Cocoon After Dark
There’s a certain kind of story we only tell in the dark.
The kind that lingers. The kind we’ve carried in silence. The kind that needs soft lighting, no interruptions, and someone who won’t flinch.
Welcome to Cocoon After Dark—I’mQuincy Tessaverne, and this is a space for truth-telling that’s tender, textured, and unapologetically queer.
Each week, we sit with voices—mostly Black, brown, LGBTQ+—who’ve lived through things that don’t always fit into polite conversation.
We talk identity, pleasure, boundaries, grief, reinvention, and the moments that changed everything.
This isn’t small talk. It’s soul talk.
So take what you need. Leave what you don’t. And listen with your whole body.
Cocoon After Dark
Not a Man. Not a Woman. Beyond the Binary with Joy Matthews
In this episode of 'Cocoon,' we sit down with Joy Matthews, a black queer health educator and volunteer coordinator at Together for Mental Wellbeing in the UK. Joy shares their journey of navigating complex relationships with their family, overcoming trauma, and redefining their mental health. They discuss the importance of community care, empathy, and a holistic approach to mental wellbeing. Joy reflects on their identity, experiences of dysmorphia, and the importance of staying true to oneself amidst societal pressures. Join us for an enlightening conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of care.
00:00 Introduction to Joy Matthews
01:34 Joy's Relationship with Parents
02:12 Overcoming Childhood Trauma
03:37 Navigating Mental Health and Identity
05:29 Reconnecting with Family
11:12 Stereotypes and Self-Discovery
14:08 Gender Identity and Body Image
24:07 Challenges in the Mental Health System
26:41 Daily Work and Mental Health Coaching
33:43 Facing Fears and Social Conventions
34:17 Understanding and Empathy in Trans Experiences
34:54 Personal Reflections and Advice to Younger Self
37:17 Family Acceptance and Personal Identity
39:31 Spirituality and Mental Health Journey
42:44 Embracing Opportunities and Personal Growth
54:07 Navigating Relationships and Social Perceptions
59:29 Closing Thoughts and Final Reflections
https://linktr.ee/CocoonAfterDark
