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by B. Judy (Author), Tamara B (Illustrator)
Let's face it: conversations about, to, for, and against LGBTQIA+ people can emerge in all kinds of settings. These conversations come up at family gatherings, boardrooms, classrooms and congregations. Beloved, I've been there. I've navigated many difficult conversations as a former pastor now atheist, a former business college educator now advocate, and as a post grad "man" who transitioned to a post op woman. How did I do it? With the S.T.R.A.W.S. Process - a well researched conversation guide I developed to help me listen well, speak up, and find resolutions.
The process begins with Self-Care to Prepare to help you prioritize your well-being, to foster transformation, and to maintain healthy relationships before you speak with the dogmatic. Each step is a book within the No More Dogma series which employs the Bible as a weapon against bigotry to safeguard your sanity, joy, and sense of humor. Here's what you'll gain from each book along your journey:
- Self-Care to Prepare: Understand the importance of nurturing your own well-being and the well-being of others as the foundation for meaningful engagement.
- Embrace Transformation: Heal and embrace your authentic self, unapologetically, and break free from societal pressures.
- Lead Reconciling Conversations: Develop effective strategies to preserve relationships without compromising your values.
- Speak Up for Accountability: Learn how to be bold and courageous in confronting hatred, even if it means making difficult decisions.
- Reclaim Your Worth: Remember your inherent value, especially after challenging or draining conversations.
- Stand Firm in Solidarity: Reflect on your role in the LGBTQIA+ community and how to contribute to a more just and inclusive society.
So whether you're speaking up to hold a friend accountable, healing from religious trauma, reconciling with your spouse, leaving behind harmful belief systems, training a corporate team on DEI, or learning to affirm your LGBTQIA+ identity, Self-Care to Prepare offers an essential starting point before you speak.
