Liberation from Shame
‘’Shame is the lie someone told you about yourself.’’
– Anaïs Nin
As women in business, we carry more than our laptops and ambition—we often carry the weight of stories that were never ours to begin with. Stories whispered to us in childhood, reinforced in boardrooms, and echoed in the silences of networking events. Stories that tell us we’re too much, not enough, too loud, too soft, too emotional, too bold.
Anaïs Nin’s words cut straight to the heart of what so many women—especially those in LGBTQ and trans communities—experience daily: shame that was never truly ours.
With Pride Month just around the corner, it’s time to spotlight not only the rainbow flags and parades, but the courage it takes to show up, authentically and unapologetically, in business. Especially in spaces where visibility still feels like a radical act.
Because shame has been used as a weapon to keep women, queer, and trans individuals small. To keep us silent. To keep us in boxes we never asked to be placed in.
And yet, every time a woman starts a business, steps into leadership, or shares her truth—she’s rewriting that story.
The Lies That Limit Us
Shame tells us:
- You can’t lead—you’re too emotional.
- You shouldn’t charge that much—you’re lucky to be doing this at all.
- You’re not the “right kind” of woman to be seen, respected, or followed.
- Your queerness makes people uncomfortable—so tone it down.
- You need to “pass” or fit in before you can be taken seriously.
These messages come from systemic bias, outdated norms, and sometimes even well-meaning people who simply don’t understand. But they are lies, not truths. And they have no place in a future shaped by powerful, purpose-led women and non-conforming entrepreneurs.
Reclaiming Power, Rejecting Shame
Pride Month is a perfect reminder that being who you are is not just okay—it’s vital to the world you’re here to serve.
For our lesbian, bisexual, queer, and trans sisters: your voice matters. Your identity is a strength. Your perspective brings richness, empathy, and innovation to business that a uniform, binary system never could.
And for those who identify as cisgender heterosexual women: standing in solidarity, creating inclusive spaces, and celebrating difference is part of the future of ethical business leadership. We all rise when we lift others.
From Shame to Strategy
Here’s how we can collectively move from shame to empowerment in business:
- Tell the truth, your truth. Whether that’s on your website, in a pitch, or in your brand’s mission statement—authenticity attracts the right clients, partners, and collaborators.
- Create inclusive spaces. If you’re hosting events or building communities, actively include LGBTQ voices. Visibility isn’t just about who’s on stage, but who’s invited to the table.
- Call out shame. If you notice someone being dismissed, sidelined, or talked over—whether because of their gender identity, expression, or background—speak up. Silence is complicity.
- Invest in values. Support queer-led businesses. Book trans speakers. Share platforms with those whose voices are often silenced.
- Remember your why. The businesses we build aren’t just about income—they’re about impact. You don’t have to be everything to everyone, but you do have to be yourself.
High Without Apology
The truth is, we were never meant to stay small. We were never meant to dim, or fold, or shrink to fit. So when shame tries to creep in—and it will—remember Anaïs Nin’s words. That voice telling you you’re not enough? That’s not your truth. It’s a lie.
Let Pride Month be more than celebration—let it be liberation from shame, and a recommitment to rising high, together.
Because when women—all women—build businesses without shame, we don’t just change our lives. We change the world.
Thank you for reading this month’s blog, Liberation from Shame.
Kelly, Kelly, and Chloe,
Ladies That Do Networking