6/12/24 Queer Voices - Paige Fastnow, Megan Fairbanks, Ryan Ali and Olivia Juliana

Queer Voices

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What if you could transform adversity into a force for change? Join Brett Cullum as we sit down with Paige Fastnow, co-president of Rice Pride, to uncover how they and their organization are tirelessly supporting queer college students in Houston amidst the challenges posed by SB 17 legislation. Paige offers a compelling narrative of expanding Rice Pride’s mission to include students from other Texas universities, illustrating both the struggles and successes in creating safe, inclusive spaces for queer students. Plus, get to know Megan Fairbanks, the pioneering transgender Grand Marshal for the New Faces of Pride Parade, as she shares the impactful work of Trans and Gender Queer Houston in fostering vital social connections within the trans community.
Ever wondered how someone transitions from engineering to the silver screen? Ryan Ali’s journey from Syria to Canada is nothing short of extraordinary. As the star of Reem Morsi's film "Queen Tut," Ryan recounts his fascinating career shift from civil engineering to acting, sharing poignant milestones such as working with industry icons and showcasing the strength found in his multilingual abilities. Also in this episode, we spotlight Olivia Juliana, Pride Houston 365's Trendsetter Grand Marshal for 2024, who turned a hostile incident with Congressman Matt Gaetz into a powerhouse fundraiser for abortion rights. Olivia’s resilience and strategic brilliance illuminate her impactful activism journey and the broader fight for reproductive justice.
Our final chapter takes a deeply personal turn as we explore the experience of attending an abortion rights roundtable with the Vice President of the United States. Imagine the nerves and awe of meeting such a significant political figure, only to find her deeply informed and genuinely caring. This narrative underscores the intersection of faith and activism, the profound impact of policies like the American Rescue Plan, and the transformative power of open dialogue with loved ones. Reflecting on stories of conservative parents becoming allies, this episode resonates with the powerful message: "You won't break our pride." Join us for these inspiring stories that bring hope and strength to our community.

Queer Voices airs in Houston Texas on 90.1FM KPFT and is heard as a podcast here. Queer Voices hopes to entertain as well as illuminate LGBTQ issues in Houston and beyond. Check out our socials at:
https://www.facebook.com/QueerVoicesKPFT/ and
https://www.instagram.com/queervoices90.1kpft/

Chapters

1. Queer Voices Interviews Rice Pride Co-President (00:00:00)

2. Coming Out and Community Support (00:10:26)

3. Ryan Ali's Journey and Multilingualism (00:22:11)

4. Empowering Activism and Recognition (00:34:42)

5. Meeting the Vice President, Embracing Identity (00:46:09)

6. Journey to Acceptance and Advocacy (00:54:01)