Chit Chat with the Queer and Creative

Nancy Willard's vision is that young people will provide leadership throughout the world to embrace civility and foster positive relations! Nancy entered the field of “bullying prevention” by writing the first book ever published on cyberbullying. She approaches issues of youth risk based on a digital age perspective. Key insight related to this perspective is that the “authoritarian mindset,” which assumes that adults are in control, is not well founded. Nancy and I discuss how she got to this point and her approaches.  Her approach to youth risk prevention recognizes that in the digital age it is necessary for adults to empower young people with the values and skills to embrace civility. To help young people foster positive relationships requires a focus on the quality of the school  climate, empowering young people with the values and skills necessary to foster positive relationships, and ensuring that when adults intervene in hurtful situations this results in an effective resolution that fully supports all involved students. Nancy has degrees in special education and law, taught “at risk” children, practiced computer law, and was an educational technology and digital safety consultant. She also experienced intense bullying as a teen. She is the author of: Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats: Responding to the Challenge of Online Social Cruelty, Threats, and Distress (2007, Research Press) and Cyber-Safe Kids, Cyber-Savvy Teens, Helping Young People Use the Internet Safety and Responsibly (2007, Jossey Bass). Cyber Savvy: Embracing Digital Safety and Civility (2011, Corwin Press). Be sure to check out Nancy's work!  If you are interested in having an inspirational and transformational experience yourself be sure to check out my website now to sign up for my retreat this July!  https://www.melissadasilva.com/groupretreat/  Be sure to follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

Bobbi is a sex-positive advocate who authored the book Sexual Intelligence in Business, and is also co-chair of the Academic Conference, Love and Sex with Robots, Venture Associate for a tech VC/incubator and founder of imagine ideation, specializing in connected experiences and ecosystem diplomacy. Bobbi is a tech enthusiast with a vision for how to grow the SexTech community worldwide, and currently is developing a training program to help reduce sexual harassment in the workplace and business without compromising the opportunities for love and relationships. Bobbi and I discuss the inspiration behind her book and how inspiring her written words can be. We discuss the importance of addressing sex in the workplace in a professional manor.  She hopes to affect change towards a sex-friendly world, one opinion at a time.

Sasza Lohery is the creator of her own program BBXX. Sasza and I discuss her program and how to create a positive space and change in intimate relationships. Sasza shares her journey to creating this program and why she feels that it is important and what exactly BBXX does. We also discuss how important it is to have confidence and trust in yourself. We also discuss how Sasza came to terms with creating this program and what it means to her.  Be sure to follow BBXX @bbxx.world Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com Come retreat with me in Puerto Rico! https://www.melissadasilva.com/groupretreat/?fbclid=IwAR2vpFkVIIJokyBNDfC3S5KuG4pZ4mhHGfBkoKYDfl2GFW3c3f8-PckAeVU

 Ever since beginning his gender transition journey in 2012, Jack A. Ori has been empowering young adults through stories to live life on their own terms more quickly and easily than he did. Jack was a regular contributor to Autism Empowerment in 2009. and recently appeared on Chat and Spin Radio in the UK,. He writes both fiction and non-fiction to encourage and empower young people; his latest novel, Reinventing Hannah, was named a semi-finalist in the 2020 Kindle Book Awards. Jack and I discuss his gender journey and what that was like for him.  Be sure to check out Jack:  https://www.jackaori.com/   Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com Come retreat with me in Puerto Rico! https://www.melissadasilva.com/groupretreat/?fbclid=IwAR2vpFkVIIJokyBNDfC3S5KuG4pZ4mhHGfBkoKYDfl2GFW3c3f8-PckAeVU

Anna Brooke is an author, speaker, dancer and interdisciplinary healing arts practitioner. She is also known as Reverend Legs Malone, a burlesque dancer, teacher, producer and advocate who has been the star of many a downtown NYC and international stage for the last 15 years. Blending her deep love for healing and empowerment with the raucous joy of burlesque, Anna published her first book, “Stripped Down: How Burlesque Led Me Home” with The Unapologetic Voice House in May 2020. Anna and I discuss her journey with writing her book and how she got to be the person she is today. Me and Anna both discuss so inspirational and transformational events that have happened to us in our lives.  Be sure to connect with Anna and check out a copy of her book! http://www.annabrookehealing.com/  If you are interested in having an inspirational and transformational experience yourself be sure to check out my website now to sign up for my retreat this July!  https://www.melissadasilva.com/groupretreat/  Be sure to follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

Catherine Warren is a native of Brooklyn, New York and a Marketing major her resume includes; Modeling, a Dancer and a Creative Fashion Stylist. In 1998 she set forth the path of entrepreneurship and in 2003 left  Corporate America. However after ending her marriage of 8 years & 3 children later, in 2006 Catherine began the branding of “The KittyRose LyfeStyle”. As with any business and as Marketing Major, Catherine took on all hats of advertising her brand, which took on videography. 2014 Producing Radio led to the evolution of Catherine finding her passion to tell stories of the past to understand and change the future for the BETTER, Catherine decided to hear the call and once again become an Ordained Minister. After ending her term at The Mary J. Blige Center, she became a Community Field and Studio Producer for Public Access TV and in 2016 Created & Hosted a weekly talk-show call “Natural Sessions” Directing & Shooting Television gave Catherine in 2016, the drive to direct, filmed & edit her 1st Short Documentary “The UNTITLED Journey”, which was invited in 2018 to screen at NBFF, the longest Black Film Festival in the US. Producing Television, Directing her first film, Catherine is now producing and performing her One Woman Comedic Satire  Monologue “#IAMYOU”. Catherine and I discuss her journey and business motivations.  Be sure to check out Cat: Her website: https://iamyouvirtualshow.uscreen.io/?fbclid=IwAR2anBIQFgb1i_0xDHMrLfR4mj0wbnSjJ-QMMPKnlLVmRQYs-lk2mzkYWjI Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekittyroselyfestyleseries  Instagram: @mzkittyrose Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com Come retreat with me in Puerto Rico! https://www.melissadasilva.com/groupretreat/?fbclid=IwAR2vpFkVIIJokyBNDfC3S5KuG4pZ4mhHGfBkoKYDfl2GFW3c3f8-PckAeVU

Daniel Northway-Frank has created a new network called The Queer Shopping Network. Daniel is a queer father in Toronto and has created The Queer Shopping Network. The Queer Shopping Network is a shopping network specifically for the LGBTQ+ and their creatives! Daniel had the idea to support others in the community. Daniel's goal is to help promote and help make others aware of queer community-run businesses, especially if they're local businesses. Daniel and I discuss his journey and inspiration for The Queer Shopping Network and what he hopes to come from it. Daniel and I also touch on some points on mental health in the queer community. Daniel hopes to grow The Queer Shopping Network and it's audience and continue to follow his dream. Be sure to check out Daniel & The Queer Shopping Network: https://www.facebook.com/QueerShoppingNetwork www.instragram.com/queershoppingnetwork Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com Come retreat with me in Puerto Rico! https://www.melissadasilva.com/1-1-transformational-retreat/

Art's mission is to build the world's largest archive of the logos and stories of gay bars from the past, preserving the memories of the places that were so significant to the growth and development of the LGBTQ+ community. To date Art & his team have commemorated more than 1300 bars and nightclubs from FORTY NINE states in the US, along with several in Canada and Europe. Art and I discuss his journey of creating this project and what has inspired him to do so. We discuss the importance of preserving the history of gay bars and it what it means to the LGBTQ+ community. Art's journey is truly inspiring and on-going.  Be sure to check out Gay Barchives: http://gaybarchives.com/ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com 

Daralyse Lyons is a journalist, an actor, and an activist. She has written more than two dozen full-length books, a handful of short stories, and countless articles, performed in various plays and in improv comedy shows. As a Biracial woman, she has made it her mission to stand for a more integrated world. As a sexually fluid person who has had relationships and experiences with both men and women, she has had to find her place amidst a multitude of communities that attempt to erase her orientation and has been a voice within the darkness. After writing an award-winning children's book (I'm Mixed!) about embracing her multiethnic heritage, Daralyse found her passion and her purpose educating others about the need to embrace all aspects of themselves. Since then, she has written and spoken extensively on the subject of diversity. Her perspective is one that looks to acknowledge the past while refusing to become incapacitated by it. As a Biracial, multiethnic and sexually fluid woman, she is uniquely empowered to use her seemingly disparate background as a catalyst for cross-cultural understanding. Daralyse and I discuss what inspires her creativity. We also talk about the journey of Daralyse's sexualty and eating disorder. Daralyse hopes to grow in self-exploration! Be sure to check out Daralyse: https://www.daralyselyons.com/ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com

Angela Duncan is an internationally published boudoir photographer, artist, inspirationalist, queer icon and a dealer of self accptance. Living in a small town in East Texas, she's always been a little different than everyone else. First being the first boudoir specialist in her town and then coming out as queer a couple of years into building her boudoir empire, she gained a lot of attention, and not always positive. With the help of her camera and her loyal clients, she was able to unwrap her truest self over the past 5 years to get to the point of living her best life today. In 2020, she officially tied the knot with her wife, Brit. They bought their first home together, built a fabulous in-home studio for her to work in and are currently renovating a large 1100 square foot building on their property to be Brit's personal training gym. They have a son that they homeschool and co-parent with Angela's former husband. In this episode, Angela and I discuss her journey of becoming a boudoir photographer and what the process is usually like. We also discuss Angela's adaptations to her business because of COVID.  Be sure to check out Angela's work: www.angelakduncan.com Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com

As a Queer Guide, Hannah Strenger helps individuals navigate their coming out journey so that they can live their best, most authentic life. Growing up in a small, conservative town and being raised Catholic, Hannah understands the isolation and internal struggle of coming to terms with your sexuality. She is on a mission to make sure no one has to walk that journey alone. Hannah and I discuss her journey on becoming a guide and how she became her authentic self. We also touch on how the pandemic has affected our lives and our careers. You can often find Hannah loving on her adorable rescue rabbits or walking around one of Minnesota's 10,000 lakes. Be sure to follow Hannah on Instagram: @HannahStrenger Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com 

Nancy Shadlock is the CEO and founder of Centered life coaching and the host of The Coming Out Chronicles podcast. When Nancy finally discovered that she didn't have to divorce her spirituality to embrace her sexuality she started creating the life she's always dreamed of. She's now married to an amazing woman named Alaina, they have two sweet babies and a beautiful life together in Calgary, Alberta. Now she spends her days helping others break out of closets of all kinds, embrace who they are and stand in their truth. Nancy and I discuss her journey of coming out in a conservative family and what it was like to go through conversion therapy. We discuss how her process inspired her to work with others and help individuals with their journey. We also chat about her inspiration for her podcast, and what it is like to “take a walk in someone else's shoes”. Be sure to checkout Nancy's platforms: https://www.facebook.com/CenteredLifeCoaching https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyshadlock/ https://www.instagram.com/nancyshadlock/ & Nancy's retreat info: centered.ca/retreats Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com

Edy Nathan MA, LCSWR is an author, public speaker and licensed therapist. She is an AASECT certified sex therapist, hypnotherapist and certified EMDR practitioner with more than 20 years of experience. In her expertise as a grief therapist she interweaves her formal training as a psychotherapist with breathwork, guided imagery, ritual and storytelling. Edy and I discuss her journey of becoming a grief therapist. Edy shares her views on some way to make it through the loneliness of this pandemic.  Be sure to connect with Edy: https://edynathan.com/  Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com

Gina Pecoraro created the LGBTQ company, Seven Even Clothing after being married to a man. When she came out back in 2008, she noticed that there wasn't many clothing options to represent who she was. Years prior to getting married, a good friend of Gina's would always call me her seven. Seven standing for the seven letters in the word lesbian. He would call Gina out on being gay way before she was ready to accept it. So after coming out, she put that nickname to good use! Gina and I discuss her journey with her clothing brand and how it came to be what it is now. We also discuss her creativity with the process and what inspires Gina when it comes to creating her clothing. Seven Even actually has a new athletic line that Gina discusses creating with her business partner, Cody. Gina and I discuss her coming out journey and what she feels is the importance of everyone's story.  Be sure to check out Seven Even Clothing: SevenEvenClothing.com  Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com

DJ Seeger is the Owner and President of Seeger Water Corporation, a landscape irrigation company based in San Antonio, Texas. At age 26, Seeger is leading Texas' fastest growing irrigation company and is leading a change in the industry to focus on water conservation and management. Seeger is an openly gay business leader and is an advocate for young LGBT+ persons to step up into positions of leadership. In his community, Seeger serves on several non-profit boards and has taken a special interest in funding and volunteering at domestic violence programs. In this episode, DJ and I discuss his journey in his community, especially as a business owner and Republican. DJ explains what he has gone through as a young, openly gay, Christian Republican. We also discuss the importance of networking in entrepreneurship. It was such an honor to hear DJ's story, I hope you all enjoy it. Be Sure to check out DJ's website: www.seeegerwater.com Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com

This week I had the opportunity to interview Seth Lusk. Seth is a health and mindset coach, originally from the U.S. but has been living in Switzerland for the past 5 years. Seth has a passion for helping people and seeing them find their strength and love. He loves showing people how to use that space of strength and love to create their healthiest life from. It is a huge desire of Seth's to show others that we do not have to go into guilt, shame, or a feeling of "not enough" to choose to want more for ourselves, our lives, and our health. He aspires to guide people into a journey of creating their most healthy and authentic life using self-love, self-awareness, and authenticity. His superpower as a coach is his compassionate insight, and he loves being able to offer this to anyone who wants to start creating, loving, and living their healthiest life, once and for all. Seth and I discuss his journey of what brought him to Switzerland and his current path. Seth and I also discuss what it is like for him to pursue his career in coaching while living in a different country. We talk about Seth's health coaching and the effect of the food we eat in our bodies.  Be sure to check out Seth's socials: Website: https://www.slch.ch/  IG: sethlusk_coaching Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SLuskhealth/ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com

Savannah Hauk is an author and podcast host. Savannah juggles a full-time job on top of doing all of her projects! Savannah and I discuss the journey of cross dressing, and what she personally has had to overcome. We also discuss the difference between being transgender and cross dressing. Savannah's whole experience as a trans woman took a turn when she made the move from New York City to South Carolina. Now, Savannah continuously tries to use her personal journey to help others, like herself grow in her area. Savannah and I also discuss her journey as an author and how her personal experiences have affected her writing. Savannah hopes that people can use her journey to help guide others discover their beauty inside and out.  Be sure to check out Savannah on her social media: Facebook: @savannahhauk Instagram: @savannahhauk Website: http://www.livingwithcrossdressing.com Savannah's Podcast: @thefoxandthephoenixpodcast_ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva and check out my website melissadasilva.com

Lynn Casper is a certified life coach and has been a podcast host for almost ten years! When the pandemic hit, Casper missed the simple connection of just sitting down in a coffee shop to get some work done. Lynn decided to make an online atmosphere for the queer community to come work together in an open environment. Casper and I discuss their journey as a podcast host and how they have kept the passion for their work for ten years. We discuss how the pandemic has affected all of our lives and how modern technology has really been such a light during these times. We also discuss Casper's new job working for radio, and how we think radio and podcasting will adapt in the future.  Be sure to check out Casper's websites: http://lynncasper.com/  Homoground Podcast: https://homoground.com/ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

Jamie Hazelton is the founder of Whole You Health and a proud trans lesbian. Jamie works with LGBTQIA* individuals & allies who are experiencing highly stressful lives and partners with each person to help them feel recharged and rejuvenated. This week, Jamie and I discuss what inspired her to become a health and wellness coach and what that means to her. Jamie uses her personal experiences to help reach people in the LGBTQIA* community. We also discuss the importance of therapy and coaching and what it means to us. Jamie and I talk about the journey of coming out, especially around the holiday season (10:10). Jamie has recently created a YouTube channel that she uses to connect and inspire others in the community. We discuss the importance of connecting with others in your community and ways to do so during these times. Jamie truly believes in creating a space where people can feel open and accepted! Be sure to stay updated with Jamie: Instagram: @wholeyouhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wholeuhealth Website: http://wholeuhealth.com/ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

Doug Lau is a career coach helping driven professionals to land their dream jobs through career clarity and developing their unique personal brand. In this episode Doug and I discuss our personal journeys in finding our personal brand and the effect it has had on our careers. We also discuss the importance of honoring your own personal values when creating your personal brand. Doug shares what it was like for him to come out in the workplace and ways to ensure that the company you may work for is accepting and diverse. Doug discusses his process of helping his clients build their resumes and personal brands. Doug truly strives to help his clients land their perfect jobs.  Be sure to follow Doug on Instagram: @douglaudotcom   And find his guide “6 Simple Steps to an Amped Up Career” on his website: https://douglau.com/ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

Ashish Chopra is a true trailblazer in India. Ashish is a drag queen, entrepreneur and the proud owner of Beunic, he has also starred in India's first MTV gay reality TV show “Elevator Pitch”. Ashish has had to overcome many obstacles when coming out in India, he still works each and every day for the fight of equality in India. We discuss the process of him coming out to his family and their process of accepting him in a more traditionally conservative country. We also discuss his journey with drag and his prime inspirations for drag and his process of Mr. Gay India. Ashish discusses his brand new brand in which he and his mother create shoes for the trans community! It was such an honor and inspiration to speak with Ashish this week.  Make sure to check out his platforms: Beunic website- www.beunic.in Instagram page- https://instagram.com/beunic_india?igshid=scfmp171zg7v Facebook- https://m.facebook.com/beUnicIndia/ Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

Kylie O'Connor is an Australian life coach and loving mother of 4. Kylie and I discuss the hardships of relationships and marriage. Kylie has used her past to persevere into the woman that she is today. She overcame her Catholic background and is a proud member of the LGBTQI+ community along with her daughter. She discusses the journey of being a mother and how her children inspire her. Kylie uses her personal experiences to inspire her career and others. She truly believes everyone should be happy and loved, and portrays that in her coaching! Make sure to check Kylie out on Facebook and stay tuned for her for her new website! https://www.facebook.com/barefootwarriorcoaching Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

In this episode of Chit Chat with the Queer and Creative, I interview the very talented Maggie Sharar. Maggie is an Artist, mother and birth doula. She has used the pandemic as an opportunity to jump full time into her art. Through the use of meditation, music and visual inspirations Maggie creates portraits that are extremely soothing. Maggie does commission work and has begun teaching classes on Patreon.  You can find Maggie and her video's on her Facebook page and Instagram. Looking for a gift for the creatives in your life, purchase an original piece or a print by Maggie this holiday season.   https://www.facebook.com/maggie.sharar https://www.instagram.com/infinite_rebirth/ https://www.patreon.com/maggiesharar?l=es

Chit Chat with the queer and Creative is a weekly podcast where host Melissa DaSilva interviews individuals who are changing their lives and the world through their creativity. Melissa introduces herself and the show in this episode.

Dr. Steve Yacovelli has been in the leadership, learning and development, change management, and diversity and inclusion consulting space pretty much his whole career (about twenty-five years). In his consulting experience he's seen some leaders completely excel in their effectiveness, and some completely crash and burn due to their lack of competence in leadership skills. Steve's desire was to help both types of leaders be more effective, through coaching, formal and informal training, and just generally being there to support their leadershippiness. A few years ago, Steve realized that the focus on specifically developing LGBTQ+ Leaders wasn't really top of mind for many organizations. Sure, there were a few conferences sessions, some random webinars, or even university-sponsored certificate programs, but nothing in a programmatic, cross-association, and at all levels within the leadership savviness scale. In short, a patchwork of effort and not necessarily a cohesive focus or movement. So, “The Gay Leadership Dude” was born. It's Steve's brand to “come out” and acknowledge the role he wants to take to give back to the LGBTQ+ Community: to serve as a “lightening rod” of sorts to start a movement to grow LGBTQ+ Leaders to be even more effective, in a consistent, thoughtful, and mindful manner, especially those up-and-coming Leaders within the broader movement for equality and fairness for all LGBTQ+ people and well beyond. Connect with Steve on his Website LinkedIn

I always enjoy speaking with Rick Clemmons and look forward to sharing that pleasure with you. Rick Clemmons is a coach, a motivational speaker, author of “Frankly my Dear, I'm Gay”, podcast host of “Life Uncloseted” and part-time wine connoisseur.  Rick and I dive into his joy of living in wine country (3:20) and how he ties it in to his business and marketing skill-set. We discuss how he connects with other queers and the natural attraction to one another, especially during the hard times of a pandemic. Rick also discusses how the internet and social media has progressed through his life and the effect it has on him and his career now, along with what he feels is the difference between coaching and therapy and what it means to him. Make sure to follow Rick on Instagram @therickclemmons Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

It was so lovely to have the opportunity to speak with Erika Owens, one half of the first same-sexed couple to be featured on TLC's 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days. She captured the world's heart with her colorful outfits, hair and especially her sweet personality. Erika and I discuss what it was like to come out as bi-sexual to her parents in front of the entire world (3:40). We also discuss the aftermath and what it is like dealing with people on social media and whether she will be ever able to date a man now that she identified as bi-sexual.  You can follow Erika on her Instagram @glitterbuggin Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva

“Guide me and heal me so that I might be of greater service to others” is her life mantra~ Chamica Dennis' entrepreneurial spirit and desire to empower others lead her on a spiritual journey to finding her voice. She was being called as a healer and she answered. On her journey back home she rediscovered her sensuality and her sexuality, more importantly she found herself. Chamica was called to a more indigenous and Eastern holistic approach of treating the whole person and the importance of women's health. It was then that Monarch Zen Healing Arts was created and she began sharing her medicine with the world. It is now her passion and purpose with the world. It is now her passion and purpose to facilitate other women in freeing themselves and reclaiming their body sovereignty. Today she teaches women how to find their voice, releasing shame and guilt (7:58), how to show up authentically and reconnect with their bodies through breath, movement and energy healing which allows them to work through anxiety and stress to experience life as they were meant to be.. Wild and Free.  She is also the creator of Sacred Womb Talk and currently teaches workshops throughout the valley, hosts retreats, teaches private yoga, reiki, life and soul coaching and is a C.H.T. Follow Her on Instagram @thebutterflymystic and @venusmooncreations Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast for weekly episodes, and follow me on Instagram @realmelissadasilva