Content warning: In this episode, our guest discusses childhood abuse/neglect and suicidal ideation/attempt.    Inaya Zuwena joins Sober Stories host Beth Bowen to discuss how sobriety has helped her work through childhood trauma and PTSD, the “rock bottom” that prompted her to get sober, and how sobriety unlocked her queer identity as a bisexual woman. Beth and Inaya talk about how her sobriety has evolved away from the 12 Steps and labels like “alcoholic,” and Inaya tells the story of reconnecting with her partner, Tom, after she quit drinking. Inaya explains the power of community in her sobriety, and Beth and Inaya discuss the sober community that Inaya is building in Austin, TX. Inaya shares what her story would be called: "Divine Guidance."   Inaya Zuwena is the founder of Austin Sober Social Club, a social space for all who are sober, sober-curious, or alcohol-free. The club was founded in October 2021 with the goal to build community and show others that you can have fun without the presence of alcohol. In addition to running the club, Inaya is also a part-time cat sitter and full-time cat mother of three. She lives in Austin, TX with her partner of three years, Tom.   Key Takeaways:   The ancillary behaviors alcohol can bring Building community and authentic connections in the sober space Coping mechanisms in sobriety     Connect with Inaya:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inaya.zuwena/ https://www.instagram.com/austinsobersocial/ https://www.instagram.com/queersoberatx/ https://www.instagram.com/catladyatx/   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   Plug into your favorite “quit lit” on the go: Give Audible a try and get your first month free at audibletrial.com/soberstories.   Use code SOBERSTORIES for $50 off The Booze Breakup program.