In this week’s episode, Chris Tompkins (he/him) shares about being an LGBTQ inner advocate and practicing allyship toward himself. Learn how he found his way to sobriety while acknowledging that AA isn't for everyone. We also discuss the term "Guncle" and how being one was part of the inspiration for his book, Raising LGBTQ Allies. Have you ever heard of "machismo?" Chris talks about how it influences Latin American culture and what it meant for the messages he received as a young gay child. We also discuss what it's like sharing our stories on PFLAG panels, spirituality, and how heteronormativity is a lot like humidity...!

🎙️ Connect with Chris to learn more about + support his work:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

💻 Sources and resources from this episode:

• Code-switching: How BAME and LGBT people 'blend in'
• PFLAG National
• Make Sure Your Child’s School Is Safe For LGBTQ+ Students & Families––Here’s How written by Chris Tompkins
• Chris’ interview with Melinda Wenner Moyer - How to be an LGBTQ-affirming parent
• What children learn from the things they aren't told | Chris Tompkins | TEDxCSULB
• Raising LGBTQ Allies - book
• (Disclaimer: Gender Sexuality Info, LLC may receive a small commission from you purchasing from this link, which helps to provide free educational services like this podcast)

Host Charlie Ocean, MSW (they/them), has a background in LGBTQ+ training, community organizing, and technology. Guest episodes feature at least one allyship tip, including tailored questions based on the guests' unique intersecting identities. You can follow Charlie on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack. *You will hear Charlie's former name in this episode and previous ones.*