<p>In this episode of <em>My Therapist Is Out!</em>, we’re joined by Veronica Velazquez (she/her) from LA Queer Coalition to talk about what <strong>real allyship looks like in action</strong>—especially as immigrant communities face increasing harm, surveillance, and ICE activity. Together, we explore how LGBTQ+ communities can show up in meaningful, practical ways that go beyond statements of support.</p><p>This conversation breaks down how to respond to ICE raids, protect community safety, and participate in mutual aid without causing harm or burnout. Veronica shares grounded, accessible strategies for advocacy, organizing, and care—while naming the emotional toll these moments take on queer and immigrant communities alike.</p><p>Whether you’re looking for concrete steps, clearer boundaries, or ways to stay engaged while protecting your mental health, this episode offers tools for showing up with intention, accountability, and solidarity.</p><p><strong>In this episode, we cover:</strong></p><ul><li><p>What allyship looks like during ICE raids and increased surveillance<br></p></li><li><p>How LGBTQ+ communities can support immigrant neighbors safely and effectively<br></p></li><li><p>Mutual aid, community safety strategies, and local organizing efforts<br></p></li><li><p>Navigating fear, anger, and burnout while staying engaged<br></p></li><li><p>Why community care is essential when institutions fail<br></p></li></ul><p>This episode is a call to action—and a reminder that collective care and solidarity are powerful tools for survival and change.</p><p>🎧 Listen now and learn how to turn care into action.</p><p><strong>Queer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Devan Rose he/them @dvn_rse</strong></p><p><strong>Queer Moment of Joy Guest 2: Michael Vandie he/him @minivandicamp</strong></p><p><strong>Guest Bio : </strong></p><p><strong>Veronica Velazquez</strong> (she/her) is the founder of <strong>RadCraft Design</strong>, where she specializes in usability—making systems easier to navigate—and optimization—making them more effective and efficient. </p><p>Earlier this year, during the LA fires, Veronica recognized how her skill set could be applied beyond tech to support community care. Since then, she has used her expertise to help build effective mutual aid networks, create accessible information campaigns, and organize events that engage communities in environmental advocacy and collective support.</p><p>As a Colombian-American, Veronica experiences firsthand the threats facing immigrant and communities of color. As a community organizer and activist, she understands the urgent need for allyship, training, and coordinated action to protect and support those most at risk—especially during times of heightened harm and systemic failure.</p><p><a href="https://www.icescream.org/"><u>https://www.icescream.org/</u></a></p><p><a href="https://radcraftdesign.com/"><u>https://radcraftdesign.com/</u></a></p><p>@verosoraptor</p><p><strong>LA Queer Coalition Bio: </strong></p><p>LA Queer Coalition (LAQC) is a grassroots collective of LGBTQ+ organizations, activists, and community members working to protect, uplift, and mobilize queer and trans communities across Los Angeles. Rooted in intersectionality and collective action, LAQC focuses on community safety, mutual aid, advocacy, and rapid response to systemic harm—particularly at the intersections of queerness, immigration, race, and economic justice. Through coalition-building and on-the-ground organizing, LAQC creates pathways for community care and resistance when institutions fail to protect our most vulnerable.</p><p><a href="https://www.laqueercoalition.org/"><u>https://www.laqueercoalition.org/</u></a></p><p>@laqueercoalition</p><p><strong>To find more from OSTC visit:</strong></p><p>Website<strong>: </strong><a href="https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com/meet-debbie"><u>https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com</u></a></p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/openspacetherapycollective"><u>@openspacetherapycollective</u></a> </p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@openspacetherapy"><u>@openspacetherapy</u></a> </p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0x3fg3TJ5t9q9Pza0CRtYO?si=yadzMpjkR0uUgUSvazbqjQ"><u>@MyTherapistisOut</u></a> </p><p>Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/my-therapist-is-out/id1671649005"><u>@mytherapistisout</u></a></p><p>YouTube: <a href="https://youtube.com/@openspacetherapycollective?feature=shared"><u>@openspacetherapycollective</u></a></p><p><br><strong>Keywords: </strong>#AllyshipInAction #QueerAndImmigrantSolidarity #CommunityCare #MutualAid #ICEAwareness #ProtectOurCommunities #LGBTQAdvocacy #ImmigrantJustice #CollectiveCare #GrassrootsOrganizing #CommunitySafety #QueerResistance #MentalHealthInActivism #SolidarityNotStatements #CareAsResistance </p>