Can a life-changing health scare lead to a flourishing jewelry business? Discover the remarkable journey of Jamal Wesley, who turned a crisis into a beacon of inclusivity and self-expression. With a 15-year background in the insurance industry, Jamal's pivot to creating a jewelry line that celebrates love and the LGBTQIA+ community is nothing short…

Matthew Reeves, a licensed professional counselor and nationally certified rehabilitation counselor, shares his powerful journey from a conservative upbringing to becoming the owner of Integral Mental Health Services. As a gay cis man who is legally blind, Matthew offers a unique lens on the mental health challenges within the LGBTQAI+ and disabili…

What motivates someone to dedicate their life to LGBTQ+ activism and public service? Join us as we sit down with Vic Basile, a pioneering leader in the LGBTQ community, to unpack his extraordinary journey, from his early days as a VISTA volunteer to becoming the first executive director of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Vic shares the motivations…

What happens when a pioneering dance hall/hip-hop artist decides to challenge the status quo of a traditionally homophobic genre? Join us as Lexxicon shares his daring journey to create an inclusive space in dance hall music with his hit single "Batty Man Party." Batty Man Party (Official Music Video) https://www.lexxiconofficial.com/ Linktr.ee IG …

Have you ever held something in your hands that felt like a piece of you, a symbol of your journey and identity? Braxton Fleming, CEO of Stealth Bros & Co., joins us with an inspiring tale of how a search for dignified medical storage became a beacon for underrepresented communities. Embarking on a path less traveled, Braxton transformed his need f…

Marriage is not without its challenges, and this heart-to-heart with Rahim Thayer peels back the layers of emotions that often underpin our actions and reactions within our most intimate relationships. We look into how our childhood experiences with family can cast long shadows over our adult lives, especially in how we form and enforce boundaries …

Navigating the inaugural year of marriage is no small feat, and Cassy and I are thrilled to share our journey with you, alongside the insights of Rahim Thawer, a social worker and psychotherapist who's no stranger to the dance of queer partnerships. Season 5 opens up with the lush tale of our dreamy beach wedding, the leaps we've taken in our caree…

Have you ever pondered on the revolutionary innovations taking place within the LGBT community? Join us, as we dive into an insightful conversation with our guest Glenise, the ingenious mind behind SkiiMoo Tech. SkiiMoo Tech is a game-changer; designing products that cater specifically to the LGBT community and addressing gaps in the market. We kic…

Rahim, known for his dedicated work with communities he resonates with, initiates a riveting dialogue about how the evolution and interpretations of religious practices and sexuality can often disempower individuals. As we navigate deeper, we also delve into the cycle of guilt and shame that accompanies drastic life changes and the essence of open …

Get ready for a deep and inspiring conversation with Godfrey Riddle, the powerhouse behind Civic Saint, a trailblazing social protest brand that aims to revolutionize affordable housing and community living. We'll journey through Godfrey's personal struggles, shedding light on his resilience in the face of adversity and his ambition to create posit…

Imagine the grit it takes to stand as the only out transgender person working at the Florida State Capitol. Our guest, Eleanor McDonald, has dared to challenge the status quo & fight for the rights of her community within the corridors of power. She has not only weathered the storm but also managed to thrive in the conservative landscape of Florida…

Picture this: growing up as a queer individual in a small Caribbean country, grappling to understand your identity amidst microaggressions and societal norms. With us today is the remarkable Dr. Kellon Bubb, climate change researcher, LGBTQ+ advocate, and academic who shares his captivating journey of overcoming discrimination and the triumphs of f…

What happens when a seasoned activist and advocate for trans rights shares their journey? Lee Blinder, a passionate voice for the LGBTQIA+ community in Maryland, joins us to unfold their incredible story, deeply rooted in their personal experiences and unwavering spirit. As we traverse the intricate landscape of sex, gender, faith, trauma, and libe…

Quinton Reynolds, founder of Game-Changing Men, discusses his work with the trans community addressing toxic masculinities and promoting the health and wellness of communities of color. Quinton discusses transitioning while incarcerated & overcoming some of his own stigmas to build a life with his wife, who is also trans. Contact the hosts of A Que…

Dr. Davis Brown discusses his work facilitating equity in the workplace, as well as his groundbreaking book, The Souls of Queer Folk: How Understanding LGBTQ+ Cultural Values Can Transform Your Leadership Practice, where he discusses how the values and norms of the LGBTQ+ community can serve as the foundation for transformative leadership. Contact …

Hear our conversation with our friend, Raka, as she helps us navigate telling the story of our journey to finding love with each other. Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow FB @aqueerunderstanding IG @aqueerunderstanding Twitter @QueerUnderstand…

Sunny shares information on his new, innovative podcast on climate change, gender identity and sexuality, and the obstacles he's faced as a trans man. https://www.sunnydrake.com/climatechangeandothersmalltalk https://www.sunnydrake.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sunny_drake/ https://www.facebook.com/sunnydrake.creations Contact the hosts of A Queer…

Helmut discusses his passion for the LGBTQ+ community, coming out later in life, overcoming a heartbreaking divorce from the mother of his 3 daughters, and navigating gay life. https://thegaylydose.com/ marketing@thegaydose.com https://www.instagram.com/thegaylydosepod/ https://www.facebook.com/thegaylydosepod Contact the hosts of A Queer Understan…

Eboné Bell is a business owner, speaker, and trailblazer who shines bright in the world of entrepreneurship, DEI, activism, and LGBTQ media. She is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Tagg Magazine. Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow FB @aqueerunderst…

Tune in for our conversation with Maurice Tomlinson about his work challenging anti-gay laws, including Jamaica’s ban on same-sex intimacy and marriage, and other advocacy work. https://www.gofundme.com/f/fifty-still-fighting CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains sensitive material that may be triggering for some listeners. Contact the hosts of A …

Jenna discusses how transitioning later in life led to rejection from family and friends, and how she overcame depression and is living her truth with the support of her wife and children. https://www.outmemphis.org/ jennadunn@outmemphis.org jennaonfire@comcast.net https://www.tiktok.com/@jenna0nfire https://www.facebook.com/JennaOnFire1 https://ww…

We discuss the Tennessee Senate Bill 3, the Drag Ban, with the Magical Miss Mothie (a.k.a., Moth, Moth, Moth). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDWchVkab0U&feature=youtu.be&themeRefresh=1 Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow FB @aqueerunderstanding IG @…

Josh discusses why preserving queer & trans history is important, growing up queer in Alabama, and the beauty and strength of the queer community. https://invisiblehistory.org/ contact@invisiblehistory.org https://www.facebook.com/invisiblehistoriesproject https://www.instagram.com/invisiblehistoriesproject/ https://twitter.com/iHPSouth https://www…

Angel discusses coming out in a religious family, overcoming stigma and discovering her own spirituality, and becoming a successful entrepreneur. FB: @angellovelace IG: @thetruckersassistant https://www.thetruckerassistant.com/ Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscri…

Today, we're speaking with Be Norman, the founder of the bridal clothing design company Duhbuylyoo. Brandon discusses growing up in small-town Texarkana, recently coming out to his parents, and his hopes for the future. https://www.duhbuhlyoo.com/ https://www.instagram.com/duhbuhlyoo_bridal/ duhbuyloo@yahoo.com Contact the hosts of A Queer Understa…

The hosts discuss the detrimental effects of parental rejection. Cassy recalls her journey from homelessness to success and healing. Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow FB @aqueerunderstanding IG @aqueerunderstanding Twitter @QueerUnderstand…

We're speaking with Jymyaka Braden about Black and queer representation in Sci-Fi literature, coming out in a highly religious household, being a masculine-presenting mother, and helping her daughters navigate their identities. https://bit.ly/JymyakaBraden Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aqueerund…

Ezra Towne discusses the importance of pronouns, being trans-masculine, and their advocacy work in the community. https://www.facebook.com/MarylandTransUnity https://www.instagram.com/mdtransunity/ hello@marylandtransunity.org https://www.marylandtransunity.org Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aque…

Season 2 highlights with: Carolyn Satchell Erin Swinney Jabari Douglas Bishop Allyson Abrams Les Henderson Ray Rico Georgette Josephs Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow FB @aqueerunderstanding IG @aqueerunderstanding Twitter @QueerUnderstand…

Gwen Clemons closes out our monthly feature of MoSH's RiseUp and Memphis Proud exhibits. Gwen discusses her contribution to the exhibit, living her truth, and her advocacy work. Check out TUV Magazine at https://tuvmag.com/ and Tri-State Black Pride at https://www.tristateblackpride.com/. Don't miss an inspiring word at Cathedral of Praise Church o…

Georgette Josephs (aka, Coach Gee) discusses her journey to self-discovery, healing from trauma, and the importance of mental health. The Love Agenda https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd7sPvDC6E0 https://www.facebook.com/TheLoveZoneFoundationInc/ https://www.instagram.com/thelovezone1/ Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstandi…

This week, we have a powerful and inspiring conversation with Bishop Allyson Abrams as she discusses the importance of affirming churches, the power of faith, and her journey to self-discovery & founding Empowerment Liberation Cathedral (ELC). ELC meets in person every 1st & 3rd Sunday at 11 EST (8 PST, 10 CST). You can also listen online on FB, IG…

This week, we're speaking with Les Henderson, founder of EndoQueer & the Be a Beacon podcast. Les talks endometriosis & the erasure of MOC women in healthcare. https://endoqueer.com/ @endoQueer on FB, IG, & Twitter endoqueer@gmail.com Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, …

Aubrey Wallace, aka Aubrey Ombre, talks about her contribution to the MoSH Memphis Proud exhibit, being Black and transgender, and the work she does in the community. Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow FB @aqueerunderstanding IG @aqueerunderstanding …

Ray Rico discusses his advocacy work, including the upcoming Focus Awards, and the needs of the Latinx & LGBTQ+ communities. https://awards.focusmidsouth.com/ https://focuslgbt.com/focus-mid-south/ https://focuslgbt.com/focus-middle-tennessee/ https://rayricofreelance.com/ linkedin.com/in/ray-rico-52980055 inkedin.com/company/ray-rico-freelance/ fa…

LaRaven discusses growing up with cerebral palsy, coming out, the intersectionality of being differently-abled and a lesbian, and normalizing sexuality and disabilities. Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow FB @aqueerunderstanding IG @aqueerunderstandi…

Nancy discusses coming out in a deeply religious, Southern home, gender expression, & her work advocating for members of the LGBT community in the workforce. www.prideworksagency.com nancy@prideworksagency.com Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow FB @a…

Carolyn Satchell, aka Cali Peach, discusses coming out and reinventing herself later in life, being a Black, lesbian in the tech industry, and her advocacy work. Atlanta Black Nerds Society San Diego Black Lesbians on FB Intellectual Black Lesbians on FB Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aqueerunder…

Brandon Allen talks about winning homecoming queen/royalty in 2019 at White Station High School & having his gown displayed at MoSH as part of the Memphis Proud exhibit. He also discusses his difficulties coming out to his family, and the discrimination he's faced in the community. @bluedragon087 on IG @brandonallen on FB Contact the hosts of A Que…

Catherine shares information about an important FDA-funded pilot study to consider new approaches for selecting gay & bisexual men to be blood donors. Study criteria: between 18 & 39 years old & a man who has had sex with at least one other man in the last 3 months. Earn up to $85 for your participation. Sign up at https://advancestudy.org/ Contact…

Mark discusses fighting for LGBTQ inclusion and representation at the elementary school level, his path to parenthood, and the work he does with Metro DC PFLAG & Freestate Justice. Pflagdc.org – support groups Freestate-justice.org Transgender panic defense Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aqueerun…

Councilmember Evan Glass discusses what it's like to be the first openly gay councilmember & his advocacy work. https://www.evanglass.com/ https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/glass/ Social media: @evanmglass Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow FB @aque…

This is the second episode in the monthly MoSH series and it's all about drag! Moth Moth Moth, aka Magical Miss Mothie, tells us how they got into drag, their journey to self-discovery, and their contribution to the Memphis Proud exhibit. @magicalmissmothie on IG & FB www.magicalmissmothie.com Mothership Drag Show, The Hi Tone Cafe, 6/23/2022 Rainb…

Sherman shares his struggles navigating his sexuality as a young Air Force Airman, coming out to his family, his advocacy work in PG county, and his plans to serve the community as County Executive. @hardy4pg https://www.hardy4pg.com/ Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, …

In this episode, Jabari Douglas discusses coming out while pastoring at a traditional, Pentecostal church, raising his sons with his ex-wife and current husband, reconciling religion with sexuality, and the wonderful work he's doing to serve the community through his church, Love Center United Church of Christ. jdouglas@prestigecommunityresources.o…

Tune in to hear Leonard discuss coming out at a young age, and some of the issues facing young, queer people. Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aqueerunderstanding.com/ Like, subscribe, & follow FB @aqueerunderstanding IG @aqueerunderstanding Twitter @QueerUnderstand…

Erin discusses how she got into advocacy, her journey of self-discovery, & the work she's doing with the MidSouth LGBT Chamber of Commerce & OUTMemphis to serve the LGBTQ community. queerprom.org outmemphis.org/donate midsouthchamber.org eswinney@outmemphis.org Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com https://www.aque…

This is the first in a series of episodes highlighting the LGBTQ+ exhibits at the Memphis Museum of Science & History (MoSH). These exhibits are made possible in large part thanks to a grant from the Institute of museum and library services (IMLS) and their presenting sponsor, FedEx. Our guests: Raka Nandi, MoSH Director of Exhibits and Collections…

Raymond Nevo discusses his struggles with homelessness and discrimination, why he's running for County Council, and what it's like being a gay person of color in the political arena. To learn more about Raymond's campaign, go to https://raymondnevo.com/ or call 443-420-8124. Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding info@aqueerunderstanding.com ht…

Kathryn Scurry talks to us about her work in the entertainment industry and the amazing platform she's building exclusively for the LGBTQIA+ community. https://www.facebook.com/prideentmag https://www.instagram.com/pride_ent_mag/ https://twitter.com/pride_ent_mag https://prideentertainmentmagazine.com/ Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding inf…