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In this episode, ROB.GREEN joins Gem for a conversation filled with wisdom, love and an incredibly moving cow story. Rob shares his journey as an independent artist, moving from chasing the traditional music industry "artist's fairy tale" to building a thriving career on his own terms. Together, they explore the power of stepping off prescribed paths, the intersection and queerness and spirituality, and the importance of DIY culture in creating the spaces we need outside of the mainstream. Rob opens up about how love and community drive his work and his realisation that artists, artwork and audience are all you really need to make meaningful art. If you've ever wondered whether there's a different way to achieve what you're working on, this episode is for you! ROB.GREEN is a self-described spreader of love and independent alt-soul/pop artist from Nottingham who draws from Soul, Gospel and Rock music to create captivating performances. Rob channels his experiences growing up mixed-race and gay to write songs that unite and connect with audiences. Rob embodies the ethos of a self-made artist building a thriving career on his own terms. Find out more about ROB.GREEN Subscribe to ROB.GREEN's mailing list here Follow Rob on Instagram here OfficialEverGreens Instagram here And don't forget to listen to Rob's music wherever you get your music! Big Magic by Liz Gilbert was the book Rob recommended

Join Gem and Adam as they chat about the challenging times Trans and Autistic communities are currently facing. They discuss how fashion can be a powerful tool for activism, the benefits of working for ourselves as Autistics, and the importance of finding community. Plus lots more! Adam Holcroft-Tebbutt (he/him) is a Trans and Autistic activist, designer, and founder of Rainbow & Co – an independent LGBTQIA+ brand based in West Yorkshire. Through bold, politically charged designs, Adam uses his platform to amplify queer voices, challenge rainbow-washing, and create space for marginalised identities. Where can you find Adam? Rainbow & Co - https://rainbowandco.uk Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainbowandcouk/

Gem and Arlo talk about navigating the current climate as trans and neurodivergent folk, the importance of community and solidarity, and how inclusivity should be the default in all spaces because it benefits everyone. They chat about how the business world often gatekeeps knowledge, Arlo's openness to sharing their experience to support other self-employed creatives, and how much better the world would be if we all acted more like Paddington. Plus lots more! Arlo West (they/them) is a freelance graphic designer and founder of Studio Arlo, where they offer sh*t hot branding and web design to queer, trans and neurodivergent individuals and small businesses. They are also a Director of Trans Pride Manchester and the founder of Not Your Business, a community for queer, trans and neurodivergent creative freelancers. If you'd like to experience more Arlo in your life: Studio Arlo - https://www.studioarlo.co.uk/ Not Your Business - https://notyourbusiness.co.uk/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studioarlo.png/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@studioarlo.png LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/studioarlo/

In this episode, Charlotte joins Gem to discuss her new book, Fat Body Work, an autoethnography that explores her relationship with, and development of, a movement practice. Together, they discuss the profound effects of fatphobia on their ability to access movement and emphasise the importance of DIY culture as a form of self-expression and a way to preserve personal histories. Charlotte shares thoughtful insights, along with the bold choices and perspectives that have shaped her path as a psychotherapist and activist. Dr Charlotte Cooper (she/her) is a psychotherapist working in East London. Her scholarship concerning fat liberation is influential and she is the author of Fat Activism: A Radical Social Movement. Charlotte is also a queer cultural worker influenced by DIY ethics and performs as Homosexual Death Drive. Find out more at www.charlottecooper.net

In this episode, Gem and H talk about what it really means to live your truth and stay authentic (a word they both feel is over-used) even when it’s tough. They dive into the importance of learning to trust yourself, stay grounded during conflict, and the power of making bold choices every day. There's an important reminder from H that marginalised folks can and do marginalise folks. Plus a whole bunch more! H Arlo-Harris (they/them) is a coach who helps people to recognise the power of owning their identity. H uses their own experiences as an Autistic, Trans masc non-binary, black person to share how stepping into your identity skyrockets your business and personal life. Here's where you can connect with H: Instagram: www.instagram.com/h.arloharris

Join Gem for the final episode of the series, "What Happens When... You Learn to Trust Yourself?". After visiting a Scottish castle, Gem reflects on the looming presence of oppressive systems and the work to deconstruct the ways we've internalised them. They share their experience of re-learning to trust themselves and how deepening their understanding of things like patriarchy, colonialism, children's rights, body liberation and queerness have been and continue to be vital in that process. Thank you so much for listening! I'd love it if you'd consider sharing and reviewing this podcast! Find out more about me and my work at www.gemkennedy.com and @thegemkennedy in all the usual places. Helpful links: For more conversation on these themes, check out my interviews with Sophie Christophy, Adele Jarrett-Kerr, Artemis D. Bear and Dr. Charlotte Cooper on previous episodes of Queers and Co. Sophie Christophy: https://www.facebook.com/schristophy Akilah S. Richards: https://raisingfreepeople.com/ The Body is Not An Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love by Sonya Renee Taylor Fat Activism: A Radical Social Movement by Dr. Charlotte Cooper

Join Gem for this episode, "What Happens When... Anxiety?". Whilst going through a particularly bad breakup, Gem realised they experienced incredibly high levels of anxiety most of the time. Gem reflects on what has helped them (mostly) cope better with anxiety, including the impact of sensory regulation and exercise and understanding monotropism. They also talk about the grief that can come along with realising anxiety as an Autistic person might just be here to stay and detecting those sneaky default worries that pop up when the coast is clear. Thank you so much for listening! I'd love it if you'd consider sharing and reviewing this podcast! Find out more about me and my work at www.gemkennedy.com and @thegemkennedy in all the usual places. Helpful links: Monotropism: https://monotropism.org/ Some great books on sensory and emotional self-care for Autistics: The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills by Sonny Jane Wise Looking After Your Autistic Self: A Personalised Self-Care Approach to Managing Your Sensory and Emotional Well-Being by Niamh Garvey Self-Care for Autistic People: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Unmask! by Megan Anna Neff

Join Gem for this episode, "What Happens When... You're Genderslime". After a spiritual counselling session including a poem by Hafiz, Gem reflects on their exploration of gender so far and why the term genderslime feels like the most accurate way to describe how they feel. Gem talks about the intersection of gender and Autism, being perceived and the importance of being seen and affirmed in our identity. Thank you so much for listening! I'd love it if you'd consider sharing and reviewing this podcast! Find out more about me and my work at www.gemkennedy.com and @thegemkennedy in all the usual places. Helpful links: "How Does it Feel to be a Heart?" by Hafiz can be found in I Heard God Laughing: Poems of Hope and Joy by Rebel Dykes: https://www.rebeldykeshistoryproject.com/ Inspiring Women Changemakers: https://www.inspiringwomenchangemakers.co.uk/ Bear Hebert episode: https://www.gemkennedy.com/podcast/23 Neuroqueer Heresies by Dr Nick Walker: https://neuroqueer.com/neuroqueer-heresies/ Autigender: https://neurodivergentrebel.com/2021/01/06/what-is-autigender-the-relationship-between-autism-gender-an-autistic-perspective/

Join Gem for this episode, "What Happens When... You Find Out You're Autistic?" In this episode, Gem talks about learning about Autism whilst a family member was in severe Autistic burnout and having brainwaves about how neurodivergence shows up their family. Whilst walking along a disused railway in Scotland, Gem also shares their own process of considering formal- versus self-identification, the pressure to unmask and the liberation of living in alignment with our neurotype. Thank you so much for listening! I'd love it if you'd consider sharing and reviewing this podcast! Find out more about me and my work at www.gemkennedy.com and @thegemkennedy in all the usual places. Helpful links: Autistic burnout: https://www.autisticadvocate.co.uk/autistic-burnout An excellent book on sensory well-being: Looking After Your Autistic Self: A Personalised Self-Care Approach to Managing Your Sensory and Emotional Well-being by Niamh Garvey Neurodiversity Paradigm: https://neuroqueer.com/neurodiversity-terms-and-definitions/ Kieran Rose: https://theautisticadvocate.com/ The Social Model of Disability: https://www.inclusionlondon.org.uk/about-us/disability-in-london/social-model/the-social-model-of-disability-and-the-cultural-model-of-deafness/ Autistic Masking: https://theautisticadvocate.com/autistic-masking/ Thriving Autistic - 6 week Discovery Programme for late-identified Autistics(written by Gem) and monthly socials: https://www.thrivingautistic.org/

Join Gem for this episode, "What Happens When... You're in the Shit Dad Club?" Gem talks about something that heavily contributed to their cPTSD flare-up earlier this year. Whilst walking along the banks of the River Tweed, Gem describes what it's like being the child of a terrible dad and therefore a member of the Shit Dad Club, the culture of silence and shame that can exist in families and growing up as an unidentified neurodivergent child who refuses school and experiences bullying. Thank you so much for listening! I'd love it if you'd consider sharing and reviewing this podcast! Find out more about me and my work at www.gemkennedy.com and @thegemkennedy in all the usual places.

Join Gem for this episode, "What Happens When... Trauma is Kicking Your Arse". When they experienced an intense cPTSD flare-up earlier this year, Gem realised their usual supports were no longer enough. In this episode, they reflect on what helped them navigate being stuck in a trauma response, their experience of moral scrupulosity, the importance of co-regulation and loving community, and the magic of nature for recovery and perspective - all recorded in a cosy bed and then whilst walking by the River Tweed! Helpful links: PTSD and Autism: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/misdiagnosis-monday/ptsd-and-autism Moral scrupulosity: https://iocdf.org/faith-ocd/living-with-ocd-religious-traditions/moral-scrupulosity/ Monotropism: https://monotropism.org/ Window of tolerance: https://autismunderstood.co.uk/health-and-wellbeing/window-of-tolerance/ Thank you so much for listening! I'd love it if you'd consider sharing and reviewing this podcast! Find out more about me and my work at www.gemkennedy.com and @thegemkennedy in all the usual places.

Welcome to Series 3 of Queers and Co. It's been a while! Listen as Gem sets the scene and heads off on their trip to Scotland. Thank you so much for listening! I'd love it if you'd consider sharing and reviewing this podcast! Find out more about me and my work at www.gemkennedy.com and @thegemkennedy in all the usual places.

I’m joined by researcher and former professor Dr. Lindo Bacon (they/them) for a special two part episode. For nearly two decades they have taught courses in social justice, health, weight and nutrition. They are also the author of Health at Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight, and co-authored Body Respect: What Conventional Health Books Get Wrong, Leave Out, or Just Plain Fail to Understand About Weight. Their newly released book, Radical Belonging: How to Survive and Thrive in an Unjust World (While Transforming it for the Better) , takes their inspiring message beyond size, to shaping a culture of empathy, equity, and true belonging. We talk about radical belonging, how hearing Audre Lorde speak changed their life, identifying as trans and taking up space, how coping methods serve us and lots more. Be sure to listen to Part 2 after this! If you haven't already, be sure to join our Facebook community to connect with other like-minded queer folks and allies. Find out more about Gem Kennedy and Queers & Co.  Podcast Artwork by Gemma D’Souza Resources Find out more about Lindo’s work and books on their website Lindo’s new book Radical Belonging: How to Survive and Thrive in an Unjust World (While Transforming It For the Better) Follow Lindo on Instagram or Twitter or Facebook adrienne maree brown’s new book, We Will Not Cancel Us   Full Transcription Gem: Welcome to Queers & Co. - the podcast on self-empowerment, body liberation and activism for queer folx and allies. I'm your host, Gem: Kennedy. My pronouns are they/them and I'm a transformational practitioner and coach living in the UK. Gem: Hey folx! Welcome to Episode 3. There are two parts to this week's episode. So we're doing things a little bit differently and it will all become clear why. First of all, let me introduce who my guest is. It's someone who I was incredibly excited to talk to and someone whose books I've really enjoyed over the years. They're a researcher and former professor and for nearly two decades have taught courses in social justice, health, weight and nutrition. If you're involved in fat activism or body liberation of any kind, then you will have heard of their books Health at Every Size and also Body Respect and their newly released book, Radical Belonging: How to Survive and Thrive in an Unjust World, While Transforming It for the Better takes their inspiring message beyond size to shaping a culture of empathy, equity and true belonging. Gem: If you haven't already read Radical Belonging, I'd highly recommend that you do. It's a brilliant book and it brings together so many important ideas and lots of different research. So my guest is, if you haven't...

In this episode, I’m joined by Spiritual Healer, Body Positivity Advocate, poet and artist, Jade Elouise (Bodiposipoet). Her activism, creative outlets and spiritual work all centre around advocating for social justice, equality and equity for marginalised bodies on a systemic level, while also promoting self-healing and self-acceptance on a personal one. We chat about Jade’s work to reclaim the co-opted body positivity movement, how spirituality and activism can work so well together, speaking out about spiritual bypassing, queering psychology, the power of creativity for self-expression and lots more! If you haven't already, be sure to join our Facebook community to connect with other like-minded queer folks and allies. Find out more about Gem Kennedy and Queers & Co.  Podcast Artwork by Gemma D’Souza Resources You can find out more about Jade’s work by following these accounts on Instagram: @bodiposipoet, @reclaimingbopo and @asafespacetogrow  Head to Jade’s Etsy shop to buy some beautiful art! Full Transcription Gem: Welcome to Queers & Co., the podcast on self-empowerment, body liberation and activism for queer folx and allies. I'm your host, Gem Kennedy, my pronouns are they/them and I'm a transformational practitioner and coach living in the UK. Gem: Hi, everyone. Welcome to Episode 2. I hope you've all had a good week despite lockdown. I'm currently snuggled in my dressing gown, because it's absolutely freezing here and I don't want to go outside and get wood so I can light a fire so I thought I'd record the intro instead. And something keeping me nice and warm at the moment, this sounds like such a segue, are the feelings that I got from having this interview with my guest today. I'm sure that you're going to get a lot out of our conversation. I know I definitely did. And yeah, without further ado, I'll introduce her to you. So her name is Jade: Elouise, also known as bodiposipoet. She is a spiritual healer, body positivity advocate, poet and artist. Her activism, creative outlets and spiritual work all centre around advocating for social justice, equality and equity for marginalised bodies on a systemic level, while also promoting self-healing and self-acceptance on a personal one. I hope you enjoy the episode. And I'd love to hear your thoughts afterwards so do head over to the Facebook group to join in the conversation. So now over to the wonderful Jade Elouise. Gem: Hi Jade. How are you? Jade: Good thank you. How are you? Gem: I'm good, thank you. Thanks so much for joining me, I'm really excited to talk to you. Jade: Oh, thank you for having me. Gem: Not at all. It would be great if you're happy to just introduce yourself for anyone who hasn't come across your work before. Jade: Yeah,

In this episode, I’m joined by Rubyyy Jones (they/them), an artist, performer and space maker who specialises in the body, the bawdyyy and deep feels. As an artist they work in live art, photography and film, creating a spectrum of experiences from silly to sublime. They are an icon in the world's of Drag, Burlesque and Cabaret and a Mxther and mentor to many in the industry.   Two years after our first interview together, we chat about rediscovering moving for joy in lockdown, neurodivergence and accessibility, moving back to their childhood neighbourhood in Canada, re-parenting ourselves and the queer community, Tony Clifton as a gateway to drag king-ing and lots more! If you haven't already, be sure to join our Facebook community to connect with other like-minded queer folks and allies. Find out more about Gem Kennedy and Queers & Co.  Podcast Artwork by Gemma D’Souza Resources Rubyyy and their partner Prinx Lydia created and run The YYY School which includes many different kinds of performance, craft and personal development workshops, both online and in the flesh. Together they share a passion for accessible, atypical and amazing art, The YYY School encompasses all of that. You can find out more about Rubyyy’s work on the following Instagram accounts: @rubyyyjones, @lifedrawingrubyyy, @theyyyschool, @prinxlydia And consider becoming a patron on www.patreon.com/SaveRubyyyJones   Full Transcription Gem: Welcome to Queers & Co. - the podcast on self-empowerment, body liberation and activism for queer folx and allies. I'm your host, Gem Kennedy. My pronouns are they/them and I'm a transformational practitioner and coach living in the UK. Hi everyone! Welcome to Series 2 of Queers & Co. I'm so excited to be back and to be able to share all of my brilliant guests with you. I've got 13 guests for this coming series and I've recorded about half of the episodes so far. And honestly, I can't wait to put them all out. I hope you're going to get lots from them and find them interesting, insightful, and maybe share them with anyone that you think might be interested in hearing what my guests have to say as well. The world is in a pretty different place now from when I recorded the first series in 2020. So I think the last couple of episodes, we'd just gone into lockdown in March 2020 and now here we are in January 2021. The UK has just entered another lockdown. I hope you're all keeping safe and well, no matter where in the world you are. It felt really meaningful to me to have this guest as my first guest for the second series. I first spoke to them two years ago when I was just starting out with the Queers & Co. project and I interviewed them to find out about their relationship with their body. And since then we have crossed paths multiple times and I just think they...