FreeState Justice - Podcast Details

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The Real News PodcastTrans inmates face rape & death with Trump’s Executive Order | Rattling the BarsPresident Trump’s Executive Order calling for incarcerated transgender women to be housed in men’s prisons and halting gender-affirming medical care for prisoners has put one of the most vulnerable segments of the prison population in even greater danger. In this episode of Rattling the Bars, host Mansa Musa investigates the violent realities trans inmates face in the US prison system, and the impact that Trump’s attacks on LGBTQ+ rights is having inside prisons.Guest(s):Dee Deidre Farmer, Executive Director of Fight4Justice. In 1994, Farmer’s landmark Supreme Court case, the unanimous Farmer v. Brennan de...2025-06-1222 min

Rattling The BarsTrans inmates face rape & death with Trump’s Executive OrderPresident Trump’s Executive Order calling for incarcerated transgender women to be housed in men’s prisons and halting gender-affirming medical care for prisoners has put one of the most vulnerable segments of the prison population in even greater danger. In this episode of Rattling the Bars, host Mansa Musa investigates the violent realities trans inmates face in the US prison system, and the impact that Trump’s attacks on LGBTQ+ rights is having inside prisons.Guest(s):Dee Deidre Farmer, Executive Director of Fight4Justice. In 1994, Farmer’s landmark Supreme Court case, the unanimous Farmer v. Brennan de...2025-06-1222 min

HIV: Pathway to ProgressThe Path Forward (Season 1 Finale)In this powerful season finale of Pathway to Progress, we reflect on the transformative journey of our podcast series alongside two of FreeState Justice’s leading voices—Executive Director Phillip Westry and Advocacy, Policy, & Partnerships Director Ronnie Taylor.Together, they revisit the impactful conversations that have defined this season, highlighting the collective wisdom of advocates, experts, and changemakers dedicated to advancing equity for people living with HIV. At the heart of this episode is a deep dive into the Carlton R. Smith Jr. Act—a groundbreaking piece of Maryland legislation that aims to repeal outdated and harmful HIV cr...2025-04-2436 min

HIV: Pathway to ProgressUnstoppable Conversations: A Pathway to Progress CompilationIn this special episode of Pathway to Progress, we revisit some of the most powerful moments from our previous 11 conversations, featuring insightful pieces of wisdom from leading HIV advocates and public health experts.From decriminalization to challenging stigma, these highlights showcase the dynamic efforts being made to reshape our medical systems and society into one that is equitable for all—regardless of HIV status. Join us as we celebrate the voices of change and progress in the fight against the HIV epidemic.Tune in for a journey through the conversations that are pushing the boundaries of...2025-04-1036 min

HIV: Pathway to ProgressHow to Advocate With CareIn Episode 11 of Pathway to Progress, we’re joined by Kytara Epps, Public Health and Advocacy Strategist at the Center for HIV Law & Policy. Kytara, a passionate public health practitioner, discusses her work at the intersection of reproductive health and HIV advocacy today. She explores the evolving role of public health practices, how innovative forms of activism not only challenge HIV stigma but pushes the fight for decriminalization nationwide. Tune in to learn from Kytara’s insights on how these dynamic approaches are helping to reshape the fight against the HIV epidemic.--Visit...2025-03-2727 min

HIV: Pathway to ProgressBreaking Barriers in HIV CareIn Episode 10 of Pathway to Progress, we’re joined by Dr. Sarah A. Schmalzle, Medical Director of the THRIVE Program at the Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dr. Schmalzle discusses the medical industry's response to the HIV epidemic, the importance of healthcare professionals in breaking down barriers, and the disproportionate impact of HIV criminalization and stigma on marginalized communities.Tune in to learn about the critical role Dr. Schmalzle and her team play in providing care and advocating for a more inclusive healthcare system for those living with HIV.--...2025-03-2016 min

HIV: Pathway to ProgressFrom Stigma to StrengthIn Episode 9 of Pathway to Progress, we’re joined by Melanie Reese, Executive Director of Older Women Embracing Life (OWEL) and constant collaborator at the SERO Project. Melanie has dedicated her career to supporting those living with HIV/AIDS, helping them live full, productive, and joyful lives. In this conversation, Melanie shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with HIV and how her experiences with stigma and discrimination have fueled her advocacy work. She discusses the importance of decriminalization and how she fights to change the narrative surrounding HIV, particularly for older individuals today.Tune in to he...2025-03-1341 min

HIV: Pathway to ProgressBuilding Inclusive CommunitiesIn Episode 8 of HIV: Pathway to Progress, we explore the crucial role HIV advocates and medical providers play in building inclusive, supportive communities for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals. Recorded during our Pathway to Progress Symposium, this panel brings together leaders from ViiV Healthcare, AIDS United, Safe Haven Therapy Services, The Center of Black Equity, Capital Ballroom Council, and The House of Balenciaga.The panelists share their expertise in providing culturally competent care and support to communities that have historically been marginalized by the medical system. They discuss the importance of addressing stigma, building trust, and ensuring that...2025-03-0654 min

HIV: Pathway to ProgressConnect to CareIn Episode 7 of HIV: Pathway to Progress, we focus on the critical role healthcare providers play in ensuring access to vital resources for communities most impacted by HIV. Recorded during our Pathway to Progress Symposium, this panel discussion brings together experts from the Pride Center of Baltimore, Chase Brexton, the Health Department of Baltimore City, and Heart to Hand, Inc.The panelists share their experiences in providing care to underserved communities, emphasizing the importance of building trust and dismantling stigma in healthcare settings. They discuss strategies for ensuring that individuals living with HIV have access to the...2025-02-2742 min

Mystical MusingsStanding Up for Your Community: An Interview with Rev. Ron PadrónShow Notes:Links from Ron:Organizations/ResourcesHere are some organizations that I support and encourage folks to check out:Free State Justice: https://www.freestate-justice.org/ Baltimore Safe Haven: https://www.baltimoresafehaven.org/ Trans Maryland: https://transmaryland.org/The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center: https://thedccenter.org/The Pride Center of Maryland: https://www.pridecentermd.org/The Frederick Center: https://thefrederickcenter.org/Maryland Food Bank: https://mdfoodbank.org/Disability Rights Maryland: https://disabilityrightsmd.org/...2025-02-201h 02

HIV: Pathway to ProgressHIV DecriminalizedIn Episode 6 of HIV: Pathway to Progress, we bring you a powerful panel discussion recorded during our Pathway to Progress Symposium. This conversation centers on the fight for HIV decriminalization, featuring experts from the Equality Federation, Center for HIV Law and Policy, Older Women Embracing Life, and FreeState Justice.The panelists dive into what it’s like to advocate for HIV decriminalization on both personal and professional levels, sharing the challenges and victories they’ve encountered. They discuss the ongoing efforts for decriminalization in various states across the U.S., highlighting the urgent need to shift policies that...2025-02-2039 min

HIV: Pathway to ProgressHIV Prevention, PrEP, PEP & BeyondIn Episode 5 of HIV: Pathway to Progress, we bring you a powerful panel discussion recorded during our Pathway to Progress event held in Maryland last month. Experts from Total Healthcare Baltimore, Chase Brexton, the Human Rights Campaign, Gilead, and FreeState Justice join us to dive deep into the world of HIV prevention, PrEP, PEP, and beyond.In this conversation, professionals on the frontlines share insights into the urgent need for access to PrEP today, the stigma still holding communities back, and the challenges they face in spreading vital HIV prevention information. They also discuss their hopes for...2025-02-1341 min

HIV: Pathway to ProgressChampioning LGBTQ+ Policy for a Healthier FutureIn Episode 4 of Pathway to Progress, we’re joined by Mike Elizabeth, Director of Public Health Policy at Equality Federation. Mike works at the intersection of LGBTQ+ advocacy and public health, helping policymakers implement inclusive policies that improve health outcomes for LGBTQ+ communities and push for HIV prevention. In this conversation, Mike shares how they collaborate with local organizations to amplify their advocacy efforts, using their lived experience to advocate for meaningful policy change on the national stage.Tune in to hear about the work being done to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals have equitable access to healthcare an...2025-01-3036 min

HIV: Pathway to ProgressNavigating HIV & Incarceration (Part 2)In Episode 3: Navigating HIV & Incarceration (Part 2), we continue our conversation with Kerry Thomas, Community Decriminalization Strategist at The SERO Project. After serving 15 years in prison due to HIV criminalization laws, Kerry used his time behind bars to deepen his understanding of the legal system, turning the knowledge he gained from this experience into a powerful tool for advocacy.In this episode, Kerry delves into how he began to leverage his experience to support others being criminalized for their HIV status. He reflects on his transition from surviving the system to challenging it, advocating for policy reform, and...2025-01-1619 min

HIV: Pathway to ProgressNavigating HIV & Incarceration (Part 1)In Episode 3: Navigating HIV & Incarceration, we’re joined by Kerry Thomas, Community Decriminalization Strategist at The SERO Project, for a powerful conversation about his personal journey and the fight for HIV decriminalization. Kerry served 15 years in prison due to HIV criminalization laws, and during his incarceration, he became a vocal advocate. He collaborated with outreach organizations, engaged with the media, and worked to raise awareness about the challenges faced by prisoners living with HIV.In this episode, Kerry reflects on his experience with the justice system, the ongoing impact of HIV criminalization, and how his time behind ba...2025-01-0229 min

HIV: Pathway to ProgressHIV, Criminalization, and RaceIn the second episode of Pathway to Progress, FreeState Justice Executive Director Phillip Westry and Victims Advocate Coordinator Nina Ovian sit down with Robert Suttle, an advocate directly impacted by the criminalization of HIV. Listen in as the trio discusses the intersection of HIV, Criminalization, and Race, exploring the history of HIV in the U.S. and how stigma and discriminatory laws continue to affect marginalized communities today. Robert shares his personal experiences and his ongoing activism to challenge these harmful laws, as well as his work to push...2024-12-1826 min

HIV: Pathway to ProgressThe History of HIV CriminalizationFreeState Justice Executive Director Phillip Westry and Victims Advocate Coordinator Nina Ovian sit down with Jada Hicks, Senior Attorney at the Center for HIV Law & Policy. Listen in as the trio discusses the history of HIV in the U.S. and the stigmas that led to its criminalization. Then stick around till the end to learn about the amazing work Hicks sees from advocates fighting for decriminalization and what keeps her grounded as she enacts this vital work every single day. ---Visit www.hivlawandpolicy.org to learn more about Jada's fight against HIV criminalization. 2024-12-0520 min

HIV: Pathway to ProgressPathway to Progress TrailerWelcome to Pathway to Progress, a podcast dedicated to the fight for HIV justice and decriminalization across the country. Hosted by Phillip Westry, Executive Director of FreeState Justice, each episode features insightful conversations with a rotating panel of co-hosts and expert guests. Together, they explore the history of HIV in the U.S., the ongoing challenges of HIV criminalization, and the bold actions being taken to create a future where everyone—regardless of their status—can live without fear or discrimination.We're excited to offer you a sneak peek at what you can expect in the upcoming epis...2024-12-0101 min

Divorce and Mortgage StrategiesEP: 50.23 - Have Patience and Get Good Council When Going Through Divorce with Miriam Sievers, Esq.Join Ida Reis, CDLP®, with the Divorce Lending Association as she interviews Family Law Attorney, Miriam Sievers. Ms. Sievers represents LGBTQ individuals and their families. She works on family formation matters, including donor agreements, adoptions, and review of gestational carrier/surrogacy agreements. Ms. Sievers is also well-versed in divorce and dissolution issues for LGBTQ families, and recently won a landmark case in the Maryland Court of Special Appeals which established that Maryland will treat Vermont Civil Unions as marriages for purposes of divorce. Ms. Sievers also handles name change and gender change matters, as well as other tr...2023-06-2608 min

Shelfdust Presents: The Fifty Best #1 Issues14th Place: Y: The Last Man #1 with C.P. HoffmanThis week it's time to throw off the strait jacket, as we look at the comic which ended up in 14th place: Y: The Last Man #1 by Brian K. Vaughan, Pia Guerra, José Marzan, Jr, Pamela Rambo and Clem Robins! Many people would hail Y: The Last Man as the definitive “#1” comic book issue. It’s easy to see why: it’s structure jumps from character to character with absolute grace, giving the reader everything they need to know about every single person who appears. The rest of the series continues in a love-it-or-hate-it fashion, but the first iss...2023-05-2125 min

We Need to Talk with Pariah SinclairWe Need to Talk About LGBT Rights (w/ Philip Westry)We Need to Talk is back!!!!! Our first guest for the second half of season 2 is the now Executive Director of FreeState Justice, Philip Westry. We talk about the life changing work the organization does and Philip's position. Later, we learn all about Philip's city council run! To learn more and to donate, please go to https://freestate-justice.org/. PS: This episode was recorded in April, so parts of our conversation will not be current. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pariah-sinclair/support 2022-11-1643 min

A Queer UnderstandingMark Eckstein, Co-chair of Maryland Advocacy for Metro DC PFLAGMark discusses fighting for LGBTQ inclusion and representation at the elementary school level, his path to parenthood, and the work he does with Metro DC PFLAG & Freestate Justice.Pflagdc.org – support groups Freestate-justice.orgTransgender panic defense Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow FB @aqueerunderstanding IG @aqueerunderstanding Twitter @QueerUnderstand 2022-07-0538 min

Future City on WYPRThe LGBTQ CommunityThis month on Future City, we take the opportunity to become more familiar with the LGBTQ community, its culture and its history.On this month's episode we will discuss the LGBTQ community with - Heather Mizeur - Candidate for Congress in Maryland & former MD State legislator. -Kevin Brown - Director of station north arts district -Rahne Alexander - Multimedia artist, producer, musician and performer. rahne.com IG/TW: @rahnealexander FB:rahne.alexander.artist Great orgs you can donate to, to support the transgender community in & around Baltimore ...2022-01-2654 min

Rainbow PridecastEpisode 05: Ezra Halstead - FreeState JusticeWhat exactly does the organization FreeState Justice do, and why are they important to have for members of the LGBTQ+ community? In my conversation with Ezra Halstead, we learn more about his role as the Director of Education and Outreach at FreeState Justice. We also talk a bit about his college experience, and how coming out in college helped shape his future career. 2020-05-0625 min

Humanities ConnectionThe Power of LGBTQ StorytellingHow is storytelling a form of survival? R. Eric Thomas, Senior Staff Writer at Elle Magazine and Board Member at FreeState Justice, tells us more.2020-04-0300 min

Humanities ConnectionThe Affirming Power of LGBTQ StorytellingHow is storytelling a form of survival? R. Eric Thomas, Senior Staff Writer at Elle Magazine and Board Member at FreeState Justice, tells us more.2019-11-1400 min

Lit!Pop!Bang!Ep. 2.6 A Drink for Every SeasonCece and Anthony are joined this month by Tyler Mendelsohn , author of the new memoir Laurel (Ink Press Productions, 2019). The group discuss Tyler’s band, Cool Judy (2:30), themes in the new book (7:30), writing about family (12:30), how to name a book that is, in part, about names (16:30), and referencing other texts within a memoir (21:15). In the Pop! section, the group discuss the FX show Pose (30:15), Janet Mock (34:15), Joy Harjo (35:30), and what a potential remake of the movie, The Craft, could look like (38:15). Finally, in the Bang! section, the trio dish on their favorite summer drinks (40:30).LinksTy...2019-07-1851 min

WORST. COMIC. PODCAST. EVER!WCPE Episode 175 - Let's All Go to the Movies!Over the last couple of weeks, the guys of the Worst. Comic. Podcast. EVER! have been busy reading comics and watching the fall TV shows. But we haven't talked much about the upcoming movies. So today's episode has the guys looking at the slew of recent trailers for comic-book related films coming out in the next six months. All of these trailers are easily found on your Google machines, so go give them a look if you haven't seen them yet! Thor: Ragnarok Justice League Star Wars: The Last Jedi Black Panther The New Mutants But before w...2017-10-201h 06