Throughout my life I have found myself inexplicably drawn to communities that I did not necessarily identify with. It is a rare and beautiful thing to be welcomed with open arms into these sacred spaces as an outsider, an ally, and a respectful observer.
Time and time again I have found myself, a white, cis-gendered woman, honored to experience these often silenced and persecuted communities in the deepest ways possible for someone that does not necessarily belong.
I have been privileged enough to be welcomed into the minds and experiences of fearless black women, resilient immigrant families, and cultures and practices that were never my own. Each collective offers insight into their own sacred medicine, but the group I have been drawn to in some of the strongest ways has always been the LGBTQ+ community.
Throughout childhood, college, and becoming a public school teacher, I was lucky enough to cross paths with so many diverse members of the LGBTQ+ community. Inexplicably drawn to these individuals in what always felt like such a mutual soul attraction, I began to wonder why I was so drawn to a collective whose experiences I could not immediately identify with.
Over time, I realized that what I loved most about the LGBTQ+ community was the authenticity I felt from each individual. There was something deeply captivating about the strength of the middle-aged women who had left straight marriages to find their true selves and love with another woman. I found a deep respect and admiration for transgender, nonbinary, and two-spirit individuals who had done the deep internal work to embody both masculine and feminine energies. Most of all I felt deeply protective watching my high school students grow into their identities, despite pushback from their cultures, religions, families, and society in general.
Each of these individuals had not only embarked on such a sacred journey of self-reflection, they became unapologetic in self-expression, self-acceptance, and self-love, and that is what Pride really is, a celebration of love. Each June, the LGBTQ+ community comes together to celebrate their own unique and deeply authentic way of loving their partners and themselves. To honor those that have paved the path for them, to reflect upon how far our society has come and how far it still needs to go, and to inspire those who are about to claim their truest selves. As a deeply feeling sensitive, how could I not feel connected to a group that truly honors love above all else.
So to all of our LGBTQ+ creators, readers, friends, families, and partners, we love and see you all. We are so grateful for the awareness, authenticity, and love you bring to this world. We celebrate your bravery, your dedication to deep inner work, and your self advocacy. Thank you for allowing us to witness your celebration of all the shades, shapes, and sizes of love!
Happy Pride, Beautiful Ones!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Natalie is an Educator, Intuitive Healer, and Creator that gives voice to the Goddess within through her own Earthly experiences. She has been a visual and written artist for many years and sees creativity as a meditative process that unlocks messages from Spirit and the Ancestors. Her creative pieces are published under the name, Ishva Auset, The Daughter of Stars.
To connect with Natalie and learn about her programs designed for Awakening Intuitives, join us over in The Calabash Community!
