Episode Details

*This episode comes with a content warning for discussions about sexual and physical violence which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, it’s not your fault. You are not alone. If you need support, Help is available 24/7 through the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE and https://hotline.rainn.org/online. The Trevor Project’s trained counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 via chat www.TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678-678.

Arc Telos “Tay” Saint Amour (they/them) shares the roots of their social justice origin story, discussing experiences including the impact of childhood abuse, violence, abandonment, and systemic oppression on them as a trans, queer, and neurodivergent person. In making connections to how their earlier experiences informed their approach to activism for social justice, Tay also explores the role of shame in preventing social progress and growth at the individual, institutional, and societal levels. Tay calls for us all to engage in the work of being honest with ourselves, critical of ourselves and our systems; highlighting the importance of storytelling in driving social justice and the importance of introspection and openness in creating a more equitable world. They also urge listeners to truthfully engage with their own stories and to consider future generations in their actions.

Connect with Tay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arctelossaintamour/ Visit Arc Telos Consulting: https://www.arctelosconsulting.com/ Learn about the work of Youth Move National: https://youthmovenational.org/

00:00 Content Warning and Introduction

00:41 The Power of Shame

06:36 Social Justice Origin Stories

07:45 Introducing Tay Saint Amour

08:29 Tay's Background and Identities

10:51 Early Activations and Challenges

19:58 Violence and Abandonment

36:22 Navigating Social Justice Work

53:28 Confronting Personal Shame

55:00 The Power of Storytelling

55:48 America's Shame Box

57:12 Influences and Inspirations

59:04 Identity and Realization

01:02:58 High School Struggles

01:07:49 Positive Role Models

01:14:29 Privilege and Perspective

01:21:52 Navigating Systemic Challenges

01:30:52 The Weight of Shame and Storytelling

01:31:34 Navigating Personal Boundaries and Capacity

01:33:18 The Complex Relationship with Rest and Trust

01:36:00 Resilience and Systemic Oppression

01:37:56 Capitalism and the Burden of Self-Care

01:41:41 The Consulting Dilemma

01:45:07 The Insidious Nature of Capitalism

01:50:31 The Power of Storytelling

02:04:05 A Call to Action for Future Generations

02:07:15 Closing Remarks and Call to Support

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