Embodied Queerness: Exploring Movement, Identity, and Liberation

Step into a transformative and inclusive space with our Pride Month panel event, "Embodied Queerness: Exploring Movement, Identity, and Liberation." This gathering celebrates the rich interplay between movement, embodiment, and the queer experience. Our primary goals are to ensure accessibility, enhance visibility, and raise awareness around the profound connection between queerness and body liberation.

In this exploration, we challenge societal expectations by championing the journey of self-discovery over rigid norms. This event is an invitation to liberate queer bodies through the power of movement, fostering authenticity and embracing the joy that comes with breaking free from societal constraints.

Before diving into discussion, we will begin with a grounding embodiment and breathwork practice. The conversation will weave through the intersection of queerness and body liberation, providing insights into applying body liberation principles within the queer community. Safety and movement will be explored, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces for embodiment within the queer experience.

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Our panelists include the following experts:

Ilya Parker (he/they) is the founder of Decolonizing Fitness, an online educational resource that focuses on divesting from toxic fitness culture and reimagining the fitness world. Ilya has 11 years of experience as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant primarily working in Level 1 trauma centers and home health settings. He has also been an ACE certified Medical Exercise Specialist for the last 6 years. Ilya is a writer and educator with their work being highlighted in Deconstructing the Fitness Industrial Complex, the second edition of Trans Bodies, Trans Selves and Reclaiming Body Trust: A Path to Healing and Liberation.

Julia Carter (she/her) is a trauma-informed, SITA-certified HAES™ fitness instructor and RRCA -certified run coach at Current Wellness. She is a recent graduate of the Joint Masters of Social Work program at UNC Greensboro and A&T university, and is passionate about somatic, integrated approaches to healing. Julia strives to center community and liberation in her work as a movement professional and future clinician, and plans to work with adults and adolescents moving through trauma, disordered eating, and embodiment challenges.

Diana Parra (they/them/elle) is a queer, neurodivergent, genderqueer immigrant and somatic therapist based out of the Cherokee lands now known as Asheville, NC. Their praxis and therapeutic practice (Condor Counseling & Somatics) are deeply rooted in liberation frameworks that acknowledge the impact of systemic oppression and violence on our collective body, mind, and spirit. They also founded Riding in Color WNC, an organization dedicated to creating a sense of belonging and community in cycling for BIPOC in Western North Carolina. They believe in the healing power of community and rebuilding the relationship with our body’s wisdoms, and the importance of being harder on the systems than on our selves.

Reanna Karp (she/her) is a queer-identifying cisgender woman who struggled with internalized homophobia for over 10 years. Reanna is a former college athlete, has a Master’s degree in Sport and Performance Psychology, and has taught various series around consciousness, mindfulness, self-love, and the mind-body connection for 8 years. As someone who has recovered from an eating disorder, she is passionate about discussing topics like body movement, embodiment, and body liberation. Reanna loves working with clients who are seeking a life full of freedom, a passion towards their authentic selves, embodying the gorgeous mess of this incredible human experience, and stepping into the best version of themselves.

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The audience for this event is queer folks seeking a deeper connection with embodiment and movement. Allies are welcome. Whether you yearn for joy, exploration, or a sense of liberation, our panel offers a welcoming space for us to connect and reflect.

When: Thursday, June 13th at 7:00pm

Where: Current Wellness - Located on the east side of downtown Raleigh at 219 S. East Street (near Transfer Co. Food Hall). We have a parking lot, as well as free street parking. Current Wellness is located in a ground-floor, stair-free building with single-stall, accessible, gender-neutral restrooms.

Cost: This event is free with a suggested donation to the LGBT Center of Raleigh. Donate here!