Black Beetle Health Podcast

Today we sat down with Ibtisam Ahmed (he/him). Ibtisam is the Policy and Research Manager at LGBT Foundation, working to expand intersectional activism.

He shares with us about a recent research project on LGBT Migrants and their experiences of healthcare. When researching a community you are a part of, there are of course some emotional challenges. But just by being yourself you can draw out nuance that would be missed by others. Sit back and have a listen of Ibtisam’s experience leading this vital project.

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Content warning: grief/loss, hospitalisation

We are proud to present an extended episode today featuring the wonderful Jay Swinnerton. Jay is also known as Shanika Sunrise- their drag persona who has emerged from her hiatus following a cancer relapse. This relapse shook Jay’s world. Having been through it all before they had to fight to hold on to their humour and honour those they lost along the way.

In this episode Jay highlights the lesser known aspects of the cancer survival journey. From their first dismissive doctor’s appointment to how they continue to celebrate life today.

For someone with blood cancer or a blood disorder, an amazing stranger donating their stem cells could be their best chance of survival.  

If you sign up to the Anthony Nolan stem cell register and one day come up as a genetic match, you could be that amazing stranger. Without you, there is no cure. If you’re assigned male at birth and/or from a minority ethnic background, then you can make an even bigger difference to patients as these donors are needed most. To apply to join the stem cell register, you need to fill in our online form to request a swab pack to complete and post back. https://www.anthonynolan.org/help-save-a-life/join-stem-cell-register

Content warning: grief/loss, hospitalisation

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Kai aka Frogboi (they/them) is an interdisciplinary artist, drag goblin and ambulatory wheelchair user. Their experience of ME/CFS and arthritis led them harness the power of community to fundraise for their powerchair. In this episode we share the reality of being visibly disabled; the hilarious moments as well as the frustrations. We dig into stigma, ignorance, freedom and art as therapy. We share our fears and you grant you permission to yes to the things that help you live your life.

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On this episode, writer and performer mandla rae joins Elliss Lewin-Turner (she/her) to share mandla’s experiences of repackaging trauma into art in the form of ‘as british as a watermelon’.

They also explore managing as a touring artist with chronic pain and the lesson’s mandla has learnt along the way. Have a listen for some insight into mandla’s healing journey.

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Content Warning: religion, homophobia,

Today’s guest, Reverend Jide Macaulay (he/him), was born and raised in a Nigerian, conservative Christian household and was excommunicated due to his sexuality. Today, 20 years after being diagnosed with HIV and 17 years since founding House of Rainbow; an organisation supporting LGBTIQ people of colour of any faith, he talks to host Elliss (she/her) about how he relearned God’s love.

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Non-binary medical student Georgie Webster (they/them) is passionate about; books, activism and decolonising healthcare. The aspiring  “down to earth medic” shares their experiences as a young, queer, Black, future doctor. Navigating studying as a medical student and patient, their experience tells us so much. They talk to Elliss (she/her), about inclusive sexual health, power imbalance in healthcare settings, and the importance of having a community mindset towards health.

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Self professed Jack-of-all-trades, Dumisani Nyathi (they/them) talks; surviving the zombie apocalypse, role models and defining success for oneself with our host Elliss (she/her). A charity-sector veteran and talented mentor, Dumisani discusses supporting and inspiring the next generation of intersectional individuals in the charity and health professions.

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Whether it's dance, yoga or mindful walks, today's guest, David Kam (he/him) wants to get us moving - at our own pace. Host Elliss (she/her) asks David about his multi-faceted, person-lead practices and asks what IS true mindfulness? How do we make self-care work for all of us and our varying experiences, needs and abilities? How do we make it fun?

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Today, On the Black Beetle Health Podcast. Host Elliss (She/Her) talks with Jass (She/They) founder of the organisation 'Intersectional Glam' and a member of 'The House of Spice'. The two Discuss their experiences of living with chronic pain, fashionable accessibility items and how you can find the joy in your trauma. 

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On this NEW episode of The Black Beetle Health Podcast. 

Host Elliss (She/Her) Sits down with Sasha (She/They) a transgender woman and member of Ketts Rebellion, a transgender activism community. Sasha talks deeply about how coming out affected relationships, transitioning in an all boys school and how the school system creates barriers for those who just want to be themselves.

Such a thought provoking episode!

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Today on the Black Beetle Health Podcast. 

Elliss (She/Her) talks to Mohammed (He/Him) From Queer Muslims of Manchester. Elliss asks questions around stigmas and religion and about the journey to becoming confident and comfortable within the community Mohammed is a part of. They also discuss how reconnecting with yourself can overcome hardships and how spending quality time with others can create an unbreakable bond. 

This one is definitely worth a listen!

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Welcome everybody, to the new episode of the Black Beetle Health Podcast! 

After a brief hiatus we open with a fantastic episode, where our host Elliss Lewin-Turner (she/her) is joined by Zib (they/them) from Trans Mutual Aid Manchester.

In this episode, they discuss how a group of trans people all mobilise to take action to support their community having to work through some of the toughest times and continue to work today. They also touch upon the failures of the GIC and what alternatives trans people have in the UK. 

Make sure to support Trans Mutual Aid Manchester below: 

Instagram: @transmutualaidmanchester 

Facebook: Trans Mutual Aid Manchester

Email: transmutualaidmanchester@gmail.com

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Content Warning: Swearing, Gore imagery, Mention of nudity and drowning 

Today, an interesting guest awaits us! 

In this episode, Judas Darkholme (aka Zero, aka Spike de la Cruz) joins our wonderful host Elliss Lewin-Turner (she/her) to discuss the gore on stage. They talk about their experience of performing, confidence and letting your rawest self shine through. 

Towards the end, Judas shares with us an awe-inducing poem which explores their Filipino heritage.

It's definitely worth listening to the episode through the end! 

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Content warning: Racism 

Today our amazing host Elliss Lewin-Turner (she/her) joins with our guest, Stanley Liew (DJ Name: Stan) to discuss the wonders of the dance floor. 

In this episode, they also touch upon the injustice LGBTQ+ and BPoC individuals face when going out clubbing, sharing with us shocking accounts of personal experiences. 

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Host Elliss Lewin-Turner (she/her) and special guest Jade Ecobichon-Gray (she/her) join us today on the Black Beetle Health Podcast to talk about workplace wellness. 

In this episode, they explore the idea of workplace wellness alongside the work Jade does with her organisation Mindset Matters to help tackle these issues faced in the workplace. Packed with knowledge and insight, this is sure to be an exciting episode worthy of a second part! 

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Yoga teacher Tamsin Nicole (she/they) is this week's podcast guest, hosted by Elliss Lewin-Turner (she/her).

The two talk about Tamsin's journey to becoming a yoga teacher, how they've worked on making their classes accessible, and why we need to remember the roots of the practice. 

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Content warning: Body dysmorphia and substance abuse. 

Hosts Elliss Lewin-Turner (she/her) and Patrick Ettenes (he/she) reunite on the Black Beetle Health podcast this week to talk about beauty standards.

In this episode, they explore the pressures to conform to society's idea of unobtainable 'beauty', the impact on folks in the LGBTQ+ BPoC community, and working through it all. 

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Content Warning: Discussions of Mental Health and Colonialism.

In this episode, our host Patrick Ettenes (he/she) sits down with Tan Payá Ramírez (they/she) to discuss the differences they have seen in perceptions of mental health, home and away. Tan coming from Chile and Patrick coming from Barbados, explore how they express and suppress themselves, and try to get to the route at why these different nations approach mental health so differently.

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Content warning: racial slurs

Patrick Ettenes (he/she) sits down with Makinder Chahal (he/him), who works as a Sexual Health Promotion Worker at Trade Sexual Health in Leicester. 

The two talk about sexual wellbeing for queer men of colour, taking your first trip to a sexual health clinic, sharing knowledge among other folks in the community, and more.

Makinder Chahal (@makinder)

Makinder has been working in the voluntary community sector field for over 9 years, primarily within LGB&T equality, HIV prevention and sexual health promotion. He is passionate about social change and equality, contributing to this through activism and campaigning. He is also interested in intersectional identities and the impact on activism, campaign messages and promotion, and sits on Black Beetle Health's advisory board. 

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On episode 3 of the Black Beetle Health podcast, Elliss (she/her) is joined by counsellor, psychotherapist and coach Anthony Davis.

The two dive into Anthony's journey to becoming a therapist, how LGBTQ+ BPoC (Black and People of Colour) communities can access therapy, and what first steps someone can take to seek support when they're struggling with their mental health.

They also discuss how, as QTBIPOC folks, we can feel like we're burdening our therapists when talking about trauma.

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