Voices of Pride, History and Advocacy

In this engaging episode of Blaze the Mic, host Jaelon Jackson sits down with Elwim Sorto, a passionate MSW student, student senator, and co-founder of the Queer Social Work Association at the University of Texas at Arlington. Elwim opens up about his journey into social work, driven by a desire for representation and visibility for queer communities.

From navigating today’s challenging political climate to finding creative ways to amplify marginalized voices, Elwim shares how innovation and resilience fuel his advocacy. He discusses the importance of culturally competent practice, the fight for gender-diverse restrooms on campus, and how small acts of solidarity—from volunteering with organizations like The Trevor Project to simply wearing an ally pin—can ripple into lasting change.

This episode also explores mental health, policy advocacy, and the power of art and community to inspire hope. Elwin reminds us that progress takes persistence, and that storytelling is key to dismantling misinformation and building bridges across divided communities.

Whether you’re a social work student, professional, or ally, this conversation will inspire you to reimagine advocacy, embrace inclusivity, and continue pushing for a future where everyone belongs.

🎧 Listen now to discover how innovation, representation, and compassion can transform communities.

Check out the full transcript here: https://cdn.web.uta.edu/-/media/Project/Website/Social%20Work/Blaze%20the%20Mic/Blaze-the-Mic-S3E6-Elwin-Sorto-transcript

 

Episode Hosted by Jaelon Jackson

Music by Adi Ursu - "Out of Fire". Provided by Adobe.