Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathan Serrato.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up, nature was always a place I could escape to. As I got older, it became even more important in my life to have a safe place to contemplate who I was and who I wanted to be. Nature was that place so far away from society’s expectations. It was the place where I could see that every organism served a role in our vast ecosystem and I… I had the privilege… I had the responsibility to fulfill my own. For the last five years, I have worked with environmental non-profits helping our community discover the importance of nature. Through forest therapy walks, teaching naturalist courses, and mentoring high school students in science careers, I have helped people find value in nature—and more importantly in themselves.
I am a certified yoga instructor, have a bachelor’s in Environmental Studies and Communication and Environmental Studies at CSUSM and most recently became a Certified Life Coach through the Life Coach Institute of Orange County. While helping the environment has always been important to me, I’ve realized that I have always been helping others along the way. Now I am focused on facilitating growth for other GBTQ men. I’ve battled through the shackles of religious dogma, unhealthy cultural stigmas, and the remnants of sexual trauma. I am not perfect. I am, however, blessed enough to have had opportunities in my life that have allowed me to live closer to my truth, define my own purpose, and build healthy relationships. Now, I’d like to help other GBTQ men do the same.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
While I’ve been very lucky, I’ve also had many challenges in my life. The root of these challenges has ultimately come down to my self-worth. I’ve had to recognize that as a gay man, yes, I am worthy of equal treatment in my family, my work, and all areas of my life. This has helped me to show up as a better brother, son, and colleague. I’ve also had to recognize that I am worthy of healthy and respectful relationships. While it sounds so simple, I—and I’m sure many others—had run into a habit of giving my time to those who didn’t value it. I ran into a habit of letting others call the shots even when it when against my own values and what I believed. Through yoga, therapy, life coaching, and immersing myself in the natural world I have taken control of my life in a way that I could have only dreamed of when I was younger. While the negative self-talk will always be there, I am getting much better at shutting it out.
Please tell us about Queer Conscious.
Queer Conscious helps GBTQ+ men find self-worth so they can live with purpose and build healthy relationships. As a gay life coach, I am proud to help facilitate the transformation of shame and trauma into strength and aspirations. Much of my work translates into art and photography. Some of my clients have become part of my “Love Uncovered” photography project which captures men in nature at their most vulnerable. Many of these photography sessions have become as powerful as my coaching sessions as men must confront their own body image.
What sets me apart from others is my energy and experience. I have many clients that have approached me because I am able to create a space of trust and challenge. My personal experiences and challenges in life have also helped me develop a deeper understanding of the human experience: the good, the bad, and everything in between.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Being kinder to myself.
Pricing:
- Coming Out Coaching: 3 months/$900 Three months of biweekly coaching sessions.
- Living Out Coaching: 6 months/$1600 Six months of biweekly coaching sessions.
Contact Info:
- Website: queerconscious.com
- Phone: (760) 703-3393
- Email: nathan@queerconscious.com
- Instagram: queerconscious
- Facebook: Queer Conscious
Image Credit:
All photos taken by Nathan Serrato
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