
S3E2: How foster youth can navigate bias and stigma in sexual & repro healthcare
In this episode, we share how we have sometimes had to stick up for ourselves to get the sexual and reproductive health care we need (and
Fitting in, being yourself, belonging… no matter what you call it, it’s hard to not feel like an outsider when you’re in foster care. Add to that, Alexis’ experience being multiracial and coming from a background not often associated with the foster care system, and there’s a lot to navigate as a young person. Kat and Alexis talk about how they have found a sense of belonging throughout various parts of their lives.
Content warning: This episode touches on topics that may be upsetting or triggering for some listeners, including abuse, neglect, racism and past trauma. This warning is to empower listeners with the knowledge you need to make healthy decisions about how and if you should consume this podcast content. Don’t hesitate to use the resources listed in the show notes if you need support.
Kat (she/her) is a former foster youth and RHEP Youth Advisory Board member.
Alexis (she/her) is former foster youth, RHEP Youth Advisory Board member
Self-Taught is produced in California. If laws, policies and programs are discussed in an episode, these may be specific to California. Listeners from other locations should check out their own state’s or country’s laws and programs – and if you need help finding your state’s laws, reach out to us at fosterreprohealth@youthlaw.org.
Chafee Grant: “If you are or were in foster care for at least one day, between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. You don’t have to pay this money back. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation and rent while you’re in school. You can use your Chafee Grant at any eligible California college or university or career or technical school, as well as schools in other states.”

In this episode, we share how we have sometimes had to stick up for ourselves to get the sexual and reproductive health care we need (and

We’re kicking off Season 3 with a convo our all-former-foster-youth podcasters are so eager to explore— How can we prioritize our mental health while navigating romantic

In this episode, Kat, Elyzabeth, Alexis, and Esme talk about the unique challenges (former) foster youth face when accessing the mental healthcare services they need.

In this unflinchingly honest episode, Tamar, Phillisha, and Cody discuss abortion care in this open.

In this episode, Kat, Cody, Phillisha and Sarah talk about getting the care you need leading up to birth, which is known as prenatal care.

In this episode, we discuss methods for safe sex, relatable accounts of what it’s like to navigate the healthcare system with an STI, shaking off stigma,

In this episode, Kat and Brandy talk about their personal experiences with birth control and provide an overview of the variety of birth control methods available.

In this Episode, Tamar and Alexis sit down with Rebecca Gudeman to highlight many of these rights for youth in California and to talk about what

In this Episode, Phillisha and Tamar talk about how they each actively sought to reparent themselves – filling in gaps from their own development – in

In this episode, Kat and Alexis talk about how they have found a sense of belonging throughout various parts of their lives.

In this episode, Tamar and Kat dig into consent as an important component of any healthy relationship – not just the sexual ones.

In this episode, Daniel discusses what motivates him to be an advocate for the gay community now, and bringing “me and all of my selves.”

In this episode, we discuss intersectional identity, including being non-binary and neuro-divergent.

In this episode, we discuss “the talk,” puberty, birth control, and finding the right doctor while growing up in foster care.
Self-Taught is supported through a grant to the National Center for Youth Law from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. We are very grateful for their support. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Hilton Foundation.
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