Hear about India’s favorite teacher… a woman who went from illiterate child bride to respected social equality warrior. Savitribai lived a life of service with a full heart and a endless amount of drive, focus and hard work. She reminds us how important it is to challenge oppressive social norms.

Mary McLeod Bethune was a change maker. She was a visionary. She was a bringer-together of people. She advised Presidents and multiple monuments to her contributions exist. But before all of that, Mary was passionate about educating those who society saw no need to educate: poor, black girls. With less money than I find in pockets on laundry day, her drive, passion and perseverance, Mary created an institution that changes lives. I cannot wait for you to hear some of the stories of this amazing woman.

When Miss Bancroft became a teacher her goal was to change the lives of her students. She was drawn to the students who were struggling, who needed extra patience, a different style of learning, and a solid, safe relationship to thrive.

If your Grandma told you that she was heading out on a walk… would you ever imagine that she meant that she was attempting to hike the entire Appalachian Trail?? Learn about the “accidental activist” who inspired others to explore hiking trails in their own back yards…. And be inspired to hear that this wasn’t even the hardest challenge that she survived.

We’re gonna need a bigger boat… JAWS-style, to set out with our amazing woman this week! Eugenie loved all things ocean - especially sharks. Learn about how this funny, passionate, whip-smart woman turned a childhood passion into a celebrated career. She knew that if we loved the ocean and all it’s creatures we would be more likely to fight to keep it safe and clean.

Calling all tree huggers!! Have you ever marveled at all the benefits that trees have? Wangari not only grew up appreciating a special tree in her community, she also saw the devastating consequences of having all the trees removed. Learn a little bit about this strong woman and her Green Belt Movement in today’s episode.

To learn more about the Green Belt Movement, visit http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/

Harriet Hemenway was a proper lady who enjoyed the finer things in life. Then she read an article about the Feather Industry and decided that sometimes it was okay to shake things up. Visit the Audubon Society at https://www.audubon.org/frontpage. Don’t forget to visit our Instagram @haveyoumetherpodcast to participate in our giveaway this month!!

Jeanne Manford was a quiet schoolteacher and a mother. She lived a quiet life…. Until her son Morty, a gay activist, was victim of an attack. Then, she did what very few mothers at the time had the courage to do: she publicly and completely loved and accepted him. If you’d like to join PFLAG, or check out their many resources, their website is here: https://pflag.org/

What is the best tool against shame? PRIDE of course! Brenda Howard is known as the “Mother of Pride” because she helped organize the events (that we still celebrate every year) to remind the LGBTQIA+ community AND the public that Gay Rights matter and that visibility is vital to any community. For more information about bisexuality, please visit https://bi.org/en or https://biresource.org/.

The Gay Rights Movement needed the jumpstart that LGTBQIA+ people on the fringe provided. Marsha and Sylvia were two of many gender non-conforming people who provided that push. Although they were not given the resources or recognition - by society OR the movement - to achieve their full potential as revolutionary leaders, we have to marvel at their power of resistance and resilience.

CW: This episode contains many triggering topics including rape, sex work, suicide, violence, and language that may be upsetting. Please take care of yourself.

To listen to the You're Wrong About Podcast episode that I referenced in the episode, please find it here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1112270/3883970-the-stonewall-uprising

To watch the YouTube video of Sylvia Rivera's speech, find it here: https://youtu.be/Jb-JIOWUw1o

The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you're struggling, it's okay to share your feelings. dial 9-8-8 anywhere in the US and be connected with resources

National Center for Transgender Equality: https://transequality.org/issues/resources/supporting-the-transgender-people-in-your-life-a-guide-to-being-a-good-ally