• LGBTQ

For a little while I was part of NYPRIG in college — we were doing work around the proposed fracking project close to Binghamton. I did a little bit of study in “green feminism” and I have been working with my boyfriend to build patterns that could contribute to a zero (or less) waste household. I think I have a lot to learn, though, as I think that I experienced a great deal of climate grief while trying to educate myself. As a social worker hearing more about the importance of talking about climate change from a trauma-informed lens made sense to me on a personal and professional level. I think I could contribute to positive change with that skillset.

Personally: about eight years of therapy, two years in sangha, two silent meditation retreats, two years in group therapy, a lot of deeply reflective friendships, intimate relationships with people recovering from serious mental illness diagnoses, and gender transition. Honestly, I think sangha and my trans community has done the most to hold space for me to see and recognize the pain that I was going through, experience it, and then depersonalize it. (I think a lot of the work that comes intuitively as someone who is seeking out healing is highlighted really well in some bell hooks books that I have read [will to change, all about love] and the body keeps score).

Professionally: I have went through a couple different workshops on trauma-informed care and anti-oppressive work. I have definitely come to find that just like Buddhism it is a practice more than a skillset that is learned.

1) Have more effective and impactful ways of engaging people in climate change actions.
2) Create a strategic plan within community to contribute to efforts working towards direct action to mitigate effects of climate change.
3) Process and hold personal grief towards climate change.
4) Be more proactive in education and mindful around climate change resources and engagement.

NYC/Brooklyn Residents at large; I feel like TGNC/LGBTQ people in general are more socially motivated towards changing their personal behaviors for a shared value so I may be able to help motivate my LGBTQ community to act more mindfully.

Yes.

Yes.

I believe in the community of BZC but I have never met or spoken to any of these people personally.