At The Touchstone Institute, we are passionate advocates for equity, inclusivity, and anti-oppression, which are some of the core values that guide us in everything we do. These values are more than just symbols or temporary gestures; they are intrinsic to our mission and reflected in our language.
At the heart of our ethos is our anti-oppression statement, a significant pillar that The Touchstone Institute was founded upon. This statement guides our every interaction, informs our training program and is at the core of our commitment to combating all forms of oppression.
With Pride month upon us, many organizations adopt rainbow logos to show their solidarity with the LGBTQIA2S+ communities. While we deeply respect these demonstrations of support, we have chosen a different path. You won't see our logo changing to rainbow colors this month, but that doesn't mean we don't care. Our commitment to inclusivity and equity isn't confined to a single month; it's a year-round dedication to the communities we serve.
Our decision to not "go rainbow" in June is part of our ongoing commitment to an anti-oppression framework. We believe that being truly supportive of the LGBTQIA2S+ communities means more than just raising awareness; it means taking action. It's about using inclusive language like "birthing people" to ensure everyone, regardless of their gender, feels seen and respected on their perinatal journey and beyond. It's about acknowledging the violence and discrimination faced by these communities, particularly transgender individuals, and striving to be in solidarity with those most impacted by this violence.
We recognize that we aren't perfect and that being truly inclusive is an ongoing process of learning, unlearning, and growth. As we learn and grow in our anti-oppression work, we understand that making mistakes is inevitable. Yet, we are invested in learning from these mistakes, taking appropriate action, and actively healing. Accountability and repair are central to our process. If any harm is experienced in our training, we encourage open conversations to foster understanding and growth.
Our Pride is not a trend that comes and goes with the changing months. It's embedded in our values, mirrored in our practices, and reflected in our holistic trainings and consultation services. It's a year-round commitment to honor, respect, and celebrate all identities. Because here at Touchstone, Pride isn't just about a month or a logo, it's about making a difference in the lives of the people we serve, every single day.