“I grew up in a very small town in the 70s. So when I had my first girlfriend in high school, we didn’t have a name for ourselves. We didn’t even know the word lesbian. We found it in a dictionary…in our high school library. And we’re like, ‘That’s what we are.’”

Your story could be exactly what someone else needs to hear.

In this episode, in honor of Pride Month, Jennifer Lee Selig shares how memoir writing can help people process trauma, discover who they are, and transform difficult experiences into stories that bring meaning, healing, and connection.

We discuss:

• Writing through adversity
• The role of community in healing
• LGBTQ+ visibility and representation
• Creativity as a resilience practice

This conversation is full of wisdom for writers, caregivers, survivors, and anyone on a personal growth journey.

To learn more about Jennifer’s books, courses, and events, visit jenniferleighselig.com.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to episodes with other authors, including Episode 53 with Rita Zoey Chin and Episode 29 with Mira Bartok. Also, please consider subscribing to this podcast, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with others. Thank you.

Donna’s latest book, Bounce Back Stronger – Finding Peace and Purpose No Matter What Happens, can be purchased here. To join our email list or inquire about meditation instruction or life coaching, visit donnayferris.com

Follow Donna on Instagram, Bluesky, or YouTube @donnayferris or Facebook @donnayatesferris. Her guided meditations can also be found on Insight Timer.

And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366.

#PrideMonth #RepresentationMatters #MemoirWriting #LGBTQCommunity #Healing #Storytelling #Trauma