By Debra Pearce-McCall and Lindsay Dec
Interpersonal Neurobiology, by its very nature, is inclusive. It highlights and celebrates the brain to brain connections among all people. It serves as an illuminating, integrative framework that underscores the common features in good therapy, or teaching, or leading, or coaching, or parenting – the powerful potential in all relational human endeavors. And with the understanding that integration (linking differentiated parts) is at the core of any human system’s health and well-being, IPNB embraces diversity as natural, needed, and a key to ongoing and sustainable emergence of those systems. As a planet-wide civilization, humans seem to be trending toward more acceptance of diversity, which makes this an exciting time to be alive. Let’s hope that in the years ahead we continue to see movement toward a world where each person can be free to know and express who they are, and to be loved and love just as they are.
When we study and promote IPNB, the world is filled with more kindness and compassion. June is Pride month for the LGBTQI+ community and their allies. June was chosen to commemorate the Stonewall riots of 1969 (a quick google search will reveal many news stories on the riots). As we move further into the 21st century, we can each do a part in creating more acceptance and celebration of diversity.
Whether you are LGBTQI+, questioning, or a straight ally – you can increase compassion (and fun) on the planet!
Here is a list of five things you can do to show your support for Pride month.
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Use hashtags on social media. If you don’t know or don’t care what a hashtag is, skip to #2.
Some hashtags that are associated with Pride month are:
#pridemonth
#pride
#gayfriendlybusinesses
#loveislove
#pride2019
#pridemonth2019
#lgbtqpride
Or make up your own and see if you can get it trending!
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Attend a Pride celebration. Many cities have parades or festivals. This can be a fun way to show support, meet people, and learn about businesses in your community that are LGBTQI+ friendly. If you live somewhere without an event, you could create one!
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Change your Facebook profile picture frame to reflect you are celebrating Pride month. Facebook has made this easy and has ready-made frames for you.
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Donate time or money to an organization that supports and lobbies for LGBTQI+ rights.
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And finally, a tip from a Trans friend of mine, “If you personally know someone who identifies as LGBT or Q, simply tell them ‘Happy Pride month!’ But be sure to say it privately, as they may not be ‘out’ to everyone and it could create an uncomfortable or unsafe situation for them.”
Happy Pride!