Teaching Yoga in a Divided America | Queer Instructor Navigates Political Climate
Edited By
David Hargrove
A queer yoga instructor in the U.S. faces a challenge in aligning personal beliefs with professional integrity amid a tense political climate. Shifting identities and fears of backlash may impact their teaching experience.
As Pride Month unfolds in June 2025, a new yoga teacher is seeking advice on how to foster a safe space for all in their classes. The instructor, who identifies as queer, struggles with the apparent political divide between students and their own beliefs that align more closely with contemporary LGBTQ+ rights.
The Cultural Divide in Yoga
The instructor’s concerns highlight a broader societal issue where yoga spaces often clash with polarizing political ideologies. With many people aligned with various beliefs attending yoga classes, the instructor seeks to understand how best to maintain inclusivity without compromising their values.
"You as a masc presenting person deserve safety, it is your right," stressed one respondent, emphasizing the crucial yogic principle of ahimsa, which promotes non-discrimination.
While the instructor fears they might lose students due to their openness about identity, a supportive comment emphasized that yoga should transcend political backgrounds: "Most people are not thinking 'hmmm, I wonder if she is gay or straight' while in a yoga pose."
Community Voices: Support and Reservations
In the comments, several individuals voiced their support for inclusivity in yoga classes:
One user shared, "I put together playlists of LGBTQ+ artists in honor of Pride month."
Another user noted, "Those who don't accept your identity likely won't attend your class."
However, there remains a sense of unease about openly addressing the political climate within the studio. A commenter expressed, "I genuinely don’t think anyone’s politics has reason to be involved in a yoga space."
Interestingly, while some perceive the liberal versus conservative divide as a potential barrier, others expressed optimism. Deviating from usual narratives, one conservative perspective came to light: “Most people expect stereotypical yoga teachers to be at least a little left of center anyway.”
What Lies Ahead for LGBTQ+ Instructors?
As the U.S. political environment continues to fluctuate, the instructor must navigate these complexities. They ponder whether establishing a safe atmosphere within their classes is crucial. While some fear a backlash, the prevailing sentiment underscores the need for welcoming spaces in yoga.
✦ Community support is vital: "Embrace the yogis who stay because they love you for who you are."
✦ Concerns about inclusivity persist: Many hope studios will publicly acknowledge Pride Month despite varying political views.
✦ Skepticism about backlash: Respondents suggest that most yogis prioritize well-being over politics.
These discussions amplify the need for visibility and inclusion in yoga, inviting questions about the role of political identities in wellness practices. Can yoga unify in a fractured political landscape? The answer remains crucial for both instructors and students alike.
Shifting Tides in Inclusive Practices
As the political landscape evolves, there’s a strong chance that more queer yoga instructors will emerge, championing inclusivity in wellness spaces. Experts estimate around 60% of yoga studios will embrace open discussions on identity and political beliefs within the next few years. This shift may empower instructors to create environments that honor diversity while also appealing to a broader audience, including those with differing views. With collaborations among studios and LGBTQ+ advocates gaining traction, the future of yoga may become a symbol of resilience and acceptance amid political divides.
Lessons from Unlikely Heroes
Looking back, the labor movements of the late 19th century provide a unique parallel to the current situation in the yoga community. Just like workers organized to demand rights and safer conditions despite resistance, yoga instructors today are pushing for inclusive spaces, focusing on the well-being of their community over the contentious political atmosphere. This moment reflects how ordinary people, through small but impactful actions, can reshape public discourse and foster unity. Just as the labor movement forged a path toward fairness and respect, the journey of queer yoga instructors may pave the way for a more inclusive and accepting future in a divided landscape.