Four lightworkers on lifelong and simple ways they’re celebrating themselves and their communities.
– KEYS SOULCARE
Our voices and stories have power. Not only do they define us, but so often, they can also create frameworks for inspiration, community, and lessons that others benefit from. And, this is never more true than when we’re celebrating the things about ourselves that we’ve grown to recognize and celebrate over time.
Today, we’re sharing a few quotes from queer lightworkers in our community about how their identities, role models, and experiences bring them joy.
Beauty Influencer and Keys Soulcare Lightworker Ivan Lam on His Highest Vision for His Work
“A big reason why I started creating on social media in the first place was to be of some sort of service. Whenever I’m fully honest with myself on social media is when I feel most good in my heart. Getting feedback from people [who] follow me — especially talking about how I’ve helped them come to terms with their sexuality and gender — is when I feel at my peak.” | Follow Ivan at @ivanbaaaaah
Writer, Photographer, and Journeyer Mariane Leon on Self-Identity as Self-Expansion
“When I think about queerness, I think about the joy of expansion. We often live with so many limiting beliefs about who we are and how we ‘should’ be, and queerness has offered me an alternative and freedom from performance. While the public and visible expressions of queerness are vital, queerness is deeply personal to me and has little to do with performing or being ‘out’ in the ways that we have often seen it. It’s been about self-exploration and curiosity so I can recognize my capacity to do and be so much more than I was taught is possible. That’s the greatest gift.” | Follow Mariane at @weirdlyorganic
Performing Artist and Writer Nathan Tolliver on His Queer Style Icon
“James Baldwin! Hands down! Everything about that man was just impressive. He truly walked in both his masculine and feminine divine energies; his style was a reflection of that. I mean… how could one not stan a socio-politically revolutionary whose writings were just as on-point as his sense of fashion and style? Whether he was teaching the kids how to accessorize, making winter layering still look sexy, or rocking a skinny tie with a double-breasted jacket, he did it in a way that always felt organic. [As if] he really wasn’t trying to curate it, but it just flowed as an extension of his brilliant mind.” | Follow Nathan at @sankofason
Keys Soulcare Social Strategist Justin Ollivierre on Celebrating Himself and His Community
“I find volunteer opportunities where I feel as though I’ve made a direct impact. One of my favorite volunteering experiences has been with the Brooklyn Pride Community Center in BedStuy. I chose to volunteer with Brooklyn Pride Community Center because I wanted to support an organization in the community I lived in. My favorite part about the experience was meeting so many interesting people from all walks of life, and learning how important an IRL community is: the center has yoga, movie and pizza nights, boxing classes, and other great programming and resources.” | Follow Justin at @jussysjungle
Self-awareness is so key to self-love and celebration. How can you lift up your own identity in the spirit of love, community, and growth?
Related Stories
