Send us a Text Message.

rds with Friends episodes are bonus episodes where different members of Mama Dragons provide definitions for LGBTQ related topics. This episode includes the following definitions:

Biphobia shared by CC H. in Oklahoma

Bi-Erasure shared by Amy Hutchinsson

Intersectionality shared by Kelly Fay in Essex, England

Romantic Orientation shared by Alex in The Bronx, New York

In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you.

Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org.

Connect with Mama Dragons:
Website
Instagram
Facebook

Donate to this podcast

Send us a Text Message.

There are similarities and differences between all of our individual stories. We come from diverse religious backgrounds, political parties, family dynamics, and geographic areas. Each of us started at different levels of acceptance, but we all relate to the desire of wanting to protect our children over our own biases. A few times a year, we will be sharing a Mama Dragon’s story. Today, Jen visits with Heather Gooding In the Den.

Special Guest: Heather Gooding

Heather grew up in small town America in an extremely conservative non-denominational Christian Church. She believed the things she was taught, even though she often questioned or didn’t really understand. She also grew up with parents who instilled a love of sacrifice and service in her from a young age. Heather has been with her husband for 30 years, and they have 6 children. As their children grew, Heather was forced to face the fact that her beliefs were changing, and she has had to redefine a lot of her personal faith. She is proud of the relationships she has forged with her children, who are now growing into adults, and she’s proud to tell others that she’s an ally and a Mama Dragon.

Links from the Show:

• Join Mama Dragons today: www.mamadragons.org
• Mama Dragons on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamadragons
• Mama Dragons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamadragons/

In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org.

Connect with Mama Dragons:
Website
Instagram
Facebook

Donate to this podcast

Send us a Text Message.

Many states and school districts are threatening to defund libraries and are challenging books at an increasing rate. Removing books from library shelves reduces public access to information and is often part of an attempt to control what can be taught or discussed in public spaces, usually done under the guise of protecting children. Public libraries are often targeted for their inclusion of queer and transgender authors and books that address any subject matter that relates to gender, sexuality, and racism. Today Jen is joined In the Den by librarian Lynn Steinmeyer to discuss the impacts of book banning and what we can do about it.

Special Guest: Lynn Steinmeyer

Lynn earned her MLIS degree from the University of Rhode Island and then worked almost 16 years in a small public library in CT. She then earned her MSW from Simmons College in Massachusetts and has been working with youth and families for more than a year. She is the mother of 2 children (22 and 24) who aren’t children anymore. They are both in long term relationships so Lynn claims two lovely daughters-in-law as well.

A Note from Lynn:

I would really encourage listeners to go to their local library and ask to see the Collection Development Policies. If we are focusing on serving our community and 30% of the community identify as LGBTQ - then in theory, 30% of the collection in that demographic should reflect our community! Hopefully people can look at the links below and see what they can do to support their local libraries and Friends of the Library groups. Also, maybe they will look at these lists and want to start their own fREADom to Read Group. If they want advice and support in that endeavor they can reach out to me. I would be glad to support them in what way I can, even if it will only be a supportive ear.

Links from the Show:

• Top Ten Books Banned & Challenged for 2023 (7 out of 10 are LBGTQ+): https://www.ala.org/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10
• Freedom to Read Statement: https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomreadstatement
• The American Library Association Bill of Rights: https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill
• Censorship numbers: https://www.ala.org/bbooks/censorship-numbers
• 30 Years of Challenged Books: https://www.tiki-toki.com/timeline/entry/51787/Banned-Books-Week-Celebrating-30-Years-of-Liberating-Literature/#vars!date=1983-01-18_09:35:34!

In the Den is made possible by generous donors like you. Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today at mamadragons.org.

Connect with Mama Dragons:
Website
Instagram
Facebook

Donate to this podcast