Coaching from a feminist perspective
Feminism for many is a loaded word. Some people don’t identify with feminism because they don’t see themselves in the stereotypes of the man-hating, masculine, humourless feminist. Others feel understandably alienated by mainstream white feminism and its blindness to the ways in which women who are not white, straight, cis-gender, temporarily able, and middle class are uniquely affected by multiple axes of oppression.
My feminism is a feminism of inclusivity. It is based on the fundamental principal of a woman’s freedom to choose how she identifies, how she lives and who she wants to be. It meets women on their own terms and values the lived truth of all. It is not up to me or anyone else to tell you how you experience marginalization. My feminism includes trans women and genderqueer individuals, it includes women of colour, those with disabilities – visible or not, women at all levels of income, parents and non-parents, queer women, and those who work in the sex-trade, and my feminism knows that none of these identities are mutually exclusive. My feminism leaves no one behind.
I believe that the only authority on your life and your experience of the world is you.
What is feminist life coaching?
I have chosen to identify as a feminist coach because I know how frustrating and exhausting it can be to have to explain how systemic and cultural oppression affects how you live your life and how you experience the world around you. I know how difficult it is to live life as it should be in the world as it is. By calling myself a feminist life coach I am letting you know that I get it. You will not spend half of the session explaining to me what cis-sexism is or what colour-blind racism is and if you feel at anytime like I don’t get it I want to know, because I know that there is still so much for me to learn and I embrace any opportunity to do so.
What can I help you with?
- Feminist and queer positive parenting - this includes gender diverse/neutral parenting.
- Activist burnout.
- Creating a life of meaning and authenticity.
- Mental health advocacy coaching.
- Anti-bullying advocacy coaching.
- Radical self-care.
- Defining what activism means to you and incorporating it into your life.
Because sessions are conducted over the phone I can coach clients anywhere in the world. For those who are long distance to Toronto, we can coach via Skype.
