COMMUNITY | $5—$20 | ALL AGES | RSVP HERE!
Insula Collective is a mental health initiative founded and led by Briana Boyd, a Certified Peer Support Specialist, dedicated to creating safe spaces for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and QTBIPOC (Queer and Trans BIPOC) individuals. BIPOC refers to historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups, while QTBIPOC includes those within these communities who also identify as queer or transgender. Insula Collective recognizes the unique mental health challenges these communities face and tailors its programming to meet their needs.
As a Peer Support Specialist, Briana uses her lived experiences with mental health challenges to offer guidance, empathy, and support to others facing similar struggles. Research shows that peer-led support groups improve mental health outcomes by fostering trust, community, and connection.
Our weekly support groups are held every Monday night at Junior High, a multipurpose gallery in Los Angeles focused on art, empathy, and intersectionality. Sessions are 1.5 hours long and limited to 15 participants. Each group begins with introductions and a check-in, followed by discussions on chosen topics such as boundaries, radical acceptance, and cultural identity.
To enhance our programming, we occasionally invite holistic practitioners to lead activities ranging from guided mindfulness practices to brief discussions on accessible coping techniques and somatic practices. These sessions provide attendees with a range of tools to support their mental health journey. Each group closes with a positive activity like gratitude practice to end on an uplifting note.
Insula Collective operates on a sliding scale, encouraging donations of $5, $10, or $20, but no one is turned away for lack of funds. Since launching in April, Briana has led over 30 support groups, and we aim to expand into retreats and wellness events for underrepresented populations. We are committed to making mental health care accessible, building a community of healing and empowerment.
Discussion begins just after 7 PM, with a 10-minute grace period for latecomers. While latecomers are welcome, it can disrupt the flow of sensitive conversations.
COVID-19 vaccinations are highly recommended to attend events at Junior High. Learn more here.
This event will be indoors.