Beyond Inclusion, Training Course
Transformative Training on Inclusion, Privilege, and Collective Liberation in Lakabe
From May 21st to 26th, a diverse group of 20 participants gathered in the inspiring community of Lakabe, nestled in the Basque Country, for a profound exploration of inclusion, gender, privilege, power, discrimination, and oppression. This training, titled Beyond Inclusion, brought together individuals from Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Kosovo, Serbia, Sweden, and Portugal to examine the intersection of sustainability and LGBTIQ+ inclusion in a world shaped by cisheteropatriarchal systems.
A Deep Dive into Power and Privilege
The training held a special focus on cisgender privilege and the trans experience, guiding participants through both theoretical knowledge and lived understanding. Using Process Work methodologies, we explored the dynamics of internalized oppression and uncovered pathways to reclaim personal power. We examined the cycle of discrimination—how it perpetuates and how we can actively disrupt it—while also addressing key themes such as:
- Conscious and accessible language
- Privilege, power, and rank in different contexts
- Strategies to confront oppressive dynamics
- Identifying and addressing transphobic aggression
- The richness of trans* experiences and history
Theory Meets Heartfelt Practice
The experience balanced rich theoretical frameworks with deep personal and collective practice. Through individual reflections, paired processes, group sharing, and debates, we mapped out different stages of consciousness around oppression. We engaged with the perspectives of both those experiencing oppression and those with privilege who are committed to change. Together, we explored how to foster genuine ally ship and solidarity, supporting social transformation through conscious action.
A crucial part of our growth was learning how to give and receive feedback with openness and respect, deepening trust and understanding within the group.
Gratitude and Collective Vision
We are deeply grateful to the Lakabe community for hosting us in their beautiful and meaningful space, and to our facilitators, Lu and Anouk, whose dedication and care held the process with compassion and clarity. We also extend our thanks to all participants for their contributions in co-creating this transformative experience.
This training sparked essential conversations about the need to engage with oppression and privilege within the ecovillage network and beyond. It highlighted how these issues resonate with today’s global situation and the urgent need to unlearn dehumanization. Moving forward, we recognize the importance of translating theoretical frameworks into community practices that embrace collective responsibility.
A Journey of Transformation
More than just a training, this was a journey of care, courage, and commitment to building inclusive, resilient futures. Participants left feeling empowered, vulnerable, and inspired—ready to nurture relationships, languages, and collective practices that embody the transformation we seek in the world.
This experience was powerful, precious, and deeply necessary.
Beyond Inclusion was a step toward weaving a future where justice, equity, and solidarity are not just ideals but lived realities.
