S5 Ep66: Pride and Progress With Deputy Director of Equality Illinois Mony Ruiz Velasco on LGBTQ+ Rights and Challenges

Our special guest, Mony Ruiz Velasco- Deputy Director of Equality Illionios, and proud queer Latina, wife and mother who shares her extensive experience as a human rights advocate and attorney, emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy and visibility for LGBTQ+ communities. In this episode we reflect on her personal journey growing up in Mexico and South Texas, and her commitment to making it easier for future generations to find support and acceptance, as many young Latine LGBTQ+ youth don't feel safe or supported. The conversation underscores the importance of providing an inclusive environment, to feel safe in expressing their identities, especially for LGBTQ Latine youth and within our communities of color, who experience higher rates of verbal assault, physical violence, homelessness and suicidal thoughts compared to their peers. 

We also discuss and celebrate significant legislative victories, such as the requirement for LGBTQ history to be taught in schools, showcasing the resilience and vibrancy of the LGBTQ community, such as the Stonewall riots, the ACT UP movement and learning how to find community and resources. 

The significance of voting this year is not over-hyped nor should be sidelined, as over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been initiated, and some advanced into law, to ban books, advance incarceration sentencing and deny access to healthcare for LGBTQ+ youth, which significantly impacts marginalized communities of color.  With the stakes so high in this election year, the impact of state bills that aim to undermine our freedoms and civil rights will significantly create a humanitarian crisis over the next few years. We highlight the need for community unity and the role of truth in combating these challenges. We are so thankful to have truth sources, such as Mony and the representation of Equality Illinois on our podcast, to continue our needed education and resources to keep communities safe. Resources and links for further information. Gracias. 

Resources Mentioned:

• 
  The Trevor Project
• UCLA School of Law -Williams Institute
• Equality Illinois
• Glaad.org
• ACLU
• Human Rights Campaign

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