We share key take-aways and findings from our recent support session for QTIPOC affected by far-right violence.
Earlier this month, WE CREATE SPACE hosted an open community conversation dedicated to supporting and uplifting Queer Black, Brown, and POC communities and individuals.
In response to the recent far-right unrest targeting immigrants and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) communities in the UK, this ‘space for dialogue’ was designed to create an opportunity to come together for reflection, mutual support, and collective healing in our continued effort to create spaces to Learn, Connect and Grow. White and non-POC LGBTQ+ individuals were invited to attend as allies and listen to the lived experiences shared.
As we grapple with the profound and ongoing impact of these recent events, we knew that QTIPOC individuals would need a safe space to seek connection and support - one which recognised the intersectional challenges and range of emotions QTIPOC are facing at this time.
The 90 minute session began in-conversation with two well-known & respected community role models, both of whom are also valued WCS Collective members: coach Char Bailey (she/her) and activist and psychotherapist Sabah Choudrey (they/he). Each shared their personal experiences & thoughts around recent political unrest and the conversation explored feelings of personal safety, the impact on their families and community, relentless targeting of Muslim people and the importance of collective action. The conversation was hosted by Ora Özer, Programme Director for WCS.
Following the conversation, attendees took part in a short grounding exercise led by Ora before going into breakout rooms for open conversation and sharing. In order to create a safe space where everyone felt able to share their earnest feelings, these breakout rooms were split between those for BIPOC attendees, led by Ora & Char, and one for allies to explore & share collective allyship, led by Jon-Paul Vicari, Managing Director at WCS.
Reflections from our breakout spaces.
Attendees expressed a level of uncertainty as they went about their days following the riots and wondering whether the person walking past them in the street, or those around them, held racist views, was a common thought
Many shared how they felt they needed to numb themselves in order to get through it
All emphasises a greater need for understanding when it comes to the impact of these events and for safe spaces where they can share their concern & pain and be heard
Those who shared their experiences felt they had community or friends to reach out to support - nobody seems to feel alone or not having anyone to speak to
Those in the allies group communicated wanting to help but were concerned about taking up space in the conversation.
They were recognised the need to acknowledge and leverage their power & privilege to support BIPOC individuals & communities.
After questions & comments Char, Sabah and Ora shared takeaways and tips with attendees on moving forward from these events, followed by a guided meditation from Ora to close the session.
The goal of this space for dialogue was to cultivate an environment of understanding and empowerment where we can share experiences, explore coping strategies, and strengthen community bonds; all of which was certainly achieved. The feedback following the session has been incredibly positive and the main take-away is the need for more ongoing dialogue around the Queer BIPOC experience and opportunities to come together.
Cultivating spaces for courageous conversations can allow us to transcend barriers that are preventing us from stepping into the unknown. Whether we’re leading companies, building our career, raising a family, or fighting for justice, we need to be able to communicate when it’s uncomfortable, confusing, and difficult, and do it in a way that actually builds trust and strengthens our relationships. We Create Space is proud to bring brave spaces into organisations globally through expert training, coaching, and facilitation. Get in touch with our team at hello@wecreatespace.co to discover your pathway to a more inclusive and courageous workplace.
Take-aways and tips from our facilitators.
Sabah’s take-aways
✓ Use your faith to ground yourself. Return to the reasons why you believe, or seek out comfort in religious scripts or in your faith communities. Find meaning for yourself, as your faith is your strength.
✓ For each moment of heaviness or darkness, seek out light. Whether that is laughter, playfulness, quietness, or movement, ensure you have the option to express yourself in ways that feel light and nourishing. It's not always easy to lean into the light, but give yourself the option.
✓ The revolution needs you to be well. So taking care of yourself is necessary. Stepping back is necessary if it means you stay well, because the revolution and your community will need you again.
Char’s take-aways
✓ Connect with nature, remind yourself that you are part of something bigger than yourself and allow yourself to step out of the chaos and into your own calm, out of the mind and into the body.
✓ Know your history, connect to your ancestors, remember that we come from a long line of people who have overcome so much and be empowered by their stories, we shall overcome.
✓ Remember two things can be true at once, and don't guilt yourself into not letting the joy in when it's around. Existing can be hard enough, we don't deserve to suffer, don't block your blessings.
Ora’s take-aways
✓ Remind yourself that your nervous system is designed to move from an alert state to a calmer one with certain efficiency. Seek moments in your day to consciously move back into a calm state. The more you practise it, the easier it will become.
✓ In moments of crisis and urgency, give yourself permission to remember your long term plans and commitments towards change. Be it through the work you are involved in or the support you give to others. Change is a long term journey. Our daily efforts towards a bigger plan are still valid in moments of crisis.
✓ When everything feels like too much, ground yourself in familiarity and trust. Put your attention on something bigger than yourself, and bigger than the current situation that you can trust will prevail (be it your faith, your values or a big principle in your life). Seek those things that you have control over, even if only your breath, and the routines, people or places that make you feel safe.
While you're here...
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