My community gym is a longtime member of the bodybuilding world but it has a distinctly inclusive vibe. Vanity is not the only commodity. Rap music is a standard on the sound system, even if sometimes too loud. This along with mask requirements has added to the vibe of forward-thinking. I can complain about the occasionally sexist content of the tunes, and it's corrected without confusion. Even the heavy metal gets nixed when it's just too loud or hostile. Does that mean we're castrated? NO F*%&#ing WAY! Exactly the opposite. We are stronger in our fellowship of togetherness and inclusion.
Mirroring and empathy are how we get to try on each other's shoes. Nowhere is this more political than with Gender and Politics. At my Gym, I have a strict no fagging policy. We don't say cruel things to each other. I'm not called "Girly" The stronger women aren't called fat or butch. My writing may be bland and uninteresting but read between my lines. I'm talking about exactly what I don't ever say. No "N" words, nobody gets tagged the "B&#%!," Nobody gets called retarded. What we don't say or do, is exactly how we are all learning together, all over again for the first time and forever. The strength of our community is a reflection of the strength of the character of our members. Peace out Brothers and Sisters. WE LOVE YOU!
