SPNN Podcast

In this episode, Will discusses the social construct and idea of virginity and how the deconstruction of purity is an important step to engaging in safe, consensual sex. Explored within is how sex education often only talks about the physical steps of having sex rather than the social and emotional power it can take to feel ready to make the choice of abstaining or participating. Although abstinence is typically intertwined with religious connotations, this episode focuses on, during, dismantling the social construct of virginity while uncovering new attitudes towards sex in a more fluid and transparent way while removing potential judgment or feelings of guilt. Making the choice to or not to have sex is entirely up to each individual person and regardless of the choice you make can assist in creating a more inclusive, and conversational atmosphere in terms of sex and sex education.  Resources Annex Teen Clinic - https://annexteenclinic.org/ Family Tree Clinic - https://www.familytreeclinic.org/ Minneapolis School-Based Clinics - https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/school-based-clinics/ Smitten Kitten - https://www.smittenkittenonline.com/ the body org - https://linktr.ee/thebodyorg  

LGBTQ+ teens get pregnant at higher rates than other teens in Minnesota. Exploring trans and queer birth, as well as teen pregnancy, sex education, and societal factors is the focus of this episode of Queering Community Health Podcast. Host Emi Gaçaj connects with experts in the field to discuss data driven and experience centered approaches to understanding LGBTQ+ teen pregnancy, drawing strong conclusions on how to create change in this field.   GUESTS Jill Farris (she/her) MPH is the Director of Adolescent Sexual Health Training and Education at the Healthy Youth Development - Prevention Research Center.  Alison Moore (she/her) is the Health Education Program Manager for the Minneapolis School Based Clinics, where she has worked for the past 11 years.   Sawyer Plotz (he/him) is a sexual health educator at Family Tree Clinic. During the school year, he facilitates presentations for 4th-12th graders on topics related to healthy sexuality. And in the summer, he facilitates KiSS, Family Tree's peer education program for LGBTQ teens & allies. INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS @thebirthbutterfly @thebodyorg @familytreeclinic @annexteenclinic @mplssbc @doctor_midwife @matriz_midwife @supportive.seahorse.doula ARTICLES Star Tribune article Gay teens have higher pregnancy rates than their straight peers CDC About Teen Pregnancy NBC News Bullying seen as a factor in higher pregnancy rates among lesbian, bisexual teens LGBT Health Sexual Orientation Disparities in Pregnancy Risk Behaviors and Pregnancy Among Sexually Active Teenage Girls: Updates from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2015 Adolescent Sexual Health Report WEBSITES Health Youth Development Prevention Research Center Queer Birth Project Transcend Psychotherapy KiSS - Keeping It Safe and Sexy peer educator program Pregnancy and Post Partem Support MN - resources for LGBTQIA+ 

This Episode covers some topics of LGBT+ identities and is mostly focused on the personal story experience and lived experience of the speaker Jacques.  Host: Jacques He/They,21 years old, Trans, digital designer & freelance artist. I share how not having the tools I needed verbally left me feeling lost and confused in my queer youth. I share my experiences learning new terminology and leaving behind some old and outdated words as well. RESOURCES: Can I Say That? Labels and Slurs in the LGBTQ+ Community: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjjS_lAFlmI Find what land you live on: https://native-land.ca/ Trans Student Educational Resources Gender Unicorn Tracing the Origins of the Word Queer  CREDITS Intro/Outro music was made by Rebecca Swing @cowboybecky on Instagram Art by Jacques Jones

Sustainability and community both play important roles in the revolution. In this two part episode we introduce our guests and talk about their backgrounds in activism and their experience with giving, sharing, and collecting clothing in their personal lives and at The Peoples Closet.  In Part Two, Mason, Jennie, and Jeanelle go more into depth on our own experiences and opinions on how clothing, gender and community all meet at the intersection of revolution.  HOST: Mason He/Him  - 24, Biracial, Nonbinary Transman, Designer & Activist GUESTS:  Jennie (She/They) - Fashion designer, activist, and lead organizer of The Peoples Closet in George Floyd Square Jeanelle (She/Her) - Activist, caretaker at George Floyd Square Resources/Guest’s Work GEORGE FLOYD GLOBAL MEMORIAL Jennie Leenay (@jeml_fashions_) Community members (@the_peoplescloset_) Additional resources: Design Icon 3 GEORGE FLOYD GLOBAL MEMORIAL  The People's Closet makes fashion, political statement | Longfellow Nokomis Messenger

Sustainability and community both play important roles in the revolution. In this two part episode we introduce our guests and talk about their backgrounds in activism and their experience with giving, sharing, and collecting clothing in their personal lives and at The Peoples Closet. In Part One, Mason, Jennie and Jeanelle go into their backgrounds, how we are all acquainted, and how The Peoples Closet came to be. HOST: Mason He/Him  - 24, Biracial, Nonbinary Transman, Designer & Activist GUESTS:  Jennie (She/They) - Fashion designer, activist, and lead organizer of The Peoples Closet in George Floyd Square Jeanelle (She/Her) - Activist, caretaker at George Floyd Square Resources/Guest’s Work GEORGE FLOYD GLOBAL MEMORIAL Jennie Leenay (@jeml_fashions_) Community members (@the_peoplescloset_) Additional resources: Design Icon 3 GEORGE FLOYD GLOBAL MEMORIAL  The People's Closet makes fashion, political statement | Longfellow Nokomis Messenger

This episode follows the experiences of black and brown communities in the DIY, alt, rock and indie scene. A large focus being the adversaries they share, as well as discussing heavy topics such as: racism, misogyny, violence and performative action.  Our host Becky (she/they) will speak a bit on their own observations and later on our guest, Brian Walker A.K.A A Day Without Love will be joining her. The goal is to shed light on a topic that feels often swept under the rug.   Resources: Minneapolis American Indian Center  Native American Community  Development Institute Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center  How The DIY Scene Is Different When You’re Black Being Black in a White DIY Scene Credits:  Intro music and cover art made by Becky @cowboybecky @godslilcow on Instagram.  Outro and background music by A Day Without Love. @adaywithoutlove on Instagram. 

What is comprehensive sex ed and why is it important to youth? In this episode of Queering Community Health, Emi and Will explore the push for sex ed that teaches students detailed, accurate information about human development, sexuality, identity, and health. Joined by three wonderful guests, the episode discusses the importance of including queer identities and experiences when learning sex ed, and the impact that comprehensive sex ed can bring to our communities. RESOURCES: Instagram Accounts @thebodyorg  @yasv.mn @advocatesforyouth @siecus @av.actioninitiative Websites: Comprehensive sexuality education | United Nations Population Fund Comprehensive Sexuality Education | ACOG Sex Education | Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawaiʻi, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change | Sex Education Collaborative Online Portal Sex Education Collaborative: Minnesota Articles: LGBT-Inclusive Sex Education Means Healthier Youth and Safer Schools - Center for American Progress  Meet the Educators Helping Indigenous Communities 'Own Their Pleasure' - Rewire News Group Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives, Vol. 18, n. 2, 2009: Our Schools Our Selves: Sex Ed and Youth Education policy committee approves comprehensive sex ed proposal - Session Daily - Minnesota House of Representatives Youth Lead the Fight for Statewide Comprehensive Sex Education Healthy Native Youth: Improving Access to Effective, Culturally-Relevant Sexual Health Curricula Multimedia: Why sex education will save the world | Rayne Fisher-Quann | TEDxKitchenerED Queer Sex Ed podcast CREDITS: Intro/Outro music was made by Rebecca Swing @cowboybecky on Instagram Art by Emi and Will

This episode of Queering Community Health is about the importance of queer chosen families. Three close friends, Kelly, Maya, and Xochitl express vulnerability by describing their experience living in unsupportive households. Through the process of growing up and embracing queer identities, these friends were able to redefine their concept of family. Machismo = “Machismo is a socially constructed, learned, and reinforced set of behaviors comprising the content of male gender roles in Latino society” (De La Cancela, 1986, p. 291). In simple terms, machismo is a form of masculine ideology within Latino communities. - Marilyn Valenciano  “Y el novio”= and the boyfriend?  "Mujer”= woman INDIGENOUS RESOURCES: Land Acknowledgements are not just a statement, it is work: tune in to Call her Aunty Podcast episode 77, “What’s in a Land Acknowledgement?” and “Moving beyond Acknowledgements” by Student Affairs NOW  Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine, Minnesota Native News  (spotify, apple, radio public, RSS) Native Minnesota with Rebecca Crooks-Stratton (Soundcloud, Spotify) Listen to “Indigequeer” by All My Relations Podcast and check out their other episodes! “To be Black, Indigenous, and Queer” by Tu-un Dali and check out their other episodes! Text your address to 907-312-5085 to find out which Indigenous lands you're living on or visiting or visit https://native-land.ca  HEALTH RESOURCES FOR LGBTQ FOLKS: Clinic 555: confidential, low-cost health services for adults and teens. 651-266-1255. www.Clinic555.org  Face to Face Health & Counseling: health services for youth 11-24 years old.  651-772-5555. www.Face2face.org  Family Tree Clinic: affordable and respectful sexual health care and education for LGBTQ individuals. 612-473-0800. www.familytreeclinic.org  Rainbow Health: A healthy sex life includes knowing the basics about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Also mental health services for LGBTQ folks. (800) 248-2437. www.rainbowhealth.org Latitudes: facility designed to meet the specific substance abuse and mental health needs of the LGBTQ community. 612-454-2016 RECLAIM: Mental Health support for queer and trans youth. 612-235-6743. www.reclaim.care  CRISIS RESOURCES: Trans Lifeline: For any trans person in crisis of any kind, the Trans Lifeline runs a national hotline staffed by trans people for trans people. 877- 565- 8860. www.translifeline.org  The Trevor Project: National crisis line and counseling for LGBTQ youth. 24 hour crisis hotline: 866-488-7386. Text “Trevor” to 202-304-1200 or chat online. www.thetrevorproject.org HOUSING Safe Zone: Serves low income youth facing homelessness, lack of preventative healthcare and other challenges. 651-224-9644 Avenues for Youth-GLBT Host Home Program: provides emergency shelter, short-term housing and supportive services in a safe and nurturing environment. 612-968-1672 EDUCATION Out for Equity: A Saint Paul School District program that strives to maintain a safe and welcoming school environment. 651-603-4972 FAMILY SUPPORT PFLAG Twin Cities: parents, families, and friends of LGBTQ+ support in the Metro Areas 612-825-1660

We know that things in life can suck. Because we live in a world  full of white supremacy, patriarchy, misogyny, and transphobia there are most likely times you feel alone, overwhelmed, afraid, ashamed, confused, or scared. Hopefully you also have times that you feel powerful, loved, connected, joyful, and full of dreams for the future. This episode is all about giving you some organizations, numbers and websites for the times you need support. Host: Azul (they/them) a queer, nonbinary, Latinx-European adult HEALTH RESOURCES FOR LGBTQ FOLKS: Minneapolis School-Based Clinics: offer a range of mental health, physical health, and sexual health services at no cost to students or their parents. Website: https://sites.google.com/view/minneapolisschoolbasedclinic Health Start Clinics (St. Paul Schools):  Website: https://www.spps.org/domain/15098 Clinic 555: confidential, low-cost health services for adults and teens. 651-266-1255. www.Clinic555.org  Face to Face Health & Counseling: health services for youth 11-24 years old.  651-772-5555. www.Face2face.org  Family Tree Clinic: affordable and respectful sexual health care and education for LGBTQ individuals. 612-473-0800. www.familytreeclinic.org  Rainbow Health: Mental health services for LGBTQ folks. (800) 248-2437. www.rainbowhealth.org RECLAIM: Mental Health support for queer and trans youth. 612-235-6743. www.reclaim.care  CRISIS RESOURCES: Trans Lifeline: For any trans person in crisis of any kind,  a national hotline staffed by trans people. 877- 565- 8860. www.translifeline.org  The Trevor Project: National crisis line and counseling for LGBTQ youth. 24 hour crisis hotline: 866-488-7386. Text “Trevor” to 202-304-1200 or chat online. www.thetrevorproject.org HOUSING Youth Services Network (YSNMN): Website and app helping youth in the Twin Cities’ Metro Area connect to shelter and services. Available at the Apple Store and Google Play, search for ysnmn. https://ysnmn.org/ Avenues for Youth-GLBT Host Home Program: emergency shelter, short-term housing and supportive services in a safe and nurturing environment. 612-968-1672 The Bridge for Youth: provides emergency shelter, supportive housing, outreach and support, and weekly LGBTQ+ support groups in their Minneapolis location. Call The Bridge at 612-377-8800 or text 612-400-7233. https://bridgeforyouth.org/youth-faq/ DROP IN CENTERS: Safe Zone: Serves low income youth facing homelessness, lack of preventative healthcare and other challenges. 651-224-9644 Freeing Ourselves & Finding Community:  Free drop-in program for LGBTQ+ teens and young adults. 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Tuesdays. Groups for teens ages 13-17, and young adults ages 18-24. Provides meal, free bus cards and conversations with other LGBTQ+ folks. This program takes place at Family Tree Clinic, and is presented in partnership with Avenues for Youth. PEER SUPPORT Q Chat Space: A community for LGBTQ+ Teens. Find and give support, have fun, connect around shared interests and get good information. Chat with like-minded peers in live chats designed for you & by you, facilitated by folks who care. https://www.qchatspace.org/

This podcast delves deep into how queer folks’ personal household experiences has an effect on our mental health and overall wellbeing. We will be hearing the personal stories of young queer people from the Twin Cities that surround discussions of discovering and embracing having a queer identity, coming out, the importance of queer spaces, and growing up in a heteronormative society. We also discuss queer-specific services for those in the Twin Cities that may be struggling with mental or physical health, shelter, or safety. Host: Lanh (he/him), 19 Biracial half-Asian half-white, bisexual and transgender man residing in the Twin Cities suburbs. He is a painter who loves creating art based around identity, childhood, and culture. He is also passionate about social justice, especially issues surrounding racial justice, trans liberation, and Ethnic Studies.  Guests: Eva (she/her), 18 Biracial half-black half-white, bisexual woman who is originally from Virginia, Minnesota. She moved to Minneapolis the Summer before her 8th grade year. She has a passion for fashion and is involved in her school’s Model UN and Student Council. Emi (any pronouns), 18 Albanian, muslim individual. They are the founder of the Body Org. He is also a full-spectrum birth doula. She is extremely passionate about exploring the intersections between sexual and reproductive health, birthwork and birth justice, and the principles of liberation and community. Dylan (they/them)Queer and genderqueer social worker. Dylan works with RECLAIM as a therapist providing meaningful care for queer individuals all across the Twin Cities. They practice relational, client-centered therapy. Check out their other Queering Community Health Podcast episode here Native landhttps://native-land.ca/ https://usdac.us/nativeland Mental Health  RECLAIM Rainbow Health MN Consent and Confidentiality Laws Telehealth Crisis helplines ○       Trevor Project ○       Trans Lifeline Youth Shelters ○       Avenues for Youth ○       The Bridge for Youth Harm reduction ○       ACT ○       Bystander intervention Independent Local media ○       Unicorn Riot ○       Georgia Fort CREDITS:Episode art by: Ly Fastner on Instragram @lyfastlearner or lyfastnerart.carrd.co/ Theme music by Rebecca Swing @cowboybecky 

Kaz Kohls (they/them) talks about gender affirming care with Rainbow Health’s Director of Advocacy and Research Phil Duran (he/him). Duran shares the work he has done to advocate for incarcerated trans people, and what still needs to be done to improve the current system. RESOURCES  native-land.ca  MN Department of Human Services and gender affirming surgery MN Spokesman Recorder: The transgender experience in prison Medicaid Policy and Gender-affirming Care for Trans People: An Interview with Advocates Southwest News Media: Trans inmate in Shakopee talks about why he’s pushing state for hormone therapy for a transcript of this recording please visit the episode page.

This episode of Queering Community Health is about the process of searching for colleges as an LGBTQ+/queer person, as well as the facilities and policies currently put in place at various colleges. Four guests by the name of Ava, Zoey Haines, MC, and t. aaron hans are interviewed, each having a different perspective on this topic. Ava (she/her) is a current LGBTQ+ high school senior who is pursuing higher education.  Zoey Haines (she/her) is the College and Career Readiness Coordinator at Central Highschool through a non-profit organization by the name of AchieveMPLS, which is a Minneapolis based organization that focuses on community support and equitable access to different types of post secondary education and career opportunities.   MC (she/they) is another current LGBTQ+ high school senior who is pursuing higher education. t. aaron hans (he/him/ze/hir) is the Sexualities & Gender Diversity Programs Director and Deputy Title IX Coordinator at Hamline University, but also has prior experience within LGBTQ+ spaces as a leader and advocate.  RESOURCES: -        AchieveMPLS -        Hamline University’s Sexuality and Gender Diversity Programs -        Campus Pride Index -        Niche.com -        Trans and Non-binary Student Resource Guide -        Trans Student Education Resources (TSER) -        Consortium of Higher Education - LGBT Resource Professionals -        My Life My Quit FURTHER READINGS -        LGBTQ Students on Campus - Higher Education Today -        Why LGBTQ inclusivity still matters in higher education - The Conversation -        Policy Recommendations to Support LGBTQ Students - GLSEN -        Transitions Into, and Through, Higher Education: The Lived Experiences of Students Who Identify as LGBTQ+ - Glazzard, Jindal-Snape, Stones CREDITS Intro/Outro music was made by Rebecca Swing @cowboybecky on Instagram Cover art and other background music was made by Ruben Hendricks or @spooktrook on Instagram

We’re so excited to welcome you to Season Two of Queering Community Health! Join Azul (they/them) as they hear some of this year’s creators sharing about their episode topics, motivations, advice and more. RESOURCES Indigenous land histories, Indigenous voices and work, and land acknowledgements : Find out what Indigenous land you are on: https://native-land.ca/ Learn more about Land Acknowledgements: https://native-land.ca/resources/territory-acknowledgement/, https://nativegov.org/resources/  Twin Cities’ and Minnesota land histories: Bdote Memory Map, Tribal College Journal history of the Ojibwe and Colonization, the History of White Earth, Mnisota Makoce: The Land of the Dakota by Gwne Westerman and Bruce White, and What Does Justice Look Like: The Struggle for Liberation in Dakota Homeland by Waziyatawin Minnesota-based podcasts and audio storytelling centering Indigenous voices: Indigenized Connections on Air,  Minnesota Native News, Native Lights, Native Roots Radio Network (AM 950, Weekdays 6-7pm), Niijii Radio (KKWE 89.9FM) Support Indigenous-led advocacy work: Dream of Wild Health, Minneapolis American Indian Center, The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center, Native American Community Development Institute, White Earth Land Recover Project For a transcription of this episode, please visit our webpage.

Saint Paul STRONG hosted an on-air panel discussion about the court decision to identify Right Of Way (ROW) street assessments as property taxes rather than special assessments. The decision impacts all Saint Paul property owners – including non-profits.  Panelists include: Robert D. Ebel, Greg Blees, Peter Nelson, Ellen Brown, and Simon Taghioff.

We air the second of three guest episodes from Gender School: Smash the Cis-tem. On this week’s guest episode, All About The Data, Kai has a conversation with their fellow researchers about the survey data they all collected including the results, how they interpreted it and what it suggests we do to make schools truly gender inclusive. Kai (@uncomplacentqueer) hosted this episode and was joersined by fellow researchers Tori Westenberg - @Tori_the_writer  and Bisandi (@bisandimahanama). OutFront Gender Inclusion Project: https://www.outfront.org/educationalequity#gender-inclusion-project OutFront Youth Instagram: @outfrontyouth For a transcript of this episode, visit the episode web page. To take our Queering Community Health listener feedback survey, mentioned in the podcast, click on this survey link.

We air the first of three guest episodes from Gender School: Smash the Cis-tem. OutFront Youth Researchers Tori, Kai, and Bisandi have a conversation about what they wish we had access to in schools in order to make the spaces more gender inclusive and talk through the question, what is it that actually makes school environments inclusive and safe for Trans and Non-binary students? With the help of Leah Jordan, the Inclusion and Equity Policy Coordinator for Saint Paul Public Schools, they discuss and shed more light on what gender inclusion policies actually are and what they do for students across MN. RESOURCES: OutFront Gender Inclusion Project: https://www.outfront.org/educationalequity#gender-inclusion-project Saint Paul Public Schools: Out for Equity Also - PLEASE take our listener survey https://tinyurl.com/Survey-qch. We want to hear from you!

What impacts our physical, mental, political, and emotional wellbeing, and shapes the path forward for our LGBTQIA+/Queer communities? Representation. We know that having healthy, diverse, and accessible queer representation can make a world of a difference for LGBTQIA+/Queer youth, and truly queer communities of all ages. Of course, not all representation is positive and the consequences of poor representation can be devastating. No matter what form it takes, and regardless of its quality, representation (or the lack thereof) is a powerful force that needs to be understood and cultivated.   To discuss representation, host Siena Iwasaki Milbauer (she/her) is joined by Kohana Wilson (they/them) and Nana Aforo (he/him). This trio of queer creatives brings their perspectives as creators and consumers of representation to the table as they discuss the representation that has shaped them, the representation that has let them down, what it feels like to become empowered to create your own representation as an artist, and what kinds of representation they want to see and create in the future.    Follow and support this episode’s guests and their amazing art: Kohana Wilson on Instagram@floralgunk, Nana Aforo on Instagram@nanayawaforoand on soundcloud under the name “Lines of Hour”. You can also follow host Siena Iwasaki Milbauer on Instagram @s_iwasaki_milbauer.  If you are interested in learning more about LGBTQIA+/Queer representation, visit the episode webpage for a list of resources that were the most illuminating and interesting to host Siena Iwasaki Milbauer as she put together this episode. Episode Credits Music Credits: Queering Community Health Theme by Becs (on Instagram@beckyfuckingarts), Flavour byWataboi from Pixabay. 

In this episode we discuss the harm in biases and how they show up in stereotypes. How they seep into our everyday lives, and the shame and trauma that accompanies them. We hear from a Youth Shelter Care-Taker on how stereotypes and harmful biases affect youth. Learn how they occur, why they are harmful, and how unlearning stereotypes will help heal communities. Host: Mason, He/Him Socials: linktr.ee 23, nonbinary transman, Designer/modiste & activist Guest: Judea/Jude, Any Pronoun, 23 Care-taker and youth advocate at 180 Degrees Homeless Prevention Organization  180 Degrees: For 50 years, 180 Degrees has helped Minnesota youth and adults break the cycle of trauma created by poverty, racism, mass incarceration, homelessness and exploitation—offering the tools and support to help build stronger, brighter, more resilient communities Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center: We Are Not A Stereotype GLAAD: GLAAD works through entertainment, news, and digital media to share stories from the LGBTQ community that accelerate acceptance Music Credits: Queering Community Health Theme by Becs, on Instagram @beckyfuckingarts Art Credit:  @jacques_persons 

Hosted by Elle, this episode centers the two stories of Heidi and Sam, both community members who have been diagnosed with PCOS- polycystic ovarian syndrome. Heidi and Sam share their journeys with getting diagnosed, dealing with that diagnosis, finding supportive doctors, and finding joy in their health conditions. This podcast highlights the interesting relationship between being non-binary or transgender and having PCOS. RESOURCES: Interact: Advocates for Intersex Youth Sean Sifa Wall: Sean Saifa Wall is an intersex activist, visual artist, and public health researcher. Transgender, Intersex, Gender-Expansive Revolutionary Resources & Services (TIGERRS) Pidgeon Pagonis: Pidgeon Pagonis has slowly, oftentimes not so quietly risen to visibility as an activist on behalf of intersex people. Whether advancing intersex advocacy as the co-founder of the Intersex Justice Project, producing informational videos that go viral on Buzzfeed, creating art that centers intersex voices, appearing on the cover of National Geographic “Gender Revolution” special issue or being honored as a LGBT Champion of Change in 2015 by the Obama White House, Pidgeon has staked out a place at the fore of debates on intersexuality and otherness. Hi, hello, hans:  I make videos about queer, intersex, and media topics. I'm a white, queer intersex creator and sentient stick of cotton candy, formerly in the PR and non-profit advocacy world. My aim here is to illustrate the expansiveness of the intersex umbrella. We take the good with the bad as we move toward a non-medical and inclusive understanding of human sex variation. Humor, too. :)

In this episode of Queering Community Health, local artist Cedar Thomas (they/them) interviews a panel of local creatives to hear their experiences and advice regarding mental health, creativity, self-care and self-expression. Guests on this episode (in order of appearance): Vanessa McDuffie (she/her), an educator, writer and creator of the upcoming creative art space devoted to the queer BIPOC community of Minneapolis, Nue Bedford. Instagram: @nessa_bess / @nuebedford Archie Bongiovanni (they/them), cartoonist, illustrator and author of A Quick & Easy Guide To They/Them Pronouns and Grease Bats . Instagram: @babywrist / Twitter: @grease_bat / Website: archiebongiovanni.com heather c. lou (she/her), a mixed media artist and an educator who is passionate about community and promoting creativity. Instagram: @hclou / Website: hclouart.com Cedar and their guests dive into discussions of what creativity looks like, how it’s connected to self expression, and the numerous ways that letting oneself be creative can challenge the pressures of the world around us. Learn more about Vanessa, Archie and heather as they discuss their respective creative practices, exploring early memories, successes and failures. And don’t miss the advice for young folks who might be struggling with their identities, their queerness, and/or their self-expression. RESOURCES: Vanessa’s Instagram: @nessa_bess,Nue Bedford’s Instagram: @nuebedford Donate to Nue Bedford’s GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-space-for-queer-bipoc-creatives-in-mi?utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link-tip Archie’s Instagram: @babywrist, Archie’s Twitter: @grease_bat, Archie’s Website: archiebongiovanni.com, Other links from Archie: https://linktr.ee/archiebongiovanni heather’s Instagram: @hclou, heather’s Website: hclouart.com