In my yoga classes, people feeling the weight of the world have been asking me how they can help. They want to make a difference but don’t know where to start. That’s understandable. The world feels big, and the need feels bigger. But grand gestures aren’t always the answer. Small, consistent, actions can make a difference, especially when they’re rooted in inclusivity and kindness.
Take the Unitarian Universalists (UUs). At the General Assembly meeting in June, UUs passed a binding resolution that speaks volumes. It says: “Embracing Transgender, Nonbinary, Intersex and Gender Diverse People is a Fundamental Expression of UU Religious Values.” But that is not all. Last month the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) expanded support for trans, nonbinary, and intersex communities. Then they created an LGBTQ+ Youth Survival Guide. Plus, the UU Common Read for 2024-2025 (kind of a book club for all UUs) is Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families.
Each of these acts seems simple. Pass a resolution. Make a public statement. Offer resources. Read a book about a group targeted by hate. Together, these are strong statements that say, “You are welcome here.” In a world where others are attacking LGBTQ+ people, I feel immensely proud to be part of a group that stands firm in its support.
UUs are not perfect. No one is. Even in our community, there are challenges. Safety and inclusion are hard, no matter where you are. UUs are a tiny percentage of the population, so we work with others. We build connections. Together, our voices are louder.
And that’s how it should be. In a yoga class, you start where you are. Small actions, like ripples in the water, create change. It’s about faith (shradha) — not in a belief system, but in the practice itself. Faith that doing something is better than doing nothing. Faith that even one person’s effort matters.
So, here are some of my ideas for what you can do:
- Post a statement on your website or social media page. “All are welcome here.” Or fly the new global inclusive LGBTQ+ flag. It may be a small gesture, but it can make someone feel a little bit safer.
- Ask your workplace to put up a banner. If your company welcomes everyone, put up a sign to show it.
- At your church or yoga studio, ask for something similar. Let people know they belong before they even have to ask.
- Add pronouns to your email signature. Put them in your Zoom meetings. It’s simple. And it shows respect.
- Show your appreciation when you see these signs. Let people know their efforts matter.
- Wear rainbows. It’s a small act to show solidarity. (I have great respect for a student in my yoga class who proudly wears a rainbow baseball cap to support her trans grandchild.)
I put “All are welcome here” signs up at my yoga classes and on my website. I’ve asked the organizations I’m affiliated with to do the same.
I take my kid to The Music Coop in Excelsior for violin lessons, where we’re greeted by “All are welcome here” signs on the lawn and in the windows. These signs let kids like mine know they belong. LGBTQ+ and gender-affirming spaces like these have been shown to reduce suicide risk for LGBTQ+ kids. Small actions that matter.
There’s no perfect time. No perfect action. Just do what you can. These small steps that add up. And when enough people take those steps, they create something bigger. Something stronger.
It’s about showing up. Showing up for people. Live your yoga. Show up for what’s right.
These are my ideas. What are yours?
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