Take Root Therapy June Newsletter

2 weeks ago

We talk about bi+ erasure, ground through yoga, and support our immigrant neighbors.

A Letter From Our Founder

It’s the end of Pride Month, and I’ll be honest. This year, it has felt like Pride faded into the background. Not because it does not matter, but because so much else has been happening. The ICE raids here in Los Angeles, the war abroad, and the attacks on trans rights have made it hard to be fully present, let alone to celebrate.

As the daughter of Iranian immigrants, this time has felt especially heavy. Some days I have not known where to place my focus. So many things have felt urgent or frightening or deeply painful. At the same time, I have noticed a real need for softness. I have needed connection. I have also needed distraction. I keep coming back to the truth that caring for ourselves is not the same as checking out. Sometimes, it is the only way we keep going.

This month’s blog post is about bi+ erasure and how it shows up in our culture, in our relationships, and in the ways we see ourselves. It felt important to share this now. Pride is about visibility. And yet, so many bi+, pansexual, and plurisexual people still feel invisible every day. This piece is for anyone who has felt unseen or questioned in their queerness, and for those who want to be better allies and supporters to the bi+ people in their lives.

We are also starting to plan for groups here at Take Root Therapy. We know that group work can be a powerful way to connect and feel less alone. As we prepare, we would love to hear from you. If there are specific topics you would be interested in or days and times that would work best, please let us know. Your feedback will help shape what we offer.

If this month has felt especially full or difficult, I see you. If you are looking for support, we are here. You can reach us by phone at (323) 388-5578 or by email at info@takeroottherapy.com.

Warmly,
Saba Harouni Lurie (she/her/hers)

On The Blog

What Is Bi+ Erasure? How Bisexual Invisibility Impacts Mental Health and Identity

When I think about my sexuality, I go back to my earliest crushes. I remember being completely smitten with both Ariel and Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid. I didn’t have the words for it at the time, but I knew I felt drawn to both of them. Still, when I played with my kindergarten classmates, I only talked about Prince Eric. That felt easier. That felt safe…

OHH Grocery Program For Protecting Immigrants Against ICE

Mutual aid, truth, and community over everything. We serve our unhoused, immigrant, and working-class neighbors with love, groceries, first aid, and hygiene. Simple as that.

As always, mutual aid continues. Even in the face of adversity. Volunteers still needed weekly (14+).

WHEN:
See Schedule

WHERE:
Underdog Bookstore
312 S Myrtle Ave
Monrovia, CA 91016

WalkUnitedLA Volunteer Sign Up

WalkUnitedLA is an opportunity for community leaders, corporate partners, and our neighbors to come together for a common cause. In 2025, we move forward towards our renewed purpose, supporting the rebuilding efforts after the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. We aim to expand housing, education, and financial opportunities, and unite as one with the goal of all Angelenos thriving.

WalkUnitedLA is a family-friendly walk/run hosted by United Way of Greater Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday July 20, 2025, at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, CA!

Volunteers play a critical role in making the event a success. From event preparation, Traffic Control, to Registration, to Greeters, and more! Every volunteer contributes to making WalkUnitedLA a safe, fun, and memorable experience.

We will do our best to assign you to your preferred assignment, but we can’t guarantee it. Thank you for your understanding.

THANK YOU!

To learn more about our mission, visit www.unitedwayla.org

WHEN:
Sunday, July 20th

WHERE:
Rose Bowl Stadium
1001 Rose Bowl Dr
Pasadena, CA 91103

Community Events

Coyotl + Macehualli Lending Library Mural Reveal

Come celebrate with us at the mural reveal for the@coyotl.macehualli Lending Library mural created by Pavel Acevedo@pavel_acevedo.

We will have birria, mushrooms and fresh water provided by Birria pa la Cruda@birriapalacruda
First 50 people will eat for free.

Live musical performance by well hell@wellhellll
well hell is an esoteric doom folk band based out of the inland empire.

We will speak to Pavel Acevedo about the process and imagery in his latest piece for the community space in El Sereno.

WHEN:
Sunday, July 6th
4 – 7 PM

WHERE:
3350 N. Eastern Ave
El Sereno, 90032
(Across the street from the lending library)

Community Yoga: A Grounding Morning Practice

Join me for a nourishing 1-hour session of yoga.

This is a slow and grounding practice that weaves together gentle movement, breathwork, and longer-held poses to help you release tension and reconnect with your body. Perfect for anyone seeking calm, balance, and a midweek reset. While the pace is calm, some sequences may offer a bit of challenge to help build strength and presence, always with options and guidance.

Bring a mat and water—no need to register, just show up.

If you have any questions you can email me at soundbath.ca@gmail.com or send me a dm on instagram @agata.yoga.

WHEN:
Saturday, July 5th
10 – 11 AM

WHERE:
Bear Statue Griffith Park
Loz Feliz Blvd / Ferndell
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Readings at Sunset ~ An Afternoon of Queer Poetry

Cuties Los Angeles presents Readings at Sunset! Readings at Sunset is a monthly live poetry event at The Plant Chica every first Saturday, hosted by Adrianne D. Embry. “Readings” features a lineup of local LGBTQ+ poets sharing pieces about a selected theme. This month the theme is Summertime.

If you’d like to read, do not purchase a ticket and sign up to read here! Poets get free entry and a +1.

Doors open at 4:00 pm and poetry will begin at 4:30 pm! Please arrive early to grab a seat and meet other Cuties. Our friends at Lé Trois Apothecary will be joining us offering tea and other plant medicines! Dear Mama will not be joining us this month, so feel free to bring some food/snacks, or support one of the local businesses in Leimert.

About the venue:

The Plant Chica is a family-owned plant shop and community greenhouse rooted in Sandra’s love for plants and family. Raised in South Central LA by Salvadoran immigrant parents, Sandra’s passion for plants blossomed early, and she dreamed of turning it into a family business. Today, alongside her loved ones, she curates a selection of rare houseplants, many sourced from the same places her mother showed her, bringing a personal touch and plenty of love to the community!

Parking: Parking lot behind The Plant Chica – lot address is 3416 W43rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90008

WHEN:
Saturday, July 5th
Starts at 4 PM

WHERE:
The Plant Chica
4311 Degnan Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90008

Recovery Rhythms Benefit Concert

Recovery Rhythms Benefit Concert
Family-friendly • All Ages Welcome

Get ready for a night of soulful sounds, community love, and powerful purpose! The Recovery Rhythms Benefit Concert is more than a music event—it’s a gathering of hearts, a celebration of resilience, and a chance to make a real impact.

Come enjoy live performances by incredible local artists, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and an atmosphere filled with hope and healing. Whether you’re dancing, vibing, or just soaking in the energy, you’ll be part of something meaningful.

Why we’re gathering:
All proceeds support the Therapeutic Play Foundation’s vital programs for families impacted by the LA Fires—providing essentials, food bank access, temporary housing, mental health services, and wellness kits.

Tickets: $15 Adults | $10 Children
All funds go toward recovery programs

Let’s rise together in rhythm, recovery, and community care. Bring your friends, your family, and your big heart—we’ll bring the music and the mission.

WHEN:
Sunday, July 20th
2 – 6 PM

WHERE:
2708 E Cesar E Chavez Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90033