SafeToTrain was started by Lillian Mitchell-Miller, A life-long martial artist, after moving to a new city and trying to find a school where she could feel not only safe to train, but safe to be herself while doing so. While places can put on their listings and websites that they are LGBTQIA2S+ Friendly there is no way of knowing what that actually means.
We provide not only a directory of safe places but also the tools to help our partners better understand and work with communities that need them and need to feel safe.
Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Community
Understanding and respecting sexual orientation and gender identity is crucial for building a strong and supportive martial arts community. Here’s why:
Enhancing the Learning Experience:
Respectful Environment: A safe and inclusive environment allows all students to focus on their training without fear of discrimination or harassment.
Diverse Perspectives: A community that values diversity brings a wealth of experiences and perspectives to the training space, enriching the learning experience for everyone.
Promoting Personal Growth:
Self-Acceptance: A supportive community can help individuals embrace their true selves, leading to increased self-confidence and mental well-being.
Empowerment: By fostering a sense of belonging, martial arts can empower individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
Upholding Martial Arts Values:
Respect: Respect for all individuals is a core principle of martial arts. By understanding and respecting different sexual orientations and gender identities, we embody this value.
Integrity: Acting with integrity means treating everyone with fairness and honesty, regardless of their background.
By making a conscious effort to create an inclusive environment, martial arts schools can foster a stronger, more vibrant community that reflects the diversity of our world.
The importance of LGBTQIA+ individuals having access to safe and inclusive martial arts training spaces is multifaceted. It is widely acknowledged that members of the LGBTQIA+ community are disproportionately targeted for hate crimes and violence. This makes self-defense skills and the confidence that comes with martial arts training essential.
Here are some key reasons why safe martial arts training is so important for LGBTQIA+ individuals:
Self-Defense: Martial arts provide practical self-defense skills, empowering individuals to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations.
Confidence and Empowerment: Training in martial arts can boost self-confidence, resilience, and a sense of agency, helping individuals to overcome adversity and discrimination.
Physical and Mental Health: Regular martial arts practice offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, including improved fitness, stress reduction, and increased self-awareness.
Community and Belonging: Inclusive martial arts schools foster a sense of community, where individuals can connect with like-minded people and find support and acceptance.
Challenging Stereotypes: Participating in martial arts can challenge harmful stereotypes about LGBTQIA+ individuals and promote positive representations of the community.
By creating safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals, martial arts schools can play a vital role in empowering individuals, promoting equality, and contributing to a more just and equitable society.
It’s important to remember that while martial arts can be a valuable tool for self-defense, it’s not the only solution. Addressing the root causes of violence and discrimination, such as systemic inequality and hate crimes, is crucial for creating a truly safe and inclusive world for everyone.