Resilience Reborn Series - Edition 1: Breaking the Spell of Stigma: Resilience Reborn

Introducing 'Resilience Reborn' Series by Kaida Riven (Pseudonymn)

Welcome to the inaugural edition of "Resilience Reborn," a transformative blog series exploring the intersections of hope, healing, and personal growth. Over the coming weeks, we will delve into the complexities of the human experience, sharing insights and stories of triumph. In this first installment, 'Breaking the Spell of Stigma', we lay the groundwork for our journey together, examining stigma as a barrier to self-discovery and worth that can be undone. Join us as we navigate the twists and turns of resilience and discover value within. Stay tuned for future posts in this multi-part series, where we will continue to explore the resilience that lies within us all. (Intro by Brenda Sedgwick LinkedIn Sales Navigator)

Breaking the Spell of Stigma: Resilience Reborn

I am a dancer. Unapologetically. My stage may not be the ballet or Vegas spectacle, but it is mine - a space where I find meaning, connection, and the grace of abandon. Here, I let go, embracing joy and freedom. You might think it is ironic, considering I barely dance anymore. Leukemia and its treatment have reshaped my body, testing my resilience, but not my spirit. And that is precisely why I chose this path.

Diagnosed with leukemia, pandemic chaos swirling around me, I doubled down on living - no apologies, no regrets. No lamenting the gaps or lacks; just being. My dancing is defiance, a declaration that even in the darkest moments, beauty and purpose exist. Through my story, I offer a reflection of resilience, a testament to the power of unapologetic living, and a reminder that every fragmented moment holds value - for those struggling, surviving, and thriving in the shadows.

This 10-part blog series is my testament to resilience, a journey of unapologetic living. Through my story, I aim to educate, raise awareness, and shatter the suffocating hold of stigma. My goal is to foster empathy, understanding, and inclusivity - bridging the gaps between marginalized communities and the world at large.

The journey ahead is complex, but necessary. In Part 2, I will explore 'The Harm of Stigma,' laying bare its devastating impact on mental health, relationships, and community well-being. Future segments will delve into the intricacies of addiction and substance use, the delicate balance of parenting and personal responsibility, and the blurred lines between tolerance and acceptance.

Readers will examine together with me the crucial role community leadership plays in shaping our experiences and the transformative power of empathy in action. We will discuss recovery resources and access, highlighting the obstacles and opportunities for growth. Ultimately, we will work toward breaking free from stigma's grip, reclaiming our narratives and redefining what it means to live unapologetically.

Through this series, I invite you to join me in challenging the status quo, in embracing the beauty of imperfection, and in finding strength in our shared struggles. Together, let us create a world where every fragmented moment holds value, and every voice is heard.

Together, let us craft a society where belonging, safety, and security are fundamental rights, not privileges.

Canadian Insight:

Issue - Intersectional Marginalization in the Canadian Archipelago

For Indigenous LGBTQ2+ individuals, marginalization is compounded. Gender fluidity and economic struggles intersect with indigeneity, exacerbating systemic injustices. Research highlights alarming disparities: Indigenous LGBTQ2+ youth are 4-5 times more likely to experience homelessness (Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, 2018); 73% of Indigenous LGBTQ2+ individuals face violence, compared to 45% of non-indigenous LGBTQ2+ individuals (National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, 2019).

In my own journey, I have come to realize that my parents' courage is not just about surviving; it is about thriving in a world designed to erase us. This profound understanding has transformed my perspective - and guided me toward greater self-awareness.

I have developed a deep appreciation for my mother's resilience. My mother's unwavering determination empowers her to navigate intricate networks of policy, power and position. With unrelenting resolve, she skillfully maneuvers through the complex interplay of systemic forces, mitigating the impact of systemic barriers and safeguarding our family from the far-reaching consequences of institutional failures. Her unwavering dedication inspires me every day.

I also admire the fathers in my community who defy stereotypes and embrace their children's identities with love and acceptance. Their bravery challenges harmful norms and creates a safer space for our youth. Most importantly, I honor caregivers like mine who fight tirelessly for every resource, every support, and every chance at a brighter future. Their selflessness and strength fuel my passion to break the silence, challenge marginalization, and foster inclusive compassion.

Every transition awakens a sense of purpose, propelling me forward. Ahead, uncertainty beckons, yet with every sweep of my existential broomstick, I clear the clutter of convention. I lift my gaze to the skies, where freedom's winds carry me above the weights that would anchor me.

Call to Action:

• Join the Movement: Share your perspectives in the comments. Let's co-create a culture of inclusive compassion, confronting marginalization and challenging privilege.
• Break the Silence: Share your story, your struggles, and your hopes. Together, we will build a community that honors resilience, celebrates diversity, and fosters inclusive courage.
• Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts, experiences, and insights in the comments. Or plan to attend our next LinkedIn Live event in the 'Compassion-Pain-and-Fatigue' series focusing on stigma, silence and solutions for health and safety excellence in workplaces and communities. Everywhere. Anywhere. Together, let us blaze trails toward compassionate inclusivity, acknowledging the harm of marginalization, and dismantling the systems that enable privilege.

Resource Corner:

Practical Activity - Write a personal manifesto affirming your values and purpose. Share it with a trusted friend or family member. For inspiration, visit a TED Talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2009) 'The Danger of a Single Story'.

Reflective Questions:

1. How have you experienced or witnessed stigma?
2. What can you do to promote tolerance and understanding?