ep81 Our Stories (Where Are We Coming From?)

We come from similar backgrounds(both Asian Americans, and both born and raised in Hawaii) but also very *different* backgrounds at the same time. In this episode, we each share our stories. (We start the ep recounting our kinda typical but also kinda quirky Valentine's Day, so if you want to go straight to the main topic, skip ahead to around 7:30.)  Siena is the "city mouse" and Toast is the "country mouse." Our stories involve Evangelical Christianity and Sunday school, a teenage Mom and Dad, running away from home, being the victim of a hate crime, having an employer steal your pay and run, an all-girls Catholic school (that was full of surprises), and campaigning against America's first targeted attack on same-sex partnerships (it came in the form of the State of Hawaii amending its constitution in 1998). Plus more, and...all the lessons learned along the way.  We hope you feel a kind of strength and solidarity, just by hearing our stories. Maybe you can relate, maybe you've had similar thoughts and experiences. Each of us is stronger when we're "in this life, together." This is us, stepping into the "together" part. Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup Access Free Resources at https://sienaandtoast.com/free-resources The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/81-our-stories Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, for the first time, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com