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The Power of Showing Up: Building Queer Community with Pony Lee Mustgrave
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What happens when you mix scissors, stories, and queer magic? You get Folklore—a radically warm and inclusive salon built by community, for community.
In this heartfelt episode of My Therapist is Out!, host Renae Johnson (they/them) sits down with artist, stylist, and community organizer Pony Lee Musgrave (he/they). From cutting hair to cutting through social norms, Pony shares their journey of creating Folklore, a queer-affirming space rooted in softness, storytelling, and collective resilience.
Takeaways
Building intentional spaces that celebrate queer identity
The emotional labor and joy of community care
Why vulnerability is a superpower, not a weakness
Honoring our queer ancestors and holding space for our history
The small, everyday rituals that keep us connected and grounded
Leadership involves vulnerability and allowing oneself to fall apart.
Community support is crucial during times of crisis.
Local actions can lead to significant change.
Honoring queer ancestors is essential for future generations.
Storytelling helps preserve queer history and culture.
The Butch Barber chair symbolizes a connection to queer activism.
Queer Moment of Joy Guest: Hannah @hanxperez and Mandoh @Mandoh
Guest Bio :
Pony Lee Musgrave(they/he) is born and raised in East LA, Pony is a multidisciplinary Artist , barber, leather Person and owner of Folklore Salon & Barber. Pony has had an active part of community organizing for the Los Angeles Queer community since 2009.
IG: folklore.la
New Project: The restoration of Nancy Valverde’s Barber Chair . Known as The Butch Barber of East LA who was jailed and harassed by LAPD for wearing men's clothing. This project will have a collection of performances, stories of resistance and queer perseverance while rebuilding the chair. All archived. Maybe a book? Who knows. Here is her history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Valverde
Host Bio:
Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ community. With clinical expertise in complex trauma, identity development, and creative expression, Renae blends therapeutic depth with a commitment to equity and inclusion.
In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding member of the LA Queer Events Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, and celebrate. They also host the podcast My Therapist is Out!, exploring mental health through a queer lens.
As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping providers with the tools to do the same.
To find more from us visit:
Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com
Instagram: @openspacetherapycollective
TikTok: @openspacetherapy
Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut
Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisout
YouTube: @openspacetherapycollective
Keywords: queer community, leadership, resilience, activism, Folklore, Butch Barber chair, LGBTQ+ history, community building, personal journey
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