Between the Canyons: Embracing the Lion*ess Within

A home for those navigating the canyons of identity, healing, and self-discovery.

Alongside sharing my stories and reflections, I also offer editing, design, and mindful writing services for those seeking clarity, depth, and authentic expression—whether on the page or through visual identity. Visit Wild Lion*esses Lookout 2 Create for more information on this.

Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.

The world is filled with complexities—some empowering, others confining. Navigating identity, healing, and self-discovery isn’t linear, and it certainly isn’t easy. But none of us should have to do it alone. That’s why I write—because our stories, our experiences, and our voices matter.

I don’t believe in simple answers, but I do believe in deep exploration, in challenging the narratives we’ve been given, and in reclaiming what was lost. Here, we carve out space for truth, resilience, and the untamed spirit of selfhood.

This newsletter isn’t just about my journey—it’s about all of us who refuse to fit into neat little boxes, who seek meaning in the canyons of our lives, and who are learning to embrace every facet of who we are.

I’ll bring you honest storytelling, reflections, and creative work—sometimes raw, sometimes tender, always real. In return, I hope you’ll join me in this exploration, engage in conversation, and maybe even find something that resonates with your own path.

Let’s venture into the unknown together.

Why Subscribe?

Wild Lion*esses Pride is a space for deep exploration—of identity, resilience, creativity, and the complex intersections of privilege and oppression. Here, you’ll find:

• Personal stories and reflections on trauma healing, neurodiversity, and self-reclamation.

• Thought-provoking essays on societal structures—heteronormativity, patriarchy, misogyny, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion—and how they shape us.

• Creative expressions through photography, digital art, and storytelling.

• Food, travel, and cultural insights, capturing the beauty and diversity of life.

• Community and connection, for those who feel caught between categories and seek to live authentically.

If you are drawn to honest storytelling, nuanced discussions, and a commitment to self-exploration, this space is for you.

The 4 subscription levels and what you receive:

• Free: Everything I write. There’s always a donation button at the end of each post if you’d like to treat me to a symbolic cup of coffee every so often. But no obligation at all, I’m delighted that you’re reading.

• Monthly paid: Everything I write, the podcast and the satisfaction of knowing that you’re supporting my efforts financially. I am delighted to share with you either a free recipe from my private chef’s cookbook tailored to your liking or a personal digital art, original file included. And of course you will received the official Wild Lion*esses Pride Paid Membership Digital Art $5/month

• Annual paid: Everything I write including the archives, the podcast, and the satisfaction of knowing that you’re supporting my efforts financially. I am delighted to share with you either a free recipe from my private chef’s cookbook tailored to your liking or a personal digital art, original file included. And of course you will received the official Wild Lion*esses Pride*Paid Membership Digital Art $49/year (18% savings)

• Be Part of the Pride Everything I write the exclusive Be Part of the Pride Founding Member Digital Art, access to the podcast––and the satisfaction of knowing that you’re supporting my efforts financially––and blowing my mind! Additionally, I’d love to offer you recipes from my personal collection—something you can savor and enjoy. Let me know your preferences or any ingredients you avoid, and I’ll look or craft a recipe that feels just right for you. And if you ever find yourself needing help with crafting a menu, brainstorming recipes, or even support with digital graphics, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It would be my absolute pleasure to collaborate or assist you in any way.

  In addition to my undying appreciation you’ll also receive:

  Part of my Wild Lion*esses Lookout perks:

  • 🧭 Two 30-minute consultations per year
    Use these sessions for creative guidance, editorial check-ins, structural questions, or clarity support. Bring a draft, a project idea, or a moment of uncertainty—I'll meet you there.

  • ✍️ 1 hour of editing or technical support per year, tailored to your needs. This may include:

    • Technical setup for online broadcasting or podcasting

    • Logo or visual identity feedback and support

    • Substack setup or restructuring (navigation, layout, theme alignment)

    • Clarity and language support for your About page or site vision

    • Structural editing and narrative alignment

    • DEI-sensitive language review

    • Accessibility, formatting, and layout guidance

  • 📨 Priority scheduling
    When you inquire about deeper work—ghostwriting, editing, multilingual research—you’ll be scheduled ahead of the general queue.

  • You are a true patron of the arts. $99/year

Why This Newsletter and Why Now?

I write Wild Lion*esses Pride to share what I’ve uncovered in my journey—how trauma shaped my life, how I lost and reclaimed my sense of self, and how I now navigate the in-between spaces of identity. My hope is that by sharing these experiences, I can offer insight, companionship, and encouragement to others on their own paths.

The current state of the world reflects deep structural inequalities, oppressive systems, and ongoing struggles for justice. Having spent 47 years navigating and ultimately liberating myself from these forces, my writing is deeply rooted in systemic theory and systemic thinking. I engage with these topics through the lens of Non-Violent Communication, the Buddhist Brahmavihāras, and the South African concept of Ubuntu—principles that guide my interactions and reflections in a way that is beneficial for all.

Who Am I?

I’m Jay, a neurodiverse, non-binary storyteller, creator, and explorer. My life has been shaped by resilience, adaptation, and a relentless search for authenticity. Growing up in an environment of verbal and physical abuse, I learned to survive by becoming everything others expected of me. But survival is not the same as living.

Today, I venture into the hidden corners of my own canyon—seeking, reclaiming, and illuminating the parts of myself that were lost. My work is deeply personal yet universal, touching on themes of healing, belonging, and transformation. I write, photograph, cook, and create to make sense of the world, and to connect with those who, like me, refuse to be confined by categories.

and in-house Lion and Co-Author Monty

What readers say

Amy Brown

"I am supporting the work of Jay because of the beauty and honesty and generosity and authenticity of everything Jay writes and shares, always in support of the journey of our emotional and spiritual growth and coming fully into inhabiting our true selves. This space is a beacon of light to guide us through life's challenges and also its beauty, if only we dare to look and appreciate it."

Nan Tepper

"I love your writing, your authenticity, and your heart that stays wide open as you continue on your path toward healing. I'm proud to call you my friend. xoxo"

Mesa Fama

"You’re an amazing soul and you give so much to all of us. Thank you, Jay for all the light you give. "

Join the Journey

This newsletter is more than just words—it’s a shared exploration of what it means to be fully alive. If you’re looking for a space that embraces complexity, challenges norms, and celebrates personal evolution, I invite you to subscribe and walk this path with me.

Let’s navigate the canyons together.

✨ I Also Offer Creative & Editorial Support

Alongside my writing, I offer mindful editing, design, and writing services—for those seeking clarity, coherence, and authenticity, whether on the page or in visual form. If you're working on something that needs careful attention, trauma-aware feedback, or honest design rooted in identity, I’d be honored to support you.

🖋️ Line and structural editing
🎨 Logo and illustration design
📷 Photography editing
📝 Slogan, letter writing, and clarity work
🔍 Authenticity reads for trauma-aware, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent narratives
🌐 Bilingual support (English/German) and visual storytelling

This is just a glimpse.
For a full list of what I offer—including paid subscriber support and collaboration details—please visit:
👉 Wild Lion*esses Lookout

Contact:
Jay Siegmann, Hubeweg 25, 37574 Einbeck, Germany
E-Mail: jsiegmann@gmail.com
or sent me a DM message.

Wild Lion*esses Lookout

Mindful editing, writing, and design services from the Wild Lion*ess realm—crafted with clarity, care, and creative integrity.

By Wild Lion*esses Pride from Jay