In this episode, Staci Bratten shares her journey as a trans-woman, highlighting the power of self-expression and identity in preventing suicide. After hiding her true self for years, a therapist's words led to her liberation. Her story emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's identity and its impact on mental health and confidence.

Our guest shares the impact of her first negative disclosure experience and how it shaped her future interactions. After her HSV-2 diagnosis, she confided in a friend who advised her to keep it a secret. This advice conflicted with her true self, leading to a journey of acceptance and honest communication about her status. We discuss how initial reactions to disclosures can profoundly affect our approach to relationships and self-worth.

In SPFPP Episode 103, we explore the challenges of dating with herpes. Our guest shares her reasons for only dating others with herpes, highlighting that rejection, ghosting, and other dating hurdles still exist regardless of STI status. The conversation emphasizes understanding intentions behind dating choices and prioritizing being truly seen in relationships over merely being accepted.

In SPFPP Episode 102, we discuss the often overlooked challenges of herpes advocacy. Sharing personal stories can be empowering but also carries risks. This episode offers crucial insights for those inspired to disclose their herpes status publicly, helping them make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of advocacy.

In SPFPP Episode 101, we explore how a herpes diagnosis can trigger a deeper identity crisis. Often, the stigma and physical discomfort overshadow the root issue—our beliefs about ourselves. We discuss strategies to reconnect with your true identity and build self-worth beyond your diagnosis.

Welcome to Something Positive for Positive People, hosted by Courtney Brame. This inclusive podcast provides a hub of sex-positive resources, featuring stories from people living with STDs such as herpes, HIV, and HPV. By sharing experiences, it aims to help listeners navigate the dating world, deal with stigma, and understand that life continues after a diagnosis. The podcast also addresses social issues like sex education, race, reproductive rights, and mental health. As a 501c3 nonprofit, donations help expand its reach and support those affected by STIs.

In SPFPP Episode 100, we celebrate a milestone with a discussion on maintaining confidence and creating safe spaces for sexually charged conversations. Our guest shares her experience with a recent genital HSV-1 diagnosis and the importance of respecting boundaries in growing communities. Tune in for listener Q&A and reflections on the journey so far.

Navigating relationships isn't just about heading towards marriage; it's about how we relate to others. In episode 99 of SPFPP, Dr. Evelin Dacker introduces the STARS method—a conscious, intentional formula to guide important conversations around sexual health, turn-ons, boundaries, relationship intentions, and safety. This tool helps people living with herpes facilitate integrative disclosures, ensuring compatibility and communication before revealing their STI status. Download and listen now for practical advice on building healthier connections.

Episode 98 of SPFPP addresses the vital need for honest sex education, particularly within oppressed communities. Our guest, a sex educator, discusses the systemic challenges and racial dynamics that hinder effective sexual education. Through recent episodes, we've highlighted the distinct experiences of black individuals facing sexual health issues, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive, truthful education to protect youth from deception and empower them with knowledge.

In this powerful episode, we hear from a 25-year-old black woman who has been living with genital herpes for over 10 years. She shares her harrowing experiences of sexual abuse and the normalization of dysfunctional behaviors in her community, emphasizing the critical need for open conversations about sexual health and the elimination of secrecy to prevent abuse and support healing.

In Episode 95 of SPFPP, we delve into the pervasive issue of stigma perpetuated by healthcare professionals, focusing on a recent incident with @codebluememes. This episode highlights the damaging effects of such judgment on patients with herpes and mental health issues, emphasizing the need for empathetic and stigma-free healthcare environments.

Episode 94 of SPFPP dives into the concept of queerness defined as "Thought Beyond the Binary." Host Courtney Brame and guest Liza discuss the importance of pronoun recognition, the evolution of attraction and dating, and how queer perspectives challenge traditional binary thinking. This episode sheds light on how embracing non-conformity can lead to an abundance mindset in various life aspects.

Tyler Wilps talks to us about the Trek Coalition, an organization that overlaps into the reproductive wellness sector with us by providing cervical cancer screenings to women in Ecuador. Tyler’s organization highlights the importance and effectiveness of good humans practicing medicine. Check the show notes for how to help!

In this heartfelt episode, we address the serious emotional impact of a herpes diagnosis, including depression and suicide ideation. With 6% of our listeners reporting attempted suicide, this episode is a reminder that you are essential and valued. We discuss the importance of community support and our goal to present SPFPP at STD Engage to further spread awareness and provide resources.

Trigger warning: this episode covers domestic abuse. We focus on self-image and body positivity. Check your self-talk and challenge negative thoughts with loving actions. Help us by taking a survey to support SPFPP’s goal of making support easier to find for those diagnosed with herpes. Special guest Emily "Keanunani" Arnstein shares her journey from struggling with self-image to empowering others through body positivity and Hawaiian hula.

How does the masculine deal with a herpes diagnosis?

One of my favorite people I've yet to meet in real life, Christie Federico, Sexuality & Soul Alignment Coach joins SPFPP for a very lighthearted, fun conversation about self-worth. Applied to dating, it is important to know who you are, what's important to you, and have ways to identify if what's important to you is also important to prospective partners. Get this dating advice from a dating coach and if you're someone who'd like support in your dating life, don't hesitate to reach out to Christie about coaching! About Christie: Christie Federico, M.Ed., is a Relationship + Sexual Empowerment Coach. She works with individuals and groups, helping them feel confident and fully expressed in their bodies, sexualities, and entire lives. Christie empowers her clients to align all aspects of their lives with their authentic selves so they can lead a life of meaning, deep connection, pleasure, and fulfillment. Visit www.christiefederico.com and follow her on Instagram @christiefederico. If you have the means and want to support what we're doing at SPFPP, visit www.spfpp.org and consider donating what you can to help us continue to expand. Stay Sex Positive!