From Homelessness to Volunteer to Artist and Consultant: Meet LGBTQIA activist Quána Madison
"You have unconditional worth. You have gifts within you that can add more brightness to our world."
Tell us about your personal/professional journey?
I have experienced many complex traumas and challenges throughout my life. I have experienced homelessness, life changing chronic illnesses, domestic violence and multiple forms of abuse as a youth and adult. I have experienced depression, anxiety, PTSD and suicidal ideation as a child, youth and adult. These experiences had a profound impact on my personal and professional journey.
As a child and youth, I was blessed to have a handful of educators and community members who advocated and supported me. These experiences inspired me to go into the field of education to support young people, with an emphasis on serving families and young people who are dealing with challenging situations and mental health landscapes.
My great grandmother told me, “Many of the opportunities that you have today are because of the folks who came before you who walked the grass down—-so that there was a path for you (and future generations) to follow. It’s your responsibility to walk the grass down for those who will come behind you.” My great grandmother’s message deeply influenced me.
When I was a homeless teenager, a local church community strongly advocated for me. During this time of my life, I got involved with community service projects. I began volunteering on builds for Habitat for Humanity, for soup kitchens, shelters for survivors of domestic violence and foster homes.
One of my essential ingredients in my healing process has been expressing my creativity in meaningful ways. Embracing my creativity as a healing tool over the years has fueled my courage to pursue my creative dreams as an artist, healing arts facilitator and an art museum professional.
How has identifying as LGBTQIA+ had an effect on your personal journey?
My experience as a child and teenager growing up in a state where it was dangerous to be out as a member of the LGBTQIA community—- led to internalized oppression, repression, feelings of self-hatred, suicidal thoughts, depression and anxiety. I had an ocean of internalized shame. I felt very alone. I watched queer friends being brutalized by peers and community members. I witnessed queer family members erased from family history. I was terrified of being disowned by my family. Overtime, I was blessed to have supportive LGBTQIA friends and allies support me when I came out later in life— who not only accepted me but celebrated me.
Embracing my identity as a Queer, Pansexual, African American woman with disabilities supported my mental health journey. As I became happier, focused on my inner peace and healing—-I was inspired to explore ways to advocate for my community. I became a monthly donor to the Human Rights Campaign. I served for several years as a board member for Envision You (a Denver based nonprofit that advocates for the behavioral health of the LGBTQIA community) and began facilitating healing arts workshops for programs and organizations supporting LGBTQIA communities.
What makes you a remarkable, inclusive leader?
I believe there are many different expressions and qualities of remarkable and inclusive leaders. I strive to be an inclusive leader by:
- Embracing an authentic commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility & inclusion
- Demonstrating compassion & empathy
- Being a lifelong learner
- Practicing self-awareness & reflection
- Being healing-centered, trauma-informed and valuing wellbeing
- Practicing & advocating for social justice
- Practicing active listening & collaboration
- Engaging with communities
- Supporting peace-building
What advice do you have for others who want to break through barriers?
Believe in yourself. Connect with people who accept you, celebrate you and support your positive growth. If you are struggling with mental health issues or trauma—know that you are not alone and that there are people and resources that exist to help you. You are not alone.
How can GlobalMindED advance your goals as an inclusive leader?
Be open to engaging in on-going dialogue about mutually reciprocal ways to support each other in areas where we find synergy and aligned goals and interests.
