Steven
Joiner
Hello, I'm Steven.
I am a cis-gendered white man and my pronouns are he/him. I’m a North Carolinian Oregonian, currently living in Portland, OR with my 2 dogs. Before I entered 9th grade, I lived in 9 different houses in four states. I was raised on movement and change. New situations and places inspire and ground me.
My mother taught me to care, my father taught me to be calm, especially when others are in crisis. My brother and I played Dungeons & Dragons all summer long - all day, every day - and my imagination, creativity, story telling, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills had fertile soil in which to flourish.
In high school, I realized I wanted to teach. I have been told I am approachable, relatable, kind, and easy going. Since then (several decades later), I’ve deescalated many volatile situations, stepped into conflict, and held tension so groups can come out stronger and more connected.
I am inspired by music, movies, words, laughter, nature, art, Zen Buddhism, amateur homesteading, and my amazing community. I regularly play Dungeons & Dragons, sit zazen, and prioritize showing up for my local and distant relationships. To sustain my work, I maintain a self-care practice - swimming, meditating, spirituality, healthy eating, family, nature.
My hope for the future is a world where the forces that foment hate, division, extraction, and tribalism are overwhelmed with love, diversity, and regenerative practices. This is why I started Life After Patriarchy.
