Defy Gravity is committed to being an inclusive fitness space, and we are also a community that works to empower all of our students. We place special emphasis on supporting those with marginalized identities.

What is a marginalized identity?

“Marginalization is the process of pushing a particular group or groups of people to the edge of society by not allowing them an active voice, identity, or place in it. Through both direct and indirect processes, marginalized groups may be relegated to a secondary position or made to feel as if they are less important than those who hold more power or privilege in society. Individuals and groups can be marginalized on the basis of multiple aspects of their identity, including but not limited to: race, gender or gender identity, ability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, sexuality, age, and/or religion. Some individuals identify with multiple marginalized groups, and may experience further marginalization as a result of their intersecting identities.”

To learn more, please visit: http://counselingcenter.syr.edu/social-justice/impact-of-marginalization.html

In this space and at all Defy Gravity events, we expect everyone to adhere to the Defy Gravity Cultural Competence and Diversity Policies.

We expect you to:

• Have empathy for others’ experiences and perspectives
• Be open to feedback and change
• Engage in non-offensive inquiry
• Practice bystander intervention
• Accept people’s lived experiences
• Respect people’s pronouns/gender identity
• Refrain from playing “devil’s advocate”
• Respect people’s personal boundaries