Featuring your host Carys, creator of the CALM blog, and special guests, CALM Cast elevates the voices of LGBTQIA+ individuals who are affected by or who treat mental illness. The Cast advocates for inclusivity and equality in mental health with researched info and uplifting stories on the queer mental health experience.
Carys and Devin are back this week with updates on equality! Learn why Estée Lauder is a top company for disability equality, how a brawl in Alabama exemplifies the continued racial divide in the US, and what in the world is happening in FL schools this week (it's always something). Listen to the end for Carys to get herself canceled!! It's her Downfall Era.
Nominate someone for the Gay City News Impact Awards by contacting Amanda Tarley by email at Amanda@gaycitynews.com or by phone at 718-249-9640.
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For this Weekly Reading, Carys and Devin cover the well-deserved success of Leigh-Anne Pinnock, the Barbie movie, and Michigan's equality advocates. The two activists also recount moments of tomfoolery in the news involving false information about the Holocaust and slavery. Before bringing up the existence of aliens, Carys and Devin cover the new ACAA ruling and discuss the importance of equality in (worldly) travel.
Episode Links:
Black Fund: https://www.theblackfund.co.uk/
Connect with Carys:
Advocates for LGBTQ Equality: www.advocatesforlgbtqequality.com
IG: advocateslgbtq
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/advocatesforlgbtqequality
Connect with Devin:
Website: https://www.racetospeakup.com/
Devin Speaks Up!: www.racetospeakup.com/shop
Youtube Channel: @The Race To Speak Up Podcast
Instagram: @racetospeakup and @authordevinmoore
Facebook: @racetospeakup
Spotify: The Race To Speak Up Podcast
Anchor: The Race To Speak Up Podcast
Author Devin Moore Linktree: https://linktr.ee/authordevinmoore
Race To Speak Up Linktree: https://linktr.ee/RaceToSpeakUp
Welcome to Weekly Reading, a series by The Equality Podcast. Join your hosts Carys Mullins and Devin Moore as they read and react to newsworthy moments in human rights and equality activism every week! Listen every Sunday to get the scoop on the latest equality news delivered with raw, leveled yet comedic realness.
This episode, get updates on Black History in FL schools and the Florida Board of Education Rules that impact LGBTQ+ students and teachers. Hear happy breaking news such as San Francisco's charitable Drag Artists/Lawyers (um YAS!) and a new non-discrimination policy in a progressive GA county. All aboard the Clown Express as, amid serious discussions (like the value of social media in GenZ's educational toolkit), Carys somehow sneaks in John Mulany references. Devin brings up NewsTok...it gets a bit chaotic but we're here for it.
LINKS
Follow Carys Mullins/Advocates for LGBTQ Equality:
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Carys speaks with Lee Pace of Marsha's Tea Room, a transgender-led nonprofit organization that promotes the health and well-being of trans and GNC people in Mississippi, about the importance of gender-affirming care, safe spaces, mental health, storytelling, and more. Lee is doing everything he can to support the trans community. By hosting pizza parties with Slice Out Hunger, and helping people get binders, education, housing, and hormone therapy, Lee Pace and Marsha's Tea Room are making moves and creating an impact. Listen to this great interview, hosted by Carys Mullins, founder of the Community Advocates for LGBTQ Mental Health, to learn more and be inspired.
NOTICE! WE HAVE CHANGES OUR INSTAGRAM HANDEL AND WEBSITE SINCE THIS RECORDING! OUR WEBSITE IS NOW advocatesforlgbtqequality.com AND OUR INSTAGRAM IS @advocateslgbtq.
Follow us on Instagram: Advocates for LGBTQ Equality (@advocateslgbtq) • Instagram photos and videos
Donate to Marsha's Tea Room: Marsha's Tea Room - Donations (marshastearoom.org)
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BESTIES! It is interview time! Welcome to the podcast Cameron J. Samuels (They/Them), the leader of a student movement in Texas against school district censorship of books and LGBTQ and mental health resources. Cameron was also named honorary chair of Banned Books Week, the first youth to earn the title. Today, your host Carys Mullins asked Cameron to share their story, how their journey has impacted them, and what advice they have for all students, youth, and LGBTQ+ individuals. This episode is truly inspiring and shows the power of youth organization for change. Listen now!
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The CALM Cast is powered by Humanity Rising – What Cause Inspires You? Students can gain service-learning hours for listening to CALM Cast episodes. To learn more and find out how to log your hours, visit the Humanity Rising Website or visit our join page at www.thecalmblog.com/join.
Carys shares her personal story of overcoming suicide to inspire others to open the discussion and share their story too. She recalls her mental health journey from middle school to now, opening up about her struggles with depression and an eating disorder. Carys tells the story of the day she planned to take her life, what stopped her, and how it can be lesson to everyone. Also: if all else fails...Goldfish.
Call the National Suicide Hotline at 988 if you have urges to self-harm or are having thoughts of suicide. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
The CALM Cast is powered by Humanity Rising. Students can gain service-learning hours for listening to CALM Cast episodes. To learn more and find out how to log your hours, visit the Humanity Rising Website or visit our join page at www.thecalmblog.com/join.
Credits
Host: Carys Mullins
Audio Editor: Carys Mullins
Video Editor: Eashan Patel
Graphic Designer: Carys Mullins
Powered by Humanity Rising
Time for another interview, Besties! Carys interviewed lore m. dickey, Ph.D., an award-winning retired psychologist who worked extensively on transgender issues. They discuss Dr. Dickey's expertise and professional opinions on how transphobia impacts the mental health of transgender kids. Their conversation trails off at points into equally interesting mini-convos about recent LGBTQIA+ politics, the mental health diagnosis process, and why Carys felt personally attacked by factual statements. Don't worry! We promise it all circles back to why transphobia deprecates transgender kids' mental health. Trigger warning for mentions of suicide, PTSD, and eating disorders. Call the Suicide Hotline (988) if you need support. Call 911 if your life or someone else's life is immediate danger.
Follow us on IG: @the.calm.blog
Join the Advocates — theCALMblog
OWL: https://www.uua.org/re/owl
Bandana Project (thebandanaproj.org)
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Happy Disability Pride Month, Besties! Today, Carys and returning cast member Haley Martin get a case of the giggles mixed with mama bear-like rage and fear of being sued by Walmart. The besties discuss their experiences living with chronic conditions and being LGBTQIA+. They get into accessibility issues, inappropriate staring, invasive family members, discrimination, and the importance of awareness for yourself and others. But it wouldn't be a CALM Cast episode without it going slightly off the rails!! Carys goes on a short rant about Chick-Fil-A versus Popeyes, Haley shares a Forever 21 Horror Story featuring that one gay hype man we all know and love, and both of them plug a special announcement.
Disabled Not Unable (Disability Project) Coming Fall 2022. Visit www.volunteerhumanity.org/projects to learn about current and past projects. Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/volunteerhumanity/
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BESTIES! We have Jay Eveson-Egler (they/them), the Co-manager of Simpatico Mentoring Program with the Asperger/Autism Network (AANE), and bisexual bestie! Carys and Jay discuss how being neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ intersect to create unique social and mental health challenges. Together, they share the facts, personal accounts, advice, and resources for the community. With enlightening insights from Jay about invisible discrimination, healthcare injustice, and therapy issues, this episode spread awareness on a historically silenced community. Carys also forgets how to speak again...she was doing so well...The word that got her this time? "Physician".
Follow AANE on YouTube: Asperger/Autism Network - AANE - YouTube
Follow CALM on Instagram: @the.calm.blog
Visit the AANE website: Asperger / Autism Network (AANE) We are here for you!
See CALM resources: Resources — theCALMblog
The CALM Cast is powered by Humanity Rising – What Cause Inspires You? Students can gain service-learning hours for listening to CALM Cast episodes. To learn more and find out how to log your hours, visit the Humanity Rising Website or visit our join page at www.thecalmblog.com/join.
IS ANYONE STUCK IN A TIME LOOP?! Anyway...Today, Carys welcomes Macy Hembd, an artist with a master's degree in social justice and human rights and a background in art therapy studies! Carys and Macy take on how social justice and LGBTQ+ mental health interact. They cover how systematic injustice and social change are two sides of the same coin. Carys and Macy explain why we need to see both the bigger picture while still understanding the specifics of multi-minority groups. They both share ideas for coping with feelings of helplessness before Carys takes a detour on why 14-year-olds should not have the weight of solving global injustice on their shoulders. Carys also dives into her experience with limitations and how it impacted her mental health. Lastly, Macy and Carys tag-team to give advice. Tune in for an insightful (and slightly chaotic) conversation! Prepare for hard truths, a K-Drama reference, and Carys forgetting what AIR is in the first 30 seconds (get it together sis).
Find Macy on IG: @macyhembd
Email Macy: macy.hembd@gmail.com
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Check out the Humanity Rising YouTube Channel: Humanity Rising - YouTube
See our faces: CALM Official - YouTube
Anxiety Resources: Q Chat Space | Home, Tips to Manage Anxiety and Stress | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA
The CALM Cast is powered by Humanity Rising – What Cause Inspires You? Students can gain service-learning hours for listening to CALM Cast episodes. To learn more and find out how to log your hours, visit the Humanity Rising Website or visit our join page at www.thecalmblog.com/join.
BESTIES! It's a new type of episode today! Our host and Humanity Rising Ambassador Carys Mullins and SPARK Program Coordinator Nicole Wilson discuss suicide prevention and awareness in terms of the LGBTQIA+ community. Together, they provide insights on the mental health crisis, startling statistics, and an overview of why these topics need attention. Nicole and Carys both speaks to their experiences with loss from suicide, their personal struggles, and how they overcame them. By using the SPARK model, they review how understanding your mind can help prevent suicide. They sign off with LGBTQIA+ specific suicide prevention and mental health resources and some personal advice from them to you! You can watch this episode on YouTube as well: LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention Webinar - YouTube
Check out our YouTube Channel: CALM Official
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Follow SPARK on IG: @sparkinitiative
Learn more about SPARK: Home - The SPARK Initiative Inc.
The CALM Cast is powered by Humanity Rising – What Cause Inspires You? Students can gain service-learning hours for listening to CALM Cast episodes. To learn more and find out how to log your hours, visit the Humanity Rising Website or visit our join page at www.thecalmblog.com/join.
BESTIES! Sorry for the delay (our editor is unwell right now)!! But we're back in business with Cassie Brady, a trans woman and musical artist with One More Onion and The Lavander Project. Today, Carys and Cassie discuss what music therapy means to them, their journey through artistic healing, and what words of wisdom they have to share with those who want to get started. Featuring K-pop Idol references, the story behind the band name One More Onion, beautiful inner realizations, and more! Trigger Warning for very, very brief mention of self-harm.
Read the blog: Music and LGBTQIA+ Mental Health — theCALMblog
Learn about the Festival of Being: Festival of Being Registration, Sun, Jun 19, 2022, at 5:00 AM | Eventbrite
Follow Cassie on IG: onemore_onion
Follow us on IG: @the.calm.blog
JOIN THE CAST: Join the Advocates — theCALMblog
See our Resources — theCALMblog
If you are having thoughts of or are actively harming yourself, call 1-800-273-8255. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW ARE IN A LIFE THREATING SITUATION, CALL 911!
The CALM Cast is powered by Humanity Rising – What Cause Inspires You? Students can gain service-learning hours for listening to CALM Cast episodes. To learn more and find out how to log your hours, visit the Humanity Rising Website or visit our join page at www.thecalmblog.com/join.
BESTIES! Carys introduces Haley Martin, Volunteer Project Leader of My Autonomy My Rights, a sexual and reproductive health resource web-project under Volunteer Humanity. Did you know your host Carys Mullins is the CEO and Founder of Volunteer Humanity?! Anyway! Carys asks Haley how being an LGBTQIA+ and reproductive health advocate affects her mental wellbeing. They discuss how reproductive healthcare access and inclusivity impacts LGBTQIA+ mental health. The gals also include why there is a need for gender inclusivity and neutrality at pregnancy and sexual health centers. Carys shares her thoughts on how easy it is to create inclusive environments. Haley makes great points about transgender men's mental health during and after pregnancy. Featuring off topic moments on binder safety, seahorse dads, and Chik-Fil-A!
Binder Safety Resources: How to Safely Wear a Binder - Trans Stuff, How to Bind Your Chest Safely – Cleveland Clinic, Chest Binding: Safety Tips and Self-Care Practices - GoodRx.
Volunteer for My Autonomy My Rights by Volunteer Humanity and Haley Martin: https://forms.gle/Zv4d4DzaGeq1mA94A
Learn more about Volunteer Humanity: Projects — Volunteer Humanity
Read the blog: HIV/AIDS and Mental Health — theCALMblog
Join the Advocates — theCALMblog
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The CALM Cast is powered by Humanity Rising – What Cause Inspires You? Students can gain service-learning hours for listening to CALM Cast episodes. To learn more and find out how to log your hours, visit the Humanity Rising Website or visit our join page at www.thecalmblog.com/join.
TEAM JACOB ANYONE?! Why are we mentioning Twilight? Well, it is the movie series that caused Carys' pansexual awaking. An awaking that, while iconic as it may be, was the beginning of a downward spiral into depression, perfectionism, and an eating disorder. Today, our host is going solo to give her a comfortable space to share her raw and unfiltered Queer Mental health Journey. She gets personal about how she came out and what other realizations followed. She goes into her experience with mental illness and trauma and tell us how it showed her the importance of self-acceptance, letting go of control, and finding your reason for waking up each day. Listen as Carys gets slightly off track with stories of her tomboy years, lesbian representation in The Legend of Korra, and her admission that she watchedTwilight for the plot. This is why she isn't allowed to record by herself anymore... We will be back with a new guest next week to keep her on track besties!!
Read our newest blog: HIV/AIDS and Mental Health — theCALMblog
JOIN THE CAST (so we can avoid any more Twilight stories. Please!)
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Trigger Warning: Mentions of Eating Disorders, Self-Harm (very small mention), and Depression.
Eating Disorder Help: Eating Disorders Helpline | Chat, Call, or Text | NEDA (nationaleatingdisorders.org)
Self-Harm Help: Self-Harm - Crisis Text Line
Depression Hotline: 866-903-3787
If you suspect you or someone you love is experiencing an eating disorder, visit Evaluation and Diagnosis | National Eating Disorders Association or Eating Disorders Screening Tool | Help & Support | NEDA (nationaleatingdisorders.org). Call your emergency number (USA: 911) if you or someone you know needs immediate help or is a threat to themself or others.
The CALM Cast is powered by Humanity Rising – What Cause Inspires You? Students can gain service-learning hours for listening to CALM Cast episodes. To learn more and find out how to log your hours, visit the Humanity Rising Website or visit our join page at www.thecalmblog.com/join.
HI BESTIES! We are back and here with Shiloh Nikaj (He/They), a Youth Council Member with Equality Florida, GSA member, and LGBTQIA+ activist, to discuss how modern-day media impacts the mental health of transgender people. Carys and Shiloh share their thoughts on how the 24/7 news cycle, social media, podcasts, and more influences the way transgender people feel, act, and view the world. Carys gets real about transphobia and stereotyping within the LGBTQIA+ community and how it damages us all (please do NOT look up some of this section if you're under 18. We had to say insert what we said here for the sake of honesty!!!). Shiloh gives their advice on how to get support on and offline if the media is overwhelming you. The Trevor Project is mentioned on the podcast once again (besties, we swear we are not sponsored. It's just a great source). Equality FL: Equality Florida (eqfl.org) Read the Newest Blog: A Lifetime on Alert: How LGBTQ+ people must exist. — theCALMblog Follow us on IG: @the.calm.blog Follow us on TW: @theCALMblog JOIN THE CAST The CALM Cast is powered by Humanity Rising – What Cause Inspires You? Students can gain service-learning hours for listening to CALM Cast episodes. To learn more and find out how to log your hours, visit the Humanity Rising Website or visit our join page at www.thecalmblog.com/join.
BESTIES IT IS THERAPY TIME!! Carys and Cast Member Kerri Timothy, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, discuss the responsibilities of mental health professionals (MHPs) in providing LGBTQIA+ mental healthcare and fighting for equality. Kerri opens up about her educational history in LGBTQIA+ areas and why standard psychology and social work education needs to change. Carys talks about what therapists could be doing to help their LGBTQIA+ patients and Kerri shares her thoughts on Carys' suggestions. Listen to this wonderful and honest conversation between the two, who may or may not have a past therapeutic relationship (it's all speculation....). Also, WIFI is homophobic!!!!
Kerri Timothy's Profile: Kerri Timothy, Lutz, FL, 33549 | Psychology Today
Kerri's Contact Info: creativechangecouns@gmail.com
Read the Blog: Do No Harm: Mental Health Professionals and LGBTQ+ Patients — theCALMblog
Find Resources — theCALMblog
JOIN THE CAST: Join the Advocates — theCALMblog
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INTERVIEW TIME BESTIES! Carys talks with Dr. Gary Howell, a gay psychologist and Director of the Institute of LGBT Health and Wellbeing in Tampa. Dr. Howell has a distinguished career in Psychology, LGBTQ+ Advocacy, and Nonprofit Work. Dr. Howell discusses how he got started in advocacy work, what role he felt made the most impact, and gives advice to youth. Carys and Dr. Howell share their thoughts on the responsibility of organizations to fight for mental health equality, intersectionality, discrimination, and how recent events are affecting our mental health. Plus, the drop on why homophobia should be called bigotry (unless people are truly afraid of the Gay Agenda) and why posting quotes on Facebook does nada. OKAY, FINE! WE DISCUSS A LOT! Just listen to get to scoop on Dr. Howell's expertise!!! INSTITUTE FOR LGBT HEALTH & WELLBEING - Home Read last week's blog: Commercial Community: Businesses and the LGBTQIA+ community — theCALMblog JOIN THE CAST Follow us on IG: the.calm.blog Follow us on Twitter: theCALMblog See our beautiful faces: CALM Official - YouTube CALM is powered by Humanity Rising – What Cause Inspires You? Listen to the podcast to earn service-learning hours. Work toward becoming a Humanity Rising ambassador and win scholarships. Join InnerView to get started and visit the Humanity Rising website to learn more!
SWITCHING IT UP! Carys interviewed our new Cast Members, the President and VP of The Queer Club, an LGBTQIA+ school club in Florida. They discuss how LGBTQIA+ clubs improve student mental health, impact school culture, and set the stage for change. They all admit their love of the Straights TM and invite them all to join their nearest LGBTQIA+ club ASAP!!! We won't judge your cargo shorts and hockey jersey if you pretend to laugh at our Hamilton jokes <3
Read the Blog for this Episode: Can clubs benefit LGBTQ+ mental health? — theCALMblog
Follow TQC on IG: @tqcwchs
Follow the CALM Cast on IG: @the.calm.blog (ewww)
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How are our besties doing with the time change?! The Cast is protesting by sleeping in... BUT NOT ON MONDAY MORNING! Instead, Carys and Cast Member Emma discuss their experiences with therapy from the Queer Perspective (TM), how and why to find an accepting therapist, and how to stare into the soul of your therapist for a proper Queer Vibe Check. PRO TIP: if the therapist does not like the Hamilton soundtrack...GTFO!! Most importantly, remember that we care about you and want to stick around. If you need support, check out The Trevor Project (WE SWEAR ITS NOT SPONSERED) and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255).
Read the Blog for this Episode
Access LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resources
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HI BESTIES! Today Carys is joined by Cast Member Amarie, True Ally and creator of the Butterfly Project, a community initiative for art collages for youth in crisis. Together they discuss the roles and responsibilities of allies, the importance of safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, NYC being iconic, and how allies can stand up for mental health equality. BTW, Carys still can't speak words... TW: mentions of suicide, hate crime, and homophobia/transphobia If you or a loved one needs support, Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Read the blog this episode is based on: To Be an Ally of Equality — theCALMblog Follow Us on IG @the.calm.blog AND Twitter @theCALMblog Keep up with Amarie's work on IG @distractableme AND Twitter @DistractableMee Check out the Butterfly Project on IG @_the_butterflyproject JOIN THE CAST SIS! All allies and LGBTQ+ people are welcomed
Carys chats with Cast Member Charity Wright, a True Ally of the LGBTQ+ community! Let's have a convo about Charity’s allyship journey, what it means to be a supporter, and how to spot (and confront!) false allyship. Featuring hard truths, Pride Parades, finding out your ex-boyfriend is gay, and more! PS: If I used hubris wrong, cancel the show on Twitter @theCALMblog Read the blog that this episode is based on: To Be an Ally of Equality — theCALMblog Follow the CALM Cast to listen to Part 2, featuring a new special cast member, next week! JOIN THE CAST SIS! I want you to be a featured guest on the blog :) Stay tuned on IG: @the.calm.blog