Padded Cell Podcast

Nimu Githahu, a mental health practitioner talks to me about some of the issues raised in the Breaking The Silence series. She emphasizes the need to be able to ask for help and talks about some of the ways in which we can access mental health services.

This episode is in Arabic to reach the Arabic speaking audience in the African continent. From Egypt, [Anonymous] speaks to a fellow Egyptian about how mental wellbeing is often viewed as a luxury and not a priority in the country. They talk about the intersectional differences that exist in society and the need for access to mental health services.

Depuis l'Algérie, Zoheir anime cet épisode avec Star Rugori du Burundi et Solange Kibibi du Burkina Faso. Iels parlent de leurs expériences en tant qu'activistes qui vivent souvent l'épuisement intellectuel, et ne reçoivent aucun soutien.

Cet épisode est entièrement en français afin de toucher le public francophone du continent africain.

Alessandra Ogeta from Jinsiangu, an intersex, trans and gender non-conforming organization in Kenya hosts this episode with guest Winnie Orodi, a psychologist working with the ITGNC community in the country. They emphasize on the need to focus on what we can actually influence in our lives in times of heightened anxiety.

Melusi Simelane hosts this episode joined by a being of pure light, love and energy, Alex Ndzinisa, founder and CEO of Who I Am. They discuss the importance of prioritizing mental health in the work we do and motivate us to find our true selves while knowing our worth and knowing that none of us is alone.

My message for the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

Love!

Lethabo Mailula hosts this episode with Jamil Khan, a researcher, PhD Critical Diversities Studies candidate and author of the book Khamr: The Makings of a Waterslams. They give incredible advice to activists talking about the problems that we face in the work that we do, the critical importance of self empathy and the power of ignorance; specifically refusing to admit that you know something.

Due to safety concerns, Padded Cell Podcast did not find a host and guest based in Ethiopia. Bahiru Shewaye, an Ethiopian born activist hosts this episode with Zelly, a poet, writer, performance artist and human rights activist. They are both co-founders of House of Guramayle. In this conversation, they talk about their various coping mechanisms, dealing with anxiety and depression and the importance of knowing who you are. They also stress the need to be kind to each other, and ourselves.

Bradley Fortuin hosts this episode joined by Maitumelo Tsekane a counsellor at Lesbians and Gays of Botswana (LEGABIBO). They talk about the importance of building a sense of self, how to build resilience and the need for providers psychosocial support to be sensitized on LGBTIQ+ issues. They both stress the need to be kind to each other, and ourselves.

With hosts from Zambia, Kenya, Botswana, Algeria, Egypt, Burundi, Eswatini, Ghana, Ethiopia and South Africa, Padded Cell Podcast is going to break the silence on Mental Health and LGBTQ+ issues.

May 14th - May 23rd