In this podcast, I’m doing something that scares me… coming out about my sexual orientation, which is just another piece of my identity which informs my voice and what I hope to share in this podcast. As much as I tried to organize my thoughts for this podcast, I would call this one experimental as I explore questioning my sexuality with a brief glimpse into a journal entry that reflects on my experience as a young teenager becoming aware of the fact that I’m not straight (oh wait… I thought everyone was like this?!). I begin to describe the way that my identity of being Christian and questioning has mattered immensely as I’ve navigated life. I hope that this might help you see where I’m coming from, encourage you in your own journey of self-discovery, or perhaps empower you in your role as an ally to those in the LGBTQ+ community. Haven’t shared much of this with many, so I sure do appreciate your listening.

Peace, love, and hygge,

Claire

Today’s tidbits…

3:40 what the hell is up with my sexuality and this idea of coming out?

6:20 why the hell do I want to share about this?!

8:30 I’m not straight ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ but I have disclaimers (attraction is complicated!)

10:30 identifiers are helpful, but not everything (Pansexual? Bisexual? Demisexual? Questioning.)

14:20 style expression as I navigated my sexual orientation

17:30 Claire’s journal… a peek into beginning to come out to myself, holding my Christian faith and potentially being queer

26:00 about coming out to myself, friends, and others

30:00 my sexuality is not about phases (bisexual erasure is real…)

35:00 I’ll be showcasing more local and rising artists! So, here’s “Hero” by the lovely Heather Mae 😊

40:00 hyggeligt tip: candle lighting amidst post-apocalyptic thanksgiving darkness

Featured music:

“Hero” by Heather Mae, a singer-songwriter, queer, intersectional activist pop QUEEN. Check out what this gal is up to on her website and Instagram.

Insta: @heathermaemusic

https://heathermae.net/bio

Cover art credit: Spence Hood

Quotes:

 “Perhaps I am questioning. Maybe I will never have a label figured out. That is okay with me. I’m not stressed about that… at the moment. Maybe it’s because a friend of mine recently told me ‘don’t stress about your sexuality during this time either, it can be so fluid and ever changing. Just stay true to what God wants for you and you’ll have peace”

 “okay maybe this is something that makes me different, something that makes me unique, maybe that’s not a bad thing.”

 “the biggest thing is coming out to oneself”

 “we should celebrate diversity of gender expression and sexual orientation and not abide by these categories”

 “who I am dating now does not invalidate my identity. I don’t know why I fear their perceptions of me”

 “the pass-ability of my relationship as straight is privilege”