Do The Hard Thing: Confronting Our Privilege as a Path to Justice with Angie Freeman

After narrowly avoiding a car accident in a parking lot one day, Angie Freeman (they/them) reflects on how that experience, and their initial reaction in the moments before and after learning the other driver was Deaf, expanded their awareness of their unexamined privilege. The experience set them on a path to learn American Sign Language (ASL), learn more about the lived experiences of Deaf people, and sparked a journey of self-work to more deeply understand how privilege operates. This journey continues to inform their life and work today as a speaker and educator. Angie also shares an example from their experiences as a Black, trans, and nonbinary parent that speaks to the importance of teaching children the expansiveness of gender identity and family structures from a young age. Their storytelling invites us to start with ourselves, to focus on deconstructing the misinformation that’s reflected through our privileged identities, and to use the power we have in service of equity and justice.Connect with Angie on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-freeman/🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@socialjusticeoriginstories?sub_confirmation=1❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECTSupport this work by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACKYour voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode.Email: [email protected] a Voice Note: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com/contact/ or https://www.speakpipe.com/socialjusticeoriginstoriesOr leave a comment below🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOWWebsite: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.comApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841874653Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjoriginstories.bsky.socialLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-justice-origin-stories/LinkedIn (Relando): https://www.linkedin.com/in/relandothompkinsjones/LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQ-----Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.00:00 Introduction: Navigating Parental Identity00:33 Embracing Nonbinary Parenthood00:56 Teaching Inclusivity to Children02:23 Correcting Misconceptions04:20 The Power of Storytelling05:31 Warm Memories and Acts of Kindness08:22 Angie's Social Justice Journey10:51 Recognizing Privilege and Intersectionality16:42 From Informal to Formal DEIB Work18:57 Challenges and Growth in DEIB26:30 The Importance of Language and Small Actions31:06 The Role of Educators in Inclusivity33:56 Vulnerability and Continuous Learning35:35 Finding Identity as a Nonbinary Parent36:14 Teaching Kids About Diverse Families02:01 Correcting Misgendering and Advocating for Respect39:46 Support from a Loving Partner40:47 Influential Books and Mentors46:54 The Importance of Authenticity49:55 Encouraging Allyship and Shared Responsibility54:00 Moments of Support and Validation57:28 Reflecting on Social Justice and Personal Growth01:05:57 Final Thoughts and Gratitude