The Art of Authentic Living

Joanne Lockwood

Tags: body positivity, Authentic Living, Overcoming Adversity, Community Resilience, Non Binary Identity, Queer Storytelling, Creative Careers, Inclusive Theatre, Gender Exploration, Joy as Resistance

Embracing Queer Joy and Diversity in the Arts

Sam explores the nuances of authentic living, sharing how a multi-hyphenated creative identity and queer joy foster greater empathy, resilience, and the courage to step beyond binaries—ultimately inviting us to open the doors to our true selves

In this episode of The Inclusion Bites Podcast, Joanne Lockwood is joined by Sam Turlington for a vibrant exploration of what it means to live authentically, both on and off the stage. Together, they unpack the art of self-discovery, tapping into how curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to step beyond binaries can foster true inclusion. Joanne reflects on her own journey through identity and belonging, drawing parallels between public speaking and acting as forms of performance and authentic expression. The conversation delves into the realities of queer representation in creative spaces, the challenges of navigating non-inclusive environments, and the subtle yet profound ways “joy as resistance” has become vital for marginalised communities facing adversity.

Sam is a non binary, award-winning actor and multi-hyphenate creative whose work centres on championing queer joy and the nuances of authentic storytelling. Based in New York City, with strong ties to the UK via their education and ongoing creative collaborations, Sam brings a global perspective to the discussion. Their superpower lies in soulfully honouring the truth of people’s experiences, a quality that informs their approach to both performance and activism. From playing roles written for genders different to their own to actively consulting on scripts to improve queer representation, Sam’s commitment to authenticity is palpable. The episode shares candid insights into the practical, emotional, and ethical aspects of creative work that challenges stereotypes and expands what is possible in storytelling.

Listeners are invited to consider the dynamic relationship between authenticity, empathy, and inclusion—whether as creatives, allies, or simply those interested in living more truthfully. A key takeaway is the resilience forged through expressing and affirming one’s identity, and the value of engaging in spaces where you can both challenge and celebrate. Joanne and Sam encourage us all to open more doors—figuratively and literally—knowing that the journey towards belonging is ongoing and best pursued alongside community. This episode is a potent reminder of the power in owning your narrative and building inclusive spaces that allow everyone to thrive.

Published: 18.12.2025

Recorded: 21.05.2025 Episode Length

Duration: 0:55:32

Shownotes:

AI Extracts and Interpretations
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Other Links
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Clips and Timestamps

Discovering Identity Through Curiosity: “So I think in a strange way, my core nature of curiosity and wanting connection with the outside world led me to acting. And then I’m pretty sure it’s that that led me even deeper in myself to discover that I’m non binary and that my experience of the world is much more varied than I originally thought.”
— Sam Turlington [00:04:18 → 00:04:39]

The Art of Improvisation in Acting: “You don’t always need to know exactly what words and exactly what order are coming out of your mouth. But knowing what the journey’s going to be is incredibly important and a really good skill to have when you’re working on a very wordy play because your errors are going to happen, you’re going to make mistakes and recovering from that is really the mark of a true professional.”
— Sam Turlington [00:10:02 → 00:10:25]

Controversial Theatre Experiences: “Well, we all have to eat and we have jobs to do and we get hired to do these jobs. And sometimes the people that we’re working for are not great, but we don’t control who rents the theatre.”
— Sam Turlington [00:14:59 → 00:15:12]

Viral Topic: Gender Identity and Casting Choices
“Actually, how would you feel if we explore what this role’s gender identity actually is. Does it actually need to be a CIS man? It doesn’t have to be. Let’s see what happens.”
— Sam Turlington [00:17:40 → 00:17:52]

Reimagining Shakespearean Gender: “We changed all of Touchstone’s pronouns in the script so that even when other characters referred to them, they used these neo pronouns.”
— Sam Turlington [00:19:41 → 00:19:49]

Exploring Identity: “I’ve never really felt at home in the space that I was raised. I never felt at home in the gender assigned to this body by the space that I was raised in.”
— Sam Turlington [00:26:37 → 00:26:53]

Universal Feelings and Authenticity: “it’s not like CIS people don’t experience struggle or don’t experience, you know, the cognitive dissonance on the inside or these are all universal feelings, just some of us express them outwardly in a very different way.”
— Sam Turlington [00:28:26 → 00:28:37]

Viral Topic: Stereotypes in Casting
“as an actor stereotype is a little important because it gives you a quick flash look at something but then you have to get curious and go past the stereotype and able to actually be.”
— Sam Turlington [00:29:21 → 00:29:33]

Viral Topic: Body Positivity and Public Spaces
“It’s just wrong. It’s not.”
— Sam Turlington [00:33:15 → 00:33:17]

Viral Topic: The Emotional Toll of Anti-Queer Legislation
“But in all honesty, trans and non binary folk, all queer folk in America are in crisis right now. You know, we are dealing with, much like our siblings in the uk, our government constantly putting laws on our bodies and trying to limit our movement. And even if the legalities and the logistics are not permanent fixtures, the conversations around them, the constant checking in, the constant hearing, our identities weaponized, is exhausting and, you know, draining.”
— Sam Turlington [00:41:12 → 00:41:50]

Definition of Terms Used

What is a Multi-Hyphenate Creative?

Definition: A multi-hyphenate creative is an individual who pursues multiple creative roles or disciplines simultaneously, instead of specialising solely in one profession or artistic identity.
Relevance: In artistic and queer spaces, the term is often associated with authenticity and flexibility, allowing creatives to resist constraining binaries and to express a full spectrum of talents.
Examples: Someone who acts, produces, directs, and writes within the arts; a person who identifies not just as an actor but also as a filmmaker, playwright, and artist.
Related Terms: Polymath, Portfolio Career, Non-Binary Identity, Creative Arts
Common Misconceptions: Many believe a multi-hyphenate creative lacks focus or expertise, when in fact it denotes a breadth of capability rather than indecisiveness.

What are Neo-Pronouns?

Definition: Neo-pronouns are non-traditional pronouns adopted by some non-binary and gender-diverse individuals to better reflect their identities outside the standard he/she/they set.
Relevance: Neo-pronouns play a vital role in inclusive language and representation, allowing gender-diverse people to be seen and respected in creative, social, and professional spaces.
Examples: Pronouns such as ze/zir, xe/xem, or fae/faer used in theatre scripts or interpersonal interactions.
Related Terms: Pronoun Respect, Gender Identity, Non-Binary, LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
Common Misconceptions: Some assume neo-pronouns are merely ‘made-up’ or unnecessary, whereas they are an important part of authentic self-expression and support for gender-expansive lives.

What is Joy as Resistance?

Definition: Joy as resistance is the intentional practice of celebrating one’s identity, achievements, and community as an act of defiance against adversity, discrimination, or marginalisation.
Relevance: It is particularly significant in queer, trans, and activist spaces, signifying the power and necessity of joy in sustaining resilience and challenging societal oppression.
Examples: Hosting LGBTQ+ pride events, sharing stories of queer positivity, and intentionally seeking happiness in periods of political or social strife.
Related Terms: Radical Self-Acceptance, Community Building, Mental Health, Resilience
Common Misconceptions: Some may trivialise joy as resistance as superficial optimism, instead of recognising it as a profound political practice and survival mechanism.

What is Authentic Storytelling?

Definition: Authentic storytelling refers to the honest and unfiltered depiction of lived experiences, particularly those of marginalised identities, without resorting to stereotypes or external scripts.
Relevance: In creative and inclusion contexts, authentic storytelling challenges normative narratives and provides visibility and empathy for queer, trans, and multi-hyphenate individuals.
Examples: Theatre productions where a non-binary actor brings their real-life perspective to a character; scripts rewritten to more accurately reflect a character’s gender journey.
Related Terms: Inclusive Narratives, Empathy, Lived Experience, Queer Joy
Common Misconceptions: Some equate authentic storytelling simply with autobiography, overlooking the creative process of bringing lived truths to fictional or adapted roles.

What is a Stopping Ground (in terms of Identity Exploration)?

Definition: ‘Stopping ground’ refers to a phase or space in which an individual pauses or dwells during exploration of gender identity, without necessarily claiming it as a permanent destination.
Relevance: This concept illustrates the non-linear nature of gender journeys, particularly in the non-binary and trans communities, offering affirmation regardless of destination or duration.
Examples: Someone identifying as non-binary while questioning their gender, before ultimately settling on another identity; individuals finding comfort in a ‘middle’ identity for an extended period.
Related Terms: Gender Journey, Non-Binary, Exploration, Identity Fluidity
Common Misconceptions: It is sometimes mistakenly believed that stopping grounds mean indecision or invalidity, rather than a legitimate part of the journey towards finding one’s true self.

FAQ Reference

What is a Multi-Hyphenate Creative? – A person who actively pursues and excels in multiple creative roles, rejecting singular artistic labels and embracing broader self-expression.
What are Neo-Pronouns? – Pronouns like ze/zir or xe/xem adopted by gender-diverse individuals to better reflect identities outside the binary, advancing inclusion and authenticity.
What is Joy as Resistance? – The practice of celebrating one’s identity and community as an act of defiance against discrimination, especially within queer and trans movements.
What is Authentic Storytelling? – The portrayal of genuine lived experience within art or performance, centering marginalised narratives and challenging traditional scripts or stereotypes.
What is a Stopping Ground in Identity Exploration? – A stage or phase where individuals pause during their gender journey, reflecting the fluid and ongoing process of self-realisation.