Episode 82: State by State: The Ongoing Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights

About this episode

Mary discusses the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights across the U.S. with three advocates.

In this episode of "Gathering Ground," Mary sits down with three powerhouse advocates — Dr. Latonya Penny, Cathy Renna, and Illinois State Rep. Kelly Cassidy — for a timely conversation about what LGBTQ+ rights look like across the U.S. From legislative battles to grassroots resistance, the episode traces the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hope fueling this moment. Guests reflect on the real-life impact of policy wins and setbacks, the resilience of LGBTQ+ communities in the South, and the growing need for coalitions that center intersectionality, joy, and long-term strategy. Episode Highlights:- Dr. Penny on how Southern LGBTQ+ leaders are resisting burnout and building power despite political pressure- Illinois State Representative Cassidy on expanding coalitions beyond shared identity or ideology, and why it works- Cathy Renna on executive orders, misinformation, and why local education and media matter more than ever Links and Resources- Laughing Gull Foundation – www.laughinggull.org- National LGBTQ Task Force – www.thetaskforce.org- Rep. Kelly Cassidy – www.repcassidy.com If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review! Follow…

People in this episode

Host: Mary

Guests: Cathy Renna, Kelly Cassidy, Dr Latonya Penny

Topics covered

• LGBTQ+ rights
• advocacy
• legislation
• intersectionality
• grassroots resistance

Keywords

• policy
• community resilience
• coalitions
• education
• media

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Laughing Gull Foundation, National LGBTQ Task Force, Rep. Kelly Cassidy

Books & works: State by State: The Ongoing Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights, Gathering Ground

Places: Illinois, U.S., South

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