Myles Sexton: Embracing Identity and Recovery with Pride
Episode Overview
Myles' journey of embracing their queer identity and the challenges faced in a rural community with limited access to information The impact of societal stigma on substance use and Myles' empowerment through the fashion industry Turning point: Myles' decision to embrace sobriety and healing following an HIV diagnosis Myles' advocacy work to fight stigma, promote education, and foster difficult conversations Recommendation: 'The Unexpected Joys of Being Sober' and an upcoming podcast launch to delve deeper into vital conversations
I think it's important to recognize what you as an individual need, and then you can go from there.
Growing up in a rural town, Myles Sexton faced the challenge of limited access to information beyond the gender binaries. This led to a struggle with self-discovery and expressing their divine femininity. The societal stigma and shame surrounding their queer identity and non-binary orientation contributed to internalized shame and difficulties with substance use. Myles found solace in the fashion industry, feeling empowered to express creativity and challenge gender stereotypes.
However, the industry's prevalent substance use culture posed challenges in Myles' recovery journey.Their turning point came with a diagnosis of HIV, prompting a decision to embrace sobriety for healing and self-discovery. Myles emphasizes the importance of seeking help, setting boundaries, and practicing self-care. Furthermore, Myles engages in advocacy work to fight the stigma surrounding HIV and substance use, promoting education, inclusion, and diversity.
They discuss the significance of having difficult conversations, challenging societal norms, and leveraging social media for stigma reduction.Myles recommends 'The Unexpected Joys of Being Sober' as a valuable resource for those embarking on a sobriety journey. They also hint at an upcoming podcast to delve deeper into these vital conversations.