Beautiful words from our Float Ambassador, Elle Tomie, on why it is important for spaces like The Floatation Centre to exist.

This week, following the U.S. presidential election, the world collapsed in on itself, or, at least, that is how it feels. Especially if you are like me: intersectionality identifying, non-white, non-cis, and queer. For many of us, we already exist in a world that would prefer we were a little bit less of who we are, like, could you just maybe tone that down or keep it at home though… to make us more comfortable?

That is how it can feel, more often than not. 

Daily code switching and micro adjustments of self in an effort to make other people more comfortable at the expense of our own comfort in being seen, held and allowed, just as we are.

Existing in a world where, as a marginalized person, you can rarely tell the difference between being safe and seen from a place of true care or if the inclusivity stickers and signs in any workplace or business are simply for show– a checkbox ticked to demonstrate “inclusivity” not followed through with policy or staff training– entering a space like The Float Centre is a true wash of fresh air.

The truth is, wellness spaces like The Float Centre are the exception, not the norm. I know I can not be the only person who has completed an intake form for a wellness treatment where I have been asked my pronouns or identity markers, only to never see them reflected in how I was spoken to by attending staff; or been dismissed because of how I look; or been the diversity hire for a job or event.

To come into a wellness space where masking when sick is still honoured for those who are immunocompromised; to be addressed by my chosen name and pronouns; to be accommodated for accessibility needs; and to see literal diversity amongst the staff members? It becomes almost impossible to believe such a space exists… and yet, it does. Right here in the heart of the North End.

Healthcare and wellness spaces can be tricky for people of many identities. They are vulnerable and generally invasive to our emotional and physical bodies. Because of this, the reception and considerations made for clients at The Float Centre feels anomalous in the best possible way. This is reflected, not only in their diverse team, but also in the fellow clients you might run into on any given day.

The Centre is designed to celebrate individual expression through things like the arts and crafts station and tea lounge, while also embracing the importance of community ties through a diverse array of local, hand-made, artisan wellness products stocking their shelves and revolving community partnerships month over month. TFC is not a space looking to focus on self-promotion. Instead, they bend over backwards to elevate others who contribute meaningfully to the place they also call home.

Accepting. Generous. Compassionate. Considerate. Inclusive.

These are all words I would use to describe what The Floatation Centre is. Wellness? That is a natural by-product of simply walking through the door. Healing? That comes the moment you engage with any portion of their space.

Businesses like The Float Centre are immeasurably meaningful. They are harm reduction in action. They are being made visible when you have spent days, weeks or months feeling like a ghost shrinking yourself down as much as possible for the sake of others. Due to all of this, I believe the business community at large in Nova Scotia could learn from The Float Centre and enact true wellness across any industry they belong to.

Walk through the doors, and understand inherently what it means to be welcome– because you are.