More than a safe space: a place for love and healing.
Beyond Suffering
Trans+ people (which includes transgender, nonbinary, agender, genderqueer, gender fluid, and bigender, among others) are no strangers to suffering. We live in a world, and in a political climate, that has no qualms about telling us we should go back to pretending we don’t exist. Some have called for us to literally not exist at all.
But that is their narrative. Being trans+ also means strength and flexibility and self-awareness and found family and joy. It means gender euphoria and finally living as your true self. The first time I saw Mark in the mirror, I cried with joy. I am still stunned and nearly overcome with gratitude when I happen to see myself reflected, and Mark is what I see. When I meet others or build community in which we see each other, that’s even better. When people refer to me as “they” and truly understand what that means, it’s like another weight being lifted from my shoulders.
I’ve made deeper, truer friendships as Mark than I could ever have made while I was pretending to be someone else. I’ve been healthier and happier—and also more able to access and work through all the years of pain and repression.
I want that for you, too. If you are anywhere in the trans+ family, you will find love, support, coaching, and tools for living in and loving your body, whether you are pursuing some kind of transition or seeking health and wellbeing in the body you are in. I love you all, and I hope we get to work together.
You are safe here.
It’s Hard In This Reality
I don’t just believe that trans+ people can find joy and purpose in the world we live in—I know it from my own experience. But I’m not going to put a rosy hue on the realities. It’s tough out there. Trans+ people are more likely to struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts, self-harm, addiction, homelessness, and unemployment. I’ve lost family members and friends. I’ve found myself, at times, profoundly alone. I have experienced grief, loss, pain, and hurt, not because I am trans, but because of how others have responded to my transness.
The guiding lights through all of this have been the relationships I have built as my true self and the practice I’ve relied on to get me through difficult times for more than 25 years. My yoga practice has inspired me, given me energy to get through the worst times and to find my way to better places, offered me tools to sit with what was hardest and the self-awareness to understand who I really am and what I need and want. It has not been easy, but every single effort has made a difference. I hope you will reach out to me to find out how we can design a practice that sustains and supports you, too.
