HAPPY PRIDE! 🎉 We Slayed the Parade! How to Show Up + Speak Up! 🌈
HAPPY PRIDE! 🌈 We just slayed at the Honolulu Pride Parade and, it was everything! Huge MAHALO to Pacific Buddhist Academy for donating their bus for our float—it made the day even more special! It was so powerful to see all the kids celebrated for who they truly are. Check out the pics below—we’re still buzzing from the love and energy! 🥳
🌟 What Pride Means to Me 🌈
Pride, for me, is all about celebrating our kids—lifting them up, embracing all the things we love about them, and standing by them as they grow into their most authentic selves. But it’s also deeply personal. For me, Pride reflects my own transformation, not just as a mom, but as a human being.
Today, I’m genuinely PROUD to have a trans son. But it wasn’t easy. It took me eight years of learning, unlearning, and growing to get here—fully supportive, fully proud. Let me be clear, I’ve always been proud of my child, but fear and uncertainty held me back from fully embracing the pride of having a trans child. Now, looking back on the journey, the love, growth, and courage I’ve found have been worth every step.
Pride isn’t just about our kids—it’s about us, too. It’s about embracing the journey, evolving, and growing in love and understanding together.
🔥 Takeaway from the Podcast 🔥
WATCH NOW!
🗣How to Show Up + Speak Up with Purpose 🗣
Before you speak up, take a moment to identify your goal. Is it for visibility? To express your needs? Maybe it’s part of your own healing and transformation. Here's how you can show up and speak up authentically:
Use Your Words: Whether spoken or written, let your voice reflect your true beliefs. Your words are powerful.
Express Your Needs: Speaking up isn’t selfish—it’s self-care. Sharing your needs honors your journey and sets healthy boundaries.
Create Your Expression:Not all communication comes through words—sometimes, your most authentic self is expressed in what you do and create. Here are some powerful ways to speak up and show up beyond words:
📓 Journaling- Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences can help you reflect on your emotional journey, release built-up tension, and manage stress. Journaling offers a safe space to explore your inner world and process emotions.
🎨 Art Therapy- Expressing yourself through painting, drawing, or other creative outlets can help communicate feelings that are hard to verbalize. Art therapy has been proven to help process trauma, reduce anxiety, and foster emotional healing.
💃 Movement & Dance- Physical expression through movement can release emotions and reconnect you with your body. Dance and other forms of movement help reduce stress, improve your mood, and are an incredible way to express yourself without saying a word.
🧦Expression + Style-Sometimes, the way we present ourselves speaks louder than words. Whether it’s through fashion, makeup, or your overall style, how you show up in the world can be a powerful statement of who you are and how you feel. Style is a form of self-expression that allows you to embrace your identity with confidence and creativity.
🧘♀️ Mindful Activities-Activities like yoga, gardening, cooking, or even mindful walking help you slow down and reconnect with yourself. These practices offer a peaceful way to express your emotional and mental needs, allowing space for reflection and healing.
It’s okay if it feels awkward at first—that’s part of growth. Remember, tough conversations are best handled one-on-one, where empathy and understanding can flourish. We remind our teens, “You can say anything here, as long as it’s respectful.” This is how we build trust, confidence, and connection.
📅 NEW GROUP: Mandatory Social Interaction Group⬇️
Want to practice speaking up? Join us every Thursday from 5-6 PM for our Mandatory Social Interaction Groups, led by yours truly: Aunty HAYLIN + Tomas! 🌟 It’s a safe space to practice self-expression, connect with others, and grow your confidence. Because showing up for yourself is always worth it.
📆 YOUTH COMMUNITY CALENDAR 📆
🌈 Transcend Group
🗣️ Support & Exploration with Group Facilitator
🤝 Safe Space for Transgender, Non-binary, and Gender-Questioning Youth
📍Location: Spill The Tea Cafe
🗓 Date: Wed
⏰ Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
🧠 Chill & Achieve (Social Skills)
🎓 Learn to Navigate Stress & Anxiety Around Academics
🤝 Group Support with Facilitator
📍Location: Spill The Tea Cafe
🗓 Date: Thur
⏰ Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
🤝 Mandatory Social Interaction Group
🗣️ Engage, Connect & Improve Social Skills
📍Location: Spill The Tea Cafe
🗓 Date: Thur
⏰ Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
🎨 Teens' Palette
🖌️ Showcase Your Creativity & Art
🌟 Featuring a Special Collaboration with @tapaswallkiki
📍Location: Spill The Tea Cafe
🗓 Date: Fri
⏰ Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
🌈 Transcend Group
🗣️ Support & Exploration with Group Facilitator
🤝 Safe Space for Transgender, Non-binary, and Gender-Questioning Youth
📍Location: Spill The Tea Cafe
🗓 Date: Sat
⏰ Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
🚀 Youth Empowerment Hub
🎯 Passion, Persistence & Goal-Setting for Teens
🍕 Free Pizza & Community Vibes
📍Location: Spill The Tea Cafe
🗓 Date: Sun
⏰ Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
💼 Y.E.P
📚 Learn Entrepreneurship, Product Development, Financial Literacy & Sales
📍Location: Spill The Tea Cafe
🗓 Date: Sun
⏰ Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Let’s keep brewing confidence, supporting one another, and showing up with Pride—one step at a time. ☕💪
With Pride & Power,
Aunty Haylin + STTC Squad
