Welcome to the premiere episode of the Affirming Practice Podcast with hosts Dr. Casey Anne Brimmer (they/them) and Pastor Bob Ierien (he/him). In this episode, we break down a foundational framework for navigating conversations around identity, gender, and sexuality: Context, Common Sense, and Kind Curiosity. Whether you're an LGBTQ+ ally looking to learn, exploring your own identity, or wondering how to ask respectful questions about pronouns and terminology without causing harm, this episode offers a supportive place to start.📝 This Week’s Practice Assignment:Apply the Framework: Practice using context, common sense, and kind curiosity in your daily interactions this week. Leave a comment to let us know how it went!Submit an Anonymous Question: We want to answer your questions in future episodes! Visit our anonymous Google Form https://forms.gle/37oNAmsZ6ux8EiXo8 to ask anything about gender, sexuality, intersectionality, or specific allyship scenarios.

00:00 - Introduction & Meet the Hosts

00:01 - Who Is This Space For?

00:01 - Bob's Learning Journey & Cisgender Heterosexual (Cis Het) Perspective

00:02 - Casey Anne's Background in Gender & Sexuality Studies

00:03 - The Core Framework: Context, Common Sense, & Kind Curiosity

00:04 - Rule 1: Understanding Context (Casey's High School Story)

00:06 - When Not to Ask: Navigating Public & Work Contexts

00:08 - What Does "Cis Het" Mean? (Breaking Down the Definition)00:10 - Unlearning Binaries & Outdated Language

00:13 - Rule 2: Applying Common Sense & Everyday Social Boundaries00:15 - Honoring Boundaries & The Role of Empath

y00:16 - Rule 3: Kind Curiosity & Checking Your "Why"

00:17 - How to Ask for Pronouns Without Singling People Out00:19 - Normalizing Pronouns (Email Signatures & Zoom Windows)

00:20 - Situational Pronouns & Allyship Awareness

00:22 - The Value of Well-Intentioned Curiosity

00:23 - Practical Advice & This Week's Assignment

00:25 - Q&A: Is Using "They/Them" as a Blanket Catch-All Safe?

00:28 - Navigating Changing Pronouns Across Safe Spaces

00:29 - Outro & Closing Remarks

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