Bravely Breaking Social Norms with Molly Kemp

We learn from a very young age the power of social norms. We want to be loved and accepted by our peers. So, we follow the mainstream. We do what everyone else is doing because we don’t want to get called out for being too weird or different.

But, what if societal norms don’t match with your personal beliefs?

That’s the story of today’s guest, Molly Kemp. In addition to working in HR, Molly is an improv performer, instructor and coach, where she encourages people to take off the masks they wear in their lives so they can live with more vulnerability and authenticity.

Molly is also pregnant and she and her husband have chosen to follow gender-open parenting methods where they are not disclosing the baby’s sex and they are using “they/them” pronouns until the child is able to determine their gender. 

Although this is more common in other countries, it is fairly rare in the US. And while Molly believes this is the best choice for their family, they’ve received some pushback as not everyone agrees with their approach. While this is something Molly believes in, it has also been challenging for her.

Molly’s story is proof that standing up for your own beliefs is brave and I applaud her for being so open and willing to share her story with us. I can’t wait for you to hear it.

Resources Mentioned on the Show

Additional Resources from Molly

  • Zoomprov Breaks with Unscripted Improv – 20 minute improv sessions, no experience necessary, come and laugh!
  • Gnu Tales Facebook Page: This is an improvised children’sfairy tale Molly produces at Third Coast. Their facebook page has been putting out content and ideas for keeping kids busy during social distancing.
  • Imaginarium: A community that is imagining a better world and intentionally making it so. They gather to learn and discuss a variety of topics concerning social justice and personal wellness, emphasizing our inherent connectedness, responsibility, and magic as human beings. Currently meeting on Zoom every Sunday afternoon at 3:30pm.
  • An article about how to be supportive of gender open parenting
  • An article on gender neutral parenting and things that everyone can apply

Share Your Brave Stories

We want to hear how YOU are making it brave! We are adding a new segment on the show where we share what listeners are doing to be brave in their daily lives, which is especially important right now.

If you or someone you know is doing something brave right now, I’d love to hear abo

ut it. It can be anything from learning a new skill to making space for self-care to finding ways to overcome fear in this scary time. You can send what you are doing to make it brave to feedback@makeitbrave.com or you can go to makeitbrave.com/contact and submit your story there. 

Share Your Feedback

Molly Kemp quote

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Connect with the Show

You’re invited to join the brand new Make it Brave Community on Facebook to get support and encouragement as you work to live a braver life. I hope you’ll join us there!

Don’t forget to follow the show on Instagram or Facebook to get updates about the show and more inspiration to help you Make it Brave through the week. I love connecting with listeners. Drop by and say hello!

Thanks for listening! And just remember, whatever you do today, don’t forget to make it brave!

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