Episode 811 Part 2: Interview with Eliel Cruz

Orie leads the second hour of QSOM featuring an interview with our special guest Eliel Cruz. Eliel is a prolific organizer, activist and communications leader. He co-organized the historic Brooklyn Liberation March: An Action for Black Trans Lives where thousands gathered to advocate for trans youth in 2020 and 2021. He was recognized in Out Magazine’s #Out100 list for both his work as the former Director of Communications at the New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP), and for his pivotal activism in pursuing justice for Layleen Polanco, a 27-year-old Afro-Latinx trans woman who died in solitary confinement on Rikers Island in June 2019. Eliel talks about the power of activism, how anyone can get involved and do their part, and what it means to work within such powerful movements. Second hour bops include a throwback from Whitney Houston, Sophie Ellis Bextor, TLC and more.  This show aired live on Radio Free Brooklyn on 3/9/2024. Hour 2 Bops:  Whitney Houston - Dancing On a smooth edge TLC - Unpretty Sadboi - Potential Sophie Ellis Bextor - Crying at the Discotheque Tia Kofi - Maybe it's You Queer State of Mind is produced by Queer Minded and airs every Saturday at 12 noon on Radio Free Brooklyn. Keep updated on all things QSOM by following us on instagram @qsomnyc.