Episode 11 - Embracing Our Multifaceted Identities with Jenna Madden
By Jessica Garrison
Welcome to the final blog of season four! We’ve had so many incredible, insightful guests this season, but I’m definitely partial to this one. Jenna Madden, who identifies as a nonbinary queer person, has been one of my best friends since high school, and I’m so thankful they accepted the invitation to be featured on an episode of our podcast. Even though Jenna is a year younger than me, they have always been someone I’ve looked up to and aspired to be more like.
Self care can seem really scary at first, especially if someone else seems to have the hang of it and you’re just learning. But for Jenna, self care is all about the basics and doing whatever makes them feel good. Whether it be a deep breathing exercise or taking a break to hydrate, Jenna says, “it’s important to nourish yourself.” They’re also a fan of playing the guitar, running, swimming, and playing soccer. Even if they aren’t necessarily the best at a certain activity, Jenna likes to let loose and finds peace in participating in anything that keeps them grounded.
When talking about boundaries, one word that Jenna mentioned was consent, and I don’t think there is a better word to fit this topic. Jenna provides the example that not everyone enjoys hugs, so it’s okay to tell someone you’re not comfortable with your space being violated. Even if something may seem small to you, it’s important to build the self confidence to trust your feelings and express them. Not everyone has the same level of comfort, and Jenna tries to motivate those around them to be aware that they have control over their own bodies.
Not only has the guitar helped Jenna understand the importance of self care, but it’s also helped them understand the connection between mental and physical health. Not only does listening to music comfort them mentally, but being able to physically play an instrument also helps to get out anxieties and frustrations. Jenna believes that therapy is for everyone but understands that not everyone may have the same resources as them. They provide other outlets, such as journaling or the Youper app, which guides you through therapy exercises to help calm anxiety.
Jenna is also a big believer in “your struggle is my struggle.” In their free time, Jenna enjoys advocating for others and spreading awareness around their community. So many groups are oppressed in our world, and we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience joy and to live their life to the fullest.
Oppression and systems of power also influence the expectations we have of others and ourselves. I’ve never thought of this perspective before, but they’re absolutely right. Jenna says there’s no simple answer to living out of your own expectations because there are so many elements that can affect the way we see this. Even when it came to accepting themself, it was difficult for Jenna to come to terms with their queer identity because of all the expectations thrown their way, such as not dressing like a stereotypical queer person. Jenna says it was important to remind themself that “you know you the best,” and finding a sense of community has helped in so many ways.
Jenna spoke during the episode about their identity, and how multifaceted people are. You are more than just one thing at any given moment, and that’s why it’s so important for everyone to embrace their layers. I have always been a big believer in intersectional feminism because, like Jenna said, we are more than just one thing. We are more than just our race or religion or sexual orientation; every part of us is beautiful and deserves to be celebrated. Jenna credits their time at Barnard College for helping them understand the complexity of the world. There’s a freedom to dismantling the boxes that society tries to put us in by embracing your true self.
You will not be disappointed with Jenna’s episode. They have so much encouragement and wisdom to offer (I couldn’t possibly fit it all in one blog). Be sure to follow us on social media for posts and updates throughout the summer, and we’ll see you all in the fall!