Tea with Ms. G - Pride Edition featuring Judy Shepard

The latest installment of our “Tea with Ms. G” Livestream Series is now available here on the Freedom Writers Podcast. Listen to a thoughtful and inspiring Pride Edition conversation featuring Freedom Writer Teachers Rachel Workentine, Diana Beltrani, and Francisco Lopez with Freedom Writers Foundation Chief of Staff Bryan Solis. Hosted by Erin Gruwell, also known as Ms. G, this robust roundtable explores LGBTQIA+ identity, visibility, and what it means to create classrooms where every student feels seen, valued, and supported.

Drawing from their personal experiences as proud members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their work as educators, our panelists share honest reflections on the challenges and joys of showing up authentically at school and in the world. This episode is a meaningful listen for educators, allies, and anyone committed to building more inclusive communities.

Listen all the way to the end for a special excerpt from our archive featuring Judy Shepard. Following the 1998 murder of her son Matthew Shepard, Judy and her husband Dennis became lifelong advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights. This excerpt includes the moving speech Ellen DeGeneres delivered at Matthew’s vigil, offering a resounding reminder to continue the fight for love, dignity, and equality.