Stories of Hope: trans man finds recovery through art and community

Kri Van Sloun shares their journey of overcoming addiction and finding recovery through art and community support, ultimately embracing their identity as a trans man.

In an intimate narrative, Kri Van Sloun shares their journey of self-discovery, substance use, and recovery. Kri recounts transitioning through various identities, from a young girl writing poetry, to identifying as non-binary and queer, and ultimately finding peace as a trans man. Faced with substance use as a coping mechanism for discomfort and societal rejection, Kri's battle with addiction escalated until a near-fatal overdose at 20. Transitioning to alcohol as a form of harm reduction, Kri found solace in a supportive queer community. However, a profound moment of clarity during severe withdrawal marked the beginning of a lasting recovery. Through art and the support of a creative community, Kri navigated early recovery and began living authentically, medically transitioning at 31. Now an advocate for harm reduction and an artist, Kri continues to embrace recovery and community, finding gratitude and purpose in life.

Connecting to the Mission of artsforeverybody.org

The story of Kri Van Sloun beautifully aligns with the mission of artsforeverybody.org, which is dedicated to making art accessible and transformative for all individuals. Kri's experience illustrates the healing power of art and the importance of a supportive community in recovery. At artsforeverybody.org, we believe in the ability of art to provide solace, self-expression, and connection, much like Kri found through their journey. We invite you to explore the original article for a deeper understanding of Kri's inspiring story and to discover how art can be a catalyst for hope and recovery.

For the complete details of Kri Van Sloun's story, visit Queer Kentucky.