Longing to Belong with Ash Davidson
Ash Davidson was diagnosed with breast cancer at 42 when it was discovered during gender-affirming surgery. In this episode Ash reads his essay “Longing to Belong” from Wildfire’s 2024 “Queer” issue. Ash’s story is about the unique challenges in a medical landscape that often fails to acknowledge the diverse narratives within the cancer community. April and Ash will talk about what it’s been like sharing his story multiple times, finding and making queer support in cancer, the desire to advocate in the cancer community, and feelings about scars. They will also discuss feeling unsafe in your body and intimacy after breast cancer.
Asymmetry with Julia D. Pereira
In celebration of Pride Month, each Friday in June we’re re-sharing our favorite episodes featuring LGBTQ+ voices from the Wildfire community.
Psychologist and artist, Julia D. Pereira was diagnosed at 32 with Triple Negative breast cancer. In this episode, Julia reads her essay, “Asymmetry,” from Wildfire Journal’s 2024 “Queer in Cancerland” issue. Her writing beautifully explores the theme of uncertainty.
April and Julia discuss the quiet magic found in uncertain moments, finding strength in the unknown, and making empowered decisions in the midst of ambiguity. They also reflect on what it means to find connection and community within breast cancer as a queer person.
My Life, & Being Wrong with Stephanie Millett
In celebration of Pride Month, each Friday in June we’re re-sharing our favorite episodes featuring LGBTQ+ voices from the Wildfire community.
Stephanie Millett was first diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer at 25, and again at 31 with metastatic breast cancer. Stephanie is a retired hairstylist, writer, and advocate for advancedbreastcancer.net. In this episode, Stephanie shares their essay, “My Life, and Being Wrong,” from Wildfire Journal’s 2022 Legacy Stories issue. Stephanie and April discuss the power of sharing your story through advocacy, the reasons some people choose privacy around their cancer experience, and what it means to model resilience and honesty for our children. They also talk about Stephanie’s future plans to write a book offering practical guidance for others who want to begin telling their own stories.
Longing to Belong with Ash Davidson
Ash Davidson was diagnosed with breast cancer at 42 when it was discovered during gender-affirming surgery. In this episode Ash reads his essay “Longing to Belong” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Queer” issue. Ash’s story is about the unique challenges in a medical landscape that often fails to acknowledge the diverse narratives within the cancer community. April and Ash will talk about what it’s been like sharing his story multiple times, finding and making queer support in cancer, the desire to advocate in the cancer community, and feelings about scars. They will also discuss feeling unsafe in your body and intimacy after breast cancer.
Asymmetry with Julia D. Pereira
Julia D. Pereira is a psychologist and artist who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) at 32. In this episode of The Burn Julia reads her essay “Asymmetry” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Queer” issue. April and Julia will talk about magic caught in moments of uncertainty, finding strength in the unknown, and making important decisions with agency. They will also discuss finding a space to connect in breast cancer when you are queer.
Anniversary Special: Unexpected Truths
This one hour episode is our three year anniversary special. Wildfire production assistant, Monica Haro, and host, April Stearns, reflect on the unexpected truths found in the episodes from the past year. April will share what’s coming up for Wildfire and The Burn in the future, and give advice on writing your own story for both novice and returning writers.