‘There’s a tremendous amount of problems in the world…and it’s easier to distract from that by picking an other, a small minority and crushing it,’ Steffi Bower Pole Pod

Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicidal thoughts, body dysmorphia and body dysphoria.
A message from Steffi:
‘I wasn’t totally thrilled with how I spoke about the issue of trans inclusion in sports. I want to clarify that my answers reflect my own insecurities about my passing and my own femininity. I approach the issue with empathy but I think it is important to recognize that in the vast majority of the time this “debate” is not had in good faith. Trans people belong in sports, in the space that is valid for them.’
I met Steffi Bower at PSO Zurich on one of the hottest days of the summer last year. 
Steffi identifies as a trans woman and here we talk about her experience as a pole competitor and how pole has helped her with her mental health and with body dysmorphia and dysphoria. We talk about injuries, her history with concussion and the inclusion of trans people in sport. 
Links:
Steffi’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/s_lococcus?igsh=MTJqb2I4ZXBheDNudw==
Support for trans, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people and their families:
https://mermaidsuk.org.uk
Transgender Resources:
https://glaad.org/transgender/resources/
Contact Samaritans:
Call 116121 - Helpline for all of Europe
https://www.samaritans.org/scotland/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
List of International Mental Health Hotlines:
https://www.nivati.com/blog/international-mental-health-hotlines

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.