Intersecting Identities: Coming Out and Living with CF
Episode Description:
In this powerful episode of Our Fight to Breathe, host Caleigh Haber sits down with Brandon Wright, a 37-year-old licensed social worker and certified dementia practitioner living with cystic fibrosis. Brandon shares his deeply personal journey of navigating identity at the intersection of chronic illness and being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, offering insights that extend far beyond his individual experience.
Brandon's story illuminates the unique challenges faced by those living with multiple identities, particularly how the experience of "coming out" with CF prepared him for coming out as a gay man. Through honest conversation, he explores themes of acceptance, advocacy, and finding community in spaces where isolation often feels inevitable.
Key Topics Covered:
- The parallels between disclosing chronic illness and sexual identity
- Navigating healthcare systems as an LGBTQIA+ person with CF
- Building resilience through community connection and advocacy
- The importance of inclusive healthcare practices for diverse patient populations
- Practical strategies for finding support within both CF and LGBTQIA+ communities
- Creating safe spaces and fostering allyship in chronic illness communities
This episode offers valuable perspectives for anyone living with chronic illness, healthcare providers seeking to better serve diverse patients, family members and caregivers, and allies looking to create more inclusive spaces. Brandon's journey demonstrates the power of authentic storytelling and community connection in building resilience and finding joy amid life's challenges.
This podcast is for educational and support purposes. Always consult with healthcare professionals for medical advice.
Creators and Guests
Host
Caleigh Haber-Takayama
I'm Caleigh Haber, a cystic fibrosis warrior, two-time double lung transplant recipient, and passionate advocate for the chronic illness community. Born with CF, I've navigated countless surgeries and medical challenges while choosing to live each day to the fullest in honor of my donors and with deep gratitude for my supportive community. Through Fight2Breathe and my podcast "Our Fight to Breathe," I advocate for the cystic fibrosis, organ transplant, and rare disease communities, working to raise awareness and inspire others to thrive despite their challenges.
Guest
Brandon Wright
Brandon Wright is a 37-year-old living with cystic fibrosis in Ohio, where he shares his life with his husband Tim and their beloved pets. He is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), and an active advocate within the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) community. Brandon has spoken at the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, participates in focus groups such as “SHARING and PRIDE,” and mentors others through Peer Connect. His writing, including the piece “owning his story,” explores themes of vulnerability, courage, and authenticity at the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and chronic illness. Brandon’s dedication to advocacy, support, and fostering resilience makes him a respected and inspiring voice in both the CF and LGBTQIA+ communities.