Today I have an incredible conversation with Madison Eker (she/her) the Founder of Sum of Us Fest, the first ever wellness festival for womxn, trans, and non-binary folx.

Madison Eker (she/her) is a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ wellness industry and the visionary and CEO behind Sum of Us Festival and Sum of Us Virtual Festival. Sum of Us is the first-ever wellness festival for womxn, trans, and non-binary folx, and Madison is revolutionizing the way in which wellness and authenticity manifest within her respective communities. Along with running a full-time organization to help her community bring wellness to the forefront, Madison is a leader for the San Francisco Women's March, has spoken at the Consolidated Association of Prides, and been featured in magazines and on podcasts.

Where queer communities started in nightlife and in bars because it wasn't okay to be publicly gay. Despite the rates of depression, suicide, and mental health issues being much higher in these communities, a large part of them still meet in these environments today. Enters Sum of Us and the dream of Madison to create a safe space and a more conscious environment where the community could meet and support each other.

Other things we talk about:

• How to heal through inclusive and diverse spaces
• How to be a good ally for the LGBTQ+ community
• How to create from the brainstorm up, inclusive events
• How to introduce empathy and step outside your own experience daily
• Asking about pro-nouns and other brave questions, Racism, and Equality

A podcast Madison mentions about relationships that is a good example of inclusion in a media space:

Mark Groves of the Mark Groves Podcast, cis male

Sum of Us Fest: July 24th-26th 10am-10pmhttps://www.sumofusfest.com/virtual-event-faqshttps://www.sumofusfest.comhttps://www.instagram.com/sumofusfest/https://www.instagram.com/madisoneker/ We want this festival to be as accessible as possible to those that want to attend. Sum of Us Virtual Fest is 100% donation-based and ASL accessible! Any amount donated is accepted and appreciated. Venmo: SUMOFUSFEST – Last Four is 8582or send PayPal to:  contact@sumofusfest.com

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