Our Voice of ME

TW: substance use; psychiatric hospitalization; suicidal ideation

In the continued celebration of Pride Month, we bring you a powerful and heartfelt episode highlighting the voices of LGBTQIA+ mental health peers sharing their lived experience.

Our guests share personal stories of resilience and discovery of identity. They speak candidly about the intersection of queerness and mental health, including the barriers they’ve faced and the unity they've found through community support.

This episode is a celebration of authenticity and the healing power of shared experience. It's also a call to action: to listen, support, and stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ Mainers every day not just in June.

Benji Interview Recorded: March 15, 2025

Serena Interview Recorded: April 11, 2025

Tranifer Interview Recorded: May 23, 2025

🎧 Tune in to hear from these peers 

LINKS

Maine Community Health Centers

Everywhere is Queer

The Weird Fair

Art by Tranifer Lovely

Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

We are so excited to kick off Pride Month with an episode from a very important mental health community leader, Karin Heim! 

Karin shares her experiences as a queer mental health provider. She also discusses the vital work being done to support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth across the state.

Whether you're a parent, educator, mental health advocate, or community member, this conversation offers powerful takeaways on how we can all play a role in supporting LGBTQ+ youth and beyond.

Interview Recorded: May 15, 2025

🎧 Tune in to hear how we can break down barriers and build more equitable supports for all. 

LINKS

OUT Maine

Equality Maine Maine 

TransNet

NAMI Maine

Maine Women’s Lobby

Mental Health First Aid

Trevor Project  

Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

TW: involuntary hospitalization; physical restraints; Electroconvulsive therapy

In this episode, we’re joined by Kim Moody, Executive Director of Disability Rights Maine, for an insightful conversation about the intersection of physical disabilities and mental health. Kim shares her advocacy experience and discusses how inclusive systems, accessible services, and lived experience play a critical role in creating real change. We discuss the importance of advocating for autonomy in medical decisions and other aspects of daily life for those living with mental health challenges.
Interview Recorded: February 7, 2025

🎧 Tune in to hear how we can break down barriers and build more equitable supports for all. 

LINKS

Disability Rights Maine

PAIMI Advisory Council

LINC Center

commonspace (formerly Amistad)

On Our Own- Judi Chamberlin

NARPA (National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy)

Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

In this heartfelt introductory episode of Our Voices of ME, we sit down with four staff and board members from the Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) as they share their deeply personal lived experience stories with mental health challenges and services. These brave storytellers reflect on their journeys through struggle, healing, resilience, and advocacy — highlighting the importance of peer support, recovery-oriented care, and the value of being heard. From navigating complex systems to discovering strength in community, this episode offers raw honesty, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of what it means to live with mental health challenges in Maine. Join us as we amplify the voices of lived experience, break stigma, and celebrate the power of storytelling in shaping systems that truly support wellness and recovery.  Whether you’re someone with lived experience, a supporter, an advocate, or just curious to learn more — this episode offers something meaningful for everyone.  

Mary Ellen Copeland, PHD

Maine Vocational Rehab 

Links

Website: 

https://maineccsm.org/ourvoiceofme/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OurVoiceofME

Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/ourvoiceofme/ 

Our Voice of ME, amplifying voices of individuals with lived experiences in mental health services in Maine. Highlighting personal stories, fostering awareness, and inspiring systemic change, aligning with our mission to advocate for and empower peers. Check out this podcast trailer for more information!