#206:

Today, I'm bringing you behind the scenes in my learning – or should I say un-learning process – in an area of my life where I'm woefully under-educated.

Back in November I hired my very first sex, LGBTQIA+ and Gender Studies coach, Cory Bush.

Why would I do such a thing you might ask?

Over the years, I started feeling a strong pull from my inner compass to answer some of these recurring questions:

• Why don't I have more gay friends?
• Why don't I know anyone who's transgender?
• What do I do about the shame I carry from making gay jokes when I was younger?
• How do I wrap my arms around the ever-evolving world of language of the LGBTQ+ community (like pronouns they/theirs/them, or what CIS gender means or what the difference is between biological sex, gender identity and gender presentation)
• How do I not let the fear of tripping over myself and offending someone prevent me from entering conversations and spaces where I'm the minority?

You might be wondering, "that's interesting, Dom, but what's the benefit of this type of inquiry?"

You know, I grew up with a sister who has special needs. I've witnessed, firsthand, up close and personal, the life experience of my sister Mary - someone who has been marginalized by our society. It can be brutal, lonesome and oppressing.

Juxtapose that with my experience as a straight, white, able bodied, affluent man…and my life experience has been one where I've been accepted nearly everywhere I go.

I carry no shame around that. I've been blessed, and privileged. And now I'm awakening to the understanding of how to use that privilege to hear the voices of those who are muffled and misunderstood…

…because just as my sister Mary has become one of my greatest spiritual teachers in the arenas of love, acceptance and patience…I am certain that the communities I've made very little active effort in engaging with up to this point can teach me a hell of a lot about life.

In the few short months of doing this work with Cory, I've already experienced a number of benefits, like:

• Educating myself areas where I've been ignorant
• Exposure to a dynamic world of diverse, talented and vibrant people whose stories are equally heartbreaking and inspiring
• Learning the language that honors and respects the LGBTQIA+ communities
• Learning how to receive corrections and criticism when I inadvertently trigger someone with my own ignorance
• Reducing shame

Wherever you are on your journey, I invite you to listen to this conversation closely. It's important.

And we have an excellent guide for our discussion today, Cory Bush, who will introduce herself in just a moment.

Enjoy today's episode on Lessons from my Sex, LGBTQIA+ and Gender Studies Coach feat. Cory Bush.

Follow/Work With Cory Bush

Cory's Instagram: @thesexpositivedoula Cory's Twitter: @thesexposdoula Cory's Website: https://www.thesexpositivedoula.com

Cory Bush's Downloadable Resources

33 Instagram Accounts to Follow: Download Here List of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Terms: Access Here

Documentary Referenced in the Episode:

Disclosure Documentary on Netflix