Content warning: In this episode, we briefly discuss suicidal thoughts/thoughts of self-harm.    Michelle Tea joins Sober Stories host Beth Bowen to discuss coming of age in queer, punk culture of the 80's and 90's, the growing literary scene at that time, and how drugs and alcohol began taking a toll on her happiness. Michelle tells us what it has been like re-learning how to write, sober, and about how her sobriety has evolved over the years. Beth and Michelle talk astrology, psychedelic mushrooms, and knowing when you’re using substances to cope, or not. Michelle shares stories of the early days of Sister Spit, her femme, queer literary movement, and Beth and Michelle talk about her newest book:  Knocking Myself Up: A Memoir of My Infertility, out now.  Michelle shares what her Sober Story would be called: “It’s Not an Astrological Transit.”   Michelle Tea is the author of the popular tarot how-to Modern Tarot, the cult classic Valencia, and many more works of fiction and non-fiction. She's a 2021 Guggenheim Fellow and has received awards from PEN/America, Lambda Literary, and other spots. She hosts the Spotify podcast Your Magic, as well as the live tarot room Ask the Tarot on Spotify Live. She is the mind behind Drag Queen Story Hour, Sister Spit, and other literary interventions. Michelle's most recent book is Knocking Myself Up: A Memoir of My Infertility, out now.    Key Takeaways:   What it means to own your sobriety. Finding your identity as a non-drinker. Being sober in the queer community.     Connect with Michelle Tea:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleteaz/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeaMichelle Order Michelle’s latest book, Knocking Myself Up: A Memoir of My Infertility: https://bookshop.org/a/19833/9780063210622   Resources Mentioned:   The Passionate Mistakes and Intricate Corruption of One Girl in America: https://bookshop.org/books/the-passionate-mistakes-and-intricate-corruption-of-one-girl-in-america/9781584350521 Valencia: https://bookshop.org/books/valencia/9781580052382  Modern Tarot: https://bookshop.org/books/modern-tarot-connecting-with-your-higher-self-through-the-wisdom-of-the-cards/9780062682406 Your Magic Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MTRTty0d4ryv6Mjyb9kUc?si=857d0fd2f1564562     Support Sober Stories:   Follow us on Instagram - @wearesoberstories Follow us on TikTok - @wearesoberstories Receive email updates   From our sponsors:   Go to https://www.betterhelp.com/soberstories/ for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored   Use code SOBERSTORIES for $50 off The Booze Breakup program.