Reflections from Kelowna Pride

This past weekend, I had the chance to join in the celebrations of Pride Week in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Over the years, this festival has brought together more than 12,000 people to celebrate the diversity and inclusion of the LGBTIQ+ community. The first Pride event stemmed from the Stonewall riots in 1969 and marked the beginning of the LGBTQ rights movement in the United States.

Once again, this event showcased the importance of authenticity and inclusion in our communities and organisations. As I walked through the vibrant festivities, surrounded by diverse crowds, I was reminded of the profound lessons of Pride, emphasising the embrace and celebration of every identity.

My Journey of Self-Discovery and Leadership

Overcoming personal challenges has taught me the value of self-care. Each step in my journey of self-discovery has reinforced the importance of embracing all parts of my multifaceted identity. This Pride reflection reminds me of a time when I used my dreadlocks as a shield from social stigma related to my gay identity. People judged me based on their stereotypes, but I surprised them with my confidence to transcend this stigma. After five years, I cut my dreadlocks because they required too much effort. My hair does not define me, but it serves its purpose in protecting my fragile self-esteem.

Pride Kelowna, as a celebration of diversity and authenticity, resonates deeply with this journey. It encourages us to be comfortable and safe in our skin and sexualities, love every aspect of who we are, and express ourselves in ways that make us comfortable and safe.

A Moment of Profound Insight

Among the many memorable moments at Kelowna Pride, one stood out to me. A speech by a Kelowna Pride Board member from the First Nations community struck a chord with me and probably everyone present. The Board member spoke eloquently about how we borrow the land from future generations and must leave it in the same or better condition than we found it. This powerful analogy extends beyond environmental stewardship, touching on broader marginalisation and social justice issues. It reminded me of the similar struggles faced by indigenous communities in South Africa, particularly regarding land ownership and rights.

I was reminded of another blog post discussing the importance of addressing structural inequalities in our society and how marginalised people must simultaneously do internal work to free themselves from oppression. Reflecting on that previous blog post and my Pride experience, I thought of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song," which urges listeners to "Emancipate yourself from mental slavery" because "None but ourselves can free our minds." This song and my reflections emphasise the importance of creating a positive social identity, which begins with us as marginalised individuals.

The Importance of Advocacy and Moving Forward

Pride is more than a celebration; it is a call to action. It reminds us that the work of inclusion and support must continue every day. As leaders, we advocate for a world where everyone can thrive through authenticity and belonging. We must champion policies and cultures that support diversity, equity, and inclusion in all forms, ensuring that our workplaces and communities are spaces where everyone feels valued and respected.

Reflecting on the vibrant experiences and profound lessons from Kelowna Pride and other writings, I am filled with a renewed commitment to supporting and uplifting each other. The sense of community and solidarity I witnessed reminds me that we can create safe places where all identities and expressions are included. Let us carry the spirit of Pride beyond this weekend, week, month or hemisphere, embedding its values into our daily lives and leadership practices. Let’s continue celebrating and supporting each other, advocating for a world where authenticity and inclusion are ideals and lived realities.

#Pride #AuthenticLeadership #Inclusion #Diversity #Belonging

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to connecting with you on this journey towards greater inclusion and authenticity.