408 - Overcoming Bullying and Embracing Authenticity with Juan Acosta
408 - Overcoming Bullying and Embracing Authenticity with Juan Acosta
Listeners, this week we have a conversation with Juan Acosta
On this episode of Café con Pam, Pam welcomes special guest Juan Acosta—mental health advocate, LGBTQIA+ activist, and proud Mexican immigrant—to share his powerful story. From moving to the U.S. at age two and growing up caught between two cultures, to facing tough bullying and the ups and downs of coming out, Juan opens up about it all. The conversation gets real about the challenges of being an immigrant kid, how mental health is (or isn’t) talked about in Latino families, and what it means to find your place and your voice. Juan talks about turning pain into purpose, creating community, and what keeps him grounded while doing big work as an advocate. Grab your cafecito and join us!
Juan Acosta is a first generation Mexican immigrant who grew up in Woodland, California. He is a Mental Health + LGBTQ+ Activist, Content Creator, and Public Speaker. He began his advocacy work locally at age 13. At 21, Juan drafted a historic LGBTQ+ proclamation for his hometown of Woodland, CA. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from San Francisco State University. His work is focused on underserved communities He has served on various national mental health committees, and his speaking engagements have included; United Nations Side Events and the first-ever Youth Mental Health Action Forum White House Event where he spoke alongside FLOTUS Dr. Jill Biden, Selena Gomez and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. Juan was also invited to the first ever White House creator Mental Health Summit.
Juan co-authored the New York Times Bestselling “Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community” with musical artist and actress Lady Gaga + other Born This Way Foundation Reporters. He regularly partners with organizations and brands who are message aligned as a content creator. His work has been featured by DOSOMETHING, MTV, Yahoo, LGBTQ Nation, Out Magazine and more. In 2023, Acosta was recognized by STAT News in their 2023 STATUS list for his influential work in life sciences, and by the The Advocate Magazine in their 2023, 30 Under 30 List. In 2024, Acosta, was recognized as a Young Innovator in Behavioral Health Awardee.
During this episode we talked about:
00:00 Immigrant Experience Journey
04:06 Struggling with English in School
07:55 Coping with Long-Distance Separation
10:54 Finding Joy in Compromise
15:07 Struggles of Hidden Identity
18:02 "Mary Scarlet's Support and Impact"
20:43 Balancing College and Full-Time Work
23:27 Embracing Self and Community
27:41 Community Inclusivity and Coming Out
30:47 Embracing Self-Kindness Over Regret
34:34 Cold Brew Preference in Winter
39:29 Balancing Advocacy and Self-Care
41:28 Unintentional Mental Health Advocate
44:31 Balancing Support and Self-Care
49:13 Youth Mental Health Integration Insights
50:59 Breaking Machismo: Mental Health Conversations
54:43 "Finding Balance Between Extremes"
57:24 "Unplug to Stay Grounded"
Check out today's sponsor Savvy Ladies, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women like YOU take control of your financial future. They offer free resources, webinars, and my favorite: a free financial helpline where you can connect one-on-one with trusted financial experts. Visit www.savvyladies.org today and connect with the financial helpline to get the personalized support you deserve. Your journey to financial independence starts here.
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