Dissectually Active

This episode is coming to ya 2 days later than usual, but with good reason because this week's topic took on a journey of its own. Truly, we are all just doing our best to navigate this new age of social media as it continues to rule our lives. Join this week's conversation as we dissect the ways in which online connectivity has affected our mental health and influenced our decision making. Whenever you find yourself struggling to cope with the pressures of posting, just remember... it's not you, it's social media. DONATE TO AN IMPORTANT CAUSE! Shriners Hospitals For Children (donate.lovetotherescue.org) Lil Vegan Shawty (lilveganshawty.co) Human Rights Campaign (hrc.org) Unique Woman's Coalition (theuwc.org)

We're baaaaack! This week on Dissectually Active we're switching things up and dissecting ourselves. As we unpack our current states of mind, we come face to face with our inner saboteurs and talk about learning to embrace every color of ourselves. We're excited to break away from our previous format while still learning and growing with guests! Make sure to continue supporting small and check out the businesses we've shared so far: Essence by Erika Suzie (@es.essence) LAST ONE LEFT by 1-OFF PROJECT (@1offproject) this stuff goes bad. (@thisstuffgoesbad) Pastel. Where Soft is Bold. (@softisbold)

This week we're dissecting the intersectionality of black transgender lives. With the help of Vanessa Warri, we begin to understand the depths of oppression faced by this community, and explore the ways in which we can reshape our systems to better serve our LGBTQ+ youth. Vanessa is a researcher, strategist, and advocate whose experience clearly demonstrates the significance, validity, and beauty of queer contribution to our society. Let's amplify their voices, protect their rights, and uplift trans lives. Small Bizz Shoutout: PASTEL (@softisbold) Promo Code: DA15, FOR 15% off! Donate to the Unique Woman's Coalition (theuwc.org/donate)!

**DISCLAIMER: This episode was recorded and published before our guest publicly shared her transition, name, and pronouns - Lennon Torres (she/her). With her permission, we have decided to keep this episode published in its original format but would like to recognize her true identity, and respectfully address her as Lennon (she/her) moving forward.** Gender Inclusivity is no longer a request but a right. This week we learn from the brilliant mind of Lennon Torres, an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and a spokesperson for gender identities that go beyond the binary. It is important to create inclusive spaces that reference and welcome ALL identities, and Lennon shows us exactly how to do that! Join us as we dissect the ways in which we can regenerate our vocabulary, insight inclusivity, and expand on this ever-growing conversation. Small Biz Shoutout: This Stuff Goes Bad (@thisstuffgoesbad) Promo Code: DISSECT15, for 15% off! Donate to the Human Rights Campaign (www.hrc.org)!

What does wellness mean to you? For artist/athlete, Tash Crudup, the dimensions of wellness are interconnected and sustainable. She promotes plant-based life and has created a community that supports individuals on their journey towards wellness. Whether you're a vegan, an avid meat lover, or somewhere in between, you could definitely learn a thing or two from Tash. Small Bizz Shoutout: Last One Left by 1-OFF Recycled Garment Project (@1offproject) Donate to an organization of your choice, listed on LVS (lilveganshawty.co)

The dissection begins! In our first interview with professional dancer/model, Sydney Mesher, we unpack what it is like to live with a limb difference. As a woman with one hand, Sydney helps us tackle the misperceptions and stigmas surrounding physical disabilities. Through her journey towards becoming a professional dancer and model, she has continuously exemplified authenticity and has become a role model for people who share similar feats. Small Biz Shoutout: Essence by Erika Suzie (@es.essence) PROMO Code: DISSECT, for 15% off! Donate to Shriners Hospitals for Children (donate.lovetotherescue.org)!

Who are we? What are we doing here? Where are we going? What does it mean to be Dissectually Active? Listen now to find out!