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Claim Your Damn Joy

By Regina Hicks • 6.13.22

Hello Create Change Family,

So excited I was asked to say some things…

To start: Happy Pride…Or as happy as we can be right now. I know it’s a tough time. Trust me, I get it. It has been a series of ups and downs, starts and stops for me as well. And as much as I’d like to leap out of bed every morning and celebrate who I am and what I believe in, and hell…who I love… I am often faced with real world opposition and resentment and hate on a daily basis. And it’s super shitty. But what I have learned in my time on this crazy, amazing, dysfunctional, magnificent planet is that I am stronger than the hate. And I have been so lucky to have friends and family to rubber stamp that notion for me… and here’s where you all come in.

You are Loved

The Create Change community is awesome. You all give such tremendous love and support and validation to all who come here. It really is a balm to the soul.

I step out every day and try to present my authentic self to the world (No more hiding for this girl) and I often need that extra boost to stand upright and keep going… as we all do from time to time. And it’s here with you CC folks in abundance.

For those of you within this community still struggling with who you are and wanting (and let’s be honest) … needing some validation and love and support and just hugs…(virtually at this point) — I hope you know that we are all here for you. (If you don’t know… Check us out!) I truly believe there is no right or wrong way to BE. No timetable. No judgements here. That is why I love the #wearyourpride campaign. Because it encourages us to do what we want—wear it how we want… in our time… Or not.

You don’t have to show pride to have pride. But when you want to… We got you covered — metaphorically and literally!!!

We often hear… Don’t let anyone steal your joy. And truly, those are words to live by… And as we celebrate Pride this month (and every month actually) those words should extend to… Don’t let anyone steal your joy… in who you are… or in who you are meant to be. Claim your damn joy!

I love and support and value each and every one of you. And I am so grateful for what you give to me. And those who know me, know I CANNOT wait to say all this in person. It will happen, my friends. I know it. We will be together.

Until then — Hugs. Kisses. (Masked for now) and ALL the love you deserve. You are so worth it.