Episode 13: Loving The Skin I’m In
Meet Bray. A 34-year-old gay black man who was adopted and raised by white parents. Questions of identity and navigating micro aggressions when others around you don’t is but a fraction of Bray’s experience navigating his identity in a white world. Social constructs of what is ‘Black’ or what is ‘White’ all come into question. How do you navigate social expectations and take pride in who you are when most don’t understand or relate to your experiences?
The Salad of Identity
Braydon Jordheim's story begins in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was born, then adopted and raised in the picturesque yet predominantly white province of Saskatchewan, Canada. His upbringing was one of love and acceptance, a narrative that broke down the barriers often associated with multiracial families. But beyond this familial love, Bray's journey reveals the complexities faced by racial minorities within white-dominated spaces.
Bray's narrative is both compelling and deeply personal. He recounts growing up feeling like the "other" in a sea of whiteness, a sentiment that echoes in many underrepresented communities around the world. He reflects on moments from his youth, dealing with microaggressions and the subtle, often unintentional biases that many racialized individuals encounter daily.
Finding His Voice
In his story, Bray touches upon the transformative power of self-discovery that many encounter as they navigate their 20s and 30s. Modeling became a turning point for him, helping him embrace his Blackness in a society that often holds Eurocentric beauty standards. This newfound confidence, largely nurtured through positive representation and self-acceptance, allowed Bray to stand tall in spaces where he once felt unseen.
His reflections are not just a personal journey, but a universal call to those engaged with the concepts of race and whiteness. Bray encourages listeners to meet people where they are in their stories—an invitation to understand rather than judge.
Community and Belonging
Bray's sentiments are further amplified by the supportive voices of his hosts, Hostion and Andrea, who bring their own unique experiences to the discussion. Their candid exchanges remind us that while our paths to self-acceptance may differ, the shared struggle for identity and the pursuit of belonging remain universal threads in our narratives.
Through their conversation, the trio underlines the necessity of finding joy and resilience amidst adversity. Bray's simple yet profound advice to those entering predominantly white spaces is to hold one's head high and to protect their own energy, seeking out those who offer genuine acceptance.
A Call For Change
As the conversation steers towards the future, Bray's hope for more inclusive spaces resonates deeply. It's a call to action, challenging the constructs of race and whiteness, fostering an environment where everyone—regardless of race, background, or culture—can find a sense of belonging.
Bray's story, much like a vibrant salad, is a blend of experiences, challenges, and triumphs. It serves as a poignant reminder that our identities are not defined by societal expectations, but by the journeys we undertake and the people who walk alongside us.
In a world often divided by lines of race and identity, "Canadian Salad" offers a sanctuary of understanding and dialogue, inviting us all to partake in a feast of conversations that nourish the soul and ignite change.