In this episode of Roar, host Danielle Davies sits down with Lauren Albrecht, Director of Advocacy and Organizing at Garden State Equality. Lauren shares how she went from a healthcare finance career to becoming one of the most trusted and effective LGBTQ+ advocates in New Jersey politics.
With a candid mix of wit and wisdom, Lauren dives into the realities of advocacy work: the personal story that drew her into politics, the emotional labor behind legislative wins, and the hard truths about representation—especially for bisexual women and trans women of color. From navigating bi erasure to pushing for Shield Laws that protect providers and patients across state lines, Lauren doesn’t just talk about change—she makes it happen.
Together, Danielle and Lauren explore:
Whether you’re an advocate, an ally, or someone wondering how to get more involved, this conversation is a reminder that systemic change starts with personal action—and that visibility alone isn’t enough.
Subscribe & Share:
If this episode resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe to Roar, and leave a review—it helps amplify women’s voices and the stories that matter.
🔗 Want more stories like this? Head to listentoroar.comand subscribe to the newsletter for behind-the-scenes stories and powerful women-led conversations.
To Learn More:
🌐 Garden State Equality: gardenstateequality.org
✊ Volunteer or Get Involved: Volunteer Sign-Up Page📣 Learn about the fight for Shield Laws and LGBTQ+ rights in NJ
Also Mentioned:
New Jersey Democratic State Committee: https://www.njdems.org/
New Jersey Democratic State Committee LGBTQ Caucus: https://www.facebook.com/NJLGBTDems
Gay and Trans Panic Defense Bill: https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562020/20200121c.shtml
Boys Don’t Cry movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0171804/
Schoolhouse Rock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ8psP4S6BQ
Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/resources/corporate-equality-index
The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2024/
The Victory Fund: https://victoryfund.org/
Plan B: https://www.planbonestep.com/
Allied Coalitions:
American Civil Liberties Union: https://www.aclu.org/
League of Women Voters: https://www.lwv.org/
Planned Parenthood: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/
Latino Action Network Foundation: https://www.lanfoundation.org/
Make the Road: https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/legaldirectory/organization.698063-Make_the_Road_New_Jersey
Immigrant Justice Corps: https://justicecorps.org/organization/national-immigrant-justice-center/
League of Conservation Voters: https://www.lcv.org/
To get in touch with or follow Lauren:
Email: albrecht@gardenstateequality.org
🔔 Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations with women breaking barriers, raising their voices, and rewriting the rules.
🎧 Roar is a podcast hosted by Danielle Davies. New episodes drop every Monday.
#ROARPodcast#WomenWhoRoar #LGBTQAdvocacy #QueerVoices #RepresentationMatters#EqualityForAll #PolicyAndProgress #BisexualVisibility#TransRightsAreHumanRights #WomenInPolitics #ReproductiveJustice#IntersectionalFeminism #CoalitionBuilding #GardenStateEquality #MakeSomeNoise#AmplifyWomen
Want to support The Roar Podcast by wearing our merch?
Head to the ROAR STORE at https://www.redbubble.com/people/roarpodcast/shop?asc=u&ref=account-nav-dropdown
Want to be a guest on Roar?
We're always interested in talking with inspiring women who are doing work that inspires, engages, advocates and elevates other women. Fill out our interest form and if you're a good fit, we'll be in touch!