Dani Chase
They/Them
I’m dedicated to building brave spaces for LGBTQ+ ally learning, because when we know better we can do better.
Resilience
My weekends are sacred and carefully curated for replenishment. On Sunday mornings you’ll often find me cooking brunch while singing and swaying to music. Slowing down and finding balance is important for longevity, and I often encourage others to make time to do the same, especially in times like these.
Purpose-Driven
I decided early on in my exploration of self and transition as a nonbinary person that I was going to be open with my journey. This brought people to me to ask me questions about being transgender, and for some even helped them feel more prepared when their own children came out and needed their support and understanding. I answered questions, gave advice and resources, ran trainings on inclusion, and eventually wrote and published The Trans Ally Workbook to compile everything in one place for growing allies.
Developmental Leadership
When people know better, they can do better. When I’m training for LGBTQ+ inclusion, speaking publicly and answering questions, or interacting with people online, I try to embody this mantra and give well-meaning people grace as they’re growing. People may not always show up perfectly, but they’re showing up, and I want to guide those willing to better advocacy and allyship for my community. We all have biases, and when we give grace for people who are learning and unpacking some of their more harmful ones, we can get more done together.
Intersectionality
I’m transgender, and I have (C)PTSD. This advocacy work has also come with expedited healing and learning how to better cope with my PTSD symptoms. The trans community is currently facing large-scale societal trauma, which compounds on the symptoms that are already impacting and disabling my life. I’ve had to learn to listen to my body and know when to slow down and step back to reconnect with and soothe my nervous system so that I can keep doing this work long term. It’s why I’m adamant about rest being non-negotiable, and why I greatly encourage rest and balance as a leader.
Future Facing Legacy
I hope that people look back and recognize that while diplomacy and grace is not always an easy thing to embody in this work, it’s possible, even with layered emotions, triggers, and exhaustion. I want people to remember that we all have bias, and to open themselves up to uncovering them and releasing them rather than avoiding them because of shame. I want people to know that we can find balance and joy even as we are facing impossible odds as a community, and find the courage to be their full selves, despite what others may think. My hope has always been that this work will help the LGBTQ+ community to be able to simply exist, without resistance, and enjoy the inherent bliss that comes with that.