Pride Month: Why Does Pride Matter?
Coach Elix recently spoke to Gaby Garcia-Vera, a passionate queer advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. In a special Pride Month episode of Get a G.R.I.P. with Coach Elix, the freedom to discuss LGBTQ+ topics or those some may find uncomfortable was not lost on them. "Courage requires vulnerability" was Gaby’s take on things, including the positive impact of getting out of one's comfort zone on these issues.
This episode of Get a G.R.I.P. with Coach Elix, Pride Month: Why Does Pride Matter?, covers the meaning of Pride. It also explores why heterosexual individuals and the LGBTQ+ community should celebrate and show support.
Today’s Guest: Gaby Garcia-Vera
Coach Elix was happy to connect with Gaby Garcia-Vera, a queer Latino Puerto Rican just as well-known for his coaching and consulting services as his advocacy. He spreads awareness, and through his organization, Flamboyan Consulting, he stands up for immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, and racial equity rights.
Hard Conversations Empower Acceptance and Support
Pressing into uncomfortable conversations change hearts and minds, especially during Pride Month. Instead of shutting down discussions when someone doesn't understand the meaning of Pride, sharing experiences and feelings helps open dialogue.
According to Gaby, "If we don't say anything, nothing is said." And many community members feel, like Gaby, that "We teach people how to love and protect us," even if that means starting with a hard conversation.
Children Need Representation and Freedom to Be in Today's World
Society still tends to pigeonhole these groups. However, learning about queer history can help the younger generations become more accepting of others and themselves, whether they are LGBTQ+ or not. Seeing people that look like them speaking freely in an authentic spirit tells them it’s okay to do the same on anything they feel strongly about.
Empowered children are also more likely to change the minds of their friends and family. Gaby also explained that, while various generations carry different opinions, openly discussing and clarifying the aspects of LGBTQ+ that confuse people or make them feel defensive is vital. It could make them feel different about people from what they know and trust.
The Bottom Line: The Spirit of Pride Matters
While learning about the meaning of Pride, an essential takeaway is to learn from the experiences of others. Shift the narrative about what happens to you into what you will do about it, and listen to other people's perspectives. Pride Month celebrates authentic people, and Gaby points out that this is just as true for the community and those who love someone in it.
Connecting with Gaby Garcia-Vera
The G.R.I.P. Method
G.R.I.P. stands for "Greatness Requires Intention & Purpose," and many who have followed this method can attest to that. This strategy helps people find their goals, inspirations, and visions and execute them with clear intentions through planning, purpose, and integrity. It works with science and psychology to make dreams a reality.
It is a roadmap that guides you through struggles and hardships, with the final destination being the life you want to lead or the changes you wish to make. The G.R.I.P. Method offers a plan to go from fear to freedom and helps you break away from where past attempts did not work.
