Show Notes:

In this engaging conversation, Mark Travis Rivera speaks with Araya Baker, a counselor and advocate for social justice. They explore themes of identity, care, and the importance of lineage in shaping personal and collective resilience. Araya shares insights on the significance of representation in media, the challenges of being a writer in the face of criticism, and the necessity of asking for help in times of despair. The discussion highlights the power of storytelling in creating an inclusive world and the role of community in supporting one another. In this conversation, the speakers explore themes of shame, community support, and the power of writing as a healing tool. They discuss the importance of understanding inter-community conflicts within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly regarding trans and non-binary individuals. The conversation also delves into the intersection of gender and sexuality, the violence faced by marginalized groups, and the need for authenticity and solidarity in advocacy efforts. The speakers emphasize the importance of culturally competent care and the role of storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding.

Guest Bio:

Araya Baker is a counselor, suicidologist, and policy analyst. For over a decade, Araya Baker [they/them/their(s)] has contributed to social justice and human rights movements, primarily by lending support to people-over-profit-oriented artist coalitions, faith communities, political campaigns, nonprofit organizations, research centers, think tanks, and public school systems. Araya’s advocacy and public scholarship have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Huffington Post, Psychology Today, Education Post, Vice, Buzzfeed, and The Tennessean, among other outlets. Essence Magazine, Native Son Now, and The Mighty have also recognized Baker’s activism. Baker’s mental health advocacy, in particular, has included collaborations with The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, The Trevor Project, and Mental Health America, as well as public schools, public health organizations, historic Black civic organizations, and intersectional LGBTQ and feminist cultural centers. Baker holds a master's in Professional Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, where they received the Award for Excellence in Promoting Diversity & Inclusion, and a master's in Human Development & Psychology from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where they served as an Equity & Inclusion Fellow.

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Araya's Website

Questions or comments?

Email us at [email protected].  

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire

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