They said they were about inclusion.
They said they stood for compassion, acceptance, and community.
But the way they treated you said something completely different.
You showed up fully—heart open, values intact, maybe even vulnerable enough to believe this was finally a place where you could belong.
Then… the shift.
Maybe it was silence. Or rejection. Or being quietly pushed aside. Maybe they fired you. Maybe they made you feel like you were the problem.
Let me say this clearly: you didn’t deserve that.
And they didn’t deserve you.
The Pain Is Real—And You’re Allowed to Feel It
Rejection from a place that claims to be “safe” cuts deeper than most. It can make you question your instincts, your worth, even your purpose. The grief is real. So is the betrayal.
Let yourself feel what you need to feel.
Be angry. Be hurt. Mourn the loss of what you thought the space was.
But don’t let that pain convince you that you’re broken or wrong.
You’re not.
Performative Inclusion Is Harmful—And All Too Common
Too many organizations, workplaces, and groups claim to value inclusion—but only when it’s convenient, only when it doesn’t challenge the status quo, or only when you fit into their version of “acceptable.”
That’s not real inclusion.
That’s performance.
And being rejected by that kind of space isn’t punishment—it’s protection.
Don’t Shrink to Fit Spaces That Aren’t Meant for You
It’s tempting to ask, “What could I have done differently?”
But maybe the better question is, “Why did I ever feel like I had to shrink to be accepted in the first place?”
You were not too bold, too honest, too real, too outspoken, too passionate, too principled, too much.
You were just too authentic for the fake.
Your ethics, your voice, your truth—they matter. Don’t water them down to stay in a place that doesn’t honor them.
What to Do If This Happens to You
1. Take space to breathe and heal.
Give yourself grace. Step away from the toxic space. Talk to someone you trust. Journal. Meditate. Do whatever helps you reconnect with yourself.
2. Reclaim your narrative.
You are not the villain in this story. Speak your truth (even if just to yourself). Name the harm—but don’t carry the shame.
3. Seek out or create spaces that align with your values.
You might find a new opportunity, a community, or even build your own space where people like you do belong.
4. Trust that better is coming.
It might not happen overnight, but that rejection redirected you to something more aligned, more real, and more worthy of you.
A Personal Note From Me
I’ve lived this. I know how it feels to give your heart to a place that promises safety and then feel crushed when they show their true colors.
But I also know the power of reclaiming your voice—and the healing that comes when you stop chasing validation from places that only cause harm.
You’re not too much. You’re not broken.
You were just never meant to stay small to make others comfortable.
You Deserve Better—And Better Is Out There
You don’t have to sacrifice your ethics to be accepted.
You don’t have to stay where you’re tolerated instead of celebrated.
You deserve real inclusion, not conditional acceptance.
Let them go.
Stand in your truth.
Keep your heart open—but protected.
And never forget—rejection is God’s protection.
Let’s Heal Together
Have you ever been rejected by a space that claimed to be inclusive?
You’re not alone. Feel free to share your story in the comments—or what helped you get through it. Someone else might need your words today.
If you need support, here are a few places to turn:
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – Mental health resources and support. Not Alabama but the National and local affiliates are amazing.
- The Trevor Project – Support for LGBTQ+ youth
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Free and confidential help, 24/7
Want to connect with someone who understands?
Reach out to me through Inclusion Together Media.
It does get better! I promise!!!
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