So many buzzwords, so little time. Some of them deserve to be passing fads and nothing more than another hashtag, but some, like conscious living, should become a regular part of our vocabulary. As members of the LGBTQ+ community, we’ve fought hard for some of our most fundamental rights.
Today, we have the opportunity to focus on more than pure survival, although we still have so much to accomplish. One way to lead by example as a gay man today would be to adapt your lifestyle to reduce your carbon footprint, be more mindful, and more eco-conscious.
Leading an authentic life
Societal expectations, cultural norms, social media, all the way to our own tendency to compare ourselves to those we admire all contribute to that lack of individuality. As a gay man, you know that so many before us have had to lead secret, inauthentic lives. This is our time to express ourselves freely, not just by the standards of modern times, but also by our own inner voice.
There’s no need to condone stereotypes or follow trends blindly just because. Listen to yourself, be more mindful of who you are and what you prefer and find ways to live your own truth.
Say no to fast fashion
Fast fashion and seasonal styles are definitely a burning issue so many gay men need to address. You might enjoy renewing your wardrobe from time to time, or perhaps you’d like to create your own capsule collection, but to do so, you should think of the impact your clothes have on the world around you.
Fortunately, there are queer-built fashion brands that you can support and find which of their long-lasting pieces can complete your look. By switching to durable, and slow fashion brands, you’ll help your community thrive, and reduce your negative impact on the environment.
Reduce your carbon footprint
Having a snazzy car is no longer that much of a necessity, especially when you reside in a well-developed city with plenty of transportation options to get you from point A to point B. However, if you do need to be on the road from time to time, you can consider car share options that help minimize your carbon footprint.
That way, you can only use a car when you truly need it, and not worry about the accompanying expenses such as registration and maintenance. Add to that, you can carpool with colleagues to work, or use a bicycle – a great way to stay in shape while getting places quickly.
Support your fellow gay men
Depending on where you live, coming out and living openly as a gay man can be both a rewarding experience and a challenge in one go. Whatever your situation is, you should consider where your local community stands. There are so many ways you can make a difference.
You can support gay men around you by purchasing in their stores and endorsing them online. You can attend local events and even participate actively if you find a way to contribute. Leading a conscious life means understanding your environment as well as yourself, and knowing how you can make your local community a safer, better place for all.
Mind your meals
Some might feel strongly about going vegan, while others are open-minded enough to consider lab-grown meat. Although we’re not there yet, of course, knowing your options is a great way to educate yourself, be mindful of what choices you have, and what impact those choices have on the world around you.
Maybe you’re not ready to give up burgers or bacon, but you might be able to be more aware of how eating local, seasonal, and organic foods helps you lead a more conscious life. These foods have a significantly lower carbon footprint, they are more nutrient-dense, which means that you can lead a healthier life and do your part to preserve the planet.
The process of conscious living is far from simple, and you cannot apply one change and expect your life to transform overnight. Living consciously means dedicating your life to a new direction, one that comes with constant learning, so that you can overcome your limits and find smarter ways to lead your life. It’s also about being true to yourself and your needs, so it’s vital that you define your own path and let yourself explore your options while you learn.
QUEERGURU Correspondent PETER MINKOFF is a gay health and lifestyle writer at QUEER VOICES magazine.
Besides writing, he worked as a freelance fashion stylist in Europe and Australia. A true craft beer and soy latte
aficionado, he loves spending his days at the beach and visiting second hand stores on a daily basis.
Follow Peter on TWITTER for more tips.