Welcome, Brett!

Today we're excited to be joined by Brett Chamberlin from OPEN! Brett (he/him) is a social impact organizer with over a decade of leadership experience building a more just and joyous future. He is the founder and Executive Director of OPEN, the Organization for Polyamory and Ethical Non-monogamy. Prior to launching OPEN, Brett worked in the environmental movement as the Director of Community Engagement at The Story of Stuff Project and the co-founder of the Post Landfill Action Network. He lives in the California Bay Area.

During this episode, we chat with Brett about progress for non-monogamous folks over the past few years, from securing rights to overall awareness of non-monogamy. Some of the questions/topics Brett covers today are:

• OPEN has a powerful mission to advance cultural acceptance and political rights for non-monogamous individuals and chosen families. How do you see this mission reflecting a broader societal shift towards recognizing diverse family and relationship configurations?

• What is your vision for a world where romantic and intimate relationships between consenting adults are accepted and protected, regardless of relationship structure, gender identity, or sexual orientation?

• OPEN offers a variety of programs and services, such as the free, twice-monthly Peer Support Circles. Can you tell us more about these circles and how they provide safe and inclusive spaces for individuals to learn, share experiences, and grow?

• Why is community building so crucial, and what kind of critical support do these programs provide to individuals navigating non-monogamous relationships?

• OPEN has created a comprehensive fact sheet to educate journalists, content creators, advocates, and officials about non-monogamy. Why is this kind of educational outreach so important, and how does it contribute to demystifying non-monogamy and advocating for its legitimacy as a relationship choice?

• OPEN has a strong presence on social media platforms like Facebook, engaging with a broader audience and building a supportive community. How do you see community engagement as crucial in mobilizing support and fostering a collective identity among non-monogamous individuals and advocates?

• What are the most significant ways that you see visibility and representation of the non-monogamous community changing our political and social landscape?

• How does OPEN work to ensure that its advocacy and support services are inclusive of the diverse identities within the non-monogamous community, particularly those who are marginalized or underrepresented?

• For those who are new to non-monogamy or considering exploring it, what advice would you give them to help navigate the unique challenges and joys of these relationship structures?

• What are some ways that monogamous allies can show support and solidarity with their non-monogamous friends, family members, and community?

• How can non-monogamous individuals work to build bridges and foster understanding with monogamous people in their lives, especially those who may be skeptical or unsupportive of their relationship choices?

• Many individuals in the polyamorous community also identify as queer. How do you see the intersections between polyamory and queer identities, and how does OPEN work to support and celebrate these connections?

• Navigating non-monogamous relationships can be emotionally and mentally taxing at times. What strategies or resources would you recommend for practicing self-care and building resilience within the context of non-monogamy?

• How can individuals in non-monogamous relationships work to maintain their own sense of identity and autonomy while nurturing their connections with multiple partners?

• As someone who has been deeply involved in the non-monogamous community for many years, what are your hopes for the future of this movement?

• What do you see as the most promising opportunities for growth, understanding, and acceptance of non-monogamous relationships in the coming years, and how can our listeners be a part of this positive change?

Visit OPEN’s website for resources and ways to get involved!