From traveling to southeast Georgia to visit family, working in her community to consistently posting Black and LGBTQ People of Color literature, and resources-- in this episode, Forrest shares her personal experiences and insight about Gender Expression, identity and sexuality.The conversation continues with exploring pivotal elements of Heteronormal spaces, femme privilege and sexuality possibility-- along with Your Inner Teenage and the Importance of Friendships.  "Power: The Rise of Black Women in America" by Charity C. Elder, "Reclaiming Two Spirits: Sexuality, Spiritual Renewal and Soverneighty in Native America" Gregory D. Smithers and "Set Boundaries, Find Peace" by Nedra Glover Tawwab are just a few suggested titles come this episode. Join into this convo with Forrest by commenting, sharing or liking this episode. Support the show

This podcast episode is to create, build, and share practice healing and liberation in Black Queer, Queer and Trans Communities-- through my insight, findings and personal stories.Breaking down this episode into 4 sections, jump into this conversation: Defining the Types of Trauma and Their SymptomsThe Restraint of Emotional LaborArchived harm within the bodyHealing the Mind, Body and SoulBefore holiday season, check out this resources to support your journey.  Continue reading!THE NATIONAL QUEER AND TRANS THERAPISTS OF COLOR NETWORK(NQTTCN) https://www.nqttcn.com/LGBTQ Holiday Survival 2022 Guide |LGBTQ Holiday Survival Guide https://www.mainlinehealth.org/blog/lgbtq-holiday-survival-guide YOGA WITH JESSAMYN STANLEY http://jessamynstanley.com/THE ROOTED COLLECTIVE http://bemorerooted.org/ALLY.WIKI http://ally.wiki/Support the show

Join Forrest, Your Favorite Librarian for an impromptu and informal conversation. Consisting of b-roll, new audio clips and personal recordings-- jump into the dialogue with Forrest. From exploring Grief and shame, the usage of both and how they effect expressions of sexuality and identity to rediscovering self in new environments. Forrest doesn't stop there, the conversation continues with paired personal stories and memories. From defining and understanding spiritual trauma and abuse, respectability politics and honoring other's and their needs over self, this episode is more than a BONUS. With Forrest, explore what healing and self-identification looks like in the American South and Queer spaces, and also as a Queer person of color. Forrest also discusses self-repression and the effects of voluntarily erasing self in an effort to be tolerated and ultimately accepted. From how not to use trauma and shame to how to copy with trauma and shame--- examine Forrest's suggested tools and tips, and recommend resources.Episode's Suggested Books 1. "This (Boi)want Body: Narratives of a Queer Black Boi & the Waters that Carry Them" by Bobbi Kindred2. "In Visible Archives: Queer and Feminist Visual Culture in the 1980's" by Margaret Galvan3. "Queering Sexual Violence: Radical Voices from Within the Anti-Violence Movement" by Jennifer Patterson Support the show

This "phantom season" consists of b-roll and other, new audio recordings of Forrest, Favorite Librarian. Without a script or outline, see what is on Forrest's mind, heart and current reading list. Check out "Sexuality and Black Church: A Womanist Perspective" by Kelly Brown Douglas  and while you're at it also check out "Beautiful Bottom, Beautiful Shame: Where Black Meets Queer" by Kathryn Bond Stockton and "Black Skinhead: Reflections on Blackness and Our Political Future" by Brandi Collins-Dexter. Walk through this informal conversation with Forrest, a whole hour with Your Favorite Librarian. Until Season 3's release in June 2024, continue reading and check out all episodes of Favorite Librarian, the Podcast everywhere-- on all streaming platforms. Stay connected on Instagram at @FavoriteLibrarian or www.favoritelibrarian.com.Continue reading!Support the show

Wrapping up Season II of Favorite Librarian the Podcast, join Forrest for this year's last podcast episode. Paired with Toni Morrison's National Best Seller " Self Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches and Meditations," jump into this week's episode. Broken into 4 sections: I. Atlanta Pride II. Self Regard and Discipline III. Holiday Blues and AnxietyIV. Community Building, Consistency, Reading October celebrates so many communities for its monthly celebration like Intersex Awareness month. part of Hispanic Heritage Month, Pilipino Heritage Month, and most importantly Gullah Geechee Heritage Month. As a low country native, Gullah Geechee history is gem Your Favorite Librarian adores circulating. Stay in the loop of great Black and LGBTQIA+ Literature, and resources, by following Forrest-- Your Favorite Librarian on IG at @favoritelibrarian or www.favoritelibrarian.com. Be sure to share, like and leave a comment about how you enjoy, or provide any suggestions, for this great podcast. Support the show

This week, after meeting Vice President Kamala Harris, Congresswoman Nikema Williams, and State Representative Park Cannon-- Your Favorite Librarian has been on cloud nine. Paired with "DapperQ Style: Ungendering Fashion" by Anita Dolce Vita, jump into this conversation with Forrest. Divided into four portions, check out this episode. 1. Friends, Family, and Foes 2. Routine 3. Introverts vs. Extroverts 4. Apply, Obtain, Use and Repeat With only one episode left of season II, be sure to leave a review or what you like the most about this season. Continue readingSupport the show

Librarians are gatekeepers... not groomers.As local libraries have become a major political and cultural battleground— librarians around the country are put in the crosshairs. Join this discussion with Forrest, Your Favorite Librarian, exploring this time of uncertainty. From librarians and media specialists being fired, Proud Boys protesting Drag Queen story times, books being taken out of public and academic libraries to rightwing extremist and conservative groups working together to strength their argument of Queer and People of Color literature in school and libraries. Broken down into 4 portions and paired with "I Have Always Been Me" by Precious Brady-Harris, jump into this controversial topic with Forrest. 1. Public and Academic Libraries 2. Supporting Queer Librarians and Librarians 3. Access to Books 4. What Can I do: Combating Conservative Censorship Craze and Book Bans Check out the memoir from Precious Brady-Davis-- one of Your Favorite Librarian's favorite memoirs of this year. From her journey in Omaha, her work in the community and her beautiful love story with Myles. Organizations and great groups to support that collectively work to combat efforts to limit Queer and People of Color books, and resources. Stay tuned to tips on how to join the collective fight against public and any effort to limit Queer literature, or support Queer authors. Continue reading! Support the show

Your Favorite Librarian visited Philadelphia, had a serious car accident, and also a break up. So, this week's episode follows her journey of healing and peace. Paired with this episode's paired title-- "Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts" by Rebecca Hall and Hugo Martinez, readers are in for a rollercoaster of a ride.The graphic novel is brilliant by a Black Queer author exploring the the slave revolts, and liberations, in the New York area and Eastern seaboard. Forrest, Your Favorite Librarian purchased the title at the Historic Giovanni's Room in Philly. During this episode, explore about her travels to Philadelphia, healing and navigating life after a break up, and how reading is essential to any scholar navigating life. Readers can follow along as this week's episode is divided into 4 segments. I. Car Accident and New Diagnosis II. Philadelphia III. Break Ups IV. Books Actually Help Reading is a tool and is also a window to find community. Whether you find the title you're looking for or it finds you-- continue reading! You are not alone with a book Continue reading! Support the show

This week, explore the recent efforts of exclusion and transphobia with Forrest, Favorite Librarian. Yet, gain an understanding how radical inclusion is a seven step process. Paired with "Radical Inclusion: Seven Steps to Help You Create a More Just Workplace, Home and World" by David Moinina Sengeh, gain new tools and insight on how to better support Black and Black Queer folks with their journey of personhood. From Transphobia, Exploring the "ownership" of womanhood and the importance of sisterhood between Cisgender Black Women and Black Queer folks. Explore at your own pace: I. "Cis" Where You At? II. Black Queers and Lesbians in Sports III. Interracial Queer Love IV. Too Pro Black Only four episodes left of season II and there is still so much to cover. Continue to read, grow and share what you know. Continue reading!Support the show

Join Forrest, Your Favorite Librarian this week for Episode 15: "Act Bad:" Living Without Hesitation. Divided into 4 sections, explore the possibilities of healing. Paired with "Crip Kinship: Disability Justice and Art Activism for Sin Invalid" by Shayda Kafai I. Holding Space and Active Listening II. Theory and New Information III. Preparing for the Life You WantIV. Fear and the Unknown as Motivation With only five episodes left of Season II of Favorite Librarian, the Podcast--- stay connected by checking out favoritelibrarian.com or on any platform. Support the show

Join Favorite Librarian for Episode 14: The Unknown. As the low country native unpacks, defines, and provides personal experiences of "the unknown," and what that looks like. With 6 more episodes on the way until the end of season two, continue listening! From going out of your comfort zone and experiencing new challenges to verbalizing hurt, and impact, to proper gain the support desired. Forrest shares how specific family relations, friendships, and choices reflex parts of "the unknown" many of us shy away from or are hesitate to discuss aloud. Let's explore this together. For this week, Forrest is #currentlyreading "Black Folk: The Roots of the Black Working: by Blair LM Kelley. Continue reading, friends! Support the show

After celebrating Juneteenth, Prideteenth, and Father's Day-- join Your Favorite Librarian to explore the effects of and how to prevent burning out. June is also Black Music History Month, so there's lots to celebrate and circulate. Divided into the usually four portions, jump knee deep into this week's episode. 1. Triggered and Open Wounds 2. Recharge and Process Accordingly 3. "I need Support and Help" 4. Safe Spaces Paired with one of Your Favorite Librarian's authors-- "Love Is A Dog From Hell" by Charles Bukowski. Continue reading-- there is a book out there for youSupport the show

After a two week hiatus, join Your Favorite Librarian for an Episode 12! In celebration of LGBTQ+ Month, check out the paired title for this week. "Refusing Compulsory Sexuality: A Black Asexual Lens on Our Sex-Obsessed Culture" by Sherronda J. Brown Divided into 4 sections, follow along with the conversation at your leisure. I. Pride: Homophobia in the Black Community and Queer YouthII. Atlanta Pride and FRATL: The importance of Organizing III. Who is Your Favorite Librarian and FAQsIV. Educate and Circulate With only a few more episodes remaining for season II. Definitely stay in the loop by following Favorite Librarian everywhere!Support the show

Join Forrest, Favorite Librarian for a reconnection and re-introduction with week. Taking a break from reading this week, share how to apply what you learn and gain from reading and specific literature you love. Divided into 4 sections, jump knee deep into this week's episode. I. Intros and "Meeting Me Where I Am"II. Life Changes and Evolving III. New Language and LookIV. Week in the Life... with Favorite Librarian Check out the weekend dump of photos for a glimpse into Forrest's life working with her community, uplifting her tribe and prepping for Pride Month in June. Continue reading and seeking great literature in the world. You are not alone--- there is book out there for you.Don't forget to share or comment! Support the show

This week, join Your Favorite Librarian for this week's episode exploring specific issues and stigmas of Mental Health for People of Color, especially with Black and African communities. Divided into 4 sections, jump knee deep into the conversation at your own pace. I. Diagnosis, Disabilities, and Diets II. Self-soothe, self-medicate, and self-isolate III. Where is your support? IV. Third Home: The Need to Connect This week's paired title comes from Your Favorite Librarian's favorite author-- "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf" by Ntozake Shange. From the difference in professional and holistic help, self-diagnosis vs professional opinions and information, the trauma of dissociation and detachment, along with how to be your own cheerleader and not your best critic. Share, like and continue to like comment about what you want to see next. Support the show

Season II is halfway done and Your Favorite Librarian wanted to spice things up. Check out this week's episode by exploring  sexual health, joy, pleasures and your physical appetite. Using personal stories, experiences and similar narratives, explore the importance of your romantic and sexual joys, the bounds of consent, and sensual expression. Whether you romantic joys come from solo play, monogamous, or multi-partnered. I. Consent, Restraints, Partners II. Fetishes, Tolerances, Kinks (13:00)III. Black Erotic Literature and Authors (34:00)IV.  Community= Support (45:37)Before you dive deep into each area of the conversation, the conversation is intended for  mature audiences and adults. Adult content, language and activities are listed and mentioned throughout the discussion and audiences are advised. This week's episode does not have a paired title or stack of books as Your Favorite Librarian mentions a list of pivotal Black and brown Erotic authors and innovators of Black Romance fiction. Continue reading!Support the show

It's Asian American Pacific Island Heritage Month! This week's episode celebrates the yearly occasion with "Brown Boy: A Memoir" by Omer Aziz and some personal experiences about the importance of empathy over apathy, holding space for difference of opinions and personalities, and how vital active listening is. Divided into 4 sections, check out the episode at your own pace.I. Self-Awareness and Apathy II. AAPI Heritage Month III. Building A Standard and Process IV. Care and Consideration Looks Like This Enjoy tips and tools about prioritizing goal-based friends, and associates, for resolution and conclusion-based thinking and bonds. There is a community, a like a good book-- out there for you. Continue reading! Support the show

On this week's episode join Your Favorite Librarian for an explanation of how your ego can prevent you from reaching your full potential, and exploring all the complexities of your identity. Paired with this week's reading selection, check out: "Jaded Choyce" by Shaynuh Sloane Season II of Favorite Librarian, the Podcast is almost at the hall-way benchmark. This episode is broken up into four parts, check it our at your leisure. 1. Processes and Principality 2. Supporting Characters 3. Charity 4. Best Friends Whether you listen after reading a great book, on the drive to work, or burning calories on your downtime-- thank you for staying tuned and listening. Don't forget to comment, share, like and continue listening! Support the show

This week, Your Favorite Librarian discusses, defines and provides tools to combat toxic and fragile femininity. Check out this week's reading selections: "Feminist Weed Farmer: Growing Mindful Medicine In Your Back Yard" Madrone Stewart"Side Notes from the Archivist" by Anastacia-Renee"Dear Black Girls: Letters from Your Sisters on Stepping into Your Power" by Tamara Winfrey HarrisListen to this conversation, divided into four portions anywhere or at anytime. Check out the convo in depth, see here: 1. Attack on Womanhood/Femininity - Definition and examples -Social Media (Soft Life, How to be more Femme, Sub Life)-Male Gaze and Audience -Archetypes for Black Women and Femme presenting folks 2. Seeing Myself in You vs. I See Myself As Young -Youth and Mentorship-Comparison and Giving Help -Double-minded= instability-Competition   Jeju... How a Bathhouse Healed My Inner Child -Bathhouse in the Gwinnett County area -Women at peace and relaxing -Publicly loving on and enjoying my body Sisterhood, Community, and Resource -Book resources to provide more insight on how to connect -Physically relax... be at rest. Do nothing or be pampered -Find or make connection Stay tuned and continue reading, friends! There's a book and community out there for you. Support the show

The week is not over and Episode V is of Favorite Librarian the Podcast, Season II is here. Join Forrest this week to discuss family, estrangement, and how to craft a personal infrastructure. Firstly, check out this week's book suggestion                                              "A Church For All" by Gayle E. Pittman Divided into four sections, jump knee deep into this episode: i. Y'all Kin: Estranged Family and Keeping Distance -Defining estrangement, distant family and friends and distance -Associates vs Friends ii. Birds of A Feather: Choosing Your Loved Ones -Holidays, Mental Health and Check Ins-Routines [AM & PM routine, Socializing, and Recharging]iii. Visitation: Visiting You In My Past-Commitment to Past Self-Meeting You Where You Are -Openness: Space to Meet Others iv. Boundaries, Recharge, Intentionality -Seeking help, self-help books, places that reflect personal interest -Verbalize and illustrate boundaries for peace -Place and prepare-Support can be reciprocatedStay tuned for Forrest's cardinal pillars of a personal infrastructure and how to navigate spaces of hurt, healing and growth. Continue reading, friends! Support the show