Ask Marshay

Pride 2021

Happy Pride to all of you! If you know

anything about me by now, its how much I enjoy a good acronym. As we celebrate, I’d like us to ponder these few thoughts on ways that may help strengthen the community and bring us even closer to true equality and togetherness.

P- Protection in Numbers

The countless lives lost sensibly to violence to this day infuriates me. It paralyzes you momentarily and then almost immediately launches you to action. Demanding justice, equality and adequate healthcare among many other basic humane & civil rights will forever be the larger focus but imagine- what if we could defend the community with safety and protection in numbers as well? Back when I used to attend religious events, the expectation was that we’d all spend a lot of our free time together. I was clearly out of place and continued to attend becausewell, it was my prerogative. I quickly became the target of a lot of aggressive, abusive and overall negative behavior. Being that I enjoyed attending these events, I continued to endure this hate and it ate me alive until one day, I realized why I was always being targeted. It was because I was always alone. An army of one and an extremely easy target. I can only imagine how many times we find ourselves viewed as “easy targets” simplybecause we’re walking, commuting or innocently traveling alone. I will not excuse the bad behavior of others but if I can encourage us all to find solace in groups where possible, I certainly will.

R- Restoration of The Mind

While I’m down for a drink and a danceparty like anyone else, let’s also spend time this

month reflecting on our “why”. Why are you motivated to push for change? Why do you feel pain/loss or even excitement during this time? Why are you striving to be your best self? Anytime we celebrate forward movement and having life in our bodies, I think its only right to honor where we’ve been. Restore your mind this month by releasing any toxic motivation you may not have realized you had and move to the next level of your journey with a clear understanding of what your desired outcome is. If everyone practices this regularly as an individual, imagine how powerful we would be as a whole?

I- Investments

What are your financial goals? Are you writing them down? Great! I say that to say this: be sure to begin investing in yourself if you haven’t already. If there’s one thing I’ve learned during this pandemic, its how to manage & save money even better than I was previously. If its possible for you

to generate multiple streams of income, I’d definitely encourage you to and here’s why. How many times have we experienced a friend or member of the community in need who has been refused support from their own relatives? If we strengthen ourselves financially as individuals first, then it solidifies that no one else will be left behind. Do what you can for others when you canbut remember, we are all indebted to each other.

D- Dare To Stand Out

When I think of the word “proud”, I think chest out and head high. I think boisterous and bold but of course, I mostly think fearless. We’ve touched on a few heavy topics and even thoughwe’ve briefly discussed them; they’re very realistic, longstanding concerns for any one

person to have to deal with. Do not weigh yourself down with focusing on all the change we’re seeking for too long. It can actually damage you in the long run to be so immensely stressed for such a long period of time. Scientifically speaking, we could get into the permanent damage caused to our body by the stress hormone cortisol, but I literally don’t want to stress you out with even that. Take my word for it¦ breathe, relax and release every once in a while. Pat yourself on the break for a job well done so far and step into your light shining boldly in spite of!

E- Embrace Each Other

Last but not least, let’s make a strong effort to embrace each other and acknowledge each others efforts with love and kindness. Too often do we see shade being thrown in the name of fun and though it can make for great comedic relief in these times, it can also be very toxic. How many times have you laughed at someone using you for the butt of their joke but got home later and realized how bad it actually hurt you while you were already down? I can guarantee you the fun people in your circle are masking their true pain and may not ever tell you that to your face. Let’s normalize checking in on each other and usingthe fun shade more responsibly. Enjoy this time