This week on Growing up with gal-dem, Natty and Charlie are joined by Mireille Harper, award winning editor, writer, sensitivity reader and author of the viral infographic 10 steps to Non Optical Allyship. In extracts from private messages and submitted essays, Mireille reflects on the ways we try to mask and shield our feelings to appear strong, and the resilience we can find by accepting our vulnerabilities, our weaknesses, and our softness. From toxic friendships to stressful environments, Mireille, Natty, and Charlie discuss how important it is to connect with how we truly feel, and the strength we can draw from the softer parts of ourselves.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.