Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Statement

As a member of the white upper class, I have benefitted from white and caste privilege my entire life. Since the BLM protests of 2020, I have been doing the work to transform from “not a racist” to actively anti-racist. I have read books, watched films, participated in vulnerable discussions about race and class, taken Harvard Unconscious Bias tests to learn about my own biases, and taken trainings on anti-racism for wellness professionals. 

Why did I do all that? At first, to be honest, it was out of guilt. Then as I learned more, I became fascinated by the content. It’s been amazing to learn how systems of domination work. I am gobsmacked that a lot of what I’ve taken for granted in life was only available to me because of my race, class, size, sexual orientation, etc. I knew our society was not equal, but I had no idea how unequal it was. 

I am continuing the work now with genuine interest. I am still reading, talking, “leaning in” to difficult conversations in order to be an ever-better ally to those who are marginalized.

So I’m all perfect and stuff now, right? No. But I now understand that

• all bodies are equally beautiful

• all cultures are equally valid

• marginalized people have way more trauma in their bodies than I do

• it is my responsibility to help all participants feel welcome, safe, honored and included

If you are in a marginalized group and I ever harm you, I invite you to please tell me about it. I promise to believe you, center you and work to correct the harmful behavior. 

If you are in the dominant caste like me, I invite you to “do the work” yourself. I have been amazed by the things I’ve learned.