Knowing Yourself, Fear of Self-Identity, and Accepting Differences in Others-with Guest Co-host Greg Fuqua

We recorded this episode on March 31, 2023, which was International Transgender Visibility Day. During this episode, we talk about how differences in identity can be used as a way to divide people through fear. Whether you are neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, or different in some other way that some people may not understand, we hope you will find this episode enlightening and inspiring.

According to the ACLU, there are over 400 Anti-LGBTQ+ bills that have been introduced in more then 40 states in the United States. Unfortunately, when people respond to differences with anger and judgment, it can lead to so much shame and emotional pain. Hurt people, hurt people, but healing is possible when we look at differences through an open heart and a lens of curiosity.

The Neurodiverse Love podcast is about partnering with others to increase understanding of the strengths, differences and challenges in neurodiverse relationships and we hope this episode brings some insight and understanding into how we can all be more accepting of others. Greg talks a little about his trans-son's 5 year journey and shares a very powerful quote from Audre Lorde. In addition, the other topics we address are:

• How some people respond to differences and misunderstanding.
• Feelings and responses we may have in our neurodiverse relationships.
• How do we create deeper closeness, connection. safety, and calm?
• Self-care and self-love is an act of self preservation and political defiance.
• The impact of denying your identity.
• Understanding connections and disconnections to your body.
• The emotional, physical and spiritual pain of becoming your authentic self.
• We all want to be seen, heard, understood, cared for and loved.
• Owning your own feelings, struggles and reflections.
• Being self-aware and understanding your needs.
• Having positive assumptions and curiosity around the struggles in our relationships.
• What are you not willing to face in your relationship that may lead to being triggered?
• Stepping into your discomfort.
• Look inside, rather then externalizing your needs.
• Giving your partner space and understanding they still love you even when they aren't attuning or connecting.
• The internal experience of the autistic.
• Our thinking becomes our reality and we tell ourselves stories that aren't true.
• The importance and value of "connective energy" and collaboration.
• Trusting yourself and your relationship with yourself.
• Deepening connection to your "parts" and self-knowledge.
• The importance of telling yourself that you are "good" to counterbalance disempowerment.
• Sometimes it is hard to have healing conversations, but they are SO important!

If you would like to contact Greg you can check out his website at: www.GregFuqua.com or contact him at www.LifeWorksDM.com. You can also check out his profile on Psychology Today.

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If you are interested in learning more about the support groups that Mona offers for neurotypical/non-autistic partners or neurodiverse couples, please send her an email at: neurodiverselove4u@gmail.com. or visit her website at: www.neurodiverselove.com. You can also follow her on Instagram @neurodiverse_love

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