We are taking a little side chat, a break from our season's theme of mixed relationships and family dynamics, because guess what? Mixunderstood and yours truly, Hanna-Lee, went to our first event for mixed people! This episode is a bit different from our usual format. I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Free to Be Fest, a celebration of the mixed experience, right here in downtown LA. The Free to Be Fest is an amazing event that showcases the richness of mixed identity and belonging. This year, it featured two short films and a TV pilot, all centered around the theme of mixed identity and belonging. I was fortunate enough to interview some of the attendees, including mixed individuals and allies, capturing their stories, insights, and thoughts on what it means to be mixed in today's world. I recorded this episode on an outdoor rooftop in the heart of downtown LA, so you might hear some background noise from the event and the occasional siren. Please bear with me, as the conversations I had are truly worth it. A special shoutout to Dr. Jenn, the brilliant mind behind this festival and a former guest on the podcast (check out Episode 20). Her passion and dedication to celebrating mixed identity made this event possible. Interviewees:    Maris Lidaka - @marislidaka Founder of @blendedfutureproject  Film - “Gabriella”   Eloase Joy @mixed_and_chill   Lauren Lola @akolaurenlola Books: “A Moment’s Worth” & “Dasig”   Punita Khanna: www.Humsubglobalteen.com Book: Mixed Desis - Stories of Multiracial South Asians   Thomas Lopez - www.multiracialamericans.org   Aute Porter - www. auteporter.com   Larz Broussard - www.larzbroussard.com   Camille Tenerife - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/camille-tenerife-los-angeles-ca/931678   Conroe Brooks @conroebrooks Tv pilot: “Alt Black”    Sarah Shuman and David Ramos Film: www.tsehaitheshort.com   Thank you Paola Morales del Castillo, Iris Tumi, Julie & Ariana  And Thank you Dr Jenn!!!   Patreon! https://patron.podbean.com/mixunderstoodpod    Follow Mixunderstood! Instagram: @mixunderstoodpod Facebook: @mixunderstoodpod Twitter/X: @Mix_understood Tik Tok: @mixunderstood.pod   Contact: Email: mixunderstoodpod@gmail.com   Music by Mathias Kunzli www.mathiaskunzli.com   Patreon! https://patron.podbean.com/mixunderstoodpod