Today’s guest is an artist who has lived, created, and survived in ways that crack open your heart. From poetry and music heard around the world to a deeply human mission to keep LGBTQ+ youth alive and hopeful — Laurier Tiernan is here to talk art, survival, identity, and their brand-new book Fifty-Five Ways to Survive. Trust me… this conversation is going to stay with you.
In this powerful episode of Empowered & Out, Jonathan sits down with interdisciplinary queer artist Laurier Tiernan, whose life and work span Japan, Canada, poetry, music, radio, chronic illness, and a fierce commitment to survival.
Laurier opens up about 55 Ways to Survive, their first full book of bilingual poetry, and shares deeply personal stories about creativity, chronic illness, suicidal ideation, resilience, psychic intuition, queer identity, and what it means to keep choosing this planet.
This conversation is raw, human, spiritually grounded, and full of the kind of honesty queer creatives crave. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, burnt out, or on the edge of giving up on your dreams — this episode will meet you where you are.
TIMELINE BREAKDOWN
00:01 – Welcome & Introduction
Jonathan introduces Laurier, their international creative journey, and the intention behind today’s conversation.
01:45 – The Birth of 55 Ways to Survive
Laurier explains how the book came to be, why it matters now, and the bilingual + illustrated format.
03:30 – Growing Up, Poverty, and Persistence
How Marfan syndrome, scarcity, and a childhood belief that “everything is too expensive” shaped Laurier’s artistic path.
04:50 – High School, Rejection & the First Spark of Belonging
Being expelled from class for writing too much poetry — and how a queer art exhibit reignited the dream.
07:30 – The Role of Timing, Luck & Universal Alignment
Laurier reflects on the moment a publisher finally said “yes.”
08:50 – A Content Warning + Suicide Survival Story
Laurier shares openly about surviving multiple suicide attempts and how speaking publicly changed their own healing.
10:15 – What Queer Youth Need to Hear
A spiritual, grounding reminder about listening to your higher self and staying present.
14:30 – “It Gets Better” vs. “It Can Get Better”
A reframing for anyone struggling to imagine a future.
17:50 – Language, Identity & Artistry
How growing up bilingual shaped Laurier’s worldview — and how French vs. English affects their creative voice.
21:45 – Chronic Illness & Resilience
How facing mortality early made Laurier fearless in their creative pursuits.
23:50 – Boundaries, Touring, Energy Management
Why hydration, rest, and inner listening matter more than anything.
29:30 – The Realities of DIY Book Touring
Unexpected challenges, small-town ego, and the kindness of strangers.
32:00 – Why LinkedIn is a Safe Place to Be Fully Queer
Visibility, stereotypes, and creating space for others to be themselves.
40:10 – Authenticity, Bullying, and Generational Change
A conversation on showing up honestly in a noisy, critical world.
46:45 – Why Being Visible Matters for Queer Professionals
Representation, trust, and showing the world “there’s nothing to fear here.”
52:00 – Being Misunderstood & Being Seen
Psychic intuition, honesty, and being a source of healing for others.
58:00 – Confidence: Then vs. Now
The biggest difference...
