Ian Lekus, who is the Policy and Communications Officer at the Council for Global Equality, and the LGBTQI+ Thematic Specialist at Amnesty International USA, talks about the current situation regarding the rights of LGBT+ people in the United States and around the world. We refer to the factsheet "Trapped in Danger" on the perils facing LGBTQ+ refugees recently published by several NGOs, and the report "Defunding Freedom: Impacts of U.S. Foreign Aid  Cuts on LGBTIQ People Worldwide" which was published by Outright International in February 2025. Members of the community are increasingly threatened by individuals as well as governments. Restricting the rights and freedoms of minority groups, for example, due process rights, or freedom of expression and assembly, ultimately undermines democracy in general for everyone. Currently, more than 60 countries worldwide criminalize LGBT+ individuals, their relationships, gender identity/expression, their access to health care, and/or to organize publicly.

For more information visit the following:

https://humanrightsfirst.org/library/trapped-in-danger-trump-administration-policies-endanger-persecuted-lgbtqi-people/

The press release:
https://humanrightsfirst.org/library/new-summary-report-details-how-trump-administration-policies-endanger-lgbtqi-people-at-risk-of-persecution/

Rainbow Railroad's community support teams:
https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/community-support-teams

The Outright report:
https://outrightinternational.org/our-work/human-rights-research/defunding-freedom-impacts-us-foreign-aid-cuts-lgbtiq-people

Pride 2025 with Ian Lekus_4upload

Why does child marriage still exist in nearly every U.S. state, and what can we do to stop it? Tune in for an inspiring discussion with Donna Simmons on her new book Ashes to Flame: Transforming Trauma Into Purpose.

Moments with Marianne airs in the Southern California area on KMET1490AM & 98.1 FM, an ABC Talk News Radio affiliate! 

Donna Simmons is a wife, mother, author, and dedicated advocate for breaking cycles of generational trauma and supporting mental health recovery. Appointed by the Governor to the Kentucky Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, she collaborates with leaders across the state to reduce juvenile system involvement and strengthen protective factors for at-risk youth. A survivor of child abuse and exploitation, Donna’s personal journey fuels her mission to help others transform pain into purpose.   Her memoir, Ashes to Flame, chronicles her experience of survival and healing, encouraging others to uncover their own inner resilience. Donna’s story has been featured in Good Housekeeping, Glamour, NPR, PBS, and Fox News, among many others. She is a frequent speaker, trainer, and panelist at both national and international conferences, and has testified before legislative committees advocating for systemic change.  https://trauma2purpose.com/

For more show information visit:
www.MariannePestana.com

Ending Child Marriage - A Survivor's Mission for Change with Donna Simmons

It was an imperfect time
In an imperfect place
And the whole damn planet was lighting up
Into all this there came 
An unexpected thing
Like a firefly on a winter's night

I was the last of the true believers
But then I stopped believing
And that meant the final chapter
Was being written
But what about this odd thing
This peculiar force
Of which I had been so smitten

There are no sad tomorrows
No sad tomorrows
No sad tomorrows, he would say

You gotta be kidding, I thought
Can it be that simple
Or is it just exactly what you thing it is
I guess I always expected
A burning bush
Or Moses on a pony

There are no sad tomorrows
No sad tomorrows
It's all good forever and a day

Just when you think
All hope is lost
And you are doomed to eternal damnation
A little light pokes through
From an unexpected place
And grace sprinkles down
Like a cool summer shower

There Are No Sad Tomorrows

Audio Overview(English): Generate by NotebookLM ( Based on Sinhala Article: https://www.vikalpa.org/article/44889 BY Sampath Samarakoon 

[The HRCSL also recommended that the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security pay 200,000 rupees (LKR 2 lakhs) as compensation for the injustice caused to Rushdi]

This Sri Lankan article from Vikalpa, written by Sampath Samarakoon, critiques the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), describing it as a tool for human rights violations. The piece focuses on the case of Mohammed Rushdi, a young man arrested under the PTA for displaying an "F*** Israel" sticker, an act deemed by authorities as inciting terrorism. The article highlights how Rushdi's human rights were violated and how the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission (HRCSL) recommended compensation for the injustice he suffered. It further questions the current government's commitment to abolishing the PTA, despite earlier promises, emphasizing the need for its repeal to prevent future abuses of power and protect fundamental freedoms.



Colombo 

[Mohamed Rushdi] Branding a Young Man a Terrorist Victim (Under the Pretext of National Security): Can a Victim of the PTA Reclaim His Life?

We talk about a range of issues, including Richard Dreyfus, who was posthumously promoted in the French army, after being wrongfully convicted and imprisoned. Upcoming local events are the "No Kings" rally in Ithaca (and around the country), and the local Juneteenth celebration.

Update with Wayles Browne June 13_4upload

Amy Fischer, who directs the Refugee and Migrant Rights campaign at Amnesty International USA talks about current state of affairs, Amnesty's "Human Rights Blueprint for the Border" and the research briefing "Lives in Limbo," based on a research trip to the border in February 2025 In the second half of the show Jim McDonald talks about the briefing "Dehumanized by Design" which is based on an immigrant detention center in El Paso, Texas. Meera Viruru talk about organizing efforts in Chicago for World Refugee Day, which is June 20th.

For more information visit:
https://www.amnestyusa.org/campaigns/human-rights-blueprint-for-the-border/
https://www.amnestyusa.org/reports/lives-in-limbo-devastating-impacts-of-trumps-migration-and-asylum-policies/
https://www.amnestyusa.org/reports/dehumanized-by-design-human-rights-violations-in-el-paso/


Refugee and Migrant Rights_4upload

This track is an example of the podcasting training and services StoryCollab provides. Ryan Trauman, our Curriculum and Digital Media Specialist, helped a team of professors from the Public Health Program at Touro University California (TUC) launch and produce a full season of podcast episodes focusing on national social justice issues. Hosted by Gayle Cummings, Nemesia Kelly, and Deirdra Wilson, the podcast is called "Socially Just: Public Health Perspectives for Change." The podcast You can listen to the full season here: open.spotify.com/show/4I8X7MGuD73…a0e31d392c004f9c

Here is a description from the episode show notes: "Obie Anthony, Executive Director of Exonerated Nation discusses the impact of wrongful convictions on the health of communities. Mr. Anthony has a unique perspective and insight into the complicated problems with our justice system having been framed and wrongfully convicted and later exonerated himself. Through his unique lens, Mr. Anthony poses solutions through policy change and advocacy."

Other examples of our work on Socially Just include interviews with Dr. Reuben J. Miller, Executive Director of Exonerated Nation, and Professor Daniel E. Dawes, author of "The Political Determinants of Health” which you can also find in our SoundCloud feed.

Obie Anthony - Public Health Implications of Wrongful Conviction - Socially Just - Touro Univ

This track is an example of the podcasting training and services StoryCollab provides. Ryan Trauman, our Curriculum and Digital Media Specialist, helped a team of professors from the Public Health Program at Touro University California (TUC) launch and produce a full season of podcast episodes focusing on national social justice issues. Hosted by Gayle Cummings, Nemesia Kelly, and Deirdra Wilson, the podcast is called "Socially Just: Public Health Perspectives for Change." The podcast You can listen to the full season here: open.spotify.com/show/4I8X7MGuD73…a0e31d392c004f9c

Here is a description from the episode show notes: "Professor Dawes, author of "The Political Determinants of Health”, will provide a thought provoking discussion on the American process of politics and economics as a determinant of health and why we must address political determinants to create a socially just and healthy society."

Other examples of our work on Socially Just include interviews with Dr. Reuben J. Miller, Executive Director of Exonerated Nation, and Obie Anthony, Executive Director of Exonerated Nation which you can also find in our SoundCloud feed.

Daniel E. Dawes - The Political Determinants of Health  - Socially Just Podcast - Touro University

Magnus Fiskesjö talks about Chinese students studying in the United States who continue to be under surveillance of their own home government, punished if they try to speak against it, and sometimes even forced to spy for it.
This is a huge challenge for American and Western universities when they want to protect academic freedom and human rights on their campus -- including for Chinese students, too.

Magnus Fiskesjo on Chinese students_4upload

Frontera song, take down the invisible line! we are one,  thanks to Marvin Menz for Master and Mix

Frontera

Diana Zuckerman, who is a Spanish teacher and interpreter, talks about the upcoming Spanish immersion program being offered at the Omega Institute from July 21-25. She reflects on how language enables us to understand other cultures better, to humanize people, and become more empathetic. Diana is also involved in a Migrant Caravan, that is being organized for early August from Long Island to Buffalo, New York. A long-time activist, she coordinates the local Amnesty International chapter in the Mid-Hudson area.

For more information about the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, visit: https://www.eomega.org/

Diana Zuckerman July 4_4upload

Belinda Renea Brewer is a multi-dimensional artist, photographer, and social justice activist whose work illuminates the soul of lived experience. Through her lens and voice, she captures the quiet power of Black womanhood, the resilience of marginalized communities, and the sacred beauty of everyday life. Her photography is not just art — it is testimony, memory, and resistance.
A retired educator turned creative force, she brings depth, compassion, and a lived sense of purpose to every frame. Whether documenting the streets with her iPhone 13 Pro Max or curating exhibitions that center Black, LGBTQ, and underrepresented voices, her mission is to tell the truth — beautifully and unapologetically.
Her work is deeply rooted in love, authenticity, and the belief that art is a form of healing and activism. With a poet’s heart and an educator’s clarity, she speaks on themes of identity, grief, creativity, and rebirth. Her recent projects include spoken word performances, art presentations for community leaders, and a body of photography that explores “Energy Through Individual Creativity — Lost or Found.”



Belinda Renae Brewer

VERSION : ORIGINAL
LANGUE : VERSION ENGLISH
FIXATION : 2025
ISRC : FR-9W1-25-41798
ARTISTE : PHILIPPE JOUMARD
SITE : www.philippejoumard.fr

“Patriots of Tomorrow (Universal Version)” is a powerful anthem of unity, hope, and civic pride. Blending poetic lyrics with heartfelt harmonies, this song invites us to redefine patriotism for a modern era — one rooted in inclusion, justice, and care for our planet. With stirring verses that celebrate diversity and generational responsibility, it's a call to action for dreamers, changemakers, and compassionate citizens worldwide. ✨ For those who believe patriotism isn't just where you're from — it's how you show up for others.

Patriots of Tomorrow (Universal Version English)

02 Track 2

The New Discourses Podcast with James Lindsay, Ep. 170

It is long past time we take a look at the Communist Manifesto (instead of just sending it to dubious Woke Right outlets and getting them to publish it: https://newdiscourses.com/2024/12/a-communist-manifesto-for-christian-nationalists-testing-the-woke-right/). Obviously, this infamous document (pdf: https://www.marxists.org/admin/books/manifesto/Manifesto.pdf) is not the beginning point of Communism, but is the beginning point of organized Communism, particularly of the Marxist type, which we have recently (https://newdiscourses.com/2025/06/communism-is-not-atheist) and thoroughly discussed. In this long-overdue episode of the New Discourses Podcast, host James Lindsay takes you through the main body of the Manifesto of the Communist Party: preface, chapter one, and chapter two. In a subsequent episode (Volume Two in this mini-series) he will cover a later addition called "The Principles of Communism." There's a lot here, and you won't want to miss it.

Latest book! The Queering of the American Child: https://queeringbook.com/

Support New Discourses: https://newdiscourses.com/support

Follow New Discourses on other platforms: https://newdiscourses.com/subscribe

Follow James Lindsay: https://linktr.ee/conceptualjames

© 2025 New Discourses. All rights reserved. #NewDiscourses #JamesLindsay #communism

The Communist Manifesto, Volume One

Podcasts on media, democracy, culture & politics.

In a single moment your life can change!  “Moments with Marianne” is a transformative hour that covers an endless array of topics with the ‘best of the best.’ Her guest are leaders in their fields, ranging from inspirational authors, top industry leaders, business and spiritual entrepreneurs.  Each guest is gifted, and a true visionary!  A recognized leader in her own work, and while teaching others to develop, refocus, and grow; Marianne will bring the best guest, and sometimes a special surprise.  Don’t miss this – you never know just which ‘moment’ will change your life forever.

Author, Public Speaker, Radio Host of Collections by Michelle Brown Blog Radio

Pursuing the light of objective truth in subjective darkness.

New tracks tagged #social justice