Adriana Li, IMPACT Boston |
Below Adriana Li, IMPACT Boston Coach, and an
IMPACT Boston Suit demonstrate a scenario of two co-workers who get
along as friends at work and who have lots of healthy dialogue about
social-political issues. The coach character is non-binary. The suit character
is cis-gendered.
SUIT: Hey how’s it going? Hey did you see that article that went viral, about the new trans-rights law? What did you think about that?
COACH: Actually, I wanted to talk to you about
something on that note. I meant to bring it up earlier.
SUIT: Oh yeah, what’s up?
COACH: I’ve given it some thought lately, and I
love talking to you about politics, but I’m
realizing when it comes to these kinds of things, especially around trans
rights, I would prefer not to talk about it anymore.
SUIT: Oh no, wait why is there something wrong?
I thought you loved talking about it? Plus, I figured I’d ask you, you just
know so much about it.
COACH: I did, I’m just realizing I don’t feel
like answering questions anymore. It can be a lot. I’m noticing it’s starting
to make me uncomfortable. I think you mean well, and it’s great you want to
learn so much, but I’m sure there’s other ways you can find out about these
things. I’d prefer not to talk about it anymore.
SUIT: Oh I’m sorry, I see that, but how come you
didn’t tell me before?
COACH: You’re right, I didn’t tell you before; I
own that. I think because of the work dynamic I just didn’t want to make it
awkward. But in the future, can we just keep it to other topics?
SUIT: OK I get it, yes definitely I can do
that.
COACH: Thank you, I appreciate that.
Adriana Coaching |
I also know how important it is to have physical tools. I got out of a situation once by using a version of an eye strike--I didn't know how to do it technically but it worked and gives me confidence in the techniques we teach.
Teaching courses for the LGBTQ community is important to me, especially for LGBTQ youth and women of color. Because of my own background as a survivor and with those I know who have experienced violence, I want to focus on marginalized kids and teens and provide support and alternatives for trauma survivors. I am committed to teaching critical thinking skills and providing a vision of alternatives. I want to help people expand their visions and choices. I love that the structure of IMPACT means eventually our students do not need us to fall back on, they only need to trust themselves.
Adriana presenting |
When I took the Women's Basics Class, I noticed I was the only student of color in the class. I was hyperaware that I was in a mostly-white space, something I was not used to in my college and childhood experiences. I've also noticed that hyperawareness by other people of color in programs that are predominately white. I am committed to creating safe spaces and providing space for conversations that are relevant to the experiences of people of color and all gender identities; for example, directly addressing systemic inequality and authority violence. One of my approaches for creating safer space in on-line programs is asking people to personally email me and share with me why they want to take the program. Online, the unfortunate reality is anyone could pretend to be in a specific community. By asking people to email me, I'm not only screening, but I'm making a personal connection.
I've had so much support from the IMPACT Boston staff and connecting with other IMPACT chapters and ESD organizations. I consulted with Linda Leu from IMPACT Bay Area about the Women of Color course. I helped train IMPACT Safety in Ohio in IMPACT: Ability and also helped in suit training for Turtle Mountain staff. My dream, in doing this work, is to see more people of color given platforms to be represented,and empowered, in spaces everywhere.
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