Mary Ellen Buxton: Assistant Director of 2Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Resource Services

In today's episode, we sit down with Mary Ellen Buxton and discuss their experience in rural Oregon. We break down their household life and how they became the person they are today. They grew up in a religious household, and their feelings and identity did not fit the social norm. That, however, did not stop them from being the person they are today. We detail what their early childhood life was like between the time they were in middle school throughout high school and college. They explain their experience throughout their time in the educational system and what they did in terms of finding support resources and advocacy for people they identified with. We get to know Mary Ellen personally and understand their goals throughout their college career, majoring in history and always wanting to teach in a school setting. They found themself in a position with Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living as Assistant Director of 2Spirit and LGBTQIA+ resource services, where they hold together a youth network of young LGBTQIA+ youth to come together. They explain what the goal of these groups are intended for and how they help benefit the community. They also help explain their plans and services they would like to provide that have fallen through the cracks in Eastern Oregon. If you'd like to know more, please visit us at www.eocil.org