Myles Sexton Is Having Courageous Conversations (Win!)

Do you prefer fitting in or standing out, and why? This pride month, 2SLGBTQIA+ community and HIV+/AIDS advocate Myles Sexton is leading Courageous Conversations to open minds and foster acceptance, community, empowerment and individuality. By using Courageous Conversation cards developed by DoorDash, Myles aims to encourage vulnerable discussions in support of continuing to raise awareness for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The Courageous Conversation cards serve as a tool to facilitate meaningful dialogue and create an inclusive space where everyone feels empowered to be their true selves. Here are some questions you’ll find in the cards: 

• Acceptance: How do you accept the things you can’t change? 
• Community: When you seek advice, who do you turn to and why? 
• Empowerment: What would you like your legacy to be? 
• Individuality: Is it easier to love others than to love yourself? If so, why? 

Individuals throughout Canada can enjoy complimentary Courageous Conversation cards shipped to their door, which will be also available for local delivery via DashMart locations across Canada this month. We chatted with Myles to learn more! —Noa Nichol

How have Courageous Conversations cards helped you in your personal advocacy for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and individuals living with HIV/AIDS?

A lot of my advocacy I do is online but for myself, sometimes the hardest conversations to have are with the people in my personal life. These cards are such a great way to start conversations with people who you don’t always feel comfortable starting and leading deeper conversations with but are involved in your life. They are formatted in a way that is not intimidating and really foster open dialogue!

Can you share a pivotal moment in your journey as an advocate where a courageous conversation made a significant impact on you or someone else?

We created video content with DoorDash for the cards, where I hadCourageous Conversations with five strangers. I asked each of them questions within each pillar that the cards focus on: acceptance, community, individuality, and empowerment.

By the end of each of the conversations I felt like I got to know each person on such a deep level. It seriously was such a beautiful moment that I have never shared between strangers before! It takes courage to be vulnerable, and through these cards, we found the courage to have real conversations that I still think about today!

In what ways do you see the Courageous Conversations cards fostering stronger connections and understanding within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and beyond?

As we evolve as a society, there has been a big focus on creating safe spaces for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Change can be very scary and intimidating for people. These cards really help break down barriers that exist around these conversations by taking a first step to establish trust between people and showcase courage through vulnerability. The goal with these cards is to have them lead to even deeper and more conversations around acceptance.

Empowerment is a key theme in your advocacy work. How do you believe Courageous Conversations cards can empower individuals to embrace their true selves and advocate for others?

The more we can be honest and open with the people around us, the less we have to hide parts of ourselves and we can begin to focus on living exactly who we are born to be! My hope is that through connection and conversations, people not only love themselves deeper, but feel more connected and safe with the people around them. This can inspire people to advocate for others.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and how do you see tools like Courageous Conversations cards contributing to this vision?

I hope that we can fight against the rise in anti-2SLGBTQIA+ policies and create a safer world for our community.

People fear what they don’t understand, and when we can attach a very human story or experience to what we experience and face in our lives, it can really create collective positive change. For many 2SLGBTQIA+ people, we often have to create our own families called “chosen families.”

Final, fun question: what’s your favourite, number 1 indulgent thing to order via DoorDash (truth time!!!)?

I have a horrible dairy allergy, but getting some fresh cheese wontons with Green Dragon Sushi Rolls is my go-to!

Win! A $100 DoorDash Gift Card + The Courageous Conversations Cards

Congrats Susan N. of Winnipeg, MB, who will receive a $100 DoorDash Gift Card + The Courageous Conversations Cards! Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.