Fighting the Gun Lobby to Pass Donna’s Law for Firearm Suicide Prevention with Katrina Brees

Eyes Wide Open with Nick Thompson

TW: This conversation includes stories of gun violence, self-harm, and death by suicide.

Our guest today is Katrina Brees, a New Orleans-based Mardi Gras artist and creator of “Donna's Law,” a voluntary self-registry prohibition to gun sales for those who choose to create self-defense against gun suicide.

In this episode, Katrina and Nick discuss her career in costume design and her work in creating DIY caskets to bring “fun” to funerals. She shares the importance of transforming death into a celebration and the value of participating in funeral rituals.

Katrina explains the background and purpose of Donna's Law, which aims to prevent gun sales to individuals with mental health challenges. She discusses the challenges and pushback from the gun lobby and emphasizes the need for gun legislation.

Katrina shares why she believes it’s important to pass it nationally or on a state level. She provides information on how people can get involved and support the cause. She also talks about her future plans and the importance of building relationships with legislators.

Despite the slow pace of change, she remains hopeful and continues her advocacy efforts. She shares the different waves of gun control activism and the changing messaging in the movement.

Katrina shares her experience with reality TV and the challenges she faced in navigating the industry. She also highlights the exploitation of background extras and the dark side of documentaries. I

Katrina also asks Nick Thompson about the organizations that support his non-profit work. Nick shares the various organizations, including unions and political organizing groups, that have been supportive of the UCAN Foundation.

They discuss the journey of activism and advocacy, highlighting the progress made and the support received to help you go through life with your eyes wide open.

Find Katrina Brees here:

Instagrams: https://www.instagram.com/putthefuninfuneral | https://www.instagram.com/katrinabrees/

Websites: https://www.donnaslaw.com/ | https://fantasticcasket.com

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/

UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/