Split up into 3 parts, Catherine and Francis’ conversation with Syd Yang (they/them) – a mixed race queer/non-binary healer, writer, intuitive artist and healing justice organizer – they talk about how magic, possibility, and intention are held at the core of Syd’s practice. They share their perspectives on body liberation, providing space to consider what liberation means and is for individuals. They walk listeners through a story of connection and community, and how little moments of connection are transformative. Syd also challenges all of us to think about how we show up in this world – one designed to oppress and deny healing -- and whether we are willing to give up power to alleviate suffering. They share a powerful message that when we see each other, that’s a moment where we can move towards justice and healing.

Syd Yang (they/them) Syd drops wisdom about: Rendering the Impossible, Befriending our Grief, Curiosity about who we are Being Called to be at this time, Bird Medicine and Magic, Seedlings. What and How we Will Choose to Grow, The Possible Emerging From Experiences of Restriction. Grief and Rage, The Sweetness Encapsulated in the Process of Grieving What we Have Lost, Movement Building, What Most Needs Our Attention at This Time, Intimacy with Our Emotions, The Natural World, The Cycle of Life and Death Joy

In this episode, Syd and I talk about growing up Christian evangelical and the limiting gendered roles they were expected to uphold, their long term struggles with bulimia and the reckoning with the stories held in the body, the power of a harm reduction approach to disordered eating recovery, queering menopause and the complexity and importance of accessing comfort in the body. Syd is really inspiring in that they really care deeply about the embodied experience of individual and collective liberation. Oh! And Syd wrote a memoir about so much of this.

In Part 1, we were so moved by Syd’s story of how Reiki found them. They are the author of “Release: A Bulimia Story,” a memoir recounting their personal story of finding healing from emotional abuse, bullying, racism and self-hatred. This was one of the most emotional and open conversations we have had up to date, one that hit deeply and ignited our own interests in Reiki. Syd has had a major impact on both of our lives. Shortly after leaving our careers in April 2018, Ellen had a short Reiki session with Syd which was the catalyst for her self-discovery healing journey. And shortly after this interview session, Sam began her Reiki training under Syd.

On this episode of Nerdy Latinas Podcast, Short Latina and Sabritas explore the topic of inner healing practices towards the liberation of eating disorders by the guidance of Syd Yang, holistic healer and author of the book, Release: A Bulimia Story. Syd is a mixed race/Taiwanese American queer, non-binary intuitive writer, energy healer, and founder of Blue Jaguar Healing Arts. As someone who lives with depression and anxiety, and has recovered from severe eating disorders, their work finds its resonance in the stories we each hold at the intersection of memory, body, sexuality and mental health. Syd’s work centers on grief, healing ancestral trauma, sexuality + spirituality, body liberation and eating disorder recovery for queer, trans, Black, indigenous and people of color.

Syd Yang (they/them) is a mixed race queer/non binary healer, writer, intuitive artist and healing justice organizer who weaves together magic, prayer and intention as an energy healer in the world through their practice, Blue Jaguar Healing Arts. As someone who lives with depression and anxiety, and has recovered from eating disorders, their work finds its resonance in the stories we each hold at the intersection of memory, body, sexuality and mental health.