Sometimes being LOUD is knowing when to stay silent. Each of us holds an intersectional, individual identity. While our individual identities are unique, we share parts of them with others, and the collective embrace and representation of those identities through speech and action is essential for a more equitable and happy humanity. However, not all identities are ours to individually claim.

We are a remarkably diverse species. No one person belongs to every anthropological group, and, because of oppressive societal structures, members of different groups receive different societal treatment—they are not all given the same space to be seen and heard. When we are not members of certain groups, we act as allies for group members, and as allies, it’s our job to help create space for them, rather than to fill it. Sometimes, to do that, we need to use our own voices and privilege. To be, traditionally, LOUD. But many other times, being LOUD means elevating voices which have historically been silenced by growing quiet.

The women who run LOUD are a privileged bunch who are, every day, learning. Though we make active efforts to study diversity, equity, and belonging (DEIB), we are very much still figuring out strategies for balancing speech and silence, and working to navigate effective allyship. Those efforts, too, are part of our mission—to join with clients, participants, and partners to create a kinder, more equitable world through our work.