The Inclusion Bites Podcast

From Shame to Authenticity and Advocacy

Join Joanne Lockwood and Lee Gilbert as they delve into Lee's transformative journey, discussing the challenges she faced during her gender transition and her views on authenticity and inclusion.

In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, host Joanne Lockwood invites Lee Gilbert to share her deeply personal journey towards authenticity as a transgender individual. Lee candidly reflects on the challenges she faced and her transformative experience, providing valuable insights into the broader struggle for inclusion and belonging.

Lee went through a transformative journey to embrace their authentic self. After 40 years of living a life that didn't feel true to who they were, Lee came out as transgender in 2020. Before that, they had felt like they were playing a role, pretending to be someone they weren't, and excelling at it. Despite the outward appearance of success and happiness, Lee knew they were living a life that wasn't authentic to them. Now, they are proud to live as their true self and share their story with others.

The episode begins with both Joanne and Lee opening up about the impact of lockdown, delving into the introspective opportunities it offered and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. Lee describes her profound experience during the night of the Paris-Brussels terrorist attack, which sparked a series of major leaps in her life, including coming out to her wife, family, and in her professional life.

The discussion touches on Lee's struggle with authenticity and her gender identity, along with her battles with mental health issues resulting from the lack of information and role models for transgender individuals in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite these challenges, Lee found herself on a journey towards true belonging and authenticity, eventually becoming a mentor and advocate for young individuals facing similar experiences.

Throughout the episode, Joanne and Lee delve into the evolution of gender terminology, societal pressure to conform to binary norms, and the importance of allowing individuals to explore and understand their gender identity without societal pressure. They express their hope for increased acceptance of transgender individuals in the future, aiming to change perceptions through visibility and positive role modelling.

The key takeaway from this episode is the powerful message of embracing vulnerability and authenticity, as well as the importance of creating a more inclusive society where individuals can truly be themselves. Joanne and Lee's conversation provides an insightful and inspiring exploration of the journey towards living authentically, challenging societal norms, and advocating for greater acceptance. Tune in to hear Lee's impactful story and gain valuable perspectives on inclusion and belonging.

  Published: 01.02.2024 Recorded: 28.12.2023 Duration: 0:56:04 Downloads:   Shownotes:

• AI Extracts and Interpretations
• The Inclusion Bites Podcast #96: Authenticity Unveiled — app.castmagic.io
• Other Links
• SEE Change Happen: The Inclusive Culture Experts
• Inclusion Bites Podcast on YouTube

Key Terms from “Authenticity Unveiled” Authenticity

• Definition: Authenticity refers to being true to oneself, embracing individuality, and living in alignment with one’s values and beliefs without conforming to external pressures or expectations.
• Relevance: Embracing authenticity promotes mental well-being, fosters genuine connections with others, and empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives. In the context of the podcast, authenticity is a central theme in the personal journeys and transformations of the speakers.
• Examples: Lee Gilbert’s journey of coming out as transgender and living authentically, Joanne Lockwood’s decision to start her own business after coming out as trans, and both speakers’ experiences of finding belonging through authenticity.
• Related Terms: Self-expression, Self-acceptance, Personal Integrity
• Common Misconceptions: Some may mistakenly perceive authenticity as selfishness or rebellion, but in reality, it fosters genuine connections and enriches relationships.

Gender Identity

• Definition: Gender identity refers to an individual’s internal sense of their gender, which may be male, female, both, neither, or a combination thereof. It is distinct from biological sex and is an intrinsic aspect of a person’s identity.
• Relevance: Understanding and respecting diverse gender identities is crucial for creating inclusive and affirming environments. In the episode, Lee Gilbert shares his journey of coming to terms with his gender identity and embracing authenticity.
• Examples: Lee Gilbert’s experience of struggling with gender dysphoria and eventually living authentically as a transgender man.
• Related Terms: Gender Dysphoria, Nonbinary, Gender Expression
• Common Misconceptions: A common misconception is that gender identity is solely determined by biological sex, but in reality, it is a deeply personal and diverse aspect of each individual.

Vulnerability

• Definition: Vulnerability involves willingly exposing one’s emotions, experiences, or thoughts, especially in a situation where it may be perceived as a risk. It is an essential element of authentic connection and personal growth.
• Relevance: Embracing vulnerability allows individuals to cultivate deeper connections with others and authentically express themselves. In the episode, both speakers discuss their experiences of embracing vulnerability in their journeys towards authenticity.
• Examples: Lee Gilbert’s openness about his struggles with alcoholism and the decision to live authentically as a transgender man, Joanne Lockwood’s vulnerability in sharing her personal journey of coming out and starting her own business.
• Related Terms: Emotional Courage, Openness, Resilience
• Common Misconceptions: Some may perceive vulnerability as weakness, yet it is integral to building trust and forming meaningful connections with others.

Please connect with our hosts and guests, why not make contact..?
Brought to you by your host Joanne Lockwood
SEE Change Happen
A huge thank you to our wonderful guest Lee Gilbert

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