By Nick Levine — 2020
Though pop culture often portrays queer people successfully coming out young, a generation of our closeted LGBTQ elders might disagree.
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They reflect on rewards, challenges of living authentically.
Ideas of visibility and the closet have largely been shaped by white America and the gay liberation movement of the 1970s. Refusing to subscribe to this narrative gives us space to connect with our gender, our culture and our sexuality on our own terms.
But being your authentic self is now more important than ever.
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Although society has made many strides in queer acceptance and visibility, coming out at work is still a monumental—and sometimes risky—task for many LGBTQ workers.
“Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it.” ~ Bruce Lee The premise of his philosophy was efficiency—complete and utter efficiency of the soul.
Being able to safely affirm one’s gender identity and sexual orientation is crucial to mental and physical well-being. Yet many LGBTQIA+ people face enormous challenges in owning their true identities.
Identity encompasses the memories, experiences, relationships, and values that create one’s sense of self.
Creating spaces where the need to assimilate, conform, and belong are no longer important
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La Sarmiento has been a leader of American LGBTQ and people-of-color Buddhist communities for close to a decade. I caught up with the trans, queer Filipino teacher before a silent retreat to discuss the dynamics of race and gender in a world that is typically White, cisgender and straight.