Exploring Community Through Film
Celebrate Pride Month with Body Electric! Discover how our online Film Nights, Ambassador program, and ‘What’s Next?’ spaces foster community, radical self-care, and ongoing allyship.
June has arrived, and with it comes Pride Month—a vibrant, vital time to celebrate the history, resilience, and beautiful diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. Here at The Body Electric School, Pride isn’t just a date on the calendar; it is woven into the very fabric of our history.
Last month, our conversations centered heavily around EVERY BODY. But as we step into June, we invite you to take the next step with us. We are so much more than just our physical bodies. This Pride Month, we invite you to bring your whole SELF to our spaces—your heart, your history, your passions, and your vision for how we can collectively make a difference in our community.
In our current world, honoring the whole self requires intentional spaces. That is why we are leaning into our digital village this month, highlighting the online programming designed to keep us connected, grounded, and growing together.
Self-Care as a Radical Act & The Evolution of Allyship
True allyship is not a destination; it is an ongoing, expanding process. Throughout BE’s history, we have continuously worked to stretch our understanding of equity, justice, and inclusion.But we cannot show up for our communities if we are running on empty. Especially for queer, trans, and BIPOC folks navigating today’s world, self-care is a radical act. Protecting your peace and feeding your spirit is essential fuel for the journey. Our online spaces are built to be a sanctuary for that very replenishment—a place where you can log on, drop in, and just be.
Community Film Evenings: Connecting Across the Global Majority
Our Community Film Nights are a cornerstone of this digital sanctuary. These evenings are designed to explore critical social issues surrounding justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion by centering the global majority—Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) who make up the majority of the world’s population, yet frequently navigate systemic marginalization.
By showcasing films that highlight these diverse, lived experiences, we create a vital bridge for empathy and true allyship. We are reminded of the words of author, cultural critic, and activist bell hooks, who deeply understood the power of collective spaces:
“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.”
By coming together to watch, listen, and witness stories outside of our own lived experiences, our Film Nights become exactly that—an act of communion and a collective step toward healing.
What to Expect from Film Nights
- Diverse Topics: From the rhythms of resistance in Brazil to the lived experiences of transgender service members, each film is hand-picked to spark deep thought.
- Post-Screening Dialogues: The magic happens after the credits roll. We gather for community conversations to unpack the themes, share our perspectives, and build deeper bonds.
- Radical Accessibility: Held entirely online, you can join these profound communal experiences from the safety and comfort of your own home.
Mark Your Calendars
- July 12: Exploring intersex identities.
- October 11: Addressing sexism in society.
Beyond the Screen: ‘What’s Next?’ and Our Ambassador Program
While our Film Nights offer incredible moments of shared reflection, our other online offerings are designed to help you integrate those insights into your daily life. We want to ensure your BE experience actively supports your personal journey out in the real world.
What’s Next?
After the high of a workshop or a powerful community event, it’s common to wonder how to sustain that magic. Our online What’s Next? sessions are dedicated spaces to explore how to carry your insights forward, ground your personal growth, and channel your energy back into your local community.
The BE Ambassador Program
For those looking to deepen their leadership and engagement, our Ambassador Program offers a structured, supportive online space. Here, you can collaborate with like-minded community members, learn how to champion BE’s values of somatic awareness and inclusion, and discover unique ways to make a tangible difference in your communities whether they are online, or closeby.
Cultivating Hope, Together
Participating in these online programs is about so much more than just occupying a Zoom room; it’s about actively co-creating a more just, empathetic world. Bringing our whole selves to the table means recognizing how much we truly need each other right now. In challenging times, staying hopeful is a team effort.
This Pride Month, give yourself the gift of connection. Bring your whole self—your vulnerabilities, your strengths, and your desire for change—and let’s keep building this community together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What films will be shown during the Film Nights?
The films cover a broad spectrum of topics related to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a specific focus on the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community and BIPOC individuals.
How can I get involved with ‘What’s Next?’ or the Ambassador Program?
Both programs are hosted online! You can find schedule details, application info for the Ambassador program, and registration links right on our main website menu under the “Community” tab.
Are there any costs associated with attending the Film Nights?
While our Film Nights are free to attend to ensure community-wide accessibility, donations are deeply appreciated. All donations directly support our scholarship program for queer and BIPOC folks who want to join our workshop staff but face financial restrictions.