Get to Know Earth Harbor’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council Members

Get to Know Earth Harbor’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council Members

We formed the Earth Harbor Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council to step up our commitment to inclusion, diversity, and transparency, and protect voices that may go unheard amongst our employees, family, partners, and customers. We've been listening, researching, and soul searching about how we can authentically and humbly help the fight for racial justice long term, and how we can continue to show up better, especially for the BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) community. 

We feel honored this beautiful group of humans said yes to joining the Earth Harbor DI&E Council, and can't wait for you to hear their incredibly moving experiences. We connected with each DI&E Council member to learn more about their background, and hear their story and thoughts about making a difference in the fight for racial and LGBTQ+ justice. (Did you know that there are 8 Earth Harbor family members on this council?) 

We're thrilled to make space and support our DI&E Council members to share their input regarding diversity, inclusion, and equity here at Earth Harbor in several areas including an inclusive internal environment, cultural and global adaptability, and product testing and development.

 

Meet Earth Harbor’s DI&E Council 

MAGGIE

Earth Harbor Diversity Inclusion & Equity Council Member Maggie

A MANTRA YOU LIVE BY

“Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo.” 

YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY

Mexican, Hispanic 

SEXUAL ORIENTATION/GENDER IDENTITY AND PRONOUNS

Heterosexual, Female, She/Her  

A TIME YOU OVERCAME ADVERSITY BASED ON YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY AND/OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND/OR GENDER IDENTITY

We moved from California to Arizona when I was 8 years old. I attended bilingual classes in California as well as their accelerated learning class for my grade. I was fluent in both Spanish and English and well above my current grade level. When we moved to Arizona, I was automatically put into ESL classes because of my ethnicity. The school never met with my mom to discuss it. It wasn't until a few weeks later that I brought it up to my mom that she found out they had placed me there. She immediately reached out to the school to inquire and she was automatically sent to the district office. There, she was faced with opposition and reluctance to place me in a different class. She advocated for me to be placed in a regular class and to be tested into their gifted program. After some back and forth, the district did allow me back into a regular classroom and I did end up testing into the gifted program. I vividly remember my mom telling me that some people would treat me differently because I was bilingual and Mexican, and they would make assumptions about me because of it, but to never let them push me around. She was the best example to me of being an advocate for myself. My parents were Mexican immigrants and I personally witnessed many instances in which people treated them differently because of their broken English and the color of their skin. I witnessed them deal with those situations with so much dignity. I am incredibly grateful for their example and reminder to stand up for myself and for others who are made to feel marginalized.   

WHAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST IN A FUTURE OF INCLUSION AND EQUALITY

For every little boy and girl to grow up with a role model to look up to that represents them.  

ANY ADVICE FOR WHAT ANYONE CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT FOR RACIAL AND/OR LGBTQ+ JUSTICE

Prepare the younger generations. Since becoming a mother, I've come to realize the great privilege I have in my own home to raise children who will stand up to racial injustice and who will be allies to their LGBTQ+ friends and family. Don't be afraid to have hard conversations with them about our world. Teach them our history, the good and the bad, and teach them how to use their privilege to raise the voices of those without it.   

YOUR PROFESSION OR ASPIRING PROFESSION

Nonprofit Development Professional  

YOUR FAVORITE EARTH HARBOR PRODUCT

Mermaid Milk Moisturizer

 

PRINCESS

Earth Harbor Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council Member Princess

A MANTRA YOU LIVE BY

“In the end, we only regret the things we did not do! So take the risk! Go for it.” :)  

YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY

Asian

SEXUAL ORIENTATION/GENDER IDENTITY AND PRONOUNS

Heterosexual, Female, She/Her  

A TIME YOU OVERCAME ADVERSITY BASED ON YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY AND/OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND/OR GENDER IDENTITY 

One time at work, I was not wearing my engagement/wedding ring (because I surf a lot and spend a lot of time in the ocean, I don’t want to wear it down or lost it) so sometimes I get used to not wearing it anymore! This guy walks up to me and says "why aren’t you wearing your wedding ring? Is it so you can attract other guys?" I wondered if he would've said the same thing if gender was switched. I just looked at him and thought to myself, I did not owe him an explanation. I can choose to wear my ring whenever I want to.   

WHAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST IN A FUTURE OF INCLUSION AND EQUALITY

That more kids will be educated on this! Imagine this world with more respect and understanding.   

ANY ADVICE FOR WHAT ANYONE CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT FOR RACIAL AND/OR LGBTQ+ JUSTICE

Educating people is so important! Educate them kindly. Educate them boldly with respect.  

YOUR PROFESSION OR ASPIRING PROFESSION

Entrepreneur and Philanthropist 

YOUR FAVORITE EARTH HARBOR PRODUCT

Oooh! I have a ton, but right now it's Nymph Nectar Balm for sure!! 

 

LAHVJAL

Earth Harbor Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council Member Lahvjal

A MANTRA YOU LIVE BY

“No one can tell you that you can’t do it but yourself.” 

YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY

Pacific Islander, Polynesian

SEXUAL ORIENTATION/GENDER IDENTITY AND PRONOUNS

Heterosexual, Male, He/Him  

YOUR PROFESSION OR ASPIRING PROFESSION

Software Developer + Graphic Designer

YOUR FAVORITE EARTH HARBOR PRODUCT

Helios Ampoule

 

JACOB

Earth Harbor Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council Member Jacob

A MANTRA YOU LIVE BY

“Work hard, Play hard, Family first.”  

YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY

Black, African-American 

SEXUAL ORIENTATION/GENDER IDENTITY AND PRONOUNS

Heterosexual, Male, He/Him 

A TIME YOU OVERCAME ADVERSITY BASED ON YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY AND/OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND/OR GENDER IDENTITY 

The time I served a mission in Atlanta, Georgia.  

WHAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST IN A FUTURE OF INCLUSION AND EQUALITY

I look forward to people doing the right thing no matter race/color or where they are from– Rich or poor, male or female.  

ANY ADVICE FOR WHAT ANYONE CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT FOR RACIAL AND/OR LGBTQ+ JUSTICE

Not all black people are the same.  

YOUR PROFESSION OR ASPIRING PROFESSION

Motivational Speaker

YOUR FAVORITE EARTH HARBOR PRODUCT

Laguna Body Serum 

 

FARAH

Earth Harbor Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council Member Farah

A MANTRA YOU LIVE BY

“Be still. Breathe, still.” (I need to remind myself of this quote all the time!)  

YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY

Malay/Bawean 

SEXUAL ORIENTATION/GENDER IDENTITY AND PRONOUNS

Female, She/Her

A TIME YOU OVERCAME ADVERSITY BASED ON YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY AND/OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND/OR GENDER IDENTITY

I wouldn't say they are adversities. Hurdles, mainly. And to those, I say, be who you are and make no apologies for it. When faced with ignorance, act with kindness. No harm in dispelling a person's prejudice with a smile.   

WHAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST IN A FUTURE OF INCLUSION AND EQUALITY 

I look forward to meeting kind and understanding folks who are allies to each other.  

ANY ADVICE FOR WHAT ANYONE CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT FOR RACIAL AND/OR LGBTQ+ JUSTICE

I feel like I'm in no position to advise for an American audience. My heart goes out to those who have to fight for equality and justice.

YOUR PROFESSION OR ASPIRING PROFESSION

Partnership Catalyst at SpudnikLab, an organization bridging the digital divide through low cost technologies and Co-Founder of FiTree, a non-profit organization supporting muslim environmentalists. 

YOUR FAVORITE EARTH HARBOR PRODUCT

Aqua Aura Reparative Eye Creme

 

ALI

Earth Harbor Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council Member Ali

A MANTRA YOU LIVE BY

“Don’t think you’re better than anyone else, but remember that no one is better than you.” 

YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY

Korean (first generation Korean American)

SEXUAL ORIENTATION/GENDER IDENTITY AND PRONOUNS

Heterosexual, She/Her  

A TIME YOU OVERCAME ADVERSITY BASED ON YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY AND/OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND/OR GENDER IDENTITY

Growing up in a suburb lacking diversity, kids would often point out my "squinty" eyes, and "yellow" skin. As a kid, there were certain things I wanted to make me standout, but my physical appearances were not those things. There were also other comments, more offensive ones, that I've heard growing up that made me ashamed of my culture. However, as I've gotten older, I've been able to use those moments as opportunities to explain to people why their comments are hurtful and inaccurate. Now, I'm proud of my Korean heritage and am still learning how the challenges I've faced and growing up as a first generation American have given me a different perspective that is just as important as anyone else's.  

WHAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST IN A FUTURE OF INCLUSION AND EQUALITY

I'm looking forward to the results of having a more inclusive future. The innovations, the art, the policies, etc. that will come out of having a more level playing field for people who are currently marginalized will be unlike what we've ever seen or accomplished before. Learning from others' varying experiences, and having more diverse leadership in all areas will make us all stronger as individuals and as a whole.  

ANY ADVICE FOR WHAT ANYONE CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT FOR RACIAL AND/OR LGBTQ+ JUSTICE

This is something I'm still learning to do myself, but I would say stay humble, don't make assumptions about others, don't make excuses for yourself or others but try to learn if you catch yourself doing or thinking something that isn't right.   

YOUR PROFESSION OR ASPIRING PROFESSION

User Experience Designer Currently a product designer for a software company working to make public transit more inclusive.

YOUR FAVORITE EARTH HARBOR PRODUCT

Citrine Sea Exfoliator I have oily, acne-prone skin, and this scrub makes my skin softer and clearer without leaving it too oily.

 

MACI

Earth Harbor Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council Member Maci

A MANTRA YOU LIVE BY 

“Always Choose Kindness.” :) 

YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY

Japanese and White/Caucasian

SEXUAL ORIENTATION/GENDER IDENTITY AND PRONOUNS

She/Her  

WHAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST IN A FUTURE OF INCLUSION AND EQUALITY

I look forward to a more accepting and loving world where everyone can celebrate their differences in unity and open-minded understanding for our fellow humans. And where no one ever questions their worth in the eyes of others because of their differences and unique beauty. A safe place with so much less judgment, so that everyone truly feels loved. And knows that they have unmeasurable value to bring to this world as the person they truly are!  

ANY ADVICE FOR WHAT ANYONE CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT FOR RACIAL AND/OR LGBTQ+ JUSTICE

Strive to be a loving, kind person and always base the way you treat and see others off of that! Never form opinions or judgments of people based on anything but the person they are inside. Be open to learning about others' differences, cultural, and lifestyles. Try to understand and support others by listening and letting them know that even if you don't (or will never) fully understand the challenges they face and the pain they have seen, you stand with and for them. Always stand up against injustice even if it may be uncomfortable or hard. :)  

YOUR FAVORITE EARTH HARBOR PRODUCT

Mermaid Milk Moisturizer and Glow Juice Mask!

 

AKASH

Earth Harbor Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council Member Akash

A MANTRA YOU LIVE BY

“Be True. Be You. Be Kind.” 

YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY

Indian

SEXUAL ORIENTATION/GENDER IDENTITY AND PRONOUNS

Gay, Male, He/Him 

A TIME YOU OVERCAME ADVERSITY BASED ON YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY AND/OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND/OR GENDER IDENTITY 

I grew up in a time and place where standing out was a bad thing; where my high laugh and the way I stood with my hand on my hip were constantly mocked. I spent my teenage years desperately wanting to blend in and trying to understand why being different was so unwelcome. I tried to change my voice, my stance, my mannerisms, and everything else that made me unique. I did this to fit in, but I lost myself in the process. I was too upset about being marked as different to realize that I wasn’t being true to myself. Eventually, after finding a new, welcoming community of friends in college, I began to live my fully-expressed life.  

WHAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST IN A FUTURE OF INCLUSION AND EQUALITY

My greatest hope is that we reach a point where diversity and equity are no longer trends that hit the headlines during flashpoint moments, but rather are so deeply ingrained in our society that they become second nature.  

ANY ADVICE FOR WHAT ANYONE CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT FOR RACIAL AND/OR LGBTQ+ JUSTICE

The biggest impacts I have seen are in the personal moments and small conversations that happen every day. In all areas of my life, I strive for authenticity. A great way I’ve found to make a difference for others is by being true to myself and empowering them to do the same, by giving them a tight hug if they need it, or by lending an empathetic ear when they are having a bad day.  

YOUR PROFESSION OR ASPIRING PROFESSION

Corporate Sustainability & Renewable Energy I am currently an MBA Student at Duke University, learning more about corporate sustainability and renewable energy! 

Your Favorite Earth Harbor Product: Ahoy Love Nourishing Cream Cleanser

 

JASMINE

Earth Harbor Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council Member Jasmine

A MANTRA YOU LIVE BY

“The challenge is to be yourself in a world trying to make you like everyone else.”

YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY

Black and Native American

SEXUAL ORIENTATION/GENDER IDENTITY AND PRONOUNS 

She/Her

WHAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST IN A FUTURE OF INCLUSION AND EQUALITY

We’re living through a historic time– existing at the intersection of mass crises that has spanned a public health pandemic, civil rights movements, massive natural disasters, and a fragile global economy. It was and continues to be a time where those who could not or chose not to see the inequities and darkness that have deeply plagued our global society for centuries are forced to now see. With this awakening comes a collective call to be better stewards of our diverse humanity and this planet. I hope that this means that all people, institutions and organizations will be intentional about how we will emerge from this time as a shared humanity in the name of sustainability and inclusion– moving past check box DEI and greenwashing practices, but towards true sustainable systems, pipelines, and infrastructure that are both representative and accessible to move the needle of change. From my vantage point – as a part of the BIPOC community in the US– I think at an individual level this process for aspiring allies looks like listening, learning, unlearning from sources that are reputable, reliable, and produced by folx that are of varying underrepresented identities. This requires individuals who are seeking to be allies to step into their own growth story to seek out opportunities to educate themselves in order to become better sponsors in the workplace, to make space for marginalized voices in personal and professional conversations, to speak up against hate speech and microaggressions, and to advocate for underrepresented folks in business and society.

Aspiring allies should do this with respect for the time and energy of underrepresented folks as well. We need ya'll to walk the walk so we can all move forward together!

YOUR PROFESSION OR ASPIRING PROFESSION

I am a social inclusion and design specialist with a focus on gender equity, meaningful youth engagement, and innovation in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and global health sectors. With a BSc in Product Design and MSc in Public Health, I have spent over 5 years leading iterative toilet innovation pilots and research across Sub-Saharan Africa and in resettled refugee communities as the Founder and Executive Director of Wish for WASH, a social impact organization that seeks to bring innovation to sanitation with a design thinking lens. Following a decade of diverse independent freelance work across the 3, 5 and 6 Sustainable Development Goals, I became the Principal and Founder of the Hybrid Hype, LLC, a certified, woman-owned global consulting firm, and the Co-Founder of Period Futures, an early-stage project focused on sparking curiosity, conversation and commitment to designing positive #periodfutures. Outside of work, I enjoy service learning, cross cultural immersion, community engagement, fitness adventures and travel photography. (jasminekburton.com)

YOUR FAVORITE EARTH HARBOR PRODUCT

I love the Blue Crush Marine Perfecting Mask!

 

NIK

Earth Harbor Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council Member Nik

A MANTRA YOU LIVE BY

“Treat people with kindness.”  

YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY

White/Caucasian

SEXUAL ORIENTATION/GENDER IDENTITY AND PRONOUNS

Gay, Cis-Gender Man, He/Him

A TIME YOU OVERCAME ADVERSITY BASED ON YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY AND/OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND/OR GENDER IDENTITY

Dealing with homophobic family taught me a lot about loving myself for who I am. I learned being something I’m not for the sake of others isn’t what true happiness looked like for me. Being true to myself in the screaming face of hatred and bigotry meant more to me than anything else.   

WHAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST IN A FUTURE OF INCLUSION AND EQUALITY

I look forward to diversity and inclusion being standard, and subconscious! We shouldn’t HAVE to actively fight for equality in any regard, but until we reach that point, I’m all in to do so!   

ANY ADVICE FOR WHAT ANYONE CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT FOR RACIAL AND/OR LGBTQ+ JUSTICE

Educate yourselves. Do what you can, not because you’re told to, but because you want to expand your views and horizons! Be open to learning, and ever-changing and growing perspectives you may not have even known existed. Just because something doesn’t make sense to you, doesn’t mean that’s the case for everyone! (1/2) Be conscious of others experiences, and educate yourself on others experiences. And at the end of the day, ask people questions! (In my personal opinion) I’d rather someone ask me about a part of my experience, even if they don’t have the vocabulary to word it “correctly”, than not ask at all!   

YOUR PROFESSION OR ASPIRING PROFESSION

Fashion Photographer/Creative Director

YOUR FAVORITE EARTH HARBOR PRODUCT

I have been hooked on Tidal Rose Crystal Hydration Mist!

 

CHRISTINA

Earth Harbor Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council Member Christina

 A MANTRA YOU LIVE BY

“I am enough, I am lovable 100% just the way I am.” 

YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY

Native American and Hispanic

SEXUAL ORIENTATION/GENDER IDENTITY AND PRONOUNS

Heterosexual, She/Her   

A TIME YOU OVERCAME ADVERSITY BASED ON YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY AND/OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND/OR GENDER IDENTITY

I am a multiracial woman in a interracial marriage and I was adopted by Caucasian parents. I grew up with nine other siblings and seven of those nine are also adopted. Many of them from different ethnicities. I have had experiences with racism and ignorance, but growing up with so many different races within our family, I never felt very different because we all were different. As I grew up, I began to see how different we were than all the other families around us. It came with ignorant comments and racism. 

I feel extremely blessed to have been raised this way though because it taught me that love doesn’t discriminate. We as humans are able to love all types of people.  

WHAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST IN A FUTURE OF INCLUSION AND EQUALITY

I look forward to seeing all different types of families in the future. I look forward to equal rights in marriage for everyone who wishes to be married. I look forward to equality in all aspects. We are all humans with feelings, we are all more alike than we are different. I look forward to seeing the vulnerability of people who are wanting to create change.  

ANY ADVICE FOR WHAT ANYONE CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT FOR RACIAL AND/OR LGBTQ+ JUSTICE

My advice to people who want to create change or fight for racial and/or LGBTQ+ justice is to get to know them! Find people who are different than you, get to know them, listen to them, engage in vulnerable conversations. I know that if people do this they will discover that we all have way more in common with each other than we know. The feelings that we feel as human beings are the same. We may have different experiences but the emotions we feel, we feel the same. As we find connection with others we will find love, and love will win if we let it.   

YOUR PROFESSION OR ASPIRING PROFESSION

Right now I am raising my four children. I feel very fortunate to be able to spend this time with them at home, guiding them to become people who will create positive change in the future. 

When they get a bit older I want to go back to school and study psychology. I want to help women overcome sexual trauma, betrayal trauma, addiction, and help them find self love.

YOUR FAVORITE EARTH HARBOR PRODUCT 

All Earth Harbor masks; I love doing self care by relaxing with a face mask. 

 

BECCA

Earth Harbor Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council Member Becca

A MANTRA YOU LIVE BY

“I create myself.” 

YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY

Black, African American

SEXUAL ORIENTATION/GENDER IDENTITY AND PRONOUNS

Bisexual, She/Her  

A TIME YOU OVERCAME ADVERSITY BASED ON YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY AND/OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND/OR GENDER IDENTITY

I used to perform in musical theater. While there is nothing wrong with being an amazing black diva, that isn’t my acting or singing style. The theater community didn’t seem to understand that, but over the years I showed that I was capable of playing roles beyond the stereotypical black woman.   

WHAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST IN A FUTURE OF INCLUSION AND EQUALITY

A more normal world. There is no such thing as totally normal and there will be no utopian society, but just the feeling of being accepted for our differences will be amazing.  

ANY ADVICE FOR WHAT ANYONE CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT FOR RACIAL AND/OR LGBTQ+ JUSTICE

Educate yourselves. It is all well and good to make posts in support on social media, but if you don’t know what you are talking about, if you don’t have a deeper understanding of different races of the LGBTQ+ communities and what they are going through, it doesn’t mean much. Once you gain an understanding, you can talk with those you know who are of those communities and find out how to support them.   

YOUR PROFESSION OR ASPIRING PROFESSION

I work in customer service, which has been my day job for a while. My dream job would be a full-time fiction writer, and I’m currently working on making that come true.

YOUR FAVORITE EARTH HARBOR PRODUCT

I really enjoy the Samphire Sea-Retinol Digital Serum. It leaves my face invigorated and is a gentle retinol alternative serum. 

 

ISABEL

Earth Harbor Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council Member Isabel

A MANTRA YOU LIVE BY

“Worrying means you suffer twice.”  

YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY

White/Caucasian

SEXUAL ORIENTATION/GENDER IDENTITY AND PRONOUNS

Pansexual and Genderfluid, She/They   

A TIME YOU OVERCAME ADVERSITY BASED ON YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY AND/OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND/OR GENDER IDENTITY

In high school, someone I trusted outed me to our very conservative class and I was picked on a lot because of the way I was born. I continued to be myself and some closeted kids came out to me because they felt safe enough to tell me that they were part of the LGBTQ+ community.   

WHAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST IN A FUTURE OF INCLUSION AND EQUALITY

I look forward to the day where the gay panic defense is illegal to use in court.   

ANY ADVICE FOR WHAT ANYONE CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT FOR RACIAL AND/OR LGBTQ+ JUSTICE

In order to normalize the LGBTQ+ community, it’s very important to put your pronouns in your bios on social media!   

YOUR PROFESSION OR ASPIRING PROFESSION

ASL Interpreter

YOUR FAVORITE EARTH HARBOR PRODUCT

Sunstone Hair Revive Elixir

 

OLIVIA

Earth Harbor Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Council Member Olivia

A MANTRA YOU LIVE BY

“There are no 0 or 100 percents.” 

YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY

White/Caucasian

SEXUAL ORIENTATION/GENDER IDENTITY AND PRONOUNS

Demisexual, Pansexual, and Transgender, She/They  

A TIME YOU OVERCAME ADVERSITY BASED ON YOUR RACE AND/OR ETHNICITY AND/OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND/OR GENDER IDENTITY

I remember about a year after I came out as trans and started using She/They pronouns and dressing how I wanted to, I was having a conversation at Thanksgiving with my Nana. At some point, she said my Deadname, and I corrected her nicely saying "oh I actually go by Olivia now." She cut the conversation and looked away from me, and I felt very hurt. She still has not spoken to me since then, and I think that there are many people of the queer community that experience this. There is simultaneously a pressure to stay silent and to defend yourself, but one comes at the cost of the other.  

WHAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO MOST IN A FUTURE OF INCLUSION AND EQUALITY

I look forward to the fading of toxic masculinity and misogyny out of the norm, since the two play into each other heavily. I also hope for a future where there isn't a need to come out or necessity for labels; where people don't need to clarify what societal box you are in and people can just be people.   

ANY ADVICE FOR WHAT ANYONE CAN DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT FOR RACIAL AND/OR LGBTQ+ JUSTICE

I think that people need to: 1) Say what pronouns you use. It cannot be said enough how important it is to normalize saying which pronouns you use as often as you introduce your name. 2) Get educated. As a white person, I cannot speak to the injustices that people of color have suffered through, but I can speak to organizations like Black Lives Matter's validity. There are many sources one can use to better understand what to do, but if you need a place to start, watch the documentary "13th."  

YOUR PROFESSION OR ASPIRING PROFESSION

Actuarial Scientist Student– I don't know what I will do, but I know that I'm decent at math, so I am studying Actuarial Science. 

YOUR FAVORITE EARTH HARBOR PRODUCT

The Rose Bay Balancing Facial Soap

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