Every once in a while, a song hits me in the heart.
Not because it is new, but because its message resonates, perhaps even more powerfully, decades later. Each decade brings new wisdom, and I am grateful for that.
That is how I feel every time I hear “We Shall Be Free” by Garth Brooks. Although written in 1992, its message remains deeply relevant today as we navigate political division, celebrate Pride Month, and strive towards a more inclusive world.
Initially released after the LA riots, “We Shall Be Free” was co-written by Brooks and Stephanie Davis. It boldly addressed issues such as racism, religious intolerance, homelessness, and, rare for country music at the time, gay rights. One of the most powerful lines states:
“When we’re free to love anyone we choose / When this world’s big enough for all different views…”
It’s noteworthy that this song earned Brooks a GLAAD Media Award in 1993. Such courage, especially in an industry not known for progressive lyrics, was remarkable. Many radio stations refused to play it, but Brooks stood by every word.
And now, in 2025, we are still fighting many of these battles, 30+ years later. ☹
Freedom Isn’t Just a Word; It’s a Verb
In a time when political rhetoric divides and incites fear—and when a president’s influence amplifies intolerance under the guise of patriotism—we need messages like this more than ever.
“We Shall Be Free” reminds us that freedom is not passive. It’s not just a word we say, it’s a verb we live. It’s something we do, protect, extend, and fight for every day.
Freedom means:
- The right to live without fear.
- To be loved for who we are.
- To worship as we choose.
- To speak our truths.
And importantly, it means having the courage to embrace differences rather than be threatened by them.
Freedom isn’t static; it requires action. And that action begins with each of us.
Is that naive? Maybe. But it is also necessary. If we can’t imagine that world, how can we ever create it?
Pride, Progress, and Possibility
As we celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community this month, I reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made, as well as the backlash we still face. We live in a world where gay marriages are still banned in some states, where children suffer from a lack of food, shelter, and education, and where some people are more offended by pronouns than by poverty. “Difference” is often met with discomfort rather than curiosity.
Yet, there is so much good happening. People are fighting every day to create a more inclusive, just, and whole world. Allies are emerging, families are learning, and workplaces are making space for authenticity. That gives me hope.
As a leadership coach, I’ve seen how change begins with conversation. As a person, I’ve learned that freedom starts with courage—the courage to speak up, to stand tall, and to be seen.
We Shall Be Free… But Only If We Try
Garth’s song isn’t just a feel-good song; it’s a challenge, a vision, a call to action, maybe even an anthem! It invites us to be the kind of people who not only believe in freedom but also fight for it.
If you are unsure where to start, begin with curiosity. Ask questions. Talk to your friends, co-workers, and children. Read the stories of those whose lives differ from your own. Examine your biases, not with shame, but with humility. This journey isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to learn, unlearn, and grow.
Change doesn’t arise from a single act of courage; it results from a series of choices to engage, remain open, and keep showing up. That is where true allyship resides—in conversations, actions, accountability, and the commitment to do both inner and outer work to ensure that everyone, truly everyone, can be free.
Because we shall be free when we stop waiting for the world to change and start becoming the change-makers ourselves.
What You Can Do: From Awareness to Action
- Stay Curious, Not Critical: Ask questions to understand, not to judge. Let people speak for themselves.
- Educate Yourself: Read books, follow voices from underrepresented communities, and explore new perspectives.
- Check Your Language: Use inclusive terms. Normalize asking for pronouns. Words shape culture.
- Reflect on Your Biases: We all have biases; most of them are unconscious. Take time to notice your first reactions to people, stories, or perspectives that differ from your own. Bias isn’t about being a bad person. It’s about being human. The goal isn’t guilt, it’s growth. Self-awareness is the first step toward real inclusion. Ask Yourself
- Why did I respond that way?
- What assumptions am I making?
- Whose voice am I listening to—or ignoring?
- Speak Up When It’s Uncomfortable: Challenge discriminatory jokes, comments, or systems, especially when it’s inconvenient.
- Show Up as an Ally: Donate, volunteer, vote with inclusion in mind, and be publicly supportive.
- Make Workplaces Safer: Advocate for inclusive hiring, updated benefits, and psychological safety.
- Ask: Whose Voices Are Missing? Amplify marginalized perspectives. Create room at the table.
- Check In With Others: Especially those from marginalized groups. A “How are you, really?” can mean the world.
- Keep Going: This work doesn’t end with a month, a post, or a policy. It’s lifelong.
Resources for Deeper Learning
Books
- The Savvy Ally, Jeannie Gainsburg
- Allyship in Action, Julie Kratz
- Allyship Actually, Lucy Grimwade
- The Queer Advantage, Andrew Gelwicks
- We Have Always Been Here, Samra Habib
- Transgender Inclusion, Dr. A.C. Fowlkes
- How to Be an Antiracist, Ibram X. Kendi
- The Complete Guide to Transgender in the Workplace, Vanessa Sheridan
TED Talks
- Luvvie Ajayi Jones – Get comfortable with being uncomfortable
- Ash Beckham – We’re all hiding something
- Verna Myers – How to overcome our biases
- Jackson Bird – How to talk (and listen) to transgender people
If this message resonated with you, share it. Start a conversation.
If it didn’t resonate, listen to the song. Truly listen. Then ask yourself: What would it take for us to be free? What can I do to help us be free? Then do it! 😊