Dating brings up many questions and uncertainties for persons who stutter (PWS), such as whether or not to disclose, and when and how to bring it up. Introducing stuttering to the friends, parents and family of dating partners is another. Stuttering is at the forefront of our minds and it is on full display. This can cause uncomfortable feelings of inadequacy, and heightens our vigilance for signs of disapproval or rejection. What should be an empowering experience turns into a stressful, sometimes deflating one. The drive to meet that special someone keeps us trying.
Join us for an interactive online discussion about the challenges and triumphs of dating while living with a stutter on Sunday, March 27, 2022, from 3 to 5 p.m. EST. The discussion, suitable to older teens and adults, will be led and facilitated by Jaleesa Bygrave, PWS and Social Worker. Jaleesa, along with an invited guest, will share their own lived experiences with dating and relationships to begin a discussion that is sure to provide valuable insights into personal narratives of disclosure, struggles with identity, and messages of hope and resilience as they relate to navigating romantic relationships. You will be invited to share your experiences and insights, too.
The session will aim to provide helpful strategies to support dating confidence and success. We look forward to seeing you then!
Meet the Speakers
Jaleesa Bygrave uses she/her pronouns and identifies as a black female. Jaleesa brings a breadth of experience from a wide variety of social work settings. Previously, she has worked in child welfare, community development and engagement, health promotion, HIV and AIDS supportive services, and community safety/corrections. In these capacities, Jaleesa has supported clients contending with a multitude of social issues, some of which include addictions, mental health, child abuse and neglect, chronic disease management, poverty, homelessness, grief and bereavement, family violence, racial discrimination, and LGBTQ+ stigma. Jaleesa is the founder of Your Voice: Counselling Services for clients who have experienced discrimination based on factors such as race and ability.
Devon Kirchner is a queer woman who stutters located in the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, also known as Vancouver. She is part owner of Windsor Meat Co., a chain of butcher shops in the Greater Vancouver Area. Devon is passionate about all things food and loves to inspire those around her to discover a love for home cooking.
Please note that this session is suitable for older teens and adults of all ages.
Reserve your front-row seat for only $10! Can’t make it? No problem. Register and you will be able to view a recording of the session at a more convenient time.
PLUS! For every $20 you donate to the CSA through the registration form, you will be entered in a draw to win a $100 gift card of your choice! The deadline to enter the draw is 12 p.m. EST on Sunday, March 27.