Identity and Sobriety: Lazarus Letcher's Journey on Sober Stories
I strongly believe that healing ourselves heals our communities and heals our ancestors.
What happens when the paths of gender, race, and sobriety intersect? In this compelling episode of 'Sober Stories', host Beth Bowen sits down with Lazarus Letcher to unpack these very questions. Laz opens up about using alcohol as a mask for masculinity and how quitting drinking helped them fully embrace their trans identity. They also delve into the recovery industry's shortcomings when it comes to race and gender, emphasizing the need for more inclusive and customized recovery programs.
Laz shares how seeing queer, sober elders in their community has been a powerful source of inspiration. They talk about the concept of 'outside issues' and argue that the political is inherently personal, especially in the journey to sobriety. The conversation takes a deep dive into the long history of substance abuse being weaponized against BIPOC and queer communities, shedding light on some harsh truths.
Beth and Laz discuss ways to increase access to recovery for marginalized groups, offering listeners a sense of hope and practical advice. The episode wraps up with Laz sharing what brings them joy when times are tough, making it a heartwarming and informative listen. If you're interested in how sobriety can intersect with complex identities, this episode is a must-listen.