TW: Self Harm, Sexual Assault
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Today I'm joined by Marissa Cannon, the 2023 Miss Bikini USA, she shares her story of being an adoptee and an ex-Mormon. She discusses her childhood in Arizona and the strict Mormon upbringing she experienced. Marissa talks about the challenges she faced in Utah, including the lack of racial diversity and the strict rules imposed by her parents. She also opens up about the bullying she endured and the impact it had on her self-confidence, particularly regarding her natural hair. Marissa reflects on the missed opportunities and restrictions she faced due to her parents' strictness, but also acknowledges that it may have kept her from engaging in certain negative behaviors. She also discusses her journey with bipolar disorder and the importance of seeking help for mental health issues. She discusses the challenges she faced, including ADHD, anxiety, and self-harm, as well as the trauma she experienced from being assaulted by her grandfather.
00:00 Introduction and Accomplishments
01:25 Childhood and Adoption
04:15 Growing Up in a Strict Mormon Household
07:01 Challenges of Racial Diversity
10:48 Cultural Shock and Switching Schools
14:06 Navigating Dating and Reactions to Race
20:12 Lack of Education on Adoption and Race
26:52 Self-Confidence and Hair Struggles
32:04 Missed Opportunities and Restrictions
37:14 Journey with Bipolar Disorder
00:32 Growing up as an adopted child in a Mormon family
10:48 Challenges faced: ADHD, anxiety, and self-harm
20:12 Trauma from assault and the impact on mental health
30:38 Discovering birth family and navigating relationships
40:36 Creating inclusive environments for transracial adoptees
49:54 Importance of accessing medical history
59:57 Supporting adoptees: financial assistance and amplifying voices
01:10:08 Leaving Mormonism and reclaiming identity
01:20:12 Final Thoughts