Gaying it Up at the Rainbow Center at UCONN

On Wednesday, November 16th, I drove myself and my Lesley University interns--Emily and Jillian--to UCONN to speak at the Rainbow Center.

Big thanks to Fleurette King, Director of the Rainbow Center, for inviting me to speak at the Out To Lunch lecture series.

I got to hang out with an incredible group of folks who listened to my talk about health and happiness in the LGBTQ community. And for those who stuck around after the presentation for the optional lecture, we witnessed the incredible workings of the Universe in action. I saw one person move from the back right corner of the room to the front left during the transition between my presentation and the conversation to follow, and just made note of how she moved closer to engage more--I thought that was cool. As I went around the room and asked for questions or requests for support, one student contributed a conflict they* were experiencing in regards to living situation. Before they* spoke, they* said, "well, I wasn't even going to stay here for this talk but I'll share this issue I'm having." Apparently, both their home and dorm situations weren't feeling safe. After spending a few minutes hearing this person share and offering a few suggestions, the adult who had moved across the room earlier said, "I'm the staff member in charge of that building, let's talk after this to make things better, ok?"

Unbelievable, right?!!! What were the odds of them both sitting right next to each other? I made a big deal over how the Universe WILL swoop in to support us when we take initiative and ask for help so we don't stay stuck. It was really cool.

*I used they in place of feminine or masculine pronouns because I don't know how this person identified--which sex or gender they prefer.

The health of the average American is at great risk right now, we are seeing soaring statistics of obesity and deaths from tobacco use as well as record numbers of folks using antidepressants for a whole range of health concerns.

LGBTQ folks are at even greater risk due to stigmatization, 

societal prejudice/discrimination and inadequate health care for a variety of reasons.

As someone who has overcome tremendous odds to achieve profound health, happiness and success, I have an important message for the LGBTQ community and our allies: until "it gets better" we can all take responsibility and see our individual self-care as a form of activism. 

I'm calling my presentation the BIG GAY TALK--and it includes this video:

Bring me to your school, workplace or next event and learn how to get back to basics for better health so you can bring more visibility to what healthy, happy and LGBTQ looks like.

contact: dillan@savoryourexistence.com 

or visit 

http://www.SavorYourExistence.com