Connect
FULL OF PRIDE: How Kaylynn Schwamb, instructor at barre3 Louisville, honors her truth—in and out of the studio
This Pride Month, we’re shouting from the rooftops something that’s remained true since the beginning of barre3: We truly believe that we are stronger, together, and we will always strive to create an inclusive environment in which everyone is equally seen and heard.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: Tell us about your experience growing up as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
KAYLYNN: I grew up with heteronormativity ingrained in my brain. I went to catholic school where being queer was not well represented and having a boyfriend helped you to fit in. However, I was a proud ally as my older brother was gay, and I knew from a young age that you’re allowed to love whomever you want, even if the church, my peers, or my conservative hometown said otherwise.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: Can you describe the moment when you realized the truth of your identity?
KAYLYNN: It wasn’t until a woman hit on me that I realized I was queer! That day brought up a lot of different feelings including confusion, shock, embarrassment, and a lot of excitement. I felt a spark of joy and an instant connection that I had never experienced before! It took a lot of self-reflection to realize the truth of my identity, but every step of my journey has been absolutely worth it.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: How did you feel claiming your identity publicly?
KAYLYNN: I never had a public “coming out” moment, I simply started introducing people to my girlfriend and posting queer content on social media. However, I think the hardest part about being queer in today’s society is coming out over and over again…to the waiter, to my veterinarian, to the hotel concierge. Coming out to people who it shouldn’t matter to whether or not I am gay, but I always feel that little shock of anxiety when I say “my girlfriend” to a new face.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: What has your experience been like being a part of the barre3 community?
KAYLYNN: Barre3 Frankfort Avenue has been, and always will be, my sanctuary. It’s a place I feel accepted for everything that makes me, me. I feel an immense amount of support and pride when my studio owners/ managers ask me to lead our pride donation classes or to spearhead a pride initiative.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: What is something you think many people get wrong about your identity?
KAYLYNN: Because I am currently dating a woman, many people assume that I identify as a lesbian. To be honest, I’m still not 100% sure how I want to identify, and I’ve learned that that’s ok. Sexuality is fluid and I know that I don’t have to fit into a certain box to belong in the LGBTQIA+ community. All I know is that I’m head-over-heels in love with my partner, and that’s all that matters.
This Pride Month, we’re shouting from the rooftops something that’s remained true since the beginning of barre3: We truly believe that we are stronger, together, and we will always strive to create an inclusive environment in which everyone is equally seen and heard.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: Tell us about your experience growing up as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
KAYLYNN: I grew up with heteronormativity ingrained in my brain. I went to catholic school where being queer was not well represented and having a boyfriend helped you to fit in. However, I was a proud ally as my older brother was gay, and I knew from a young age that you’re allowed to love whomever you want, even if the church, my peers, or my conservative hometown said otherwise.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: Can you describe the moment when you realized the truth of your identity?
KAYLYNN: It wasn’t until a woman hit on me that I realized I was queer! That day brought up a lot of different feelings including confusion, shock, embarrassment, and a lot of excitement. I felt a spark of joy and an instant connection that I had never experienced before! It took a lot of self-reflection to realize the truth of my identity, but every step of my journey has been absolutely worth it.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: How did you feel claiming your identity publicly?
KAYLYNN: I never had a public “coming out” moment, I simply started introducing people to my girlfriend and posting queer content on social media. However, I think the hardest part about being queer in today’s society is coming out over and over again…to the waiter, to my veterinarian, to the hotel concierge. Coming out to people who it shouldn’t matter to whether or not I am gay, but I always feel that little shock of anxiety when I say “my girlfriend” to a new face.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: What has your experience been like being a part of the barre3 community?
KAYLYNN: Barre3 Frankfort Avenue has been, and always will be, my sanctuary. It’s a place I feel accepted for everything that makes me, me. I feel an immense amount of support and pride when my studio owners/ managers ask me to lead our pride donation classes or to spearhead a pride initiative.
BARRE3 MAGAZINE: What is something you think many people get wrong about your identity?
KAYLYNN: Because I am currently dating a woman, many people assume that I identify as a lesbian. To be honest, I’m still not 100% sure how I want to identify, and I’ve learned that that’s ok. Sexuality is fluid and I know that I don’t have to fit into a certain box to belong in the LGBTQIA+ community. All I know is that I’m head-over-heels in love with my partner, and that’s all that matters.
