Serving: Authenticity

In this episode, host Savion is joined by special guest Ronnie to explore the theme of authenticity within the LGBT community and the crucial supportive roles that help individuals thrive. Together, they discuss the vital supportive roles that uplift individuals and foster genuine connections.

With heartfelt stories, we aim to empower listeners to embrace their true selves and cultivate authentic connections. Whether you're part of the community or an ally, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways that can help us all support one another more effectively

#FeedTheSoul #Podcast #Authenticity #LGBT #MentalHealth #Support #CodeSwitching  #Community #Wellbeing

Guest Bio

Ronnie Rivera was born in Chicago and was raised in the city as well as the suburb of Elk Grove Village. Ronnie moved to Wisconsin, where he received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in social work with a minor in LGBTQ+ studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. After graduating, Ronnie moved to Milwaukee, where he continued his career as a social worker.

Over the next seven years, Ronnie worked in the social work realm providing services that are culturally sustaining, equity focused, and trauma informed to people who have historically been excluded and forgotten. Ronnie worked as a school social worker for more than five years before entering his current role as coordinator for the MPS Department of Gender & Identity Inclusion.

Outside of MPS, Ronnie also works at Courage House MKE, the first and only group home in the state of Wisconsin that specifically houses LGBTQ+ residents in the system. Ronnie also volunteers as an HIV counselor for Brady East STD Clinic on Milwaukee’s east side. Ronnie brings a vast array of LGBTQ+ expertise and draws on professional and personal experiences as someone who identifies as queer, Taíno, and Puerto Rican.

Outside of work, Ronnie is a proud husband, son, and older sibling. He enjoys listening to Bad Bunny’s newest song or reading the latest novels.

00:00 - 06:15  Appetizer

06:16 - 43:44  Main Course

43:45 - 47:47 Dessert

47:48 - 49:25 The Final Sip

Milwaukee Public Schools' Department of Gender & Identity Inclusion

• Website - https://mps.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/en/District/About-MPS/Departments/Office-of-School-Administration/Gender-and-Identity-Inclusion.htm

Courage House MKE

• Website - https://couragemke.org/ 

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/couragemke 

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CourageMke/ 

Milwaukee LGBT Community Center

• Website - https://www.mkelgbt.org/ 

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mkelgbt/ 

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MKELGBT 

Brady East STD Clinic

• Website - B