Being Seen is an in-depth exploration of culture’s role in resolving the tension between how we are seen and how we see ourselves. Focused on the gay and queer Black male experience, the first season of Being Seen is a space to explore these questions through conversations with leading artists, writers, activists, entertainers, and community leaders. If we create nuanced and accurate cultural portrayals of identity and experience, we have an opportunity to reduce stigma and change perception - impacting everything from HIV to institutional inequality. Being Seen was produced by Harley & Co. and Darnell Moore and created in partnership with ViiV Healthcare. Theme music is Colouour by Moses Sumney with additional music compositions from Subculture. Photography for the episodes was curated by Texas Isaiah and Gioncarlo Valentine. More information on each episode and the series can be found at beingseenpodcast.com.
Harley & Co. and ViiV Healthcare
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We want to hear from our listening community! We need your input, your feedback, your agreements and your disagreements. Share your thoughts and help shape the future of Being Seen by filling out our listener survey. It only takes two minutes and can be found at beingseenpodcast.com/survey.
How does movement show up in our lives and what power does it hold? With movement comes the future, the ability to grow, to try something new, adapt, and become. Featured in this episode: A'ja Wilson, Ashley Everett and Lady Jess. Artwork provided by Sarah Dahir. Photography provided by Amber Pinkerton
Seeing ourselves in the room. Recognizing each other. Loving ourselves. How does representation change the way that we are cared for? What is the power of being seen when it comes to systems of care? Featured in this episode: Dr. Kimberly Smith, Ieshia Scott and DeeDee Chamblee. Artwork provided by The Bambanani Women's Group
The ability to feel safe -- when and how one wishes. How do we define safety, on our own terms? What does the future look like when we create, and dream into being, safe spaces for all Black women? Featured in this episode: Jessamyn Stanley, Aria Sa'id and Mariame Kaba. Artwork provided by Tiffany Alfonseca Photography provided by Kate Sterlin, Nyda Blas and Kennedi Carter
Laughter as a salve, a weapon, a commentary, and an intimacy that is often best shared. Where does laughter show up in our lives, and how can we use it as a tool for empathy and understanding? Featured in this episode: Ts Madison. Artwork provided by Uzo Njoku Photography provided by Kourtney King and Amber Pinkterton
How can we find our freedoms and ourselves through our stories? Freedom from stereotypes, from stigma, from silence. The freedom of visibility. The freedom of being seen. Featured in this episode: Dominique Jackson, Calida Rawles and Jacqueline Woodson. Artwork provided by Calida Rawles Photography provided by Kate Sterlin
All too often motherhood is a narrowly defined space full of bias and assumption. How can we think about it more expansively and in what ways have we provided or received mothering in our own lives? Featured in this episode: Raquel Willis, Ciarra Covin and Kaitlyn Greenidge. Artwork provided by Sydney Vernon Photography provided by Imani Dennison, Amber Pinkerton and Nydia Blas The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidelines do not recommend breastfeeding but do acknowledge that some women with HIV may breastfeed with risk reduction measures to minimize transmission risk.
A conversation about health and care, with a focus on mental health. How can we create the spaces and systems needed to dismantle stigma for ourselves and for each other? Featured in this episode: Taraji P. Henson. Artwork provided by Megan Gabrielle Harris Photography provided by Lucie Rox and Ruby Okoro
What are we asked to be responsible for? Do we assume our responsibilities willingly or are they placed upon us? A conversation on the many things we have been asked to carry. Featured in this episode: Sydney Barber, Tiya Miles and Martha Jones. Artwork provided by Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi Photography provided by Nydia Blas and Kate Sterlin
An exploration of power. How we use it, how it can be used against us, and the many ways it manifests in our lives. Featured in this episode: Ledisi (Singer & Actress) and Roxane Gay (Author). Artwork for this episode provided by Quiana Parks.
A conversation between Darnell Moore, host of Seasons 1 and 2, and Anika Noni Rose, host of Season 3, on occupying this space at this moment and the importance of prioritizing the voices and experiences of Black women. Featured in this episode: Darnell Moore (Host of Season 1 and 2) and Anika Noni Rose (Host of Season 3) Artwork for this episode provided by Ronald Jackson
We want to hear from our listening community! We need your input, your feedback, your agreements and your disagreements. It only takes two minutes to fill out and can be found at beingseenpodcast.com/survey.
A look behind the scenes at what it means to create in this moment. Reflections on community, fellowship and love from the creators of Being Seen. Featured in this episode: Emil Wilbekin (Founder, Native Son), Darius Brown (Emmy-Award Winning Producer), Gioncarlo Valentine (Visual Narrator, Writer & Curator), and DaShawn Usher (Founder, Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative (MOBI)). Artwork for this episode provided by Adryan Tunde Abii-Smith and photography provided by Hannah Price.
How gay and queer Black men are reimaging sports, creating space, and discovering new possibility models. Featured in this episode: Nate Burleson (Sports Commentator & Former NFL Player), Jason Collins (Former NBA Player), and LZ Granderson (Award-Winning Sports Journalist). Artwork for this episode provided by Jonathan Lyndon Chase, and photography provided by Andre D. Wagner.
An exploration of masculinities through the eyes of trans masculine people, gender-expansive individuals, and the ones who love us. Featured in this episode: Guest Host Texas Isaiah (Visual Narrator), Wazi Maret (Producer & Songwriter), Ahya Simone (Multidisciplinary Artist), and Marquise Vilsón (Actor & Activist). Artwork for this episode provided by Amani Lewis, and photography provided by Texas Isaiah.
How interconnected identities shape our stories, through the lens of the Afro-Latinx experience. Featured in this episode: Representative Ritchie Torres, Steven Canals (Screenwriter & Producer), and Wilson Cruz (Award-Winning Actor). Artwork for this episode provided by Gustavo de Nazareno.
An exploration of representation in Hollywood and how entertainment can become a tool for transformation. Featured in this episode: Anthony Hemingway (Director & Producer), Brandon Goodman (Writer & Actor), and Colman Domingo (Actor, Writer & Director). Artwork for this episode provided by Xavier Daniels and photography provided by Dustin Thierry.
Finding spaces where we can inhabit shared visions of freedom. Featured in this episode: Quincy Mills (Professor & Author), Marc Lamont Hill (TV Host, Author & Activist), and Lorenzo Lewis (Advocate, Speaker & Author). Artwork for this episode provided by Stephen Towns and photography provided by Antonio Johnson.
An exploration of marking our existence, building community and cherishing our youth. Featured in this episode: Shangela (Actor, Comedian & Performer), Kalen Allen (Creator, Writer & Actor), and Keiynan Lonsdale (Dancer & Singer-Songwriter). Artwork for this episode provided by Daniel Marcellus Givens and photography provided by Widline Cadet.
The power of mentoring to create representative narratives, construct community and build a collective legacy. Featured in this episode: Guest Co-Host Lena Waithe (Writer, Actor & Producer), Gina Prince-Bythewood (Writer & Director), Little Marvin (Writer & Producer) and LaDarian Smith (Writer & Producer). Artwork for this episode provided by Jon Key and photography provided by Gioncarlo Valentine and Texas Isaiah.
An exploration of the power, the challenge, the opportunities and the experience of fatherhood. Featured in this episode: Dennis Williams (SVP, WarnerMedia), Jericho Brown (Award-Winning Poet), and Calvin & Tim (Fathers & Advocates) joined by their daughter Grady. Artwork for this episode provided by Cbabi Bayoc and photography provided by Gioncarlo Valentine.
Stories as freedom. Our futures. Transforming culture and ourselves through the power of narrative, community, and our connection to our pasts. Featured in this episode: Lena Waithe (Writer, Actor & Producer) and a special interview with James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni (courtesy of WNET and originally recorded for Soul!). Artwork for this episode provided by Ronald Jackson and photography provided by Gioncarlo Valentine and Texas Isaiah. We want to hear from our listening community! We need your input, your feedback, your agreements and your disagreements. It only takes two minutes to fill out and can be found at beingseenpodcast.com/survey
We want to hear from our listening community! We need your input, your feedback, your agreements and your disagreements. It only takes two minutes to fill out and can be found at beingseenpodcast.com/survey.
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