In this episode, we talk to The EastWesterner about a very important and much-needed topic for our community; the connection between Sexuality & Mental health.

For many LGBTQ youth and adults from our communities, embracing and being open about their sexual identity is difficult because of the stigma, fear, ignorance and taboo that exists within our culture(s) against anything outside the "norm" of heterosexuality. The fact that we don't talk about sexuality culturally, can leave a lot of people who identify as LGBTQ vulnerable and often isolated with their sense of identity and belonging, which can and often does impact their mental health.

This conversation aims to break down some of those barriers by sharing the EastWesterner's story and experience with navigating her sexuality, & mental health while creating her own story of belonging and acceptance for herself by living her truth,  while also holding the door open for others.

*We encourage you to keep it respectful when engaging on this topic on our platform. Any comments that may create harm or are unproductive will be removed. Please note that we will also block anyone from this platform that may have a negative, harmful or derogatory approach in this conversation. In short, please come correct if you want to join this conversation. It is really important for us to keep this space safe for all of our community members by having respectful meaningful discourse.

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In this episode we talk about:

- Spectrums of sexuality and correct acronyms 

- How cultural stigma around sexuality can impact someone who identifies as LGBTQ

- Why LGBTQ youth suffer from mental health issues more than others

- Outdated cultural taboos around the topic of sexuality

- The EastWesterners story of coming out to her family

- Tips for youth on how to approach coming out to loved ones from the EastWesterner

- The layers of oppression that LGBTQ youths/adults from our culture navigate on a day-to-day basis

- Accepting yourself as you are

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Get in touch with The EastWesterner 

Instagram @theeastwesterner

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The Eriwellbeing podcast is a mental health and wellbeing podcast, healing black and brown communities through open and honest conversations about our mental health.

Hosted by Ruthie Zerai and Mikal Woldu.

Produced by Ruthie Zerai, Mikal Woldu and @purecreationmedia

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Disclaimer:

While we hope you love listening to and learning from the podcast, please note this is not a substitute for seeking professional help from licensed mental health professionals. Ruthie and Miki are not Mental health professionals, we are holding this space as community builders. We encourage you to seek professional help in your local area for any mental health concerns that you may be experiencing.