MT A.R.I.S.E.

In this episode, Olivia sits down with a close friend who bravely shares his experience as a survivor of stealthing—the nonconsensual removal of a condom during sex—within a relationship with another man. Together, they unpack the emotional, physical, and psychological impacts of this often-overlooked form of sexual violence, especially within LGBTQ+ communities. Through honest conversation, they...

We had the privilege of meeting with Katelyn who shared their dual perspective as both a practicing clinical psychologist as well as a student. Having these two points of view allowed us to hear the professional and personal aspects of sexual violence in one voice. In this conversation, we see how Katelyn approaches sexual violence as a therapist and her emphasis on both accessibility and autonomy...

In this episode, Olivia sits down with Reverend Greg Smith to talk about faith, activism, and building inclusive spiritual communities. From his journey as a priest in Bozeman to his decades of advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, Reverend Smith shares powerful reflections on resilience, chosen family, and the sacredness of living authentically. It's a conversation about hope, healing, and the transformati...

The Western Montana LGBTQ+ Community Center, familiarly known as “The Center”, is a nonprofit organization that provides a safe and inclusive environment for the queer community in Missoula and surrounding areas. To learn more about the resources at The Center, we met with the Operations Administrator, Kera Rivera. In our conversation, they shared about the many weekly and monthly programs positiv...

The legal system can be intimidating and feel impossible to navigate. However, it can also be an empowering process to conquer in the justice-seeking journey. To make it more approachable, we interviewed Celedina Coss who is the director for Missoula County’s Crime Victim Advocates (CVA). CVA is a program with free, confidential, and ongoing support for survivors of sexual violence, stalking, and...

The Student Advocacy Resource Center (SARC) at The University of Montana is an organization providing free and confidential resources to students who have experienced sexual violence. To talk more about their LGBTQ+ inclusion, we met with the director, Aislinn Addington. Throughout our conversation, they shared about the how the organization advocates for students who are unable to speak for thems...

In this episode, Kate meets with Mary Pat Hansen, a nurse practitioner, sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) and the clinical supervisor as First Step in Missoula. First Step is a resource clinic for those looking for medical care after experiencing sexual assault, violence, or child abuse. Located outside of the emergency room, First step aims to provide a healing environment where survivors can...

In this episode, Olivia sits down with University of Montana Police Chief Brad Giffin for a candid conversation about campus safety, trust-building, and the evolving role of law enforcement in supporting LGBTQ+ students. Chief Giffin discusses the challenges and responsibilities of leading a police department on a modern college campus. It’s an open, honest look at accountability, leadership, and...

In this episode, join us in talking with the amazing Dr. Hannah Wilson, Faith Ellis, and Gavy Montoya y Tierney as they tell us about their work at Oh Hi Collective (and so much more)! Hannah Wilson is the foundress of Oh Hi, which is sex therapy collective with locations across Montana. Faith and Gavy are both therapists at the Missoula location and see a broad range of clients. Along with provid...

Welcome to the Montana A.R.I.S.E. podcast! In this first episode, we introduce ourselves, and our organization resulting from a year-long capstone project through the Franke Global Leadership Initiative at the University of Montana. Join us to learn more about our 10-episode podcast series and our online resources mtarise.org . Feel free to contact us with any questions or additional resources at...