SPNN Podcast

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.

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/