For John Paul Brammer, there is no one right way to be yourself. Growing up in the South, he lived the complexities of being Mexican American in a society that wanted him to choose one culture over the other. In this episode of “In the Deep: Stories that Shape Us,” we hear how John Paul rejects this idea and proves that identity is less tethered to borders and stigmas, and instead focuses on the premise that people should be free to be themselves. As an author, editor and journalist, John Paul stresses the importance of building safe spaces that take the best parts of ourselves and multilayered experiences - creating an identity that leaves pain behind and instead, fosters health and healing.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.