Loud Mouth Brown Girl

I’ve always wanted to do this because I know building a real community takes work. I’ve been part of groups before where the sense of inclusion was conditional.

“You can join, but you can’t be this, or you can’t be that” — that was the constant message in the spaces I was in. A lot of this came from being part of communities that my white parent pushed me into, not understanding how harmful it was to be in spaces where I didn’t see anyone who looked like me.

I don’t want anyone to feel like they have to hide parts of who they are to be part of the LMBG community. I know that a lot of white women follow me, even though (and especially because) I focus on writing for Black, Brown, and Biracial women. It’s pretty incredible that so many white women are eager to learn from me.

It means my voice isn’t just echoing in a space where everyone already agrees with me. It means I’m breaking down barriers and opening doors that wouldn’t have been accessible to others if I hadn’t started this journey eight years ago.

And I know there are so many Black, Brown, and Biracial women following, supporting, and reading my work too. That’s beyond amazing because you remind me that I’m not alone, and your support gives me the strength to keep going.

I knew from the beginning that the path I chose wouldn’t be easy. But I also knew I wouldn’t let my past experiences define me. I grew, and I built something truly special.

Some people might just see a blog, but for me, it’s the foundation of something so much bigger. And now, I’m ready to open the doors to other Black, Brown, and Biracial women who want to share their stories and believe in the #StayLiftedSis movement.

When I first heard the phrase “Stay Lifted Sis,” I couldn’t help but think of a phrase I used to hear often: “Surrey Loves Sluts.” That was something the guys I hung out with in my twenties would say while trying to get girls as drunk as possible.

It was gross, and it lit a fire in me to change that mindset — to remind the women of Surrey, BC, and the world, that “Staying Lifted” is about sticking to your path. It’s about remembering that no matter what men say or do, we, as women, are strong enough to rise above it all.

The path is tough — the easy way is about surviving. But there comes a point when “survival” evolves beyond just “getting through the day.”

Eventually, when women come together, we start healing from the trauma of wearing a mask that shields us from the men in our lives.

I’ll say it — not all men are bad. But dealing with men can have a huge impact on women’s health and well-being, especially when we’re not always ready for the emotional baggage they bring.

Creating a space for women felt like the next natural step. I thought long and hard about the FB group I started, and while the women in it are amazing, branding is tough work, and at the end of the day, I don’t want to focus on branding all the time.

I do want to check in with women of color, hear about their mental health, and honestly, I’d like to make new friends who are genuinely interested in hearing about my day too.

I want to know how women in Jamaica are handling their mental health. I want to learn what women in England are doing, as compared to those in Toronto or Winnipeg.

I want to hear your stories and have real conversations with you once a week — a space where we can just check in, without interruptions, and enjoy some quality “lady time.”

So that end, I’d like to at long last introduce the brand new Facebook Group:

I hope to make this group a safe space for Black, Brown, and Biracial women who want to gather and make friends from around the world while discussing topics such as Mental Health, Healing, Trauma, Cannabis, and all things that come with being a Black, Brown, or Biracial woman.

The basic rules apply, we ask that you enter the group in good faith and remain in kindness, with understanding and love.

I welcome all Black, Brown, and Biracial women to join regardless of how light or Dark you are, because I know and you know, Black comes in all beautiful shades and only beautiful shades.

I can’t wait to meet you!!!!

Sending all my love,

Devon J Hall, The Original Loud Mouth Brown Girl