Joyful Movement As An Act of Resistance

Author: Tyler

I am told by society not to take up space. Especially as a woman, especially as a queer person. Politics and societal pressures tell me to be small, quiet, meek, gentle, unassuming. But I won’t. I will take up space, I will be loud, bold, and outspoken. I will call out injustices that I see. I will advocate for my rights and the rights of those around me. 

Here at Movement For Choice, we are brought together through our love for joyful movement. Whether that means running a marathon, practicing yin yoga, going on a walk with our best friends, having a dance party in our living room, or meditating in the woods… We celebrate all forms of joyful movement and we remind ourselves and each other that taking up space, especially in our current political and social climate, is a brave act of rebellion. Our bodies are our homes – the only one we’re guaranteed to have forever – and our bodies deserve space to move, to play, to breathe, and to rest. 

The act of deciding when, how, and where to move is one of the most simple ways we can exercise our bodily autonomy. In a world where this autonomy is being debated on a very public stage, we look inward and we connect with our body. 

I am confident that I speak for the experiences of many when I say that sometimes taking up space is… terrifying. The act of moving can feel like the hardest thing in the world when we’re made to feel we’d be best accepted if we faded into the background. That’s why at M4C we move together. We take up space as a community. We fight for the world we want in solidarity and by leaning on each other. We take up space TOGETHER, we move joyfully TOGETHER, and we fight TOGETHER. 

This is Movement for Choice, and this is THE movement for choice. We’re so happy you’re here.