We recently connected with Dina Somsamouth and have shared our conversation below.

Dina, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Our mission is to create inclusive and empowering spaces that celebrate diversity, foster authentic connections, and promote equality. Through the dynamic energy of dragon boat racing, music, art, and community-driven events, we aim to break barriers, amplify underrepresented voices, and bring people together. We are dedicated to building a stronger, more united community by celebrating LGBTQ+ identities, multicultural traditions, and the power of teamwork and creativity.

Dina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

The Lezbhonest dragon boat team started in 2015 when I was asked to create a women’s dragon boat team. I insisted on forming a queer women’s team to break barriers between Asian culture and the LGBTQ+ community. Despite initial backlash, I remained determined to create a space where members could be openly gay while celebrating their cultural identity. I used my own funds to secure supplies and build the team from scratch, overcoming challenges and growing into a recognized part of the San Diego community.

She Vibe Collective was established by Dina and three other women, united by a shared vision of creating empowering and inclusive spaces for women and the LGBTQ+ community. The collective embodies Dina’s dedication to meaningful change and aligns closely with her core values.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the best examples of my resilience is from when I first started Lezbhonest in 2015. I was asked to create a women’s dragon boat team, but I insisted it would be a queer women’s team. At the time, I wanted to break the barriers between Asian culture and the LGBTQ+ community, which wasn’t easy. There was backlash and resistance from some people who didn’t understand or support my vision.

Despite the negativity, I stayed firm in my commitment to creating a team where members could be openly gay while celebrating their culture. Starting the team wasn’t just about paddling; it was about creating a safe space for people to embrace who they are. We didn’t have sponsors or much support, so I used my own funds to buy supplies and organize practices. Our team faced a lot of challenges early on, from building our reputation to overcoming societal biases, but we persevered.

Our breakthrough came in 2017 when we won first place at the Lao Boat Race. It was a close and challenging race, but that victory validated everything we had worked so hard for. It reminded me that resilience isn’t about avoiding obstacles—it’s about facing them head-on and finding strength in the process.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale requires a combination of strong leadership, clear communication, and a focus on creating a positive and inclusive environment. Here’s some tailored advice based on your experience with Lezbhonest and She Vibe Collective:

1. Lead by Example

• Show your commitment and passion through your actions. Your dedication to Lezbhonest and community-building inspires others, so keep embodying those values.

2. Foster Open Communication

• Create a space where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Regular check-ins and an open-door policy can help strengthen trust and connection.

3. Celebrate Achievements

• Recognize both big and small wins, like your team’s first-place victory in 2017. Celebrating milestones boosts morale and shows appreciation for everyone’s efforts.

4. Encourage Personal Growth

• Support team members in developing their skills, whether on the water, at events, or in leadership roles. Offer opportunities for learning and celebrate their progress.

5. Build a Sense of Belonging

• Continue prioritizing inclusivity and diversity. Your team’s unique makeup creates a strong bond, making members feel like family. Activities outside practice, like team-building events, can deepen this connection.

6. Set Clear Goals

• Having long-term goals, like competing in the Gay Games, gives the team a shared purpose. Break these goals into smaller, actionable steps to keep everyone motivated and aligned.

7. Show Appreciation

• Acknowledge hard work and contributions—whether through a shout-out, small tokens of gratitude, or a heartfelt message. It goes a long way in making people feel valued.

8. Address Conflicts Quickly and Fairly

• Tensions can arise in any group. Approach conflicts with empathy, listen to all sides, and work toward solutions that benefit the team as a whole.

9. Keep the Mission Front and Center

• Your mission of breaking barriers and celebrating culture while being authentic resonates deeply. Reiterate this often to remind your team of the bigger purpose behind their work.

10. Have Fun Together

• Balancing hard work with joy strengthens bonds. Organize fun activities, like community events or casual meetups, to maintain enthusiasm and build camaraderie.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.lezbhonest619.com
• Instagram: Lezbhonest619
• Facebook: Lezbhonest dragond boat team

Image Credits

Dina