Project 2025 Explained: LGBTQ+ Rights, Women's Rights & What You Need to Know

What is Project 2025, and why are so many LGBTQ+ people and women concerned about it?

In this episode of Your Southern Lesbian, host Ashley Hydrick is joined by activist and clinical mental health counseling graduate student Gina Montel for an honest conversation about Project 2025, LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, transgender rights, the SAVE Act, and why staying informed matters.

Together, they discuss what Project 2025 proposes, how policy changes could affect LGBTQ+ Americans and women, the importance of voting, supporting LGBTQ+-owned businesses, protecting mental health, and finding community during uncertain times.

Whether you agree, disagree, or are simply curious, this episode encourages you to read for yourself, ask questions, and stay engaged.

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✨ Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment and encouragement only and should not be considered medical or legal advice.

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Stop treating joy like a reward for surviving the week; it’s a tool you need now. In this episode, Ashley Hydrick breaks down the concept of "Radical Joy" and why scheduling fun before your to-do list is finished is essential for mental health.

Plus, big news: The Dinah festival officially changes hands after 35 years! Ashley details the transition from founder Mariah Hanson to new owners Bella Barco and Rose Garcia, ensuring the legacy continues as a safe space for the entire LGBTQ+ community. The episode also features a "Dear Southern Lesbian" segment tackling whether dating women is actually easier than dating men, updates on Lesbian Visibility Week in London, and a look at new queer representation in film.

Key Topics: The Dinah festival sale, Radical Joy as a regulation tool, dating dynamics between women, and the importance of doing things alone.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

* The Dinah Festival (BellaRose Productions) https://thedinah.com

* Sapphic Socials London (Jennie Rowland) https://meetup.com/sapphic-socials?member_id=231565816

* Mint Events (Nikki Chubb) https://www.mintevents.london

* Queer Edge (EJ Nutbrown) https://www.queereast.co.uk

* The Common Press (Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir) https://www.commonpress.co.uk

* Sanura Dance (Sandy Chuchuca) https://www.sanuradance.com

• “Notice Me” Rom-Com Trailer (Starring Amy Spalding & Francesca Amewudah-Rivers) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPahkuSN0tQ

🌈 Connect with Your Southern Lesbian:

🎙️ YouTube + Podcast: Your Southern Lesbian

📱 TikTok: @your.southern.lesbian

📸 Instagram: @your_southern_lesbian

🦋 BlueSky: @ahydrick.bsky.social

✉️ Product Sponsors: sponsor@angelbabyfilms.studio

📧 Apply to be a guest or send questions: yslinfo@angelbabyfilms.studio

📍 London, UK | SC, USA

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever share something you love, only to be met with disinterest or dismissal? In this episode, Ashley Hydrick discusses how to protect your joy from energy vampires, doom scrolling, and the daily news cycle.

Learn why grounding yourself through meditation, nature walks, or even pickleball is the ultimate "cheat code" for handling difficult conversations and showing up as your best self on dates. Ashley shares her personal routine for staying present and explains why finding joy isn't selfish—it's necessary for making clear decisions in chaotic times.

Key Topics: Protecting your energy, the art of grounding, avoiding doom scrolling, and showing up grounded for dating.

CONTACT INFO:

🌈 Connect with Your Southern Lesbian:

🎙️ YouTube + Podcast: Your Southern Lesbian

📱 TikTok: @your.southern.lesbian

📸 Instagram: @your_southern_lesbian

🦋 BlueSky: @ahydrick.bsky.social

✉️ To Sponsor: sponsor@angelbabyfilms.studio

📧 Apply to be a guest or send questions: yslinfo@angelbabyfilms.studio

📍 London, UK | Charleston, SC, USA

✨ Disclaimer/Reminder: I’m not a doctor — this show’s for entertainment and encouragement only.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.