HAPPY PRIDE! ๐ŸŽ‰ We Slayed the Parade! How to Show Up + Speak Up! ๐ŸŒˆ

HAPPY PRIDE! ๐ŸŒˆ We just slayed at the Honolulu Pride Parade and, it was everything! Huge MAHALO to Pacific Buddhist Academy for donating their bus for our floatโ€”it made the day even more special! It was so powerful to see all the kids celebrated for who they truly are. Check out the pics belowโ€”weโ€™re still buzzing from the love and energy! ๐Ÿฅณ

๐ŸŒŸ What Pride Means to Me ๐ŸŒˆ

Pride, for me, is all about celebrating our kidsโ€”lifting them up, embracing all the things we love about them, and standing by them as they grow into their most authentic selves. But itโ€™s also deeply personal. For me, Pride reflects my own transformation, not just as a mom, but as a human being.

Today, Iโ€™m genuinely PROUD to have a trans son. But it wasnโ€™t easy. It took me eight years of learning, unlearning, and growing to get hereโ€”fully supportive, fully proud. Let me be clear, Iโ€™ve always been proud of my child, but fear and uncertainty held me back from fully embracing the pride of having a trans child. Now, looking back on the journey, the love, growth, and courage Iโ€™ve found have been worth every step.

Pride isnโ€™t just about our kidsโ€”itโ€™s about us, too. Itโ€™s about embracing the journey, evolving, and growing in love and understanding together.

๐Ÿ”ฅ Takeaway from the Podcast ๐Ÿ”ฅ
WATCH NOW!

YOUTUBE | APPLE | SPOTIFY 

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๐Ÿ—ฃHow to Show Up + Speak Up with Purpose ๐Ÿ—ฃ

Before you speak up, take a moment to identify your goal. Is it for visibility? To express your needs? Maybe itโ€™s part of your own healing and transformation. Here's how you can show up and speak up authentically:

  1. Use Your Words: Whether spoken or written, let your voice reflect your true beliefs. Your words are powerful.

  2. Express Your Needs: Speaking up isnโ€™t selfishโ€”itโ€™s self-care. Sharing your needs honors your journey and sets healthy boundaries.

  3. Create Your Expression:Not all communication comes through wordsโ€”sometimes, your most authentic self is expressed in what you do and create. Here are some powerful ways to speak up and show up beyond words:

๐Ÿ““ Journaling- Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences can help you reflect on your emotional journey, release built-up tension, and manage stress. Journaling offers a safe space to explore your inner world and process emotions.

๐ŸŽจ Art Therapy- Expressing yourself through painting, drawing, or other creative outlets can help communicate feelings that are hard to verbalize. Art therapy has been proven to help process trauma, reduce anxiety, and foster emotional healing.

๐Ÿ’ƒ Movement & Dance- Physical expression through movement can release emotions and reconnect you with your body. Dance and other forms of movement help reduce stress, improve your mood, and are an incredible way to express yourself without saying a word.

๐ŸงฆExpression + Style-Sometimes, the way we present ourselves speaks louder than words. Whether itโ€™s through fashion, makeup, or your overall style, how you show up in the world can be a powerful statement of who you are and how you feel. Style is a form of self-expression that allows you to embrace your identity with confidence and creativity.

๐Ÿง˜โ€โ™€๏ธ Mindful Activities-Activities like yoga, gardening, cooking, or even mindful walking help you slow down and reconnect with yourself. These practices offer a peaceful way to express your emotional and mental needs, allowing space for reflection and healing.

Itโ€™s okay if it feels awkward at firstโ€”thatโ€™s part of growth. Remember, tough conversations are best handled one-on-one, where empathy and understanding can flourish. We remind our teens, โ€œYou can say anything here, as long as itโ€™s respectful.โ€ This is how we build trust, confidence, and connection.

๐Ÿ“… NEW GROUP: Mandatory Social Interaction Groupโฌ‡๏ธ

Want to practice speaking up? Join us every Thursday from 5-6 PM for our Mandatory Social Interaction Groups, led by yours truly: Aunty HAYLIN + Tomas! ๐ŸŒŸ Itโ€™s a safe space to practice self-expression, connect with others, and grow your confidence. Because showing up for yourself is always worth it. 

๐Ÿ“† YOUTH COMMUNITY CALENDAR ๐Ÿ“†

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CALENDAR

๐ŸŒˆ Transcend Group
๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Support & Exploration with Group Facilitator
๐Ÿค Safe Space for Transgender, Non-binary, and Gender-Questioning Youth

๐Ÿ“Location: Spill The Tea Cafe
๐Ÿ—“ Date: Wed
โฐ Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

RSVP NOW!

๐Ÿง  Chill & Achieve (Social Skills)
๐ŸŽ“ Learn to Navigate Stress & Anxiety Around Academics
๐Ÿค Group Support with Facilitator

๐Ÿ“Location: Spill The Tea Cafe
๐Ÿ—“ Date: Thur
โฐ Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

RSVP NOW!

๐Ÿค Mandatory Social Interaction Group
๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Engage, Connect & Improve Social Skills

๐Ÿ“Location: Spill The Tea Cafe
๐Ÿ—“ Date: Thur
โฐ Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

RSVP NOW!

๐ŸŽจ Teens' Palette
๐Ÿ–Œ๏ธ Showcase Your Creativity & Art
๐ŸŒŸ Featuring a Special Collaboration with @tapaswallkiki

๐Ÿ“Location: Spill The Tea Cafe
๐Ÿ—“ Date: Fri
โฐ Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

RSVP NOW!

๐ŸŒˆ Transcend Group
๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Support & Exploration with Group Facilitator
๐Ÿค Safe Space for Transgender, Non-binary, and Gender-Questioning Youth

๐Ÿ“Location: Spill The Tea Cafe
๐Ÿ—“ Date: Sat
โฐ Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

RSVP NOW!

๐Ÿš€ Youth Empowerment Hub
๐ŸŽฏ Passion, Persistence & Goal-Setting for Teens
๐Ÿ• Free Pizza & Community Vibes

๐Ÿ“Location: Spill The Tea Cafe
๐Ÿ—“ Date: Sun
โฐ Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

RSVP NOW!

๐Ÿ’ผ Y.E.P
๐Ÿ“š Learn Entrepreneurship, Product Development, Financial Literacy & Sales

๐Ÿ“Location: Spill The Tea Cafe
๐Ÿ—“ Date: Sun
โฐ Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

RSVP NOW!

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Letโ€™s keep brewing confidence, supporting one another, and showing up with Prideโ€”one step at a time. โ˜•๐Ÿ’ช

With Pride & Power,

Aunty Haylin + STTC Squad

Spill The Tea Cafe .

Spill The Tea Cafe is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth mental health clinic on Oสปahu โ€” but it feels more like a community than a clinic.

We provide therapy, peer support, and wellness programs in a safe, welcoming space where teens can show up just as they are. Our care is trauma-informed, culturally rooted, and built on trust, healing, and real connection.

https://spilltheteacafe.org
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