Welcome to “Seven Minutes in Heaven,” GO Magazine’s brand new interview series that profiles a different queer babe each day, by asking them seven unique (and sometimes random) questions. Get to know the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of the groundbreaking, fierce forces-of-nature in the queer community.
A few weeks ago we featured the incredible Kristen McCallum of the QTPOC visibility brand “SafeWordSociety” for our “Seven Minutes In Heaven” and we were so, so inspired, we were compelled to find other members of the electric “SafeWordSociety” team.
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m completely and utterly obsessed with podcasts. They’re my life’s passion! Which is why I was extra thrilled and eager to feature the amazing Lamika Young, co-host of the brilliant “SafeWordSociety” Podcast. The podcast features QTPOC from “all walks of life” working in a wide variety of industries.
Not only is Young a fierce podcast maven, she also is an administrator for a primary care facility in the Bronx, is finishing her second master’s degree and hopes to be a yoga teacher one day (yes, I feel like an unambitious loser next to Young, too!).
Today we are honored to feature the fabulous Lamika Young for “Seven Minutes In Heaven!”
1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Lamika Young. I’m an African-American bisexual Harlem native that has recently been displaced to Newark, NJ and am currently mourning the loss of summer. I am also a member of the SafeWordSociety team!
SafeWordSociety is a QTPOC visibility brand founded this year by Kristen McCallum; I co-host The SafeWordSociety Podcast, which can be found on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, SoundCloud, and the list goes on! Kristen and I have recorded 2 seasons thus far and just published 2 episodes of season 3 this month!
Each episodes of the show features compelling conversations highlighting QTPOC from all walks of life and in a variety of industries, and I am honored every time we are able to hold space for members of our community. Aside from this, I am an administrator for a primary care facility in the Bronx, I’m raising money to feed people in Newark who are in need, about to finish my second Master’s (in psychology), and I hope to be a yoga instructor one day!
2. What is the driving force behind your career/activism?
My love of people drives me. Every single day. I feel most transcendent when I am holding space for people to share authentically, to be heard, and to connect. My own experiences in life have led me honest conversation as a source of healing, and I, therefore, feel responsible for opening this up for others. Without judgment. Every endeavour that I choose is grounded in my desire to give voice and provide space for people who might otherwise go unheard.
3. Where do you go for inspiration when you’re feeling discouraged or depleted?
To sleep, lol. I have found that I am vulnerable to feeling this way when I am not well-rested. Non-profit work is not lucrative, but I have most definitely invested in my bed! At this stage in my life, after lots of (inconsistent, but lots of) yoga and practice with proper breathing and stillness, there’s nothing that a little rest can’t fix.
4. Who are your biggest queer lady role models?
Audre Lorde, without a doubt. Reading her work has brought me so much peace within myself as a Black woman who chooses to love myself and other women. Fully. She has elevated my understanding of who I am, how I fit in the world, and my limitless possibilities.
5. Describe yourself in three words?
Honest, optimistic, and loving. That’s me!
6. What music are you listening to right now?
I have a playlist of 90 songs that plays for 6 hours, and it is splendid. It includes Noname, Saba, Frank Ocean, James Blake, Hiatus Kaiyote … all the soulful moody jams.
7. Where can people find you?
You can find me personally on Twitter @la-mi-ka and on Instagram @la_mi_ka. The SafeWordSociety Podcast can be found on Twitter and Instagram @safewordsociety and on the website: www.safewordsociety.com!
What Do You Think?