In this fascinating conversation, Courtney brakes down STI and herpes stigma, and how stigma around herpes cause more harm for people than anything else about it. Courtney unpacks why sexual health is mental health, and how the shame and fear that can come alongside living with herpes and other STIs can manifest in depression and isolation. Courtney also discusses with Jayda communication around sex and intimacy, how to actually bring up conversations around sexual health, and how having foundational conversations about things like STI testing and whatever else, can actually lead to greater intimacy and better sex. Courtney also talks about how he works with men around emotional wellness, and the complexities of encouraging Black men to be vulnerable, and the duality of how opening up can be something beneficial, but when it’s the opposite how they’ve been socialised that can bring up challenges. Lastly, somehow Courtney and Jayda got onto the topic of anime! They both geek out together but actually have a fascinating discussion about how Courtney feels anime is an amazing example of men inspiring emotional openness and navigating emotional hurdles. 

Follow Courtney Brame

Follow Jayda G

Follow Here's Hoping Podcast

More on our guest

Something Positive for Positive People

Courtney Brame is an Emotional Wellness Practitioner who runs the non-profit, Something Positive for Positive People, which supports people with herpes through the challenges of stigma. Courtney is also a yoga teacher and podcaster with a special focus on intimacy, and men’s mental and sexual health. 

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