Love, Fear, and the Fight for Equality: A Coach’s Perspective
Thirty-two years ago, my husband and I made a commitment to build a life together—through love, resilience, and an unshakable belief in our right to exist fully and authentically. Today, as we celebrate more than three decades as a couple, I find myself grappling with a stark and unsettling reality: the very foundation of our marriage, our rights, and our community is under attack.
As an executive coach, I spend my days helping others navigate fear, uncertainty, and the barriers that hold them back. But to effectively coach others, I must first confront my own fears. And right now, I am afraid. I am afraid that the progress we have fought so hard for—marriage equality, workplace protections, the right to live without shame or persecution—is being systematically dismantled. I am afraid that my marriage, once solidified under Obergefell v. Hodges, could be called into question by a Supreme Court willing to strip away fundamental freedoms. I am afraid for our trans brothers and sisters who are being targeted, dehumanized, and legislated out of existence.
The attacks on trans rights—banning gender-affirming care, criminalizing their very identities, and erasing them from public life—are not isolated incidents. They are part of the same coordinated effort to push LGBTQ+ people back into the shadows. And if we do not stand up, if we allow fear to paralyze us, the erosion of our rights will not stop with them.
So, what do we do? We face our fear. We acknowledge it, process it, and transform it into action. As a coach, I teach my clients that clarity, confidence, and control begin with radical self-awareness. That same principle applies here. If I am to be a voice of strength and guidance, I must not look away. I must use my voice, my platform, and my experience to remind others that we are not powerless.
We have fought before. We have won before. And we will do so again. But only if we refuse to be silent. Only if we confront fear—not just our own, but the fear used against us—and turn it into unwavering resistance.
Thirty-two years ago, I chose love. Today, I choose to fight for it. For my marriage, my community, and the generations that follow.
A Call to Action: Share Your Story, Stand in Solidarity
Now, more than ever, our voices matter. As coaches, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and allies, we have the power to amplify our stories, build solidarity, and create a movement of support within the wider coaching community. I invite you to share your story—your fears, your victories, your resilience—because your voice can inspire change.
There are many ways to stand in solidarity. You can use your platform to uplift LGBTQ+ voices, share your own experiences to help others feel seen and supported, or actively advocate for equality in your communities and workplaces. This invitation to share your story and support one another is not limited to any single forum. It’s a call for all of us to stand together—whether by speaking out on social media, contributing to local advocacy, or joining community discussion groups.
Let’s walk together. Let’s create a space where our stories are heard, where our struggles are acknowledged, and where our collective strength fuels meaningful change.
Join me in shaping an empowering and impactful 2025!
— Coach Elix