Mirrors and Doorways

Writing Queerness: How Authors are Creating Mirrors and Opening Doorways in Literature

Exploring the power of inclusive storytelling, Joanne Lockwood and guest Nonir Amicitia delve into the importance of representation, self-discovery, and challenging societal norms for a more accepting and inclusive world.

Welcome back to The Inclusion Bites Podcast, where we explore the power of representation, acceptance, and inclusivity. I'm your host, Joanne Lockwood, and today's episode is all about "Mirrors and Doorways."

Joining us is the incredible Nonir Amicitia, part of a trench coat double act and self-proclaimed metaphorical juggler. Nonir and their co-writer, Olivia, have created a book series called Mirrors that challenges stereotypes, embraces diversity, and empowers marginalized individuals. Through their powerful storytelling, they aim to open doors to conversations about making the world a better place.

In this episode, we delve into the importance of representation in media, discuss self-discovery and finding one's identity, and tackle the impact of negative conversations on mental health. Nonir shares their personal journey and gives us a glimpse into their published works that explore queer fantasy romance.

As we explore the topics of queer culture, mental health, and the experiences of transgender and nonbinary individuals, it becomes clear that the power of literature and representation cannot be underestimated. We'll also touch on the role of technology in our lives, how it has impacted our productivity, and even use AI to generate show notes and summaries.

Grab a cuppa, settle in, and join us as we dive into this inspiring conversation with Nonir Amicitia. Let's continue our journey towards a more inclusive and accepting world. Stay tuned and let's get started!

 

Published: 09.11.2023 Recorded: 31.10.2023 Duration: 0:59:54 Downloads: 242

 

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Welcome to The Inclusion Bites Podcast! In this episode, host Joanne invites a fabulous guest named Nonir Amicitia to share their unique insights. Nonir is an incredible juggler who also happens to be a talented writer and advocate for queer representation. Together, Joanne and Nonir delve into the realms of gender identity, the power of representation, and the importance of creating diverse narratives in mainstream media.

They kick off the conversation by addressing the societal perception of androgyny as more masculine. Nonir, having experienced the challenges of navigating gendered clothing as a non-binary individual, shares their frustrations with the lack of practicality and functionality in women’s fashion. One particular plight they mention is the eternal struggle of finding pockets in women’s clothing. This discussion highlights the need for inclusion in fashion and the importance of clothing that respects and accommodates diverse identities.

Nonir then delves into their personal journey of self-discovery and the impact it had on their sense of belonging. They reveal that their gender identity made them feel like they didn’t fit into the narrow expectations of societal gender norms. However, finding a safe community and experimenting with different facets of their identity allowed Nonir to navigate their true self and eventually settle on the name Nonir, meaning “strong friendship” in Icelandic and Norse mythology. This story emphasizes the significance of having a safe space for self-exploration and the importance of finding a name that truly resonates.

One of the key focuses of this episode is representation in media. Nonir, as a writer themselves, believes that media has a profound impact on shaping society’s perception and understanding of different identities. They emphasize the need for queer characters to have rich and nuanced roles beyond being solely defined by their queerness. Nonir’s book series, Mirrors, sets out to simultaneously challenge stereotypes and provide a safe space for conversations about making the world a better place. They eloquently express the significance of queer characters being portrayed as heroes, rather than villains or outliers.

A poignant moment in the episode revolves around the fear and threat to queer and trans rights in both the US and the UK. Nonir’s novel series highlights these concerns and aims to create a better world for those outside societal norms, whether it be through queer dystopian fiction or fantasy romance. They stress the importance of addressing fear and shining a light on the dangers faced by marginalized communities.

The episode also touches on mental health, with Nonir reflecting on the impact of negative discussions in the queer community on mental well-being. They discuss the stigma surrounding mental health issues and the dire need for acceptance and safe spaces. Nonir highlights the misconceptions about both neurodivergent and queer individuals when it comes to crime and normality, emphasizing the importance of breaking down these harmful stereotypes.

Now, onto the soundbites:

1. “Change begins in media. Let’s empower individuals, challenge stereotypes, and create a world where marginalized communities can thrive through representation.” – Nonir Amicitia
2. “Everyone deserves to be the hero of their own story, regardless of their identity or background.” – Nonir Amicitia
3. “Let’s challenge fear, create a better world for those outside societal norms, and promote acceptance and open-mindedness.” – Nonir Amicitia

And here are three interesting facts to pique your curiosity:

1. Nonir and Olivia write a book series called Mirrors that provides representation for marginalized individuals in fiction.
2. Nonir’s chosen name, Nonir, is derived from Icelandic and Norse mythology and means “strong friendship.”
3. Nonir’s books aim to address fear, challenge stereotypes, and create a better world for those outside societal norms.

Now, let’s wrap up with three key takeaways from this episode:

1. Representation matters: Media plays a pivotal role in shaping society’s perception and understanding of different identities. It is crucial to challenge stereotypes and provide diverse narratives that empower individuals.
2. Safe spaces for self-discovery: Having a supportive community and a safe environment encourages individuals to explore their identity, try on different names and facades, and embrace their true selves.
3. Mental health and acceptance: Negative discussions and stereotypes in the queer community can have a detrimental impact on mental well-being. It is essential to create safe spaces and challenge misconceptions about neurodivergent and queer individuals to foster acceptance and understanding.

And that’s a wrap for this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast! Dive into this insightful conversation with Joanne Lockwood and Nonir Amicitia, and discover the power of representation, self-discovery, and the fight for inclusion. Remember, change begins with each one of us, so let’s embrace diverse narratives and promote a better, more inclusive world.

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Brought to you by your host

Joanne Lockwood SEE Change Happen

A huge thank you to our wonderful guest

Nonir Amicitia O.E. Tearmann