PLEASE START WITH EPISODE ONE.  THIS IS THE SECOND EPISODE OF THE SERIES.

*****WARNING: SOME DISCUSSION OF DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE IDEATIONS*****

Shay tells the story of her downward spiral and how it mirrored the social unrest in Los Angeles following the beating of Rodney King. As a deeply troubled teen, Shay had been experiencing gender dysphoria for some time. At this point, she had not yet embraced her true identity. Simmering racial tensions only sought to fan the flame.

Like Rodney King, Shay felt like she was fighting for her life. In order to survive, she had to accept herself and seek understanding from those around her. It would be an uphill battle, but it was one she was willing to take. After all, something had to change.

Cast: Shay Potter

Key Themes:

• The Rodney King trial is symbolic of Shay’s internal struggle.
• Unchecked silence only gives abusers power.
• Constant pressure leads to an inevitable eruption.
• It’s difficult to discuss issues when they don’t want to be discussed.
• True acceptance starts with you, others will follow.

Key Quotes:

3:22 — “There were no words necessary, no explanations needed. In that moment, LA’s black community was living the pain we all knew instinctively.”

10:09 — “What I failed to remember was that I was in a traditional black home and certain topics, like sex and sexuality, were taboo and would never be discussed.”

14:07 — “I know Sebastian and all that he represents is wrong. Unnatural. Sinful. So I must keep him to myself. I found the tiniest box inside of me and shoved Sebastian in as best I could. Unfortunately, boxes have limits.”

26:18 — “Every day is an adventure, and it usually was a day of endless taunts. Teasing about my skin, my hair, or my boyish nature. And mostly, because I didn’t know how to push back.”

33:38 — “I was no different. I also wanted acceptance and understanding from those in my world. My parents, my pastor, and my community. But then I realized others could never give me what I was unable to give myself.”

EPISODE 4 will be released on 15 Oct, the official release of the podcast!!

ALL NEW EPISODES will drop EVERY THURSDAY until the finale episode.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Deezer, or on your favorite podcast platform. 

Brought to you by Be Better Media, LLC. Visit our website.

Get SUPPORT here
Teens: www.thetrevorproject.org/help ✨The Trevor Lifeline: 866.488.7386.✨                Text START to 678-678.
Parents: IndigoJourney (https://www.instagram.com/indigojourney1)

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Crack This ShXt Open is narrated and produced by Shay Potter. Editing on this episode from Chelsea Sutton and Shay Potter. Emma Cannady is our storytelling editor. Sound design and mix by Zach Hahn. 

Music in this episode is Escaping Forever & Majestic by Michael Vignola, Whisperers Piano Trap Beat by Curtis Harris. Our theme song is by Blue Dot Sessions.

Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/BeBetterMedia)