Nurture Forward Directory

Bridging the gap in mental health settings for survivors of domestic trafficking & exploitation

Created by: You Are More Than Inc.

Peer Mentors

› Accepting new mentees

› Virtual Sessions

Rafaella A.

(They/He)

You Are More Than Inc.

A little about me:

Hi! My name is Rafaella Angelica (they/he) and I am a queer trans nonbinary Filipinx lesbian. I am a community event organizer for queer people in Los Angeles (@VenusInAquariusEvents) where I host gatherings in nature where we can connect authentically and playfully. I've been vegan for 10 years, love discovering delicious new vegan food places, and going to animal sanctuaries. I also love making music that weaves future bass/lo fi and Philippines traditional instruments while also telling stories of my queer and Filipinx identities.

At my community events, we have deep discussions about mental health, sexuality, and what's been going on for us. My experience is in cultivating holding space for someone and building community to support each other and connect. I have done art meditations, nonviolent communication workshops, art therapy, tarot reading, intuitive channeling, and energy healing. I recently was selected to be apart of a LGBTQ+/Asian American Pacific Islander leadership summit about mental health, community wellness, and how to best support conversations and addressing the wellness needs of those intersecting identities.

I also have helped host safe workshops and events for queer and trans people to explore kink and BDSM and teaching about consent.


What peer mentor relationships do you thrive in? 

One where we can be playful, empathic, supportive of each other. I'm happy to just hold space for someone and listen and affirm what they're going through. I love relationships where we can validate each other's experiences and also help each other see outside the box from a different perspective.

What made you become a peer mentor?

My lived experience in the sex work industry made me want to support other queer and poc people. I want to be an empathic listening ear, help others find resources and community, and also inspire others to be creative and discover ways to express their various passions and skills.

What area of support would be most aligned with your work with mentees?

› Small Business Building

› Social Media Creation

› Job Preparation/ Support

› Emotional Skill Building

› Providing a listening ear

› Art, music, and creative projects

› Boundary setting

› Queer trans identity support and resources

› Providing a listening ear

› Meditation and grounding

› Tarot, intuitive readings, energy healing

How do you take care of yourself when helping others? 

I love going outside, making art and music, gardening, biking, playing with my cat and dog. I also take time for therapy and healing work for myself.

Mentor Location: Los Angeles, CA