EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University is recognized for being a welcoming university. Recently, the second episode of "Enlighten U", a podcast for students, features guests who share and demonstrate why EMU is an LGBTQ+ friendly university. 

The episode features Baddie Brooks, an EMU alum and multifaceted musician, who candidly discusses her transition journey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also included is EMU’s assistant professor of Counseling Education, Deb Crawford, Ph.D., LPC, who specializes in LGBTQ+ mental health. 

According to “Enlighten U” co-host Melissa Thrasher, it is important to have members of the LGBTQ+ community share their journeys on “Enlighten U” because it allows listeners to learn and feel compassion for people who have different experiences from their own.

“EMU prides itself on being an inclusive campus and is committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community,” said Thrasher. The university continues to offer students a professionally run LGBTQ+ support center and sponsors many LGBTQ+ events throughout the year.

Brooks graduated from EMU in 2021 with a bachelor of general studies degree in public relations, journalism and intercultural communication. Specializing in singing, songwriting and trumpet playing, she creates music empowering the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. 

“Baddie and I first met in class in 2020 before her transition,” said Lolita Cummings, “Enlighten U” co-host. “The person I met just three years later in 2023 is noticeably happier and confident in herself. I’m so proud of Baddie for having the courage to live her true authentic self.”

In the October edition of “Enlighten U,” Brooks shares her anxiety, isolation, and discrimination struggles. She also discusses her appreciation for music and her latest album. Crawford offers expert advice and insight, making listeners more aware of the mental health challenges that members of LGBTQ+ members face – privately and publicly. 

Future episodes of “Enlighten U” will address alcoholism, relationships, imposter syndrome, financial strain, grading anxiety, adjustment to campus life, social media harms, social justice, and more.

For more information about “Enlighten U,” contact Lolita Cummings at lcummin2@emich.edu and Melissa Thrasher at mthrashe@emich.edu. Email messages with guest and topic suggestions can also be sent to Enlighten_U@emich.edu. “Enlighten U" is available on all major podcast streaming services and  EMU's YouTube Channel. The next episode will air Friday, Nov. 17. 

About Enlighten U
“Enlighten U” is an Eastern Michigan University-produced podcast for college students as they experience unique stressors, including academic pressures, personal growth, social challenges, and more. EMU executive director of media relations and social media Melissa Thrasher and EMU public relations professor Lolita Cummings serve as co-hosts. Each episode is released each month and welcomes a student or alum and a subject-matter professional. Episodes of “Enlighten U” address mental health topics like imposter syndrome, financial strain, grading anxiety, adjustment to campus life, social media harms, social justice, and more.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today