Meet Mindbody: Wellness Through Equality with Mindbody Pride

Part of our mission to connect the world to wellness means creating an inclusive, uplifting, and welcoming workspace where all our team members feel valued and inspired to bring their best every day. To help make sure this mission comes to fruition, we look to our internal teams for help carving the path to provide wellness to all that seek it, actively or not. Enter our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).   

In this installment of Meet Mindbody, I sat down with Luna Foster and White Ash, members of our Mindbody Pride group and all-around amazing Mindbodians to give their unique POV. 

Denise Prichard: What does Pride mean to you? 

LF: For me, it's two-fold. Firstly, Pride is the personal mindset of being proud of who you are, knowing that not only is there nothing wrong with being queer, but it's something worth celebrating. Secondly, it's about fighting for those who can't safely express themselves and building a world where no one has to be fearful about expressing a part of their identity. 

WA: To provide context for modern-day Pride, I hearken back to the days of Capitol Pride in D.C. when the event was a political protest. We were marching for our basic human rights, which felt like demanding fundamental acknowledgement of our existence and safety in our lives. I'm heartened that present-day Prides have evolved into celebrations. In comparing Capitol Pride events by fast forwarding to today's events, seeing major corporations, religions, and political figures participating shows all the tremendous progress our community has experienced. That said, we're still not done. The kernel of truth that informs Pride for me will always be the struggle to be treated with humanity and equity. 

DP: Why did you join the Mindbody Pride group? 

LF: While many parts of the world have taken huge steps towards supporting the queer community, there's still a lot of work to do. Not every queer person is in a place where they have the energy or privilege to fight for that change, so it felt important for me to do that work wherever I could. As soon as I heard about the Pride group, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of, both for the community and for the opportunities to ensure Mindbody is a great place to work for anyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexuality. 

WA: I love having reminders now and again that people from my wider community are alive and kicking, vocal, having true human experiences that make me cry, and at other times even make me laugh here at work. I learn so much from many of the Slack postings. MBPride keeps me plugged into the bigger picture. Beyond that, I wanted to REPRESENT, girlfriend! 

DP: Why is the MBPride group important at Mindbody? 

LF: Unfortunately, as a queer person, there are many workplaces where you'll face discrimination for your sexuality or gender identity. By having a Pride ERG, Mindbody is not only showing potential future employees that they have a place here, but also providing additional community and support for current employees. Sometimes that means talking through difficult situations, other times it means sharing silly pictures in the Slack channel. 

WA: Feeling alienated, alone, isolated, on an island drifting at sea— these are feelings that are counter to productivity. MBPride keeps the queer aspect of our identity connected with other team members who share commonalities and experiences. In an era of over 520 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in state legislatures in 2023 so far, and when corporate giants like Target and Bud Light are reconsidering their Pride participation, the LGBTQIA2S+ communities need safe spaces in corporations like Mindbody for remuneration while leading productive work lives. 

DP: Why is celebrating Pride and the LGBTQIA+ community important for the wellness industry at large? 

LF: Wellness is all about giving your mind and body the care and attention it deserves. Because of this, it's important that wellness is inclusive and that we work to remove any barriers that may be blocking certain people or groups within their wellness journey. Additionally, wellness is about accepting yourself and the things that make you unique, understanding that your individuality is worth celebrating. This aligns perfectly with Pride and accepting people for who they are. 

WA: In many ways, we're like everyone else. In many other ways, we have special needs for wellness. Many of us have years of traumatic societal subjugation, repressed identities, reductions to stereotypes, fear for our safety, and on and on. This all takes a massive toll on our psyches and spirits. The need for healing runs deep. Pride can be a step in that direction, whether it be the visibility and being seen and counted, connecting with wellness practitioners and organizations, or the communal celebratory and positive experience. 

DP: What does the Mindbody Pride group mean to you? 

LF: For me, the Mindbody Pride group is about community. I've turned to the group in times when I've needed support. I do my best to offer that support for others who might need it, too. Everyone in the LGBTQ+ community is at a different part in their journey, and it's important that we support each other whenever possible. 

WA: MBPride means I don’t need to edit myself during my workday. I know I’m not alone. Just the existence of this organization is a reminder that Mindbody as a company is more than an ally or worse, just tolerating our presence. Instead, I feel we're being cheered on and cherished (am I right?!). When I think back to how things were in the past, you can't imagine how that makes me feel today. I'm extremely full of pride in this special company I work with and love so dearly. 

DP: Does the wellness industry promote inclusivity? 

LF: Like any industry, there are ways it does and ways it doesn't. Compared to where it was even 5 or 10 years ago, inclusivity has improved immensely, with many businesses and organizations openly sharing their support of the queer community. However, we still have a  to go. There are many wellness activities that divide up groups based on their gender, and that can create uncomfortable situations for nonbinary and trans individuals. But it's getting better every day, and I'm hopeful that we’re moving towards a place where everyone in the wellness industry is treated equally. 

WA: Virtually impossible to generalize—absolutely yes, absolutely not, and absolutely somewhere in-between. 

DP: What does wellness mean to you? 

LF: I used to think of wellness as things I had to do—work out, eat specific foods, etc. And while that can be part of it, I see it now as a type of acceptance. Wellness isn't about changing yourself to be like someone else who appears healthier and happier, it's about accepting where you are now and working on that version of yourself. Sometimes that looks like a workout regimen, sometimes it looks like setting aside time for leisure activities, or taking a step back from something that feels overwhelming. Wellness for me isn't about moving towards a specific goal, it's about orienting my life so that I'm constantly taking steps towards being the best version of me that I can possibly be. 

WA: A balance amongst all dimensions of our being: physical, mental, emotional, relational/sexual, economic, social, spiritual, environmental, and occupational. When all of these are harmonized and aligned, then we’re experiencing life at its best. Even though at times the platter tips in different directions, so long as we’re intentionally progressing towards balance, we’re on an effective and gratifying path to wellness. Wellness also means you’ve listened to me, for which I thank you again and again. Cheers and happy Pride!! 

To learn more about Mindbody Pride, and how diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging come to life at Mindbody, please visit our DEIB Resource Center.  

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