Support Black Queer Voices: Donate Now

Help Us Amplify Voices and Heal Out Loud

Hello, wonderful supporters,

We’re reaching out to you with hearts full of hope and excitement, as we launch our GoFundMe campaign to support The Healing Out Loud Podcast—a project born from our passion to create a space where Black, queer women can share, heal, and celebrate their unique journeys. We believe that our voices, our stories, and our laughter deserve a platform that not only reflects our vibrant identities but also provides a sanctuary for everyone seeking connection and understanding.

Through our episodes, we explore the intersection of popular culture and personal growth, providing a platform where our community can feel seen, heard, and supported. But this mission goes beyond producing content—it’s about supporting the real lives behind the podcast, particularly our hosts who are facing significant personal and financial challenges.

Hope’s Story:

Dr. Hope Coleman, one of our dedicated hosts, has been a champion of the podcast, pouring all of her time and efforts into its creation and success. Her journey is a testament to resilience and perseverance, embodying the very essence of our podcast’s mission. Despite facing severe personal and professional hardships, Hope has continued to champion this platform, believing deeply in its vision and purpose.

In February of this year, Hope was wrongfully terminated from her full-time employment working as a federal employee with the Dept of the Air Force. This unexpected job loss plunged her into severe financial distress, exacerbating her struggles with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, and neurodiversity. Despite these challenges, Hope pushed forward, determined to complete her Doctorate of Social Work, which she achieved in 2024. Her capstone project, "Dear Black Girls: A Podcast About the Adultification of Black Girls and How it Robs Them of Their Right to Rely on Adults for Protection and Nurturance," underscores her deep commitment to social justice and advocacy for marginalized communities.

However, the road to her doctorate was fraught with obstacles. Without a stable income, Hope struggled to cover basic living expenses, including housing, medical care, and tuition. At one point, she was unable to submit her final paper, leading to a failed semester. Undeterred, she re-enrolled, despite the burden of an additional $7,000 in tuition fees. Throughout this time, Hope continued to provide therapy as an independent contractor to those who needed quality mental health services, but the income was insufficient to cover her mounting expenses.

Amidst her financial and emotional struggles, Hope also faced the daunting task of representing herself in legal proceedings to appeal her termination with the Merit Systems Protection Board while also filing an EEOC complaint due to workplace harassment and discrimination without legal representation. Despite these overwhelming challenges, Hope persevered, successfully completing her degree and continuing her work as a licensed clinical social worker.

Today, Hope is facing immediate eviction, with $4,800 needed to secure her housing until she can start a new job that promises to double her previous salary. While awaiting her new position, which requires a transfer of her professional license to another state, Hope remains committed to the Healing Out Loud podcast, which she single-handedly edits, produces, and markets while her co-hosts learn podcasting skills while managing their own personal struggles with mental and medical health and workplace sexual orientation discrimination.

Why Your Support Matters:

Supporting this GoFundMe campaign is not just about keeping our podcast alive—it’s about supporting the real people behind it. Hope’s journey is a powerful example of what it means to heal out loud, even when life’s challenges seem insurmountable. Your contributions will help cover the operational costs of the podcast and provide Hope with the financial support she needs to maintain housing and continue her vital work not only to the podcast but also to members of marginalized communities that she serves.

In addition to her work on the podcast, Hope is the founder of Hope In Her Inc, a 501(c)3 benefit nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Black women and girls through education, advocacy, and access to resources, with a special focus on survivors of family violence and menstrual health equity and period poverty.

How You Can Help:

Your donation will directly impact Hope’s ability to stay housed, continue her advocacy work, and ensure that the Healing Out Loud podcast remains a beacon of hope and empowerment for Black queer voices. We know times are tough, but any contribution, no matter how small, will make a huge difference.

Please consider donating today and sharing our campaign with your network. Together, we can empower Black queer voices and ensure that this vital work continues.

Thank you for helping us heal out loud.

With love and gratitude,

LaMyra, Hope, & Stephanie

The Healing Out Loud Podcast Team

---

Donate today and be a part of something extraordinary. Your support makes a difference and it won't be taken for granted!

In addition to supporting this GoFundMe, it would also mean alot if you supported the podcast.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Or take a look at our website