Allyship

Allyship is a hallmark of doula care. Doulas provide inclusive, compassionate care. A doula will NOT disrespect a client on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other factor.

Today marks the first day of Pride Month, and my heart is brimming with pride.

My daughter, a fifth-grade student, and her friends have been decorating their school with LGBTQIA+ supportive messages. Recently, some of their pride art was destroyed. Instead of giving up, they have doubled down on their efforts. This morning, my daughter is reading her message to the school during announcements (shared with permission):

Greetings HCS, my name is Maeve, you may have noticed the rainbows and other things around the school, and some of you might know what they are, some may not, but what you are seeing is people putting effort into making the world a better place, where it won’t matter who you love, or how you identify. My friends and I want to make sure everyone feels safe and respected, and you can help too, by putting up flags and being kind. Over the weekend some people destroyed the chalk art outside, sure it was sad, but they can destroy our artwork because they can never take away love or pride because that’s in our hearts, not on the tar. Be strong. Hold your head up. Don’t let anyone put you down. Smile to the haters. Don’t ever give up. The world is changing. Please be part of that change. 

“There is nothing wrong with you. There is a lot wrong with the world you live in.” –Chris Colfer

I’m inspired. I’m energized. There’s work to do.

Francesca