Face to Faces

In this episode, I am joined by my friend, TEDx speaker and healer, Manav Khanna and his 15 year old daughter who is the creator of the youth-led platform DETOXIMIND - which provides a safe-space for teens and young adults struggling with mental well-being. This is an emotional and tender segment, where we speak to Krishnni about her darkest moments of suicidal ideation and how she has been inspired to turn her experience into a project that not only provides support for herself, but others like her. Please visit their website to learn more and to become involved. https://www.detoximind.com/ https://www.instagram.com/detoximind/

This months Behind the Lens podcast episode is LIVE - and we welcome Tracy & Maggie - mother and daughter with 3 family suicides between them. Tracy and Maggie join us to share their story of grief, loss and resilience - we discuss how the losses affected the trajectory of their lives, and how having a similar narrative helped bring them closer in their grief.

This month I am so happy to welcome Megan - who sat for her portraits a few years ago in Los Angeles. Megan and her siblings lost their father, a single dad - to suicide. Megan bravely unpacks more of her story in today's episode and shares the heartwarming story of how their community really came together to make her and her siblings feel loved and not alone in the wake of their horrible loss.

In this episode we are happy to welcome Sarah Climaco, to share more of here story since doing here portrait session. In this episode we discuss her mother and here history with mental illness, how she survived such a scary time - and then ultimately how she has and is processing the suicide of here mother.

This months episode of Behind the Lens our guest is mother of two and suicide loss survivor, Annu Sangha. We met Annu first in August when she became our newest Face in the project, having her photo shoot. Now Annu is back to share more of her story. She wanted to share the difficult moments and her trajectory, in the hopes that it could possibly help someone else going through something similar. Thank you Annu for sharing and thank you everyone who has listened. Annu IG: @anew_puma

Pennie had her first Faces of Fortitude session in 2018. She returns to the podcast to share more of her story of suicidal ideation and incest survival. Pennie is a TEDx speaker, author or Brave and Unbroken and Founder of the Soul Fire Weekends. https://penniesaum.com/

Todays episode we go BEHIND the Lens of the Faces of Fortitude shoot with Isabel Aceves, who became a Face of Fortitude in 2019 during a shoot in San Diego. Izzy is the owner of Wellness Bae Radio - and umbrella company for The Wellness Latina and Healing with Izzy. She is a Staff Sgt in the US Air Force and is a suicide attempt and rape survivor. In this episode she talks about her trauma, how it has affected her life, and how she is doing now. https://linktr.ee/wellnessbaeradio

Welcome Back! After a 6 month hiatus for some self reflection and personal growth, I'm back. Its time for a much needed REFOCUS on how I extend my energy and engage with the world. This is a transitional episode. Short and sweeet - I explain where I have been, whats been happening, where I am NOW and wheree we are going as a community going forward. Thank you for listening and Happy Spring!

Rosie O'Donnell is a comedian, producer, actress, author and television personality. She can currently be seen on Season 2 of Showtime's The L Word: Generation Q In this episode Rosie & I talk about her re-emergence on Tiktok where we met, her history with the media, the REALLY exciting projects she has coming up, I even find out a few of her favorite snacks. As a bonus, in true Rosie fashion, she even had a few questions for me. I am so grateful to Rosie for taking the time to be on my little queer podcast. She is a great reminder that vulnerability and authenticity are superpowers to be celebrated. Cover photo of Rosie by Eric McNatt

As some of you may know I came out as Transgender in April of 2020 and then June of 2021 I started taking Testosterone. In many ways this past year+ has been an evolution of sorts. Its been easily one of the most difficult times in my life but also the most rewarding and liberating. I would not have been able to weather any of this without a close circle of loved ones. In this episode I interview August & MB, Nina, Marlow and my partners Chey and Ryan, and we talk about how and why they showed up for me in the ways they did, and what advice they would have for anyone who has someone close to them going through the same thing.

In this episode we welcome my friends August & MB Hackett and their dear friends Matt & Elliot Dürt. We are so honored they have come to share their story of chosen family in the queer & transgender community, and how their friendship since childhood grew into helping build their own families. The trajectory of this episode does require a trigger warning, because as many people know, miscarraige a reality and often unspoke about part of the journey to having children. MB & August were kind enough to share their update to both heal and let others know they are not alone. Thank you for holding a space for them today. https://thedurtfamily.com/

In the last 5 years I've gone through many personal life changes. Because my life has been very forward facing over the last decade in various ways people like to assume many things about my life, and some even feel entitled to answers. In this episode I will answer some of those questions about love, my family and my gender. My dear friend Marika Malaea -who is also the editor of my upcoming memoir, The House of M - joins me to ask the questions and we navigate some of the answers together.

This month Portia and I welcome a special guest, who we hope will stick around for a while. Elle Scags is a content activist and joins Portia and I to discuss Juneteenth and the rise of the white middle aged Karen's. We talk about how the Seattle HRC got involved in a shameful attempt from the Seattle Pride commit to cry "reverse racism" against a black lead queer event and how it ended up blowing up in their face.

This month Portia and I discuss - the one year commemoration of the death of George Floyd and the resurfacing of white performatism for just one day. We talk about the problematic behavior around boundaries and white people seeking education around Anti-white supremacy, as well as the shocking views about some Europeans not considering themselves white people. Plus we have some amazing laughs in the midst of it all.

This month we discuss the Derek Chauvin verdict, and societies reaction regarding Justice vs. Accountability. I am able to share some insight and accountability about a recent mistake - which could be a valuable lesson for many regarding literature, as well as discuss this years Oscars. Things get uncomfrotable and guess what? I SURVIVED..and so can YOU. THE CAUCACITY: The UNCOMFORTABLE but SAFE conversation around White Fragility, Racism & problematic white microaggressions. Its time to GROW or get DRAGGED...

I am so honored to introduce you to a warrior human. This is Audri - she is the only parent of two amazing kids, a photographer and the reason we connected because she is a suicide widow. Today Audri officially becomes the next Face in the Faces of Fortitude project. In this episode Audri bravely shares her painful story of struggle, loss and how she found hope again. Thank you for helping me hold a space for her today. https://www.audrilynn.com/

The UNCOMFORTABLE but SAFE conversation around White Fragility, Racism & problematic white microaggressions. Co-Host: Portia BurchAbolitionist, independent contractor working in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. In this new monthly segment we talk about how this idea was born, AND we unpack my own growth and problematic decisions over the years. After all, if I can't be open and accountable for my own behavior, how can I point them out in other white people? So prepare yourself for some VERY UNCOMFORTABLE, but also IMPORTANT conversations that need to happen. Its time to GROW or get DRAGGED...

This Faces of Fortitude session has been in the works for almost 3 years. Sashii (she/her) is a mother, singer, producer, director and amateur chef - who has struggled with mental illness her entire life. Almost 3 years ago at one of her major low points, she contacted me to be a Face in my project. The universe has yet to align for us to connect for photos in order for Sashii to be able to share her story. However the podcast has made it possible for us to connect our hearts and bond over our stories. Thank you for holding a space for her today. @everythingsashii on fb and IG https://open.spotify.com/artist/5dkIOwvHpCtD4rn8VRqkiJ $Everythingsashii

This weeks guest is the incredible Porscha Maxine (she/they). She is a Politcal & Inclusivity Speaker and Moderator, a Life Coach, A certified teacher and the co-founder of Conscious Roots - a non-profit that provides development experiences and personized plans for professionals, teams and large coporations around unlearning oppressive, harmful and toxic behaviors from a lack of inclusion, diversity, equity and social justice. We have a great convo around the current social justice "trends" and how we all can do a better job at doing better. https://www.consciousrootsllc.com/

In this episode I welcome entrepreneur/sound healer/holistic wellness coach CRYSTAL MCKINNEY(she/her.) We have such a great discussion about holistic healing, chakra balancing and how she found her way to this path of healing and began creating her YUMMY all natural, sustainable and organic self care product company Bitchy Bath & Body. Crystal's websites & social media: https://bzglxxmv7d1.typeform.com/to/X2O485xt https://www.instagram.com/crystalmckinneycoaches/ https://www.instagram.com/bitchybathandbody/ http://Www.treschicmarketing.com

This Episode I welcome back my friend EVA ECHO (she/her). She is a transgender activist, mental health and suicide prevention advocate, Ambassador for the London Transgender Clinic, Spokesperson for Gendered Intelligence and recently founded the Pass It On Campaign - a project creating & sharing conversations around the trans and non-binary experience. Please join as we continue the important conversation around inclusion and education as they relate to our own communities and across the world. Eva Ech0 (she/her): IG - https://www.instagram.com/evaech0/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@evaech0https://linktr.ee/evaecho

This Episode I am SO THRILLED to have four friends help me kick off a new reoccurring series: MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS of being TRANSGENDER. We had SO many laughs during this episode and shared a lot of things that people often either misunderstand or assume about being transgender. This episode provides TONS of information, clarity and thoughtfulness around a community that is both marginalized and misunderstood. My Guests and their websites: René Amador (she/they):D1abla's D1ary Podcast - IG - https://instagram.com/d1abla.l0caTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@d1abla.l0ca Marlow Phillips (he/him):Top Surgery Go Fund Me -https://gofund.me/287b9fafVenmo- blackeyenoroom IG - https://www.instagram.com/blackeyenoroom/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@blackeyenoroom Lyan Betz (he/they):IG - https://www.instagram.com/lyan_finally/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lyan_happy Eva Ech0 (she/her): IG - https://www.instagram.com/evaech0/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@evaech0https://linktr.ee/evaecho

My guest for this episode is Alana Higginbotham (she/her). She is a Certified Life Coach, Published Author & Public Speaker. In this segment we discuss how she found her grove in the Coaching space and how her now VIRAL bite-sized videos entitled by her fans "Drive By Therapy" have now caught fire and why people are SO attracted to them. https://alanahigginbotham.com/ https://www.instagram.com/alanahigginbotham/

I am SO thrilled to have my friend and Astrologer Xavier as my guest to open Season 2! In this episode he tells us WHAT the FUCK happened with the planets in 2020 and why so many of us (especially Cardinal signs) were affected, And he tells us what's in store for 2021. Take notes folx because there's some SUPER gems in here to help you prepare for the year. To book a Natal Chart Reading, Tarot or other service with Xavier you can contact him at the websites below. He is running a special for the Full Moon! Tell him you heard about him on Face to Faces for the discount! booking: https://sleepymoonastrology.as.meInstagram.com/sleepymoonastroTwitter.com/sleepymoonstro

In this episode my guest is Shanik, a behavioral therapist for children on the spectrum, and she is also a suicide survivor. Please join us as we have an amazing discussion about childhood trauma and growing up from a young ageas someone who has to surviveBut also how that comes back up later in our lives as adults in our over -achieving, over-thinking and in relationship triggers. Shanik shares her story around bullying, cultural adjustments in highschool leading to depression and suicidal ideation. Thank you in advance for holding a space for her today.

19 months ago Jackie lost her husband Lou to suicide. In this episode we talk about the grief process she has been through in the last months, and how she has navigated being a mother and now grandmother, working, all while she has been in the early stages of grief. She shares her amazing light on how she has kept going and positive. Its such an emotional and special conversation. Thank you for holding a space for us both as we process together.

PART 2 of the important discussion around the quick rise in adoptee suicides. My guests are all transracial adoptees and advocates in the community working to shine a light on the mental health crisis within the Foster Care and Adoptee community. They are also all have struggled with their own suicidal ideation during their journey. In this episode we discuss the problems in the system specifically around transracial adoption and how the entire mental health and suicide community is refusing to address the issue at hand: Adoptees are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide. Moses Farrow (he/him) www.mosesfarrow.com Jessenia Arias (she/her) www.iamadopted.net Karlos Dillard (he/him) www.karlosdillard.com

On this episode, my guest is Moses Farrow (he/him). Moses is one of the ten adopted children of actress Mia Farrow and later adopted by father Woody Allen. Many are familiar with the controversial family history, because that is what society focuses on. That is NOT the purpose of this episode. 3 of Moses's adopted siblings took their own lives. This episode is a Faces of Fortitude session for Moses and I to discuss suicide loss. *This is Part 1 of a two episode special breaking down the mental health crisis within the adoption and foster care system* www.mosesfarrow.com

I am so excited and grateful to have as my guest, Chef Ayesha of The bay area based Round Midnight pop-up dinner series. In this episode we talk about the how mentally demanding working in the food and service industry is, and the culture around it. We discuss her covid pivot and the future of the industry and then chef and I tackle a fancy fall salad in the bonus video episode! Bonus Cooking segment: https://youtu.be/xIQ9JNpnNm4 Chef Ayesha: https://www.roundmidnightdinner.com/

8 years ago Sandra lost her husband to suicide - her boys were 9 and 12 yrs old. Her best friend of 20 years. In this episode We bond over our stories and she explains how hard the grieving process is for the widowed with children. You don't get days off to grieve. You have to keep going for your children. She applied to be a face in the project and now shares her story on the podcast. We have such a special and poignant conversation. Thank you for holding a space for us both as we process together. Instagram: @thewidowprojectwww.sandraandsteph.com

I am so thrilled to have this amazing human join me for this episode. Kai is a TEDx speaker, violinist, composer and has been open about his struggles with being bipolar. Kai and I met because we are speakers at the same agency, and share the same agent. I was so fascinated by him and what he does when we were introduced, I just had to have him on. In this episode we talk about how this quarantine has actually created a flow and some discipline to assist in managing our mental illnesses, and we also chat about how Kai takes the art of composing and music as a metaphor and uses it to teach large corporations and businesses. https://www.kaikight.com/

This is my SECOND virtual Faces of Fortitude session, and I am so happy to welcome my friend and now official Face in the project, he is an educator, artist and survivor - Etan Best (he/him). He was one of the very first people, almost 3 years ago, to email me to apply to be in the project. Over the years we have become dear friends, so in this episode Part 2 - is Etan's official Faces of Fortitude session where we talk about his suicidal ideation, and his stay in the hospital after an ideation got too close to an attempt. Its a vulnerable and fascinating discussion. Thank you all in advance for holding a space for him and our candid discussion.

This is my SECOND virtual Faces of Fortitude session, and I am so happy to welcome my friend and now official Face in the project, he is an educator, artist and survivor - Etan Best (he/him). He was one of the very first people, almost 3 years ago, to email me to apply to be in the project. Over the years we have become dear friends, so in this episode Part 1 - we discuss the evolution of both ourselves and the project, and then Part 2 - is Etan's official Faces of Fortitude session where we talk about his suicidal ideation, and his stay in the hospital after an ideation got too close to an attempt. Its a vulnerable and fascinating discussion. Thank you all in advance for holding a space for him and our candid discussion.

My guest this episode is burlesque performer, artist, actor and producer Luminous Pariah. I am so honored to have this talented human join us on the podcast. In this episode we discuss the ways Luminous is having to change for the nightlife and burlesque world in regards to live performances in the COVID reality. We also discuss the growing popularity of the polyamorous lifestyle and how it has become something you learn to navigate as you grow. SUCH a good conversation. Hope you enjoy! IG: @Luminouspariah

In this episode for the first time ever you get to be a fly on the wall of a faces of fortitude session. Until today, these sessions have been private. But with covid and the quaraNtine, there was a need for thAT space to continue in a new way. In this episode Ashley and I share our stories of survival, and bond over our process. We talk about families, siblings, oprah and discuss some really important lessons around self love. Thank you for holding space for Ashley as she showed so much bravery to share for this powerful episode.

This episode I am so honored to welcome my guests:Eva Echo (She/Her - UK)Yes Segura (He/Him/They/Them - Seattle)Chef kat (They/Them - Jamaica/LA)Seb Clayton (He/Him - UK)Nahla Adama (She/Her - LA) In this episode we discuss the transgender experience at different stages of transition. We also talk about the education and resources for those who may be investigating or researching transition for themselves. We bond over the hardest moments and the threads of joy and they each have advice for their younger selves. Such a special and informative episode. Links and info discussed in the episode:Eva Echo: My IG: https://www.instagram.com/evaech0/ or @evaech0London Transgender Clinic: https://www.thelondontransgenderclinic.uk/Gendered Intelligence: http://genderedintelligence.co.uk/TNB Connect: http://tnbconnect.org/Trans Discussion Video: https://youtu.be/e00kKcSV06I Yes Segura: Ingersoll Gender Center - Seattle,WATransgender Policy Map - USATransgender Policy Map - InternationalInternational Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association

Norman J. Liverpool IV (he/him) is an Entrepreneur and Speaker and a dedicated professional with a passion for spreading awareness for the LGBTQ+ Community and the issues that the community faces. Normal is the creator of a signature mentor-ship and coaching program designed for the LGBTQ+ Community, called Over the Top Living which explores the challenges of coming to terms with who you are and living your best life now. In this episode we talk about how the struggles in his youth as a young gay black man, inspired him to want to take the lessons he learned from his journey, to help other queer millennials find their purpose and live their most authentic lives possible.

In this episode my guest is Scott Lawrence Kirschenbaum (he/him)- He is a small business consultant, nonprofit strategist, movie producer and was my late brother Jimmys best friend in college. Scott and I never unpacked or discussed my brothers suicide in detail. We met on the day of his funeral and have since become friends. This is the episode where we unpack that day, talk about our grief process, ask each other difficult questions as well as share our favorite Jimmy stories.

My guest is Manav Khanna (he/him) - he is a technologist, TEDx speaker, healer and spiritualist. His passion is helping people establish a deep sense of wellbeing in an increasingly complex world. Manav has spent over a decade integrating teachings and practices from several spiritual and healing traditions, sciences, philosophies and the wisdom of ancient Indian and contemporary teachers, creating practical tools for people of all ages, to help them cultivate habits of healing. In this episode he gives some great tools for learning to self sooth and heal inner trauma, and I decide to be vulnerable and let him help me live with some trauma I have been holding on to from childhood. Its an emotional but important episode. His website: https://www.manavkhanna.com/

Xavier (he/him) of @SleepyMoonAstro on Twitter and Instagram is a practicing Astrologer and a forever student of the stars. Hailing from State College, PA and was raised in San Diego, CA. Xavier has been studying Astrology since the age of 16 and at the time of their Saturn return began to practice professionally. They've done readings for hundreds of people all around the world and look forward to reading hundreds more. In this episode we talk about the current energy around the full moon that was a few days ago, and how it affects each sign as we get closer to the new moon in a few weeks! Xavier read my natal chart recently and they had me speechless. They are SO SO good at what they do! I am excited for you all to meet him!

My guest is Nikkita Oliver (she/her). She is an attorney, writer, educator, abolitionist and for many of us “The People’s Mayor”. In 2017 she was the first political candidate from Seattles Peoples Party, and ran for the mayor of Seattle, coming in a very close 3rd out of 21 others. As of late she can be found on the front lines of the powerful Seattle activist movement, fighting toward the decriminalization, defunding and abolition of the racist, sexist and classist institutions who are systemically killing our BIPOC & QTIPOC community. We discuss the current demands around the local BLM and civil rights movements, if she will run for Mayor again and how she is practicing self care during it all. Follow:@nikkitaoliver@kingcountyequitynow@decrimseattle

This episode I am SO Honored to welcome artist and activist Nicholas galanin (Yéil Ya-Tseen - Tlingit/Unangax -he/him) we talk about his rise to being one of the most sought after artists in the country and world. He has been most recently in the news for pulling his work out of the famed Whitney museum to protest the racist behavior of a board member and even last week photos of his "Shadow on the Land, an excavation in bush burial" - a literal excavated show cast of the Captain James Cook statue in Sydney Australia - which the image went viral as monuments around the world were taken down by protest.

In this episode I welcome public speaker, author, podcast host and executive/life coach, Lolita Walker. We discuss the journey we took side by side toward our first TEDx talk, as well as about the responsibility of parents during this racial pandemic and revolution and how it has affected her as the parent of a young boy. How to find Lolita online: https://lolitawalker.com/ TEDx: https://youtu.be/87DM6Oioo5w

My guest this episode is Bronx based poet, Don. We talk about their poetry book releasing in August called "Girl, get up" and about how they are dealing with the quarantine and taking care of themselves during this time. Don also shares an amazing poem during the segment. Find Don online and a copy of his poem below. IG: lifeof.donPoem:Copyright @2020 BrandonThe idea of Queer sex makes straight people uncomfortableBecause the idea of others conjoining there bodies to become one in a intimate moment of lustand love breaks the foundation that your spirituality lays onAs.Long.As.I.Dont.See.It.I.Dont.CareWe have had to watch unfamiliar sex different from our own on tvs and films to make ourfamilies comfortableHidingForeign sex objects masking who I amBut youGranted the ability to view so much more than the taboo place on my crotch would allow me toenjoyYou are favoredPrivilegeAppreciatedYou are allowed to show yourself bathed in your gods holy sunlight blessing your skin and himgiving you approval to be youWhile usFagsDemonsAbominationsThose that choose to be queerGod's mistakes to ruin or corrupt your friends and familyAre buried under burning Parises soul in l waiting to see daylight outside of dark alley wayswere prostitution is the only way queer people surviveWe’re our bodies are used to pleasure secret desires of those afraid of opening that closet doorYour husbands come to us when he’s looking for something newWhile your wives come to us when she looking for a women to properly lick her clitYou seewe are the freaks in gods circus for the enjoyment of others here to entertainAnd shunned when the freaks are out of lineUsed to play stereotypical queer roles of sassy assistants and fashionistas that crave a man somuchYOU KILL USBlack queer sexualityIsDyingIsHidingCause you are uncomfortableAre corruptedAre no homoTrans lives dead too but used as pussy pumps for pleasureGay individuals attacked and pushed into suicide for existenceLesbians seen to be lesser than the air taken out of lungs because girls don’t kiss girls in myhouseholdAnd where bi and other intersections have to choose between the two because you can’t likeeverybodyYou see it’s more then sexIt’s lifeIt’s usIt’s not you seeing usIt’s your god seeing usBecause when he see usYou will see usAnd the gates of glory and light will openAnointingSavingHealingTogethernessBlack queer sexuality is fightingTo liveTo be seen on your tvWere it doesn’t make your children uncomfortable because of indifferenceYou seeSexYesSexBlack men having sex in enjoyment is what i enjoyIt’s what i deserve to see on tvsNot afraid of being judgedSpat at or attackedYou see weMy peopleMy black queer brothers, sisters, and themsDeserve to see there people having sexIt’s more then sexIt’s lifeBut you have made it about sexBecause when you get caught having sex with usYour so quick to kill us

This episode kicks off the new focus of the podcast: The QTIPOC community and their allies. This episode we welcome people from different parts of the country to come together to share what they have been going through, their thoughts on how the white community can do better, and how we can better support them. My Guests:Karlos Dillard (he/him) - venmo: $karlosdillardKris Dillard (he/him) - venmo: kristopherdillard1Kalisto Nanen (he/Ze/they) - Venmo : Kalisto-nanen, PayPal : yingsane@hotmail.com, Cashapp: $KalistoNanenRen Wright (she/her) - cashapp: $lewrightNicholas Rose (he/him) - PayPal: nicholasrose1996Don the poet (he/him) - venmo: Brandon-Jackson-62Zee Zelinski (they/them) Brandons Poem: Come on,ease on down road x2Don’t you carry nothing that might be a loadCome on, ease on down the roadEveryone just tryna see the wizWalking down yellow brick roads rusted due to high iron intakeThis city never tells you to never stray from the concreteCrows manipulating brainless bodies into self deprivationSounds like wiz biz to meThe Wiz just trying to keep monkeys from being groundedCause if he allow niggas to fly maybe they’ll find true happinessThat’s why graveyards are near the hoodIt ain’t no coincidence that our queens factory is connected to it allAnd why hospitals are so far from usWhite neighborhoodsCitizens of the emerald city never wanted to have anything to do with usRed lining our minority communities to keep everything greenRed white and blueThe wiz ain’t worried about no Diana’s wearing red pumpsJust Dorothy making it home in three clicksMaybe that's why black girls I mean witches go missing in ozAnd we know better then anyoneThat the Wiz is no different then a koon in a capeMaybe they started dropping houses on us to prove a pointWicked black bodies in the East need to know when to stay in lineWater guns drawn on sightEveryone is always better off when her green body is melted into the pavementMaybe her green skin mixed with her red blood made the yellow look so shinyShe was to wicked for this cityWore to much BlackLooked to blackHair to blackGreen a danger to usIt’s as if her green represented the freedom of your cityAnd ya ain’t use to black bodies carrying around freedom in ozYa think a black women just got that angry with no white man doing no wrongYou want me to believe that the wiz ain’t wrongThat his magic ain’t got none of you niggas confusedThat he ain’t the reason for cops jumping niggas that just want a piece of what his city has toofferHe’s the one granting wishes ain’t heIt’s the big Apple isn’t itThe city that never sleepsThe city that forgets its peopleAllowing White bodies to gentrify our homes because Oz looked so good on tvToto i don't think we’re in Kansas anymoreYou just wanna be urbanWithout the complicationsOz ain’t never knew how to protect black bodiesI mean monkeysI mean niggersI mean New YorkersYet when we defend ourselves from those entering our homes they go and get their lionA coward until white privilege put a battery in his backOr a Tin man desperate enough to axe at us cause the wiz said he’ll give him a heart if he doAnd we have seen to many scarecrows roaming free with no common senseBut when we walk out for fresh air for 10 minutes our bodies are dragged on bricked roads forbreaking rules and regulationsOutside is a free man's worldCreatures connected to the witch need to stay in darknessThe sun is for those who l

My guest is choreographer, director and educator, Kate Wallich (she/her). Kate was named one of Dance Magazines "25 to Watch", has created stunning commissions with companies like PNB, Whim W'Him, Jacobs Pillow, ICA Boston, just to name a few. In 2010 Kate founded an all-abilities, community focused class called Dance Church, which quickly grew into packed spaces of upwards over 500 attendees a week, and branched into various cities across the country and world. Since the quarantine, Dance Church has gone both virtual and now VIRAL, being the life-line to so many of us who have been struggling while practicing social distancing and staying at home, just needing to move our bodies, and feel our community again. I know I can speak for everyone in my circle when I say, Dance Church has been a light in the darkness during this pandemic and brought us all a collective way to move, smile, laugh and let go of the anxieties of the world, in the comforts of our own spaces, while still feeling connected to our community.

Scott is an Emmy nominated actor, writer, producer and TEDx speaker. He was the first openly transgender actor in daytime television with a recurring role on CBS’s The Bold and the Beautiful as well as a consultant for HBO’s Euphoria. He can be seen on the incredible just released Netflix documentary, DISCLOSURE. Scottt also has educated hundreds of crew members in on-set sensitivity and vetted trans affirmative policy for the union as a gender diversity trainer. In this episode we talk about the roles of the white LGBTQ+ influencers as well as how to navigate the medias rise in interest of the trans experience while staying in the forefront of fighting for transgender liberation and inclusion.

In this episode we talk to Jake and Hannah about how the decision to take the world along their journey as a transgender couple, through dating, their wedding and now being new parents, has changed their lives and in turn how they have become an inspiration to so many people. We also discuss the roles and responsibilities of the queer community during Pride but also in general during times where anyone’s rights are in question. Jake Graf is an actor, screenwriter, director and transgender rights activist. His work in short films has been substantial, and he tirelessly works to normalize queer and trans experiences to a larger and more mainstream audience. Hannah Graf is formerly Britians highest ranking transgender soldier, she has served as an officer with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, as well as the King’s Royal Hussars. Mermaids charity: https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/

This episode we speak to Briq House and BlakSyn. Briq House aka The Goddess (she/her/Goddess) is a professional dominant, Intuitive, Burlesque Goddess, educator in sacred intimate arts and is an advocate for LGBTQ+ and Sex worker rights. Blaksyn (they/them) is a non-binary BDSM educator, visual artist, published writer, professional dominant, consultant, mentor, coach, content creator and event organizer. We talk about sex and bdsm education and how to better support poc sex workers and educators. With guest host and Face of Fortitude participant, Izzy Aceves. Briq House support links: IG: @ms.briqhousePaypal: ms.briqhouse@yahoo.comCashapp: $BRIQHOUSEVenmo: @Briqhouse BlakSyn support links:IG: @kinkyblackeducator & @synblakPaypal: blaksynCashapp: BlakSynVenmo: BlakSyn

This episode we welcome activist and actor Theo Germaine (they/them + he/him) they can currently be seen on Netflix’s The Politician and Showtime’s Work In Progress. They are an inspiration both through their intentional choices in acting roles as well as how they continually use their voice to educate fans and followers leading by example, showing how to be better allies and members of not just the LGBTQ+ community, but better overall human beings. In this episode we talk about the mental health topics that are part of both shows he stars in, as well as the responsibility the white LGBTQ+ community has during this important time of change in the world.

As we continue Trans Pride week here within Virtual Pride month on the podcast, I am so HONORED to welcome part of the cast and crew of the powerful song and music video, I am Samantha. Director T Cooper is here for a second time this week, Filmmaker/Director, he is the author of eight novels and a nonfiction book, as well as a journalist and television writer, currently serving as a writer and consulting producer on the NBC series "The Blacklist." He's also a professor of English and Creative Writing at Emory University in Atlanta. Singer and songwriter Benjamin Scheuer wrote and performed this song for his friend Samantha, both to honor her journey and to paint a larger picture showing both inclusion and representation. Melvin Whitehead is a member of the ALL transgender cast (and crew I must add) in this video. He just recently graduated getting his PHD and works in Student Affairs and is a professor at the University of Georgia. And last but certainly not least, Samantha Williams is here, the namesake of the video - she is a writer and both she and Benjamin are coming to us from the UK. This song and music video was released on March 31st, which is International Transgender Day of Visibility, and was actually sent to me by a mutual friend of T’s and from there it started a domino effect of correspondence leading to this very moment in time. You can watch I Am Samantah here: https://youtu.be/tQWwpzck8Tk