In this episode Brena Jean (she/her) chats with us about believing yourself, the paradoxical and existential nature of living with lipedema, her experience of gender dysphoria as a cis Black femme, why it’s important to have affinity spaces as well as engage with diverse communities, and the healing potential of seeking softness.
Brena Jean is a passionate advocate dedicated to raising awareness about lipedema. As a fat, Black, queer, disabled, cis woman, Brena was diagnosed with lipedema in her late thirties, though she had been experiencing symptoms since she was around eleven years old. This delayed diagnosis fuels her mission to help others recognize the signs of lipedema and navigate the often complex and non-linear diagnosis process.
Her advocacy work is deeply personal, intersectional, and inclusive of all individuals assigned female at birth who make up the majority of people affected by lipedema.
Brena's goal is to normalize the conversation around Lipedema, ensure that Lipedema patients are included in the movement for fat liberation, and to provide a supportive community for those seeking diagnosis and treatment.
Content notes: mention of suicide, engagement with the medical industrial complex, detailed discussion of weight—including body shape, numbers on the scale, clothing size, and body policing
Show notes:
To keep up with Lipedema support group events, join Brena’s email list at www.brenajean.com, scroll down the home page until you see “Get The Good Stuff” and sign up there.
Brena’s Appeal to Kaiser Permanente
Lipedema Bodies Of Color Facebook Group
Lipedema Sisters Minnesota Facebook Group
This podcast is supported by a grant from the Awesome Foundation’s disability chapter.