Cocoon After Dark
There’s a certain kind of story we only tell in the dark.
The kind that lingers. The kind we’ve carried in silence. The kind that needs soft lighting, no interruptions, and someone who won’t flinch.
Welcome to Cocoon After Dark—I’mQuincy Tessaverne, and this is a space for truth-telling that’s tender, textured, and unapologetically queer.
Each week, we sit with voices—mostly Black, brown, LGBTQ+—who’ve lived through things that don’t always fit into polite conversation.
We talk identity, pleasure, boundaries, grief, reinvention, and the moments that changed everything.
This isn’t small talk. It’s soul talk.
So take what you need. Leave what you don’t. And listen with your whole body.
Cocoon After Dark
OutVoteHQ: Empowering LGBTQIA+ Youth Towards Civic Engagement with Ranen Maio and Isaac James
Out Vote: Empowering LGBTQIA+ Youth Towards Civic Engagement
🌈 From a simple selfie to sparking a movement—join Isaac & Ranen of Out Vote HQ as they revolutionize civic engagement! 🔥
In this episode, the host interviews Isaac James and Rainin Miao, co-founders of Out Vote, a queer-led movement aimed at reinvigorating civic engagement among Gen Z LGBTQIA+ individuals. They discuss their inspiration, stemming from their time in Washington D.C., and the importance of political participation beyond national elections. They emphasize the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community and the need for systemic change through grassroots efforts. The conversation covers their fellowship program, their strategies for fostering community engagement, and the vital role of joy and resilience in their activism. They also highlight their funding needs and their vision for a healed democracy where marginalized voices are heard and valued.
00:00 Introduction and Apology for Audio Issues
01:08 Meet the Guests: Isaac James and Rain Meow
02:00 The Vision Behind Out Vote
03:04 The Journey to Founding Out Vote
04:46 Challenges and Motivations
08:38 Building a Youth-Led Movement
16:16 Engaging High School Students in Civic Activities
21:13 Managing Burnout and Funding
26:46 Creating Joy and Safety in Activism
31:58 Biggest Wins and Future Vision
34:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
https://www.outvotehq.org/
https://www.instagram.com/outvotehq/
https://linktr.ee/CocoonAfterDark
