Power of LGBTQ+ Community: Rebuilding after LA Fires with the LA Queer Events Coalition

My Therapist Is Out!

In this special episode of My Therapist is Out!, we’re bringing you a powerful live recording from the LA Queer Events Coalition Wildfire Relief Town Hall. This panel discussion, moderated by Carla Ibarra (@lacivilrights), brings together LGBTQ+ leaders, mental health professionals, and community advocates to address the impact of the LA wildfires and how our community is coming together to rebuild.

Hear from Human Rights Campaign, local activists, insurance & financial experts, Open Space Therapy Collective founder, and more as they discuss disaster recovery through a queer lens, the role of chosen family in crisis, financial and housing resources, and the urgent need for environmental justice. With insights from incredible panelists—including Aaron Burns, Brittany Bennett, James Hughes , James Santana, Queen Shannon Gibson, Renae Johnson , Wendy Nystrom—this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in LGBTQ+ resilience and mutual aid.

Because when disaster strikes, community is everything.

Featured Queer Moment of Joy Guest and where to learn more: Richardo Sebastian (they/them)

LA QEC Bio:

LA Queer Events Coalition unites queer community leaders to amplify our collective power, protect our rights, and create lasting positive change for the LGBTQ+ community of Los Angeles.

Coalition members include: BabyGay, The Secret Circus, Them Fatale, Damn Good Dyke Nights, LA Drag/Nightlife, Girls Gays Theys, Pride Point, DoLA, Gay DoLA, Equality Fashion Week, NiK Kacy Presents, Open Space Therapy Collective, Sit Down & Breathe, The Queer SOL Collective, Inc., Los Angeles LGBT Center, The Unitē App, Los Angeles LGBT Center, Heart Throb, DTLA Proud, Kiso Los Angeles, DTLA Proud, The Black Cat, Third Space Social (THIRD), Yes Ma'am Club, The Ruby Fruit, LYNX, AT Center, Rainbow Labs, Everywhere is Queer, Empowerment in Heels, Camp Brave Trails

Host Bio:

Renae Johnson (they/them) founded Open Space Therapy Collective (OSTC), a group practice and community hub that focuses on mental health for and by the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities and their allies. Renae is a licensed therapist and board certified art therapist.

Special Thanks to Inclusive Therapists for their support. https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/

To find more from us visit:

Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com

Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective

TikTok: @openspacetherapy

Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut

Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout

YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

Content transparency: natural disaster, loss, trauma

Keywords: LGBTQ+ Community, Wildfire Relief, Disaster Recovery, Mutual Aid, Chosen Family, Mental Health Support, Environmental Justice, Queer Resilience, Community Healing, Crisis Resources