October 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 38

INCLUSIVE
Robin Rowe says even without a budget,
much can be done to embrace diversity.
" should " or shame people, but
[rather] try and have a conversation
communicating a message that we
accept everyone and want to include
everyone without prejudice
to identity.
Desens: Here is an example of a
situation at our agency. A dancer
wrote an email explaining a recent
discovery about himself, informing
me that he was a transgender
female to male dancer. He asked
about costuming for the upcoming
recital and was concerned
that we would make him wear
the traditionally female costumes
purchased earlier that season. He
further stated that he would wear
the female costumes if I told him
to. My heart was breaking as I
could sense the fear in those few
words in an email. I consulted one
of my instructors...who is part of
the LGBTQIA+ community to discuss
options on potential solutions
so that all our dancers would feel
comfortable. I was inspired by the
support within our dance program.
After our meeting, we decided to
re-create costumes from the ones
already purchased. After discussing
the idea with the dancer, I was
given permission to explain his situation
to one of the dance parents
in my program who has sewing and
alterations experience (who is also
a part of the LGBTQIA+ community).
She was excited to take on
this project! She re-created the ballet
costume into a masculine shirt
in three days. The look of happiness
and relief on my dancer's face
was priceless. It was rewarding to
be a safe space and have the opportunity
to accommodate him. This
was only possible because he felt
safe enough to do so.
Saxton-Ross: There's a misconception
that you need
to have a full budget and
agency commitment to create
inclusive spaces. But
what are some everyday actions
program staff can do
" while they wait " for their
agencies to craft inclusive
policies and procedures?
Rowe: We agree that this is a misconception.
Without
a budget,
you [still] can do so much to embrace
diversity. Adding pronouns
38 Parks & Recreation | O CTOBER 2 0 22 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
to your email is free. Asking students
their pronouns or preferred
name at the beginning of a program
or at registration is also
free. It is priceless when it comes
to respect and building trust with
the participant and the community.
This also sets a tone from the
very beginning, showing the participants
and community that we
are a safe space for them to participate
in programs or events.
Desens: You do need a budget for
other items, such as bathroom/
locker room signage, to hold Safe
Zone training
for employees, or
for a website update (if you don't
maintain your own site) to change
wording or forms online.... Despite
these things, there are so many
ways to be accepting without money/budget
or waiting for executive
approval.
Saxton-Ross: When thinking
of frontline and recreation
staff, where do you
suggest they start to make
sure their programs are
more inclusive?
Rowe: What we addressed in
the last question is a great start.
Frontline staff set the tone, environment
and expectations of
the center. They are the first staff
most community members interact
with, and should maintain a
welcoming environment, treating
all participants and families as
equals. Practicing and using the
proper pronouns and preferred
names (if known) is key. Adding
additional options or removing
the gender-related questions on
registration and health emergency
forms is a start, too. Just ask
yourself what you can do to create
an environment of safety.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSICA DESENS
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBIN ROWE
October 2022 - Parks & Recreation

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