Gender & Identity Between Worlds

About this circle

Messy Hearts Circle is a small, facilitated gathering for people navigating emotional life between cultures, expectations, and different versions of themselves.

This evening’s theme is Gender & Identity Between Worlds.
A space to reflect on how gender has shaped us, constrained us, protected us, confused us, or changed over time, especially when more than one cultural world is living inside us.

This is not therapy, not coaching, and not a debate space. It is a structured circle for reflection, listening, and human connection.

Who this is for

This circle centers people connected in some way to Middle Eastern / SWANA cultures and diaspora, while also welcoming others who genuinely resonate with the themes and values of the space.

All genders, sexualities, and relationship statuses are welcome.
The space is secular, queer-affirming, feminist, and anti-racist.

You do not need to be “good at sharing.” You can speak, stay brief, or simply listen.

What we’ll explore

We’ll gently explore questions around identity, roles, self-expression, and belonging.

Possible prompts may include:

Where do you feel most yourself, and where do you feel most edited?
What messages about gender did you inherit early?
What parts of your identity feel easy to inhabit, and what parts feel costly?
When have you felt seen correctly, and when have you felt misread?

Circle agreements

To help the space feel safe enough, we’ll keep to a few simple agreements:

Confidentiality: what is shared here stays here
Speak from “I”: share from your own experience
No fixing or unsolicited advice
Right to pass: you can always choose not to answer
Respect differences: we won’t all relate in the same way

Format

Over about 2 hours, we’ll move through a mix of:

a gentle arrival
guided prompts
simple communication exercises
structured sharing
a grounded close

The exact flow may change, but the intention stays the same: to slow down and make room for what feels true.

Logistical details

Date: Saturday, May 16
Location: Delight Factory, Brooklyn
Group size: small circle, usually 6–12 people
Duration: about 2 hours
What to bring: optional notebook, anything that helps you feel comfortable

Registration

To attend:

Complete the registration form and make the payment after
Wait for your confirmation email and participation agreement

Your spot is only confirmed after registration is complete and you receive the confirmation email.

Refund policy

If you contact me 48+ hours before the circle, I can transfer your payment once to a future date, subject to availability. Within 48 hours or for no-shows, no refunds or transfers.