Gathering Ground

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

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 everLinks and Resources- Laughing Gull Foundation – www.laughinggull.org- National LGBTQ Task Force – www.thetaskforce.org- Rep. Kelly Cassidy – www.repcassidy.comIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram @mortengroup for more updates.

Episode 81: Who Gets to Stay: Land, Memory, and Belonging in a Changing City

In this episode of "Gathering Ground," host Mary Morten sits down with four brilliant artists and activists to explore the intersection of art and social change. Amanda Williams, Tonika Lewis Johnson, Lisa Yun Lee, and Shannon Downey share how their personal histories, creative practices, and collaborations fuel powerful movements for justice, community, and joy.Together, they reflect on how art can illuminate systemic inequities, bring people together across differences, and create the conditions for new futures.Episode Highlights:• Amanda Williams and Tonika Lewis Johnson on their collaborative projects and the politics of place• Shannon Downey on craft as community organizing and creative resistance• Lisa Yun Lee on the National Public Housing Museum as a civic anchorLinks and Resources:Tonika Johnson – https://www.tonijphotography.comNational Public Housing Museum – https://www.nphm.orgAmanda Williams – https://awstudioart.com/home.htmlShannon Downey – https://www.badasscrossstitch.comIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to "Gathering Ground" and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram @mortengroup for more updates.

Episode 80: Best of 2025: Stories of Care, Creativity, and Collective Power

This special "Gathering Ground" episode looks back at the most powerful conversations from 2025. Join Producer Vince Pagán-Hill as he revisits memorable moments that reveal how people create meaning, challenge injustice, and build collective power, from journalism and philanthropy to the arts, climate justice, and healthcare.

Episode 79: Living Out Loud: Queer Visibility in Action

SummaryIn this episode of “Gathering Ground,” host Mary Morten sits down with three dynamic guests (Anna DeShawn, Victor Salvo, and Haven Crawley) for a powerful conversation about queer joy, representation, and the enduring fight for LGBTQ+ equity. From grassroots media to public art, the stories shared in this episode remind us that history, creativity, and visibility are all tools for liberation.Episode Highlights- Anna DeShawn on building a Black queer media ecosystem through E3 Radio and Queer News- Victor Salvo on the creation of the Legacy Walk and why public memory matters- Haven Crawley on performing queer narratives and making space for youth expressionLinks and Resources- E3 Radio: https://e3radio.fm/- Queer News Podcast: https://e3radio.fm/queer-news/- Legacy Walk: https://legacyprojectchicago.org/legacy-walkIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram @mortengroup for more updates.

Episode 78: 50 Years of Care: Howard Brown Health, Legacy, and the Future of LGBTQ+ Health

In this episode of "Gathering Ground," Mary leads a powerful conversation marking the 50th anniversary of Howard Brown Health, one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ health organizations. With guests Staci Bush, Ron Nunziato, Jessica Halem, and current CEO Dr. Travis Gayles, the discussion traces Howard Brown’s past, present, and future.Together, they reflect on the organization’s early days, the HIV/AIDS crisis, the fight for culturally competent care, and the political realities shaping LGBTQ+ health today. From personal stories to policy, this episode uplifts a community-centered legacy and the urgent work ahead.Episode Highlights- Dr. Travis Gayles on leading Howard Brown through a shifting political and public health landscape- Ron Nunziato on the organization’s early days and its transformation during the AIDS crisis- Jessica Halem and Staci Bush on culturally competent care and the legacy of the Lesbian Community Cancer ProjectLinks and Resources- Howard Brown Health: https://howardbrown.org/- Liberating Healthcare: https://donate.howardbrown.org/campaign/678582/donateIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram @mortengroup for more updates.