In this episode we cover why we still need LGBTQ+ pride in 2026 from both Casey Anne and Bob's perspectives and including data from the ACLU and HRC.

In Episode 5 of the Affirming Practice Podcast we dive into the idea of "blind -isms" including colorblind racism and the harm "I don't see you gender/orientation, I just see human" can do. Discover why allyship means actively choosing to see, validate, and celebrate people's lived experiences of intersectional identities. Whether you are looking to understand structural biases, learn more about identities different from your own, or figure out what allyship and building affirming spaces looks like in your life, this conversation is for you.Put It Into Practice: Have you ever been on the giving or receiving end of a "blind-ism"? What does it mean to you to be fully seen? Let us know in the comments below, or drop a question in our Google Form linked here: https://forms.gle/wEM9dbByuw8HQNr1A.00:00 - The Emotional Pain of Not Being Seen 01:02 - Welcome to the Podcast & Introduction to "Blind-isms" 01:51 - What is Colorblind Racism? (Eduardo Bonilla-Silva's Framework) 03:24 - Overcoming the "I Don't See Race" Mindset 04:28 - Why Gender Visibility Matters: Bathrooms, Pronouns & Dysphoria 06:43 - Challenging Cisnormative and Heteronormative Assumptions 08:13 - Storytime: A Church Conflict Over Pride Flags & Homophobia 11:10 - The Risks of LGBTQ+ Visibility & Street Harassment 13:15 - Finding Hope: The Importance of Visible Queer Adults 15:45 - "Pray the Hate Away" & Confronting Bigotry Online 16:59 - Dynamic Physical Disabilities & Invisible Illnesses 19:35 - Late-Diagnosed Neurodivergence (Adult Autism & ADHD) 23:04 - Sensory Processing and Environmental Awareness 26:20 - Demystifying Privilege: Why It's a Morally Neutral Fact 30:53 - Intersectionality: When Identity Makes Life Harder 32:40 - Put It Into Practice: Homework for the Comments! 34:14 - Final Thoughts: Celebrating Unbridled Queer Joy

In this episode we break down the idea of a social construct and how these "made up" ideas and societal ideals impact people's lives in real ways. From gender and sexuality to profession, race, and disability, social constructs shape our lives.Join us as we share personal stories about unpacking privilege, navigating safety, challenging harmful biases, and learning how questioning the constructs we are raised with is a vital step toward genuine allyship.00:00 - Introduction: What is a Social Construct?01:03 - Meet the Hosts: Dr. Casey Anne Brimmer & Pastor Bob Ierien 01:31 - Unpacking Personal Identities (Non-Binary & Pastoral) 04:30 - Do Identities Mean the Same Thing to Everyone? 05:37 - Respecting Pronouns & Navigating Personal Definitions 07:48 - A Deep Dive into Social Construction Theory 11:51 - Discussing Privilege and Safety in Society 15:02 - Chosen Identity vs. Inherent Identity 17:22 - Storytime: How Children Are Taught Social Constructs 19:22 - The Medical Model vs. The Social Model of Identity 23:16 - Language, Slang, and Sex as Social Constructs 25:20 - Race, History, and the Misuse of Scripture 28:40 - The Context of "Homosexuality" in Biblical Translations 34:04 - Real Implications: When Social Constructs Lead to Real Harm 37:12 - Experimenting with Identity Like Clothes 39:50 - Navigating Closets, Stereotypes, and Fear for Safety 44:02 - Privilege is Not a Right: Creating Safe Spaces in Community 47:50 - Free Speech, Actions, and Facing Consequences 49:16 - The Rewards of Being a Good Human 50:41 - Put it into Practice & Final Reflections Put it into practice: What questions do you have about gender, sexuality, disability, or other socially constructed identities? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, or use the link below to ask anonymously!https://forms.gle/tzdXkAFJDzkL4VfT6