Award-winning sex and gender specialist, sex educator, and now author Laura Clarke joins me to talk about her brand-new book “Step Bi Step: The Ultimate Guide for Bisexual, Pansexual, and Queer Young People”. Written with warmth, humor, and clarity, Laura’s book fills a gap for teens just beginning to explore their sexuality — and offers parents, teachers, and anyone curious a simple, compassionate introduction to bi and other queer identities.

We discuss Laura’s own “bisexual teenage montage,” how she discovered and named her attraction, and the internalized biphobia she had to unlearn. She shares why she wanted to create a resource that feels safe, inclusive, and non-patronizing — something she wished she had at 13. We also get into writing for a younger audience, balancing humor with heavy topics like biphobia and representation, and how exploring bisexuality can strengthen relationships rather than threaten them.

Whether you’re a teen, a parent, or simply bi-curious at any age, this conversation offers insight, validation, and a reminder to take things one step at a time.

Bonus content with Laura on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/robertbrookscohen

Sign up for Rob’s newsletter: https://www.robertbrookscohen.com/newsletter

Sign up for a free intro call with Rob re: individual coaching: https://calendly.com/robertbrookscohen/25-minute-free-intro-call

Buy “Step Bi Step”: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/more-than-one-a-handbook-for-bi-teens-laura-clarke/7744481?ean=9781805017516

Laura’s Website: https://www.mybodyandyours.com/

Follow Laura on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mybodyandyours

Follow Laura on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mybodyandyours

This year marked the 25th year of BFF – and while many people do meet their best friends forever at the bi-annual event, that's not where the acronym comes from ;) The Bi F*** Fest is a twice-a-year takeover of a resort in Palm Springs by over 250 Bi+ people, and while there IS a lot of fun, sexy playtime, it's the community, openness, and acceptance that keep people coming back. This year marked my second summer BFF, so I conducted a series of short interviews with attendees. They are fascinating. I love this episode. Enjoy!

00:00 – Intro and my experience

07:50 – Charles

11:30 – Steve

15:40 – Josh and Mark

30:00 – Jenni

44:00 – I describe the physical space

49:20 – Don

57:20 – Laura

1:07:00 – B.A.

1:16:15 – Peter

Though there's no video of my interviewees on Patreon for this episode, there is a slideshow of photos I took at BFF that plays along with the episode, so you can get a feel for the space and vibe. Your subscription also helps support this podcast and gets you early access and full video episodes for most other episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/robertbrookscohen

Sign up "Fluid Conversation", an ongoing series of guided talks and topic-based discussions: https://calendly.com/robertbrookscohen/fluid-conversations

Sign up for a free intro call with Rob re: individual coaching: https://calendly.com/robertbrookscohen/25-minute-free-intro-call

Visit Rob's Website: https://www.robertbrookscohen.com/

My guest this week is Gabby Kealoha Holt, a queer, native Hawaiian singer/songwriter with a new beautiful song out May 30 titled “May We Heal”. We chatted about her queerness and sexual fluidity growing up, how that intersected with her passion for music (as well as her passion for skateboarding), how her life and career have been affected by meditation and newfound spirituality, and then we got into her new song, how it came about, and how music can help us all heal. Stay tuned to hear the song at the end of the podcast – or go listen now at the links below!

10 minutes of bonus content with Gabby on Patreon (plus early access and full video episodes): https://www.patreon.com/robertbrookscohen

“May We Heal” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7LnmPfCvwv26OVQSAkxj3M?si=Q3tk8OT0SFuLWICM6kkP_g

“May We Heal” on all platforms: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/gabbykealohaholt/may-we-heal-feat-erin-adkisson--the-sacred-sunday-song-circle-shortened-version?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacYZvVTYHUqunXG6s_7BdugIRhONvhOLh9ktnWpxRZ5yeyETsU1O9NMp7n0eA_aem_EV94hrBXiskns6DhTwICwA

Gabby’s Website: https://www.gabbyholt.com/

Support Gabby’s work on GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-gabby-kealoha-holt-bring-medicine-album-to-life

Follow Gabby on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gabbyholt/

Follow Gabby on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabbyholtmusic

Sign up "Fluid Conversation", a series of guided talks and topic-based discussions: https://calendly.com/robertbrookscohen/fluid-conversations

Rob's Website: https://www.robertbrookscohen.com/

Sign up for a free intro call with Rob re: individual coaching: https://calendly.com/robertbrookscohen/25-minute-free-intro-call