Who am I?
I’m Ryan Shaw–a gay man from Prince Edward Island, Canada, navigating life at the intersection of queer identity and mental health. For years, I have struggled with anxiety, depression, and self-worth, shaped by the quiet weight of feeling like I had to hide the person I am.
Alongside this very personal journey, I hold a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario. My academic background sharpened my ability to think critically and communicate effectively–skills I now bring to bear on issues that are close to my heart.
I created Mindful and Prideful as a way to reclaim my story, speak openly about mental health and queerness, and build community with others who might see themselves in my experiences. Writing is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. Now, I’m finally ready.
What is Mindful and Prideful?
Mindful and Prideful is a space for honest, vulnerable reflection on mental health and queer identity. It’s about acknowledging the pain and confusion that can come with being different–and finding power in embracing these experiences and speaking the truth anyway.
Here, I explore how anxiety and depression are often intertwined with the experience of growing up as an LGBTQIA2S+ individual, while also examining the broader social and political forces that shape our lives. This Substack blends personal storytelling with critical insight, grounded in both lived experience and academic perspective.
Above all, Mindful and Prideful is a safe space–for readers who have struggled, who are still struggling, or who want to understand more deeply. Through weekly posts, I hope to create connection, reduce stigma, and help others feel less alone.
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Subscribe to Mindful and Prideful to keep up with stories of mental health, self-acceptance, and LGBTQIA2S+ issues and to access publication archives.
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