The topic of discussion is deliberate discrimination against members of the LGBTQIA+ community by studio owners and operators. What measures can be taken to prevent such discrimination and put an end to it?
Welcome to Beyond the StEPS
Cristina**, a transgender queer artist and licensed medical professional, is currently with us for the second time. With over 25 years of experience, she is a skilled dance instructor who has taught Classical Ballet and choreographed modern, contemporary, and classical dance. Cristina also has 23 years of experience as a character artist. Recently, she has integrated her medical practice, Healing Roots Acupuncture, with her love of dance, teaching, and movement. This unique approach has provided an accepting space for queer individuals, who have historically been excluded from traditional dance spaces. Cristina's efforts have been recognized, as her Queer Dance Project won the Queer to Stay award from the Human Rights Campaign and Showtime. She has also established a decolonized dance studio to offer classical arts training and a variety of other dance movements to the LGBTQIA+ community. The Guardian Transcestor Fund has been established to help pay for dance clothes, shoes, workshops, and classes for those who need financial assistance. Cristina's new book will be released in February.
Apolla: As we engage with our guests and our audience, we are constantly learning alongside everyone else. We are in the same position, simply facilitating the conversation. Can you provide some examples of the challenges that dance studio operators, as well as other small businesses in the LGBTQIA+ community, face while doing business? It is crucial to offer this perspective to those who have not experienced or been affected by these challenges. People tend to respond differently to issues when it directly affects their own lives. It is unfortunate, but it is the reality. Please discuss some of these challenges for those who may not understand.
Cristina: I have structured my business to rely primarily on my acupuncture studio, as opposed to my dance studio. This decision was not meant to demean or discredit the LGBTQ+ community. However, it is a reality that we often have to seek out safe spaces where we can feel welcomed and secure, without fear of being hurt or attacked. Building a foundation for my business on something that is consistently inconsistent would not have been feasible. While I initially had ambitions of creating a successful queer Dance Project, I quickly realized that it was a more challenging undertaking than I had anticipated. As someone who has been involved in small business for over 25 years, including my dance career, I have experienced discrimination firsthand since transitioning. There is often a lack of belief or respect for who I am as a transgender individual. When I first started my business, I struggled to gain referrals and network connections, even when I joined the Chamber of Commerce. To overcome this, I have shifted my business model to target LGBTQ+ and sports organizations, such as the Denver flag gay and lesbian football teams. I collaborate closely with these organizations, such as helping players improve their skills, and have found greater safety and support as a small business owner.
Apolla: So, if I understand correctly, you're saying that business owners who identify as cisgender can often have implicit biases against those in the LGBTQIA+ community, which leads to discrimination. Some people may question why it matters if a business is LGBTQIA+ owned or not, and argue that as long as it's a good business, people will come regardless of the owner's identity. However, it's important to acknowledge and support LGBTQIA+ businesses to promote acceptance and inclusivity in the community.
Cristina: Let's clarify the two types of businesses that you're planning to have: one is a business-to-business model, and the other is a business-to-client model. It's similar to a trans woman who owns a fantastic jewelry and rock shop nearby. I discovered her and was excited to find so many great products. There's also another trans woman here who has a small business that serves other businesses. My business is also a business-to-business model, and it takes a lot of effort to reach out to different groups, such as churches and positive LGBT communities, to drop off some items and get their support. I received a lot of positive feedback and encouragement, which was great, but it's hard work. I looked to other marginalized business owners for inspiration, like Leticia Hardy, who runs a fantastic dance studio in Colorado Springs. She teaches Bachata, salsa, and Merengue and has a wonderful model that I can learn from. She's a queer, LGBT black woman who does great work in the community. I also had to have difficult conversations with the police department and take extra security precautions for my business after losing a student due to the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs. I had to make sure my windows were darker and spoke to the Lakewood Police Department about my business's safety. I doubt other dance studios have to take such precautions regularly to ensure their students' safety.
Apolla: it becomes a difficult situation where promoting oneself as an LGBTQIA+ business owner can bring a sense of pride, especially if there are few others in the community. However, it can also put oneself, clients, and students in danger due to potential bigotry and intentional sabotage. It feels like a catch-22, where promoting oneself can be risky but not promoting oneself may mean missing out on opportunities.
Cristina: I have not received any support from the Small Business Administration in the past three years, which is another frustrating aspect. It feels like I am not even acknowledged as a part of the small business administrative community. Every time I have applied for support, I have either been a victim of fraud or received zero assistance. Even though my business qualified for the Queer to Stay award, which is for queer businesses, it does not qualify for any small business administration program. My acupuncture business, which has been in operation for six years, should have received some financial support, but unfortunately, it has not. It's disheartening to see that I have received more support from the previous administration than the current one. As a trans small business owner who aligns with liberal and Democratic beliefs, it's frustrating. Despite this, I try to remain positive and focus on my business, even though it's difficult to ignore the lack of support from the government and small business owners.
Apolla: I would like to discuss a controversial issue that we do not shy away from here, which is the fear or hyper-phobia around LGBTQIA professionals working directly with vulnerable populations such as children, youth, or people in medical and health professions like yourself. It is frustrating to me that there is an inherent feeling that individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community may cause harm, trauma, or be predatory towards these populations. This stereotype is perpetuated despite the lack of evidence to support it. Why do you think this harmful stereotype endures?
Cristina: That's a complex issue that's closely intertwined with racism. It's important to note that the fight for marriage equality was linked to the struggle for interracial marriage recognition, as some states didn't recognize such unions. Trans rights and women's rights are also interconnected with our government's rights. When they attack gay marriage, they are also attacking mixed-race and interracial couples. This fear and discrimination have deep roots, dating back thousands of years when gender expectations were imposed, and people were categorized based on their sex. Although this is not comparable to slavery, it still perpetuates fears and prejudices that are deeply ingrained in our society, especially in the dance industry and other vulnerable populations.
Apolla:This obsession with categorizing people is deeply ingrained in our culture. We seem to have this incessant need to put people in boxes and it's unclear why. It's like the historical example you mentioned, where people were stripped down and categorized based on their sex. It's not just about race, but also about where you come from and what your identity is. It's unnecessary and frustrating. I think part of the problem is that there are still archaic laws in certain states that haven't been abolished. Even if they aren't enforced, the fact that they exist is concerning. It would be helpful if the country could come to a consensus on recognizing the LGBTQIA+ community, rather than leaving it up to individual states. This is a major issue that needs to be addressed.
Cristina: Indeed, the issue of categorization and discrimination is deeply ingrained in our culture, going back centuries. Even historical figures like Joan of Arc faced resistance for not conforming to gender expectations. It's alarming that archaic laws still exist in certain states, such as the "panic defense" law that allows for violence against trans individuals. There's also the unwritten law of "Walking while trans" that can result in arrest based on appearance. These laws and attitudes are reminiscent of past discrimination against people of color. It's important for society to recognize and address these issues to ensure equality and justice for all individuals, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Apolla:I am speechless, and I am just trying to process and absorb what you have just said. It's hard to believe and shocking.
Cristina: From my understanding, many states still have discriminatory laws in place, but California is one of the most progressive states that actively works to protect the rights of marginalized groups. They have recently passed laws that protect individuals seeking abortion and gender-confirming surgeries or hormone replacement therapy.
Apolla: I believe that many people don't fully understand the gravity of these issues because they are not directly affected by them. It's unfortunate that these concerns are often overlooked in political conversations, and that people tend to align themselves with one side or another without fully considering the human impact. It's important to remember the human aspect of these issues and not let them become lost in the political system.
Cristina: Let's take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Think about Misty Copeland and other dancers of color who have had to make waves in the industry. I remember dancing with black women at Pacific Northwest ballet in the 80s before Misty Copeland, but she was the one who made it to the top and helped others achieve success. She faced so much discrimination, including comments about her body, such as her breasts being too big. This is a form of aesthetic discrimination against a human body. It's not just about artistic liberty or one's personal aesthetic preferences. The fact is that in the 80s, artistic directors and boards were mostly men, which perpetuates discrimination in the industry. It's unacceptable and needs to be addressed.
Apolla: When we were deciding on a topic for this discussion, you mentioned the phrase "deliberate discrimination" and how certain practices, even those that are clearly discriminatory, are still upheld by the law. Why do you think, despite all the progress we've made as a society, so many people continue to ignore these discriminatory practices and laws?
Cristina: Wow, I wish someone would offer me a job and recognize my skills. Recently, I participated in an interview with a university in Toronto where the interviewer was very knowledgeable and curious about my experiences as a queer business owner and dancer, particularly at the intersection of these identities.
Apolla: I consider myself to be part of that group. Personally, I believe that if a business does good work and is reputable, I would support them regardless of their owner's identity. I don't even consider the owner's identity as a factor. However, I do recognize that my perspective is limited, and I am unaware of the challenges that marginalized business owners face. Therefore, I acknowledge that I am ignorant about this issue and recognize that I belong in that category of people who need to educate themselves more.
Cristina: Earlier, you asked me about children and parents and their views on the LGBTQ+ community. From my experience, a lot of it has to do with education, or rather, the lack of it. I have come across certain right-wing ideologies that promote anti-LGBTQ+ beliefs, such as the "gays against groomers" movement. While I have not personally watched it, some of my friends have had issues with it, and it's quite disturbing to see how parents can be misled with misinformation. During my last appearance on your show, we discussed how some surgeries cannot be performed until one is over 18. However, now some states are even raising the age limit to 21, which not only takes away a woman's right to her own body, but also impacts the rights of trans women and men. I believe that trans men, in particular, have a unique and beautiful quality because they can blend in so well. When parents express concern for their children's safety around the LGBTQ+ community, I think it stems from their own internalized fears. I can relate to this, as I used to be homophobic when I was younger. However, I eventually realized that it wasn't them, but rather my own struggles with my identity that led to my fear. It's important for parents to examine their own fears and prejudices when addressing this issue with their children. If they have questions or concerns, I'm always willing to have a conversation with them. One major issue is the lack of accountability for dance studio owners. There's no way to hold them accountable for discrimination, and often they get away with it without any consequences. That's why I opened my own studio, as I believe in creating a safe and inclusive space for all dancers, regardless of their identity or orientation.
Apolla: Do you think demographics play a significant role in this? I'm curious about your experience with demographics in your area. Are younger people more accepting? Do you find that certain races or communities are more accepting? Have you noticed any LGBTQIA business owners who are supportive?
Cristina: I have noticed a lack of business owners in Denver, but I find them to be really helpful when I do come across them. For example, I work with a climbing gym just outside of Golden, Colorado, which is about a 10-minute drive south of where I am located. I see a lot of climbers come into my studio, and I always try to target my services towards LGBTQ organizations. As for my clientele, it's really diverse, and I love that. I have clients of all genders and sexual orientations, and I make sure my studio is a safe and welcoming space for everyone. One of my clients, Gary, is a wonderful man who feels more comfortable taking my classes in private because he wears tights. I also have trans male students who appreciate that my studio doesn't have mirrors on the walls because they don't have to wear a binder, which can be uncomfortable and restrictive. I was even in a conversation yesterday with an organization that provides movement-friendly binders for trans males, and I am considering selling them at my studio because they are hard to find elsewhere.
Apolla: To clarify and preempt any potential criticisms, it's important to note that you're not practicing discrimination by making adjustments to your business model. Rather, you're adapting to the challenges you face in order to sustain your business.
Cristina: I want to clarify that I do not discriminate against anyone at my studio. I have a diverse group of dancers, including older dancers up to 70 years old, younger dancers in their 20s, queer people of color, and hardcore lesbians. I offer different classes to cater to different techniques and preferences, from more masculine to more feminine styles. My students range from 18 years old and I have also taught youth programs at LGBT centers. Many of these kids don't know that they are allowed to move and express themselves without fear of being made fun of. Being able to dance in a safe space with a trans woman instructor can be life-changing and empowering. I strive to be a role model for my students and offer representation to those who may not have it. I also have many allies who support and encourage what I'm doing.
Apolla: How can we ensure that we are identifying and supporting LGBTQIA+ businesses in our community? As a business owner from the LGBTQIA+ community, with Apolla and Turning Point Dance Creations being women-owned and TPDC also being black-owned, we operate in a white, cisgender, heteronormative, and male-dominated space. While we are proud to be successful business owners despite the odds, our customers have shown us that being a woman-owned business is not at the top of their list of priorities when choosing where to spend their money. Being made in the USA, for example, is often in the top three priorities. So, how can we educate people on the importance of supporting business owners from underrepresented communities or demographics? We have even received negative feedback for acknowledging our status as a female-owned business on Shark Tank. Some people simply do not seem to care about representation, even though it is a source of pride and does matter. How can we encourage people to take pride in supporting these businesses?
Cristina: I recall hearing an interesting concept a few years ago, prior to the pandemic and during the previous presidential administration. It involved imagining a Bullseye with three circles. You, as small business owners, are in the center, while the next two rings represent people who want to support and help you in various ways. However, outside of those two circles are individuals like the one who sent you that email and phone call, and it's best to avoid engaging with them as it's unlikely to change their opinion. Instead, you should focus on finding someone within those two inner circles who can advocate for you to others. While it can be tempting to want to be at the center of the Bullseye, it's more productive to focus on the individuals who genuinely want to support you and your business.
Apolla: I understand. It seems that the credit needs to be given to those who are in the middle ring, the people who are willing to help and support small businesses like yours. You mentioned that in the past, you would have reacted differently to negative feedback, but now you're grateful to be in this moment and to have the emotional control to let things go. You also expressed appreciation for the support from the LGBTQIA+ community, recognizing the challenges that come with being a part of an underrepresented group in business.
Cristina: My partner, who is a transgender man and the director of CU Boulder's Pride office with a PhD in anthropology, shared a statistic that too much visibility or invisibility can have negative consequences for different segments of the LGBTQIA+ community. For example, too much visibility by a trans woman can be harmful to other trans women, while too much visibility on trans men can cause them to withdraw further. This delicate balance requires constant attention, as every action can have unintended consequences, and one must always be aware of potential attacks from within the community. I have experienced personal attacks from other trans people, which has made me realize that I cannot please everyone and that it's best to focus on the people who support me. For instance, when I offered a free acupuncture clinic to trans women on Trans Day of Remembrance, someone attacked me on social media, and it was only my licensed therapist friends who came to my defense. I have learned that it's futile to argue with such people and that it's better to move on and focus on my well-being.
Apolla: I believe that being a business owner can teach you valuable skills, such as emotional regulation. In the past, I used to let my emotions dictate my reactions, but I have learned the importance of processing situations calmly before responding. It's a skill that takes time to develop, but I think it's essential for success in business. While I have faced challenges in other areas, emotional regulation is one area where I have made progress. We were discussing strategies to combat deliberate discrimination against dance studio owners and operators within the LGBTQIA+ community. While dance studios and other extracurricular activity centers should be a safe space for children to learn, grow, and explore, the unfortunate reality is that they can sometimes become unsafe due to the bigoted minds of others or due to individuals with mental health issues. This problem extends beyond businesses and into schools, but that's a topic for another day. Instead, let's focus on some measures that LGBTQIA+ studio directors, owners, and all small business owners should have in place when faced with an attack on LGBTQIA+ organizations.
Cristina: As a business owner in the LGBTQIA+ community, I understand the challenges we face when it comes to discrimination and hate attacks. While there are many businesses in our community, such as dance studios like Ballas in Brooklyn and Sean Dorsey's in San Francisco, we still need to be vigilant and take measures to protect ourselves. In my state, which is considered purple, I know that there are risks I must undertake and I am greatly aware of them. It can be a difficult topic to discuss, but as a community, we must come together to address these issues and protect ourselves and our businesses.
Apolla: Do you establish connections with the police department in your vicinity? Do you reach out to the local media to increase awareness of your business?
Cristina: Do I need to establish a relationship with the police department in my area or reach out to local media to bring attention to discrimination against LGBTQIA+ businesses? As a trans woman and small business owner, I'm hesitant to involve mainstream media as I prefer to keep my company out of the public eye. If any publicity is necessary, I would prefer it to be within the LGBTQIA+ community. I am even wary of advertising on Facebook or Google as those platforms cannot guarantee the level of safety and privacy I need for my organization. In fact, when I ran a Facebook ad campaign a year and a half ago, I received a lot of negative comments from people in Pennsylvania.
Apolla: So, just to clarify, is the reason you don't want to seek publicity for your business because it could invite more negative attention and confrontation, even though you might think that raising awareness about the discrimination could be helpful?
Cristina: I can draw a comparison to the early days of black-owned businesses in Chicago and New York City after slavery was abolished. Catering companies were some of the first businesses started by black people, where they would cook and serve meals in white homes. These businesses faced a great deal of racism at the time, and I try to empathize with their struggles. Even though I am not black, I can learn from their experiences. Fortunately, I haven't faced too much discrimination as a small business owner in the LGBTQIA+ community, but I don't seek publicity for my business. If anything, I want people to find me because of the niche services I provide, rather than being a billboard for the good work I do as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Apolla: You mentioned earlier, Cristina, that tinting the windows and working with certain organizations could be helpful precautions for individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Cristina: I have implemented certain precautions to ensure the safety of my clients who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. One of these precautions is mandatory registration for classes, as walk-ins were causing security issues. The doors are locked during class and only open 15 minutes before class begins. Additionally, the windows are tinted and I have shades that cover the windows from ankles up, making it difficult for people outside to see in. I am also leasing from a landlord who has cameras installed, and there is a nearby community center that provides food donations, which attracts homeless individuals to the area. I have gotten to know the houseless community better than my neighbors, such as the plumber and the heating and cooling guy. Even my eye doctor, who is located nearby, has made rude comments to me, so I have to learn from history and take necessary precautions.
Apolla: Being in constant evaluation of people around you and determining whether they are supportive or a threat must be something you have to do on a regular basis. It's a privilege that I didn't even realize I had until recently. It's a way of life that others may never understand, and it's something that I am still learning to acknowledge every day. It's something that I discuss with others, and it's important to raise awareness about. While I may have a general awareness of the issue, I don't have to live in fear constantly.
Regarding positive and supportive LGBTQIA organizations, Cristina, you mentioned some dance companies and other organizations that are doing great work. I am curious if there are any other organizations that you would like to highlight.
Cristina: I haven't had the chance to do much research as I have been fully engrossed in finishing my book. However, there are a few organizations and individuals that I have come across that I would like to highlight. Ballaz on Instagram is a great page to follow for black and brown ballet. Additionally, there is an American Native gay male named Sean who does amazing American Indian and Native dancing with his partner based in California. Within the Native American community, the term "two-spirits" is often used to describe gay men and their partners. There are a few organizations that support and celebrate the two-spirit identity. Leticia Hardy is a great boxer and has an amazing studio in the Colorado Springs area. Evolving Doors Dance is a modern dance studio that does a lot of contract work as an artist. Sean Dorsey, a trans male from San Francisco, does a lot of work with trans male dance. Finally, Valley de Barcelona is the artistic director of a very gender expansive company. While there are few LGBTQIA-positive organizations out there, they do exist. It's important to recognize and support them. To create an inclusive dance studio, having an inclusive rainbow sign can go a long way. However, it's important to note that even with a safe space, there is no guarantee of safety, and calling the police is not always the best option. Some cities, like Denver, San Francisco, and LA, are exploring alternative options to law enforcement, such as social workers, to better support the community.
Apolla: I recently came across an article discussing this shift towards using social workers instead of law enforcement, and having inclusive signage on your door can also make a significant impact. It's a small gesture that can speak volumes, without needing to be a billboard, email, or advertisement.
Cristina: I actually had the opportunity to teach a young trans girl who took classes with me last year. She has since moved on to the Colorado Ballet and is now participating in their summer school program. It was an honor to teach her. However, I have reservations about certain ballet companies, such as Carter Valley, because they force gender norms and body structure onto their dancers without considering the repercussions. Ballet companies also enforce discrimination through their audition processes and encouraging certain body types and measurements. This discrimination is the epitome of the problem in the industry. On the bright side, ballet has numerous cognitive benefits, such as improving memory, perception, and confidence. It is crucial to change the ballet industry by holding the board of directors accountable for promoting equality and inclusivity. If boards are not seeking equality and accountability, ballet companies will always perpetuate racism, misogyny, sexism, and discrimination. Even dance studio owners can discriminate against dancers based on their weight, leading to a narrow artistic vision and aesthetic.
Apolla: So, as we give homework every week, I would like to ask what is one actionable step that you would like to challenge our listeners and viewers to take in the next seven days to make a positive change based on what we have discussed today?
Cristina: It's important not to rely on your LGBT friends to educate you on everything related to their identity. It's like asking your black or Latino friends to educate you on their culture and cuisine. Instead, do your own research and utilize available resources such as organizations that support and uplift small LGBT businesses like the Human Rights Campaign and Showtime television. Your homework should be to find local non-profit LGBT organizations and see how you can help through volunteering and being an ally. Some states may not have such organizations, but it's important to do your part and support them where they do exist.
Apolla: How can individuals reach out to you if they have questions or are interested in your consulting services? Is there a way for people to easily contact you?
I'm at queerdanceproject@gmail.com my
website is www.queerdanceproject.com
**Cristina is a transgender queer artist, licensed medical professional, and dance instructor of over 25 years. Cristina had a 12 year professional classical ballet career as a socialized male ballet dancer. Along with teaching classical ballet, she is an accomplished choreographer of modern, contemporary and classical dance and has been a character artist for 23 years. Most recently is the integration of her medical practice Healing Roots Acupuncture with her long love for dance, teaching and movement. This unique marriage has brought dance to a population that has rarely had an accepting space. In the past year Queer Dance Project won the Queer to Stay award. Handed out by the Human Rights Campaign and Showtime. In this new decolonized dance studio, Cristina has started to offer the lgbtqia community classical arts training along with a variety of other dance movements. In an effort to reach out to those without the means to participate in a dance classes, Queer Dance Project has established the Guardian Transcestor Fund to help pay for dance cloths, shoes, workshops and classes. Coming in February Cristina will be the release of her new book, The Adventures of Vaginoplasty; A Trans Woman's Guide to Healing.