 2022, Gurudev spoke about consciousness being half male, half female with the pronouns, he/she/they/them, a beautiful affirmation countering heteronormativity which fuels anti-gay rhetoric.
5. Enhancing interpersonal harmony – In line with Gurudev’s message of “one-world family.” Everyone wants to be included; a 2019 study found that LGBTQ+ people who are more connected are less likely to be suicidal.
6. Reducing violence – The LGBTQ+ population is 4 times more likely to be victimized by violent crime. Gurudev has launched a campaign to combat violence, “I Stand for Peace.”
“When 1% of the population meditates, it elevates the collective consciousness. Similarly, if enough people say, “I stand up for peace,” then we project that energy, that vision. And it will happen!
Inclusivity starts with inner peace
LGBTQ+ folks face multiple challenges and minority stress. SKY Breath Meditation, an evidence-based technique, reduces stress significantly.
Additional SKY benefits include:
- Significant decrease in clinical/non-clinical anxiety and depression
- 21% increase in life satisfaction
- Reduced symptoms of PTSD
- Enhanced optimism
- Healthier blood pressure
- Increased self-esteem and joy
- Enhanced sleep
We are thrilled to invite you to a free, LIVE breath and meditation session! You will learn all about SKY Breath Meditation and experience relaxing guided breathwork and meditation. Click on the image below to select a date and time that works best for you.
Know that you are not alone. Your existence is precious. And we are here to support you, not just during Pride Month, but all year round.
If you or anyone you know is in crisis, reach out to any of these support hotlines or the Trevor Project 24/7 at 866.488.7386 text, chat https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/.
