Uncomfortable Stories (And Why We Tell Them Anyway)

tough topics, who cares, the nerve

Author

Laura Paisley Beck
July 16, 2025

Table of Contents

Why Are We Uncomfortable At All?

In this wide wild world, it would be unreasonable to expect everyone to be the same. The trick is embracing differences and also recognizing that discomfort is a natural initial reaction. Key word: initial.

My hope for amplifying marginalized voices is to help people embrace differences with respect and without intended harm. Sure, we’re hitting some nerves with our tough topics, and then there’s salve in the Comments, too.

Reasons We Share Our Stories

  1. Because playing small serves no one - Your authentic voice matters more than your comfort zone

  2. Because your obstacles are someone else's roadmap - What felt like your worst moment might be exactly what helps someone else navigate theirs

  3. Because someone out there needs to hear YOUR specific story - Not a similar one, not a better one - yours

  4. Because representation changes minds - When people see authentic humanity instead of caricatures, discomfort transforms into understanding

  5. Because waiting for permission means waiting forever - The world needs your perspective now, not when it feels "safe" to share

  6. Because your story builds bridges - Between different experiences, different communities, different ways of being human

  7. Because silence keeps harmful myths alive - When we don't share our truths, other people fill in the blanks with fear-based assumptions

✨ Stories Yet To Be Shared: Upcoming Guests ✨

Thank you to everyone who Subscribed to the Be the Glitter Podcast on YouTube and is following the clips on TikTok! When you Subscribe, Like, Comment and Share:

  • we feed the positive algorithm and extend the reach

  • we help curious minds get the truth from brilliant professionals

  • we support struggling individuals who need to hear hope

Right?! I know, I’m wearing, of all colors, BLUE on my preliminary call with the next Be the Glitter guest. You just wait until you see and hear the brilliant, passionate, inspirational Angelica Polmonari! She’s our global gender equity advocate from Italy and she’s on fire. 🔥

Upcoming guests: Angelica Polmonari and Kelsay Elizabeth Myers!

Inclusivity Language Tip: Comments That Connect Instead of Exclude

Instead of: "That's not my experience" or "I don't see it that way" Try: "Thank you for sharing your perspective - I hadn't thought about it from that angle"

The Glitter: You acknowledge their truth without dismissing it OR requiring yourself to agree. You're showing curiosity instead of defensiveness.

For TikTok/YouTube specifically:

  • "This gave me something to think about" (even if you disagree)

  • "Appreciate you taking time to share your story"

  • "Thanks for the different perspective"

Micro-aggression buster… 

Instead of: "You're so articulate!" (implies surprise) Try: "Your point about [specific topic] really resonated with me"

The Glitter: Focus on WHAT they said, not HOW they said it or WHO is saying it.

Remember: The goal isn't to agree with everyone - it's to show you see them as fully human, even when you disagree.

One sentence rule: If your comment starts with "But..." or "Actually..." pause and rewrite it to start with curiosity instead of correction.

Simple but powerful! ✨

If You’re Not IN With Inclusivity, You’re OUT Of Touch.

Love the Slogan?

How fun! "If you're not IN with Inclusivity, you're OUT of touch" designs are now available – wear your commitment to create safe spaces proudly!

Sending you lots of love,

Laura