Chris Tompkins: Raising LGBTQ Allies And Battling HIV StigmaChris Tompkins: Raising LGBTQ Allies And Battling HIV Stigma
The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast
Chris Tompkins knew he was gay at age 6, but things weren’t talked about openly in his home so he internalized the idea that it should remain a secret and he grew up ashamed, and hypervigilant. At 24, he came out and jumped into an LGBTQ community that used drugs and alcohol to deal with the internalized shame they’d felt in their own childhoods. Chris eventually moved to LA and he spent the next 11 years working at a gay bar in West Hollywood where the alcohol and drugs played an even bigger part of his life.
54:05•6 Dec 2022
Chris Tompkins: From Hidden Shame to Advocacy and Healing
“Maybe there are things that we're missing, and what Chris has done is given the people who want to be helpful and want to change the conversation in this coming generation a guide to how we can be the most useful, the most helpful and become the best allies in a world that still holds judgment and shame.”
Imagine knowing a core part of yourself from a young age but feeling you must keep it hidden. That's the journey Chris Tompkins shares in this episode of 'The Courage to Change: A Recovery Podcast'. Realizing he was gay at just six years old, Chris grew up in an environment where such truths were kept in the shadows. This secrecy led to a deep sense of shame and hypervigilance that followed him into adulthood.
At 24, Chris finally came out, diving into an LGBTQ community where drugs and alcohol were often used to cope with internalized shame. Moving to LA, he spent over a decade working at a gay bar in West Hollywood, where substance use became even more entrenched in his life. During his time in LA, Chris embarked on a spiritual quest, seeking a god who didn't reject him.
His journey took a sharp turn when he was diagnosed as HIV positive, forcing him to confront the stigma and outdated beliefs surrounding his condition. In a pivotal moment of self-reflection, Chris decided he could no longer balance his spiritual aspirations with his substance use and chose sobriety. Today, Chris is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, life coach, TEDx speaker, and author.
He shares insights on creating safe spaces for LGBTQ children, the importance of mindfulness in parenting, and breaking the silence on HIV stigma. Chris's story is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the healing potential of sharing one's truth. Tune in to hear how he transformed his life from one of hidden shame to one of advocacy and healing.
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