“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Many years ago, I struggled with making sense of who I am, but thankfully, I opened up about this to a teacher. She helped me build the courage to want to start my school’s Gay Straight Alliance. As the quote from Martin Luther King Jr. states sometimes it’s just important to take a step.

Later in my life, I was in an abusive relationship that affected me so deeply that it felt like that confidence I had was gone. Through talking with a college professor, I came to understand that being a victim is not an identity I wanted to identify with for the rest of my life. My professor helped me understand I could either run from being a healthy sexual adult or claim my sexuality and learn to enjoy it.

Later in my career, I worked as a shelter staff person at a domestic violence shelter. Thankfully, because of all of the work I had done on myself, I was not struggling with flashbacks or having other PTSD symptoms that controlled my life. I remember thinking about the stages the women I worked with were living in and would journal about what stage I found myself in, because the path to healing is lifelong and never ending.

I now find that working with survivors of domestic violence, people who are in the coming out process, and those of us living with any kind of shame, to be so powerful and necessary. Those of us in the helping field often have to serve as someone to help people to see that there are steps they can take from where they are right now. And while we cannot make any decision for those we work with, the process of taking a step forward is tremendous and one I feel we should honor fully.

Jeffrey, Harbor Care Case Manager

OCT: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence (DV), also known as Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological and often involves gaining power and/or control over an intimate partner. Unfortunately, DV and IPV is common. In the United States, over 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 4 men have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Learn more about how to identify abuse and get help here (in English and Spanish). Learn more about how to have an informed conversation about DV and IPV here. To all those impacted, you are not alone. (Erin Sawicki)

OCT 26: Intersex Awareness Day

Intersex Awareness Day seeks to raise awareness about intersex people and the struggles that they face in society. Intersex people are individuals whose physical or genetic makeup does not fit the traditional definitions of male and female. The day was first celebrated in 1996 in response to the high rates of medical interventions that were being performed on intersex infants and children without the consent or knowledge of the individual. These interventions were often done in the name of “normalizing” the child but had the effect of causing psychological and physical harm.

NOV: Native American Heritage Month

November is National Native American Heritage Month, honoring both Native American and Indigenous peoples. According to the National Congress of American Indians, the month is meant to celebrate the cultures, histories and contributions of Native people. It is also meant to educate people about Native culture and the challenges Native people have faced historically. Source. Native Americans have made significant contributions to various aspects of American life. Their knowledge of the land and natural resources has been invaluable, shaping the country’s agriculture, medicine, and environmental practices. Additionally, Native American art, music, and storytelling have enriched American culture and continue to inspire artistic expression. However, it is essential to acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by Native Americans. Many tribes still struggle with poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, and high rates of unemployment. These issues stem from historical injustices and systemic inequalities that continue to affect Native communities today. Source. (Catherine Reis)

NOV 9: World Freedom Day

World Freedom Day was declared by former President George W. Bush on November 9, 2001m to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall (11/09/1989), which symbolized freedom, democracy and human rights. World Freedom Day acknowledges the struggles and triumphs of those who have fought for liberty and justice. Lessons learned from the fall of the Berlin Wall include the recognition that the human spirit cannot and should not be suppressed, as many people worldwide are still unaware of their freedom and rights. Learn more here and here. (Shannon Demmons)

NOV 10: World Science Day for Peace and Development

Celebrated every November 10, World Science Day for Peace and Development highlights the significant role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues. It also underlines the importance and relevance of science in our daily lives.

By linking science more closely with society, World Science Day for Peace and Development aims to ensure that citizens are kept informed of developments in science. It also underscores the role scientists play in broadening our understanding of the remarkable, fragile planet we call home and in making our societies more sustainable. The Day offers the opportunity to mobilize all actors around the topic of science for peace and development – from government officials to the media to school pupils. UNESCO strongly encourages all to join in celebrating World Science Day for Peace and Development by organizing your own event or activity on the day. Learn more. (Christine McKenna)

NOV 11: Veterans Day

Veterans Day is dedicated to American veterans of all wars. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I, then known as “the Great War.” In the United States, an official wreath-laying ceremony is held each Veterans Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, while parades and other celebrations are held in states around the country. Learn more. (Catherine Reis)

Veteran Facts

During the 2022 midterm elections, around a fifth (21 percent) of the candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. House or governor claimed some degree of military experience.

10 percent of living veterans are women.

5.9 million veterans served during the Vietnam War.

7.8 million veterans served in the Gulf War era.

933,000 veterans served during the Korean War.

Of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II, about 119,550 were still alive as of 2023.

As of 2023, the top three states with the highest percentage of veterans were Alaska, Virginia and Wyoming.

NOV 13: World Kindness Day

World Kindness Day, celebrated each November, serves as a powerful reminder of our universal ability to exhibit compassion and goodwill toward others. This day is dedicated to showcasing acts of kindness and the transformative impact they can have on individuals and communities alike. By focusing on positive, altruistic behaviors, World Kindness Day encourages us all to contribute to a kinder, more caring world. As we celebrate this important day, we are reminded of the essential role that kindness plays in fostering healthy, supportive communities. It is a day to reflect on our actions and strive to be more empathetic and generous in our daily interactions. Learn more. (Christine McKenna)

NOV 16: International Day for Tolerance

The International Day for Tolerance, celebrated on November 16th, reminds us of the power of mutual respect and understanding in our diverse world. Founded by UNESCO in 1995, it encourages us to embrace differences, not just tolerate them. Alarming statistics, like the FBI's 2021 report of 10,840 hate crime incidents, highlight the need for compassion and unity.

Want to celebrate tolerance? Try these fun ideas:

Explore new cultures through travel, books, movies, and museums.

Have enriching conversations with people from different backgrounds.

Support groups that protect minority rights e.g. ACLU, NAACP, HRC, & MRGI.

What’s in it for you? Psychology teaches us that when you embrace tolerance, you experience less stress, greater empathy, and stronger social bonds. Your Emotional IQ shoots up, too! Let’s build a more inclusive world and make every day - a day for tolerance! Source. (George Chege)

NOV 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20, dedicated to honoring and remembering transgender individuals who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence and discrimination. It serves as a solemn occasion to raise awareness about the challenges faced by transgender people and advocate for a more inclusive and accepting society.

Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance that began in 1999. It memorializes transgender individuals who have been victims of violence and hate crimes because of their gender identity. TDOR also aims to draw attention to the discrimination and prejudice that transgender people face in various aspects of life. Source. (Wendy LeBlanc)

NOV 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

November 25th is a powerful reminder that everyone deserves to live free from fear and gender-based violence (GBV). But let's face it, talking about such a serious topic can be as awkward as trying to high-five a cactus – but it’s worth every try.

As Shakespeare would put it. “O Man, O Man, Wherefore art thou Male? Forsake thy brutish ways and let gentleness hold sway. For in love’s tender embrace, lies thy truest might. Be a Lover, not a Fighter!”

We know GBV adversely affects both the woman and her unborn child – so protecting women safeguards our future by avoiding prenatal complications and infant trauma.

Every relationship faces challenges, but let’s default to better communication, anger management, and professional help - instead of GBV.

Women and families that are free from GBV experience improved mental health, increased economic stability, and stronger family bonds. O Me, O Me, – be a Lover, not a Fighter . . . Source. (George Chege)

OCT-NOV | JEDI NEWS (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)