Lauren identifies as a queer creative.  Growing  up as straight female, Lauren embraced her Queerness at the age of 27.  Since then professionally and in her personal life she is devoted to exploring life outside the Eurocentric norm and how this impacts on herself and others.  In this discussion Simon and Lauren explore how queer and non-binary ideas and practices meet resistance and why this is.  They also discuss how Queer culture provides new hope, offering liberation for those adopting queer and non-binary ways-of-being and also for wider society.   Breaking the binaries that entrap us, emancipates all of us from the bondage of conformity.  It breaks through us and them dynamics enabling difference and diversity to flourish ..... enjoy this exploration of Queerness! 

 

Lauren has a Bachelor's degree in International Security and Conflict Resolution and a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She grew up in Southern California and currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she works in mental health.  For the past five years, she has actively been pursuing the study of group dynamics doing work as a Co-Creator for Group Relations International and as a member of the A.K. Rice Institute.  Lauren loves riding and competing on American Quarter Horses and is currently a World Finalist (Top 15 in the World) in multiple events.