Unpacking the Box of Shame with Arc Telos Saint Amour

*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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Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.