Listening back to this episode was like a dream, both because my post-covid brain was real (sorry for the rambling) and also because this week’s guest is A DREAM! I am delighted to welcome to the pod writer, artist, amazingly talented comedian, and self-proclaimed nature nerd, LiLi K. Bright! LiLi and I met through London Writers’ Salon. The first time I got to meet them (as opposed to being in a giant zoom room wondering who this cool person was but being unable to ask on account of security settings telling us to be on mute and write), we got put into a breakout room together. LiLi broke the (albeit very loose rules) and presented us with a drawing instead of written work in response to the prompt. HELLO! Yes, you are as cool as I imagined, and maybe even cooler!
In this episode, we get a little science-y (the parts that LiLi is into like botany), we get excited about our mutual obsession with butterflies and I learn how LiLi came out leading a lunch and learn they were asked to present at work on non-binary people, without their cis boss realising they were non-binary themselves. A little bit awkward? For the boss maybe. An opportunity to be a legend? I will answer for LiLi and say heck yeah.
LiLi shares coming out in several aspects of their life. They continue to come out as non-binary and bisexual, but find that it also comes up in their intersectionalities in regards to being Black, in neurodivergence, and in mental health.
Are you CIS and straight? Why should you care about this podcast? We will tell you why! Because people are interesting and important! Because why wouldn’t you? Enjoy!
In this episode:
- LiLi wants you to know that Queer always fits. It is so broad, that is why they like it!
- We tell ourselves that we are valid and great and cool! AND YES YOU ARE!
-It is discussed that finding community is beautiful and important and LiLi wants you to know! They also want to remind you that there are often barriers, so think about what people need to feel welcome in your communities!
- We ponder “What is the frame of reference?” when it comes to talking about gender and sexuality with cis, straight people!
- I learn that it is NEVER TOO LATE to get into fan fiction!
- It’s revealed (SPOILER!) that on TV, there is often the token Queer person in the friend group. But did you know (speaking to the cishets) that most Queer people surround themselves with other Queer people?
-LiLi talks about Afrofuturism, and it is fascinating and beautiful and very cool!
RESOURCES
- Follow LiLi on Instagram! @cherrytree_walk
- Follow LiLi on Twitter! @cherrytree_walk
- Visit LiLi’s website to book your free intro session for compassionate coaching with LiLi, for nature writing workshops, climate science workshops, and other upcoming events both outdoors and online cherrytreewalk.com
