Jasmine Thompson never removes the pendant that hangs from a necklace around her neck. Called an ahimsa, the palm symbol represents non-violence. For five years, Thompson has worn it with its fingers down for protection.
But the charm also serves as a reminder to the 34-year-old.
“ I’ m choosing a different lifestyle. I’ m choosing to be the oddball,” Thompson said, admitting that kindness isn’ t always the easiest path.“ I am choosing to be someone else than what my environment was going to label me as.”
July | August 2025 DIVERSITY 19