Voices of REC

There are a lot of false statements going around aboutgender affirming care, and we use this episode to debunk it. Krystina and I'Sha sit with Lead Outpatient Therapist, Ryan, LMSW a therapist at Ruth Ellis Center. We discuss the process, misconceptions, and more. Reading Room Book of the Month: Felix Ever After by KacenCallenderLocal Book Store: Love & Other Books (www.loveandotherbooksshop.com)Read along with us and join our book discussion onBlueSky (@ruthelliscenter.bsky.social)! Support your local library or bookstore.We would like to thank LEAR for making this episodehappen!  We want to highlight the talentedPatrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. Check out our producer Patrick and his work atPatrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos

To uplift Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we interviewDale Krueger (he/him) MYSHARE Co-Facilitator and Jarred Daniels (he/him) SHARE Implementation Specialist at Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health(MOASH). We discuss misconceptions, digital literacy and the importance of community. Here are links to some resources shared:Stopncii.org - StopNCII.org is a free tool designed tosupport victims of Non-Consensual Intimate Image (NCII) abuse1in6.org - Sexual assault support for Men MOASH has a community retreat program called LiFT(Linking Families and Teens) for youth 13-24 and their supportive adults.Please check out our socials for the flyer! Reading Room Book of the Month:Black Leopard Red Wolf by Marlon JamesLocal Book Store: Love & Other Books (www.loveandotherbooksshop.com)Read along with us and join our book discussion onBlueSky (@ruthelliscenter.bsky.social)! Supportyour local library or bookstore.We would like to thank LEAR for making this episodehappen!  We want to highlight the talentedPatrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. Check out our producer Patrick and his work atPatrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos

The misinformation and stigma around HIV are still anissue in the year 2025 oddly enough. From the lack of knowledge about PrEP to thinking it only effects Black gay men, there is a WHOLE lot to debunk and demystify. We interview two folks living with HIV to hear and share theirstories while bringing the truth to you about HIV. Reading Room Book of the Month sponsored by The Ford Fund: The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna Local Book Store: Love & Other Books (www.loveandotherbooksshop.com)Read along with us and join our book discussion onBlueSky (@ruthelliscenter.bsky.social)! Supportyour local library or bookstore.We would like to thank Brasscraft  for making this episode happen!  We want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. Check out our producer Patrick and his work atPatrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos

When it comes to LGBTQIA+ community some relationships are more “accepted” than not. This episode we cover Lesbian love and how it is received differently from the rest of the community.   Reading Room Book of the Month: The Color Purple by Alice Walker Local Book Store: Love & Other Books (www.loveandotherbooksshop.com) Read along with us and join our book discussion on BlueSky (@ruthelliscenter.bsky.social)! Support your local library or bookstore. We would like to thank Stonewall Sports & Rocket Companies for making this episode happen!   We want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast.  Check out our producer Patrick and his work at Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos 

Happy New Year! This episode we discuss queer in education with our producer Patrick who not only produces our podcast but teaches too! We also reveal our new segment called the Reading Room!  Reading Room Book of the Month: Cemetery Boys by Aidan Thomas Special shout out to local bookstore Love & Other Books, for providing us with these books and they are willing to help you get any books in this series. (www.loveandotherbooksshop.com) Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast, Patrick Harris II Check out our producer Patrick and his work at Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos

Our Director of Development & Advancement Nazarina Mwakasege is BACK honey! This bonus episode discusses DEI through a global manufacturing lens with Global Director of Diversity & Inclusion Lamar Thomas of MAGNA International.  If you're moved to give during #GivingTuesday⁠⁠, please click here to donate⁠⁠.    We want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. Check out our producer Patrick and his work at ⁠⁠Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos 

As the saying goes, “Blood is thicker than water "but the true quote is consistently misused. The real saying is, “Blood of the covenant is thicker than water of the womb” meaning, those you choose to “shed blood with” have a stronger relationship than those you are born from. In this episode, we bring our good friend JM (They/He) the Education & Facilitation Manager at the Ruth Ellis Institute BACK to discuss chosen family and its significance through history.   If you're moved to give during this time⁠⁠, please click here to donate⁠⁠.    We want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. Check out our producer Patrick and his work at ⁠⁠Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos 

It's Primary election season and time to get out to vote, but what if you don't know how? Yes, that may sound shocking to some but many of those we serve don't know their rights around voting, how to vote or even if they can vote. On this episode we talk about voter education with Emme Zanotti, Director of Advocacy & Civic Engagement at Equality Michigan and talk to the community about voting!   Here are some resources to help you make an informed decision when voting:  www.vote.org  www.mvic.sos.state.mi.us  www.hatewont.win  www.isidewith.com  We want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast.    Check out our producer Patrick and his work at Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos

Being a tennager is a journey in itself, add being a trans teen in states that dont support you and we add a whole other level of adversity. In this episode Krystina and I'Sha interview Nico Lang (They/Them) journalist and author of the book American Teenager an unprecedented book chronicling the lived experiences of seven diverse families of trans youth in seven different states. As a longtime, award-winning LGBTQ+ reporter who has contributed to outlets such as Rolling Stone, HuffPost, BuzzFeed News, Them, and The Daily Beast, Nico knows that telling the stories of trans kids, especially from their own point of view, could not be more critical in our current climate. The book officially releases October 8th everywhere books are sold. We encourage you to read it, buy it from your local bookstores or request it at your public library, if all else fails Amazon is an option. If you are in the Metro Detroit area you can request this book at a few of our favorite bookstores such as Source Booksellers on Cass a local black owned bookstore John K. King Books North on Woodward in Ferndale or John K. King Books on Lafayette in Detroit Love &Other books on E. 9 mile in Ferndale.   As always, we want to highlight the amazing work of our Volunteer Executive Producer Patrick Harris Jr. and thank our guest Nico Lang.

I'Sha and Krystina conduct and in-depth conversation with Joyya Pettus, Assoicate Housing Director and Manny, a young person at Ruth Ellis Center. These conversations address why the Ruth Ellis Center is so important to the community we serve. Thank you for listening and don't forget to leave your episode suggestions in the comments or on our social media. We want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. Check out our producer Patrick and his work at Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos

I'Sha and Krystina Discuss Pride 2024 We highlight the amazing support we received this year during Pride and uplift those who have been supporting our efforts to make the world a better place for LGBTQ + young people. We attended many Pride events from Motor city to Royal oak. We also had the pleasure of hosting an amazing Catfight for the Crown with a huge that you to our sponsors 6th Degree Production, Ford, Rocket Companies, Display Group, 4 Wall Entertainment, Fleur Detroit, Motor City Pride, Stonewall Sports, L Tantay, Three Cats, Eaze, Broadway in Detroit, Pingk, and Detroit Parasol. We also want to thank all the in-kind supporters and volunteers for their amazing support. We want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. Check out our producer Patrick and his work at Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos

Hey y'all, missed us? We've missed you too, but we're back honey!!! This time with an engaging conversation about Faith and resiliency with one of our colleagues JM and some insight on where we will be and what we will be doing this Pride Month. It's juicy, heart grabbing and interesting! Catfight For The Crown- June 14th, Tickets available Resources JM spoke about: Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey: A Methodist pastor and queer womanist theologian. Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas: An Episcopal priest and Canon theologian, Dr. Douglas is a leading voice on sexuality and the Black church. Dr. Phillip Butler: A scholar of Black transliberation theology, Dr. Butler explores artificial intelligence and biological technology to enhance somatic healing. Octavia Butler: A renowned science fiction writer, Octavia Butler's works often explore themes of identity, community, and survival. Her speculative fiction provides a unique lens through which to consider questions of faith, transformation, and resilience. James Baldwin: An influential writer and social critic, Baldwin's essays and novels delve into the complexities of race, sexuality, and religion.  James Cone: Known as the father of Black Liberation Theology, Cone's work emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus through the lens of the Black experience. His theology is rooted in the struggle for justice and affirming Black identity and dignity. Resmaa Menakem: A therapist and author, Menakem's work focuses on healing racial trauma. His book "My Grandmother's Hands" addresses how racial trauma is stored in the body and offers practices for healing and resilience. Rev. Dr. Thomas Brandon Crowley: An academic who explores the queering of the Black church, Dr. Crowley's research examines how Black queer identities navigate and transform traditional religious spaces.Bishop Yvette Flunder: Founder of the City of Refuge, a radically inclusive church, Bishop Flunder is a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights within the faith community. Unity Fellowship Church Movement: Founded by the late Archbishop Carl Bean. (In the 1970s, Motown producers approached Bean to sing a song they'd been working on. It was called "I Was Born This Way.",) this movement provides a spiritual home for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly people of color. Sr. Bishop Jacquelyn D. Holland: A theologian, activist, teacher, mother, and lesbian, Bishop Holland has dedicated her life to the intersection of faith and sexuality. I Know What Heaven Looks Like: A Modern Day Coming of Age Story By: Lawrence Tanner Richardson We also want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast.  Check out our producer Patrick and his work at Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesofrec/message

Happy Women's HERstory Month! We'd like to close this month of celebrating Women by highlighting two powerhouse women in our organization. Kathie Griffin, Associate Director of Health Equity and Outreach/CLQ Program Manager of Kofi House Harmony Harris, Health Equity Manager of the Drop-in Center. Women Who Inspire Us: I'Sha Schultz-Spradlin- Mama Shu's Avalon Village ( HOME | The Avalon Village) Krystina Edwards- Ruth Charlotte Ellis (ruthelliscenter.org) Harmony Harris- Ts Madison (Ts Madison™️©️ (@tsmadison) • Instagram photos and videos) Kathie Griffin- Dr. Sheryl Simmons Youth for Global Health (Y4GH Homepage) We have an exclusive collaboration with the folks over at Sepia Coffee @scpdetroit-instagram www.sepiacoffeeproject.com and Pottluckery Ceramics @pottluckery-instagram - pottluckery.com. If you're moved to give during this time⁠⁠, please click here to donate⁠⁠.  We want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. Check out our producer Patrick and his work at ⁠⁠Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesofrec/message

Holiday Season is a BUSY one for Ruth Ellis Center. All of the staff are running around and organizing things to make sure the young people we serve have a holiday season of joy, needs met, and space for their chosen families. That being said, sorry for our tardy on this episode. Krystina and I'Sha discuss the importance of safe queer spaces, have conversations with staff and a young person about what that means to them AND reveal a little surprise collaboration with the folks over at Sepia Coffee @scpdetroit-instagram www.sepiacoffeeproject.com and Pottluckery Ceramics @pottluckery-instagram pottluckery.com. If you're moved to give during this time⁠, please click here to donate⁠.   We want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. Check out our producer Patrick and his work at ⁠Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesofrec/message

'Tis the season of gratitude and giving and I'Sha and Krystina discuss just what that giving from supporters like you looks like for the agency and share our gratitude. #GivingTuesday is right around the corner on November 28th, be sure to use the hashtag to show your support for the REC.  If you're moved to give during this time, please click here to donate. If you are interested in doing a clothing or food drive for the Center and would like to coordinate with us please contact us at development@ruthelliscenter.org and (313) 365-3325. Thank you in advance for your support!   We want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. Check out our producer Patrick and his work at Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesofrec/message

*Warning, host are using and speaking about some words that may be considered offensive or explicit. * This is a long one ya'll, but rightfully so. I'Sha and Krystina discuss masking, but not the masking you may assume, they discuss the use of queer lingo and colloquial phrases by non-queer folks and the origination of the phrases and terms. They discussed the queer persona and how it relates to Black Women and Black Southern culture. As well as discuss the hypocrisy from both sides and how it's being used by mainstream culture. This month's special guest is Detroit City Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero of District 6. The councilmember discusses intersectionality and celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month and Latinx Heritage Month. These are the resources mentioned in the podcast: The Queens' English: The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of lingo and colloquial phrases by Chloe O. Davis Paris is Burning- Documentary Film Pose- FX TV Show Legendary-Reality Ballroom Competiton show on HBO Special thank you to the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. Check out the producer Patrick and his work at Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesofrec/message

Krystina and I'Sha discuss AI and the challenges it presents for LGBTQIA+ folks and their identity intersections. They spoke with tech expert Oliver Haminson, Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan School of Information, to find out how LGBTQIA+ folks can be seen and heard in this race of AI integration. We also have a special message from a familiar voice. These are a few articles mentioned in the podcast: Queer Eye for AI: Risks and limitations of artificial intelligence for the sexual and gender diverse community These Women Warned To Warn Us About AI Computers are binary, people are not: how AI systems undermine LGBTQ identity We also want to give a special thank you to everyone who assisted in our back-to-school drive, it was such a success. We passed out more than 50 backpacks to young people starting classes. We also want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. Check out Patrick and his work at Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesofrec/message

I'Sha and Krystina speak about gender affirming care, expose false statements about the practice, and share the facts backed by data. The Ruth Ellis Center Voice of the Month is Celina, Education and Facilitation Specialist at the Ruth Ellis Institute. The Ruth Ellis Institute is the training and evaluation arm of the Ruth Ellis Center, for providers to be more informed and educated. Celina speaks about gender affirming care from their lens as a trainer and a non-binary person. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/voicesofrec/message

We didn't mean to stay away for so long, but we return bearing gifts and a bit of time warp if you will. In this episode, you'll learn a bit of PRIDE history, both personal and the origins of the movement itself. We'll talk about all the awesomeness that took place during PRIDE, which if you missed, never fear, we will have you mark your calendars so you don't miss a beat with the Center, and thankfully there's even more of which to look forward. You'll also meet our awesome new BH Director, Elizabeth Carr, as she discusses Child Abuse Awareness Month (April), how LGBTQ+ youth are impacted, and what you can do to help. There will be some adult themes discussed, so please protect young ears, but as always LGBTQ+ affirming. We don't want to give too much away, so buckle up because this time around we had a lot to learn and A LOT to say. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesofrec/message

We've been away too long! We've missed you and we've got a surprise in store. We're going to be talking to an awesome woman, learn about her journey, and her personal history with the Ruth Ellis Center. There will be lots of laughs, love, and an unabashed podcast love letter to all the beautiful women who support us. No frills, just a quick, meaty conversation. Stay tuned, we're back in 2022! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesofrec/message

We've lots to be thankful for this holiday season, mostly because of all of you. Yes, YOU! Our listeners/supporters/community are integral to the work we have the great privilege of doing for LGBTQ+ young people, and this episode really details the impact you have had throughout the year and what we have been able to accomplish because you believe in us. Our fearless leader, Mark Erwin, the Director of Development and Advancement joins us to share what was, what is and what will be in as the New year rapidly approaches. Curl up by the fire, pour yourself some hot cocoa, and join us for an episode of some Christmas Carol remixes and some very special thank yous and more.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesofrec/message

Let's just say that Autumn has been an incredible month for interviews for us and we are particularly excited for this one. Giving Tuesday is such an incredibly important day for nonprofits like ours and we decided this year we would share a beautiful origin story with you that began right in the heart of Detroit, much like us. Your support comes full circle in this beautiful narrative that we are so excited to have had the great fortune to share with you all. You're going to meet Kwaku Osei-Bonsu, and learn just some of the ways he might be one of the most dynamic people you've encountered. Here's why: He's the co-founder of these restaurant and food-centric spaces and much more: EastEats IdlewildEats | Facebook Detroit Black Restaurant Week Is Back With 50 Restaurants, Food Trucks - Eater Detroi For MLN8, the Magic Started With a Subscription Service - Hour Detroit Magazine We don't want to ruin any delicious morsel of this interview. Listen in and see what we mean! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesofrec/message

Folks, this episode is jam-packed! We begin with our normal chat, which segues into conversations with some incredible individuals. We first meet Elaine Montilla, Founder of 5x Minority, and Assistant Vice President and CIO for Information Technology at The Graduate Center, CUNY, a Forbes Technology Council member and contributor, a TEDx Speaker, and an AMA Women's Leadership Center presenter AND a place on Yahoo Finance's 2021 OUTstanding 100 LGBT+ Executives list. The list showcases leaders who are breaking down barriers and creating more inclusive workplaces. A pioneer by any other word, much like our beloved Ruthie. How did we even find this amazing human, you ask? Much like this episode and interview, she was brought to us by the wonderful folks of @Cadillac and their #AudacityofMe Campaign (video link below). Then Elysia has some insightful conversations with three Ruth Ellis Center family/staff members to reflect on #TransAwarenessWeek // #TransDayofRemeberance - on this mini-episode Voices of REC. While Nazarina shares some history on the day and why it is such a critical period for us as an organization, Elysia talks to our future and learns what they are doing to ensure transgender young people feel safe and supported no matter where they go. Our abundant gratitude to Latrice Ward, Harmony Harris, and Elijah Earnest for sharing their time, energy, and experience with you and for all their diligent work in and for the community. Special thanks to @TransSistasofColorProject & @NuiiWaavBrotherhood for creating affirming spaces and families for our trans siblings here at REC, in Detroit/Highland Park, and beyond. Many thanks to @PFLAG and Gwendolyn Ann Smith for co-founding this important event. Resources mentioned in the episode: Elaine Montilla | 5xminority CUNY Profile: Elaine Montilla | CUNY School of Professional Studies | CUNY SPS Ted Talk: The Value of Mentoring Women and Minorities in Tech | Elaine Montilla | TEDxChelseaPark - YouTube" Cadillac Campaign: Audacity of Me Nuii Waav Brotherhood www.NuiiWaavBrotherhood.org Elijah Marques synnwright22@gmail.com Trans Sistas of Color Project https://www.facebook.com/TSCOPD/ Fair Michigan https://www.fairmichigan.org/ Julisa Abad Director of LGBTQ Outreach and relations & Victim Advocate 313 658-5534 / Lgbtteamabad@gmail.com W'SUP - WSU Prevention Team https://linktr.ee/WSUP Matrix Human Services https://www.matrixhumanservices.org/ Remembering Our Dead Remembering Our Dead (translivesmatter.info) PFLAG Transgender Day of Remembrance 2021 | PFLAG --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesofrec/message

Nazarina and Elysia are back, once again, to join your weekend playlist with a ton of content you're not going to want to miss. We begin with an origin story, as we often do, of LGBTQ+ History Month. It came from somewhere and Elysia is going to tell you where. Then we join Chloe Davis, artiste extraordinaire and author of the newest addition to your coffee table and/or bookshelf, The Queens' English, an essential read for all that is LGBTQ+ and inclusive. Then Nazarina has a little surprise, because her resident media scholar, Richard Mwakasege Minaya, Ph.D., interrupts the podcast's airwaves to help us celebrate LatinX/Hispanic Heritage Month, and REC's scholar-in-residence, Katie B., shares her archival knowledge to help Elysia declare the origins of Detroit's Ruth Ellis Day. And though that may be the end, November will be full of surprises, so stay here and stay tuned and enjoy what was LGBTQ+ History - or, at least, that's what we called October 2021. Say yay, and press play! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesofrec/message

September is NOT over, and we've got much to share over your favorite Pumpkin Spice or Maple dessert. Join Elysia and Nazarina for an episode chock-full of Affirmations. This episode is a special one, folks, as we join the Ruth Ellis Institute team to discuss their newest project, the Gender Affirming Care tool, a fantastic project dedicated to our vision, a world where LGBTQ+ young people are safe and supported no matter where they go. There will be some singing, some laughing, complete with a deep breathing session, some learning around trauma-informed care and how it relates to gender affirmation, and need we not repeat, a surprise LGBTQ+/ Ally of the Week. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesofrec/message

August was a whirlwind, so much so in fact, we delayed the release of this episode. And, come on, let's be honest - Isn't August just an early September, anyway? In this episode, Elysia dives deep under the surface of Black Business Month, why it's important here in the D and beyond. We even discuss what it's got to do with us, and you'll meet some of the lovely Black Business owners that help REC go. Join us for the last episode of the Summer. You'll be happy you tuned in. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesofrec/message

Please tune in to a very congested Nazarina and an Elysia full of positive vibes for this episode as we discuss BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month with an interview with a super special guest who will discuss their behavioral health work in a local school environment. WE will also share one of the ways we do the work we do via defining our core principles and even help ground you with some meditative grounding techniques. Then we'll wrap a bow on the episodes by sharing some awesome updates from the departments that help this organization go and a healthy shoutout to a local educational institution for being so abundantly supportive of REC, who we bet don't even know it! All that and more is coming to your ears, and we thank you ever so much for once again joining us. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesofrec/message

Welcome to Season 2 and #HappyPride! We've missed you all, and thank goodness you're here! Like most of 2020, 2021 also has been a time for transitions. Some things are new and others not-so-much. So have a listen and see what's in store this #PRIDE. One of our team members also had the great pleasure to speak with the Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer at Ally Bank, the wonderful Andrea Brimer, and Sean Mann, one of the awesome co-founders of Detroit City Football Club to discuss their support of Prideraiser, and how it supports the beautiful youth of REC. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesofrec/message

Philosophy, the skincare company, is more than just the pioneers of self-care for the body, they care DEEPLY about the mind. Naz & I'Sha sit down with Philosophy and learn about their charity, the Hope & Grace initiative, that supports mental health & wellbeing. They also chat with Ruth Ellis Center living legend + one of its founders Dr. Kofi Adoma.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesofrec/message

We sat down with Ric DeVore, James Coleman, and Bryan Kieler of PNC to discuss corporate giving in the time of COVID. I know, you're probably thinking, giving in COVID how? Well, this episode explains just that, hope you enjoy it! Are you following our socials? Twitter|@REC_Detroit Instagram|@ruthelliscenter Facebook| Ruth Ellis Center www.ruthelliscenter.org --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesofrec/message

Join Nazarina and I'sha as they discuss #BlackLivesMatter the movement (and the hashtag) as it relates to LGBTQ+ lives, those at home in Detroit, nationally and around the world with one another, London Bell of Bell Global Justice and Kailee (pronounced Ky-Lee) Scales, Black Lives Matter Global Network Managing Director. This is a longer episode, however, remember where there is love, there is always hope. Nazarina and I'sha are filled with both. We hope you feel the same. Join us for our 3rd episode! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesofrec/message

In this episode Nazarina & I'Sha social distance while interviewing Katie Gorney, Ruth Ellis Center's Behavioral Health Director. We discuss her journey to REC and how she and her team have been able to see patients virtually, some of the challenges that present, and get deep about self-care in the time of a pandemic. Questions, comments, inquires, concerns? Please feel free to email us at voicesofrec@ruthelliscenter.org we'll be glad to hear from you.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesofrec/message

Join I'sha and Nazarina, the Community Engagement Manager, and Senior Development Associate, respectively as they introduce themselves and the Ruth Ellis Center, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities with LGBTQ+ young people to build their version of a positive future.  They'll be discussing the podcast's goals, some organizational history,  culture, and even some snippets from a recent staff meeting (cultivation mtg) about another one of the Center's new endeavors... rebranding. They'll share also what you can do to get involved, and what's in store for the coming episodes. We hope you'll tune in.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/voicesofrec/message

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