Creating Trans-Affirming, Trauma-Informed Movement Spaces at GBF
Mela Swayze (they/them) is a queer educator and sexuality coach. Born and raised in Hamilton, they work with organizations and agencies across the city to foster equitable + accessible spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
Kicking off September with a bang! This week, I had the pleasure of facilitating a training for GBF staff and teacher trainees on building trans-affirming, trauma-informed movement spaces. We know that trans* folks experience loads of barriers to safely accessing movement spaces and that many studios and instructors want to offer affirming, accessible classes for folks to show up, be themselves, move their bodies, and be affirmed in their gender.
It is incredible to have exclusive spaces carved out for gender diverse folks like QTNB moves, AND we want to spread that sense of safety throughout the entire GBF community, space and offerings. Let me tell you, these folks showed up to do the work in a big way and did not shy away from uncomfortable conversations or taboo questions. In addition to covering trans* 101, the colonial roots of transphobia, the effects trauma and marginalization in cultivating mind-body awareness, and digging into organizational change, we explored some TOUGH questions. These were not limited to:
How can we reassure a new student that the space is safe, while also accepting that we cannot control or predict the behaviour of other attendees?
Should cis people use 'they' pronouns?
How do we respond if someone with a history of male violence feels triggered by the presence of a trans woman?
How can we acknowledge that concepts like "transition" are rooted in a colonial binary, but acknowledge the material reality for trans folks in transition?
How can we encourage folks to connect with their bodies during movement practice, while also understanding that bodily ease, comfort and acceptance may be an outlandish goal for some trans* folks and/or trauma survivors?
How do we balance the need for visibility and representation without falling into the trap of tokenism?
There are no easy, one word answers to any of these questions. But the nuanced conversations that unfolded, and will continue to unfold, give me hope that folks are willing to do the work, the uncomfortable unpacking, in order to move forward in creating more affirming spaces for all.
GBF continues to show up to do the tough work of learning and unlearning. This is what September is all about. May we all be inspired to deepen our commitment to learning this month and always.