Think Queerly

Here's an alternative to reading the news, getting upset, and wondering how we can stop anti-2SLGBTQ prejudice and hate-fuelled movements:  Study and understand history. What's happening in the world today, is not just about 2SLGBTQ rights and freedoms, it's about our common humanity and the ethical belief that no one person is superior to another.  Links mentioned in the episode can be...

Jade Pichette (they/them) is an inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility professional based in Tkarón:to/Toronto. Currently Jade serves as the Director of Programs at Pride at Work Canada where they work with over 250 large employers across Canada around gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation inclusion.  Previously Jade served as the Volunteer and Community Outreach Coor...

In this episode, we talk about Mark recently turning 60, the fallacy of multi-passionate creatives, and what success really means.  But our primary focus is Mark's signature approach to productivity, his Only 10s framework. He jokes that if you were to show him your to-do list, it would be like reading tarot cards. He would be able to tell you in an instant what you value, what you like and dislik...

Many people think that you need to come out to be your "authentic self." What does "being authentic" really mean? How is that advice helpful if you're in the closet and have been struggling to come out for years? What if you've been married for decades and are afraid about who you might hurt and what you might lose? If you're in the closet and thinking about coming out, or if you know of someone w...

In this episode, I speak with Leadership and Organizational Development Coach, Jeremy Long about the power of self-mastery for queer people. Jeremy Long is a Queer man, Coach, and founder of the Conscious Queer Community . He also is the owner of Enhance Leadership as a Leadership and Organizational Development Coach. Click here for the show notes , video, and links mentioned in the episode:  ☞ ht...

"Until I was 19 (in 1984), and for almost 15 years, I felt a combination of fear, guilt, shame, unrequited desire, silence, isolation, and otherness." Self-examination and knowing the events, the people, the environments, and the conditions that shaped your past are useful information. This is your personal narrative — and you can do with it what you please. In my case, I was determined to live be...

In this re-cast of the inaugural episode of the Queering Self-Mastery Podcast, I explain, The difference between the Think Queerly Podcast and Queerly Self-Mastery My reasons for creating a new Substack newsletter. What I mean by 'queering self-mastery.' Why you should subscribe and how Queering Self-Mastery will make a transformational difference in your life. ☞ Subscribe to Queering Self-Mastery...

We start at the very beginning: why she decided to join the Canadian Military.  Douglas shares her story of what that was like, falling in love with another woman in her unit for the first time, being honourably discharged, and what happened after. Ironically, Douglas worked for the Canadian Department of Justice for many years, while working in advocacy to keep the government accountable.  Dougla...

For once, I'm the one being asked the questions! Enjoy this re-cast of the podcast, 40 Plus: Gay Men. Gay Talk, hosted by Rick Clemons. "Ever feel challenged to live an inspired queer life? Feeling aimless and not sure what is next? Fellow Queer coach Darren Stehle challenges us to take a deeper step into self-mastery, ideation, and the journey of inspired action to live our most powerful lives as...

Without values, it’s challenging to create a long-term life plan.  If you don’t know what’s most important to you, you can’t make choices based on integrity. Values are the compass that keeps you on the path to accomplishing your most meaningful goals and dreams.  When you know what’s essential and meaningful, you can skillfully respond with choices and actions that are in alignment with whom you...

Self-talk that creates self-judgement, comparison, and shame is not self-empowering. It’s downright unhealthy and damaging to your self-esteem! If you’ve truly done something wrong you feel guilt about, own up to it. However, if you’re struggling with something not going to plan — for example, how to make more money, get a better job, or why your business isn’t growing — consider if you’re missing...

Ever since I was a little boy, I’ve dreamt small. I was a sickly child with severe ADHD. I had a learning disability that made it hard for me to read letters. And I was gay without knowing what that meant. Other kids and a few teachers made me feel like an outsider and not good enough. My health issues, which attracted unwanted attention, and being in the closet kept me fearful of freely expressin...

In this week's episode, I speak with Omid Razavi, the Executive Director, and Ethan Berkeley-Garcia, Youth Ambassador of It Gets Better Canada. I had such a great time hosting this interview. It's clear to me how committed both Omid and Ethan are to this important organization and the impact it's had on their own lives. Complete show notes, bios, and links ☞ https://darrenstehle.com/it-gets-better...

In neuroscience, the ACC is an acronym for the anterior cingulate cortex , the part of the brain commonly called the animal or mammalian brain. Most animals have basic needs like food, shelter, safety, and procreation. If those needs are met, the animal feels safe. If not, they feel higher levels of stress and threat. Humans have the same needs. The ACC has a second meaning from a personal leaders...

In this episode, I speak with the Co-Director, Producer, and Editor of the film, Chelle Turingan. Organizing in church basements, classrooms and around kitchen tables, they take on a conservative town council that won’t fly a rainbow flag and bend some rules to create a safe space for youth to come out. Despite experiences of isolation and discrimination, they love their communities and strive to...

You have the power to demand inclusion, dignity, and respect 365 days a year because you can take your purchasing power elsewhere. But don’t sit in silence with your decision to support LGBTQ+ businesses or allies. ☞ Read the full article here . ********** As a queer thought leader, neuro-coach, writer, and podcaster, Darren Stehle helps LGBTQ+ creators and change-makers develop their self-mastery...

We are overwhelmed by the untenable problems in the world and have little capacity left to feel like we have the agency to make a difference. Even for those of us with practiced emotional resilience, we face moments when we can’t take it anymore. When that happens, you need to take care of yourself, calm your reactive emotions and mind, and find ways to reconnect with other people who embody under...

These tests can be a leaping-off-point, but not a justification for who you are, perhaps for the simple reason that they are not factual. Find out why I don't use these kinds of tests with my clients and why I think they can be used as an excuse or a crutch. Read the article ☞ Are Personality Assessments Like Myers-Briggs and Enneagrams Useful When You’re Working with a Coach? Discover my IDEA(tio...

Sincerely held religious beliefs lack critical thought. They’re unreasonable towards people who don’t believe or disagree. Pre-judgement of non-believers is what makes them hypocritical. ☞ Read the original post Articles mentioned in the episode: The Threat of Religious Extremism and Radicalized Individuals to the Common Good “Sincerely Held Religious Beliefs” – A Specious Defence of Prejudice Hos...

In every aspect of how Dax Moy shows up in the world is his desire to help people experience themselves as the version of themselves that they most want to meet. Dax is a coach, educator, mentor, author, public speaker, and strength trainer. He was my coach for a year and a half while I was part of his MindMap Mastery Coach training program. Click here to read the show notes or watch the video.  -...

"Just think positive," they say.  "It will all work out for the best," said someone who wants to be helpful but doesn't know what to do. If you want to experience more peace of mind, calm, and happiness, you don't want to think positively. Listen in to find out can do instead. Read the post: " Why Positive Thinking Is a Waste of Your Time ." Every Thursday at 1 PM (EST), I offer a free 1:1 coachin...

We are a species connected by our shared humanity but we act ever-more separate due to the liberalism myth of individuality . We live in a paradoxical duality: Our humanity connects us, but it doesn’t necessarily protect us. This is especially true for LGBTQ+ people in Poland, Chechnya, and Russia. Dominant religious myths and political parties have deemed our lives a threat to societal mores and...

Tim McCaskell's book, "Queer Progress: From Homophobia to Homonationalism," is a memoir and analysis of early Toronto gay and lesbian liberation politics, HIV/AIDS activism, queer social justice, and the rise of neoliberalism from 1974 to 2014. In this episode, we talk about the book as a way of understanding where we are now in 2022, and where things are headed socially and politically from an in...

Joy can be found in the most mundane things and moments in life, so the more mindful we are of what makes us feel joy, the happier we will be. Nathan Serrato of Queer Conscious and I take a deep dive into what joy means and how to experience more of it every day — especially as LGBTQ2+ people.  Click here for show notes , links, and the full video of the episode. *********** If you’re an LGBTQ cre...

Covering chapters such as Breaking Down the Alphabet and The Importance of Safe Space, Michael shows the importance of allyship in the workplace and engaging with employees, to interactions with volunteers, students, parishioners, or just everyday people on the street. "Alphabet Soup: The Essential Guide to LGBTQ2+ Inclusion at Work" is now available for pre-order. Read the complete show notes: Mi...