This episode includes discussions of trauma, mental health, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Please take care while listening.

Welcome back to Take Up Space. This season, we are passing the mic with intention and holding space for Black survivors to share their stories in their own words.

In this episode, we are honoured to hear from Aminata, an international student and community member whose healing journey began when she moved to Canada on her own and started learning who she is outside of expectation. Aminata reflects on navigating trauma, receiving her ADHD diagnosis, and what it has meant to seek support while carrying the weight of cultural stigma around mental health.

Through her story, Aminata shares how learning to stop shrinking herself has been an ongoing practice, how community has helped her feel seen, and how choosing herself has opened space for confidence, freedom, and hope for the future. She speaks honestly about anxiety, triggers, and the patience required to heal, while reminding us that being different is not something to hide, but something that can become a source of strength.

Thank you for joining us, and for holding Aminata’s story with care, softness, and deep respect.

This episode includes discussions of sexual assault, trauma, reclaiming one’s body, boundaries, and healing after harm. Please take care while listening.

Welcome back to Take Up Space. This season, we are passing the mic with intention and holding space for Black survivors to share their stories in their own words.

In this episode, we are honoured to hear from Karelle, a program coordinator, creative soul, and community member whose healing journey has been rooted in learning to take up space, draw boundaries, and choose herself. Karelle reflects on what it means to name harm, to stop making herself smaller for the comfort of others, and to recognize that standing up for yourself is not a single moment, but an ongoing practice.

Through her story, Karelle shares how movement has helped her reconnect with her body, from pole dancing to aerial hoop, and how reclaiming joy through physical expression has become an act of resistance. She speaks honestly about navigating self-blame, choosing agency, and building a life after sexual assault that centers care, intention, and freedom.

Thank you for joining us, and for holding Karelle’s story with care, softness, and deep respect.

This episode includes general discussions of survivorship, self-harm, mental health, grief, and reclaiming one’s body and autonomy. Please take care while listening.

Welcome back to Take Up Space. This season, we are passing the mic with intention and holding space for Black survivors to share their stories in their own words.

In this episode, we are honoured to hear from Aly, an artist and facilitator whose healing journey has been shaped by creativity, community, and reclaiming agency. Aly reflects on the highs and lows of healing, the power of taking back her body through art and tattoo cover-ups, and the courage it takes to show up authentically, even in moments of chaos.

Through her story, Aly shares how creativity became a vehicle for survival and self-expression, how working alongside other survivors has reminded her she is not alone, and how learning to feel her feelings has helped her move through life with more softness and strength. She describes healing like an orange, layered, bittersweet, and full of unexpected nourishment.

Thank you for joining us, and for holding Aly’s story with care, openness, and respect.