Therapists Define 'Pride as Resistance' Beyond Celebration

Inclusive Therapists, a liberation-oriented mental health directory, recently released a video featuring several QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color) therapists sharing their interpretations of "Pride as Resistance." The video highlights the multifaceted nature of Pride beyond celebration, emphasizing its role as an ongoing fight for equity and liberation. Ashabi Owagboriaye, a first-generation Nigerian American therapist in Chicago, defined Pride as resistance as "continuing to advocate for those within our communities, continuing to speak up for those who are most marginalized and vulnerable." She underscored the importance of mutual support within the community. Courtney Kim Morgan from California spoke about saying "yes to creativity in all the ways that it speaks to us," while Magdalene Martinez, also from California, focused on "loving our inner children." Ren Lee, an LCSW from New York and New Jersey, highlighted the importance of "being present and showing up for one another in community," finding joy, beauty, and love. Christina Harrison, an LCSW practicing across California, Texas, and New Jersey, powerfully stated that Pride as resistance means "refusing to be denied access to all of the beautiful, complex, and meaningful experiences that life makes available to all of us." Dr. Satveer Kler from California emphasized "decentering whiteness and recognizing that as QTBIPOC individuals, we were always here even prior to colonization." He added that queerness is an embodiment of rejecting all aspects of oppression and marginalization. Stara Shakti, an LMFT in Los Angeles, discussed "decolonizing myself, my private practice, and my life," and encouraging clients to embrace their true selves. Giovonni Hinton, an LMHP in Washington D.C., defined it as "speaking up for those who may feel like they have no voice," choosing joy, and walking in one's superpower. Selima Jumarali, a Registered Psychology Associate in Maryland, focused on "prioritizing connection and joy, building healthy relationships and healing in community, breaking intergenerational cycles of trauma, and protecting and centering those most targeted by systems of oppression." Finally, mel / melisa, a Certified Hakomi Practitioner from Taipei, Taiwan, described it as "choosing care, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and ask for help," and reimagining futures together. The collective voices underscore that for many within the QTBIPOC community, Pride is not merely a parade but a profound act of resilience, self-affirmation, and collective action against systemic oppression.

Inclusive Therapists

QTBIPOC Pride As Resistance: Meet the Inclusive Therapists Community

Blog Post posted by Melody Li about QTBIPOC Pride As Resistance: Meet the Inclusive Therapists Community on Inclusive Therapists.