As a queer Black cis-man serving as both Executive Director at Stonewall Columbus and CEO of Pride Fund 1, I often feel the weight of the dual roles in which I sit. I used to write with more frequency and found it rewarding, the demands of my work have made it difficult to find the time and energy to write for pleasure…for fun. It’s not just about physical exhaustion; the emotional toll of navigating these positions as a member of marginalized communities can feel ever expensive.
One of the things that makes it challenging for me to take time for self-care is the pressure I feel to succeed and not let anyone down. As someone who is often the only person of color or LGBTQ+ person in the room, I believe that all eyes are on me. It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like I need to work twice as hard to prove myself–but is it a trap or a reality of culture? This decidedly exacerbates any feelings of imposter syndrome that I deal with–on a daily basis.
While I understand the importance of recharging and prioritizing–it’s easier said than done. It’s a constant struggle to balance the demands of my work with the need to spend time with my family and to take care of myself. I am constantly reminding myself that taking care of myself is not a luxury, but a necessity. It’s something that I owe to myself, to the communities I serve–to my family.
We all have a responsibility to take care of ourselves so that we can show up fully for the causes and communities we care about.
