We recently connected with Sunny De Leon and have shared our conversation below.
Sunny, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
I want my legacy to be a testament to unapologetic, radical self-love and acceptance. I hope that when people think of me, they remember someone who didn’t just live authentically but inspired others to do the same. I want my self-love to be contagious, like a spark that ignites a fire in others to break free from the societal norms and rules that don’t serve them. I hope to be remembered as someone who gave people permission—through my words, my work, and my way of being—to fully own who they are, to live boldly, and to embrace every messy, beautiful part of themselves. If my journey inspires even one person to reclaim their power and redefine their life on their own terms, then I’ll know I’ve done something meaningful.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Sunny De Leon, a queer, non-binary coach and educator specializing in empowering individuals to embrace unapologetic self-love, authenticity, and personal freedom. My work is centered around helping femmes, women, and non-binary folks break free from societal norms, especially those related to gender, relationships, and pleasure. I’m passionate about guiding people through the unlearning process, helping them reconnect with their true selves, and creating lives and relationships based on trust, intentionality, and joy.
My journey into this work comes from my own path of self-discovery and the experiences I’ve had with mental health, sexuality, and relationships. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless individuals—whether it’s coaching them through starting their own businesses, guiding them as they come out, or supporting them as they rebuild their lives after significant transitions. It’s all about helping people get really honest about what they truly desire, then working together to break down the barriers of fear and self-doubt that often hold them back. The results speak for themselves—clients achieving the lives and goals they once thought were impossible. For example, one client was able to launch their business and hit six figures in their first year after overcoming their fear of taking the leap. Others have transformed their personal lives, reconnected with their sexuality, or even completely reinvented themselves in ways they never thought possible.
One of the things that sets me apart is my experience working with non-traditional relationship structures, as well as my ability to create a safe, non-judgmental space for those who identify as queer, trans, polyamorous, or kink-identified. My approach is holistic and trauma-informed, blending coaching with education to help people navigate their desires, boundaries, and the complexities of intimacy. I don’t just teach how to maintain relationships—I guide clients to rewrite the rules of what relationships and self-love can look like, without shame or fear.
Right now, I’m also in the early stages of writing a book that will speak to these same themes—radical self-love, authenticity, and breaking down societal expectations. I’m incredibly proud of the work I’m doing, and I’m excited to share it with the world once it’s ready. Alongside that, I’m celebrating a huge milestone in my personal life: I recently had top surgery, and it has truly been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It was terrifying, but I did it anyway because I deeply love and care for myself. The feeling of euphoria and pride I have in my body now is beyond words, and I can’t wait to see how this new chapter unfolds.
For potential clients, followers, or fans, I want them to know that my work is all about empowerment—helping people step into their power and embrace their truest selves. I believe there are no “rules” when it comes to living authentically. I provide a supportive, judgment-free space where individuals can explore their desires and boundaries, get clear about what they want, and create the life they deserve. My goal is to create lasting change in the lives of those I work with, helping them build deep, meaningful relationships with themselves and others.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My journey with resilience started during my sophomore year of college. I had just been diagnosed with multiple mental health conditions and learning disabilities, which led to me being put on academic probation. At the time, I felt like I was drowning, especially coming from a background where the odds were stacked against me. I had attended NYC public schools, including a high school with the highest dropout rate in Manhattan, where gang violence and systemic inequalities were everyday realities. When I arrived at Cornell University, the stark differences between my educational experience and that of my peers from more privileged backgrounds were immediately clear. I quickly realized just how deeply the achievement gap and lack of resources had impacted me, especially in terms of my mental health and my ability to keep up academically.
Despite facing setbacks, I didn’t give up. I kept pushing forward, seeking help, and advocating for myself even when I wasn’t sure where to turn. I educated my family about mental health and worked hard to build a support system. Over time, I learned to embrace my struggles as part of my journey rather than something to be ashamed of. My persistence paid off, and I graduated with my bachelor’s degree from Cornell—something that, given my circumstances, I had never thought possible.
But resilience didn’t stop there. During graduate school, while pursuing my MSW, my sister was diagnosed with cancer, and I was faced with an entirely new kind of challenge. I had already done years of mental health and self-love work, and that foundation allowed me to continue choosing myself, even during the hardest moments. I debated leaving school to be with my sister full-time, but I knew that getting my MSW was my dream. Social workers had been the lifeline for me when I had to take a medical leave of absence in undergrad, and I wanted to pay that forward.
When my sister passed away, I was devastated, but I kept going. I finished my degree and moved forward with my life and career. Looking back, I realize that my resilience was built on all the moments when I chose to keep going, to ask for help, and to keep my focus on my long-term goals—even when life threw me the hardest curveballs. The mental health and self-love practices I developed during my college years helped me stay grounded, and that strength has carried me through so many challenges since.
This story is a reminder that resilience isn’t about being unbreakable; it’s about having the strength to get back up, seek help, and continue moving forward—even when the path ahead feels impossible.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most transformative lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the idea that I needed to conform to traditional ideas of professionalism and “fit in.” For so long, I thought I had to code-switch, adapt my voice, or suppress parts of my personality in order to be successful or taken seriously. This was especially true in the corporate world, where I felt I had to hide my queerness, my non-binary identity, and my alternative views on relationships and self-expression.
It wasn’t until I embraced my authentic self—unapologetically—that I realized the power in owning who I am. I started to attract clients and opportunities that aligned with my values, and everything shifted. I stopped thinking I had to shrink myself to be accepted and started leaning into my unique perspective and my ability to help others feel seen and heard. I’ve learned that true professionalism isn’t about fitting a mold; it’s about integrity, respect, and showing up fully as yourself. This shift has been a game-changer in my business and personal life, and it’s something I help others unlearn too, especially those who feel like they have to hide parts of themselves to succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sunnydeleon.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamsunnydeleon
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/iamsunnydeleon
