Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson

We're back! This season of Life Out Loud is all about family and LZ begins by talking about his own—messy parts and all—with his son, LZed. They get real about painful moments in their relationship and how they have healed from them. LZ talks about the sacrifices he made to be a provider after his divorce, and LZed shares how some of those choices led him to feel abandoned. LZed also shares what it was like growing up with a queer dad, and LZ discusses what home means to him. It's an honest conversation with a lot of heart. Family is where love abides. Sometimes you're born into a loving family. Sometimes you grow into one. And if you're really lucky, you have both. Consider this season to be a showcase for the various ways families come together and how love shows up. We're grateful to have you in our family. All our love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the resilience and love that keeps this community marching to the beat of its own drum; each generation redefining what it means to be queer and to be seen. That's why we're closing out Pride Month with some moving and inspiring stories featured in the ABC special, PRIDE: To Be Seen.   Soul of a Nation presents PRIDE: To Be Seen is available now on Hulu and Disney+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may know the story of Emmett Till. But you might've never heard his story if it weren't for one woman: Mamie Till-Mobley. In a new three-part season of ABC News' "Reclaimed" podcast, host Leah Wright Rigueur explores who Mamie Till-Mobley was before she lost her son: a young girl growing up in Illinois. Rigueur traces Mamie's journey after Emmett's death, and how she turned her grief into a movement that changed the course of American history. The first two episodes of "Reclaimed" are available now. To listen, follow the show on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/3zofsOC), Spotify (https://spoti.fi/3PSLBDU), Amazon Music (https://amzn.to/3tgHfNf), or wherever you like to listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pride Month is a great time to recharge our batteries and lift one another up. Despite the recent tragedies and legislative challenges, our community is stronger and bolder than ever. As we celebrate the first anniversary of Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson, we want to highlight some queer content the LGBTQ+ community can look forward to together. Summer is the season for long nights out with friends, live music and summer blockbusters. That's why we wanted to talk two filmmakers. First, LZ sits down with Andrew Ahn, the director of Fire Island, about making queer rom-coms for the big screen. Then LZ chats with former pro-soccer star turned TV and film producer Robbie Rogers. He's working on the upcoming period drama My Policeman, which stars Harry Styles as a closeted police officer caught in a love triangle. Joyful representation can show people who are struggling with their identity that a life out loud is worth living. Party safely, love greatly! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a bittersweet ending to Season 2 of Life Out Loud. As we publish this episode, we are saddened by legislation around the country that tries to erase the LGBTQ+ community and the historic gains we've made in our fight to equality. But our community is more than our trauma. We are more than the attacks on our very existence. We are love! We are beauty! We are joy! We end Season 2 acknowledging the work ahead while also celebrating our resilient spirit. In this episode, LZ takes you to a dance party with Grammy-winning DJ Tracy Young. She's funky, she's soulful and she knows how to turn a night on the dance floor into an experience. Thank you for listening and for being in community with us – we see you and we love you.  

Who are you really? One of the toughest parts about growing up with other people's shame is that it makes the path to self-discovery extra rocky. When you come out of the closet, you're trying to tell the world who you are while also trying to figure that out for yourself. This week, LZ talks to two change-makers about what it means to put your whole self (body, spirit and mind) on the line and on display in the fight to equality. Kornbread "The Snack" Jete was the body-positive breakout star of the 14th season RuPaul's Drag Race. Arizona State Rep Daniel Hernandez Jr. saved a congresswoman's life and followed her into public service. Though they have chosen very different paths in life, they both talk about what it means to be plus size people of color in a community that holds up a white thin ideal. To know thyself is to love thyself.

To celebrate LZ's 50th birthday, we're exploring why it's a privilege to get to be an "Old Gay". Really! Our community is still mourning a generation of elders lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and in an era of homophobic and transphobic legislature, many of our young people still struggle to envision the fabulous futures they deserve. In this birthday episode of Life Out Loud, LZ talks to iconic TikTok foursome, the Old Gays. With more than 6.3 million followers, Robert Reeves, Mick Peterson, Bill Lyons and Jessay Martin have figured out how to bridge the generational divide and connect young LGBTQ+ folks to their history. Then, LZ has a fascinating conversation with Jesus Ramirez-Valles, director of the Health Equity Institute at San Francisco State University, about the unique challenges Gaby Boomers face and why we should create stronger social safety nets that let all people age in place.

Who is your chosen family? In this week's episode of Life Out Loud, Margaret Cho confirms all comedians really do know each other. Cho pays homage to the peers and mentors who have gotten her through and talks about how a queer hookup can lead to a lasting friendship. She also explains why being a good friend is a solid career move. That's also a theme in LZ's kiki with two of his own dear friends, CNN's Don Lemon and the Washington Post's Jonathan Capehart. The three journalists talk about rising to the top of their field as black gay men, and why it's important to support younger generations unconditionally. Their life and career advice will have you group-texting your support system with heart-eye emojis.

“Do you want a relationship or a situation-ship?” On this week's episode of Life Out Loud, we unpack some big words: heteronormativity and non-monogamy. In other words, learning to do what works for you either with or without a partner. First, LZ talks to New York Times bestselling author and legendary podcaster Dan Savage about what it's like to evolve your thinking while in the public eye — Savage shares what he's gotten wrong over 30 years of writing his syndicated column, Savage Love. He also talks about his own open marriage as well as other types of relationships that have shaped his life. Then, LZ talks to entertainer and co-host of HBO's We're Here, Bob the Drag Queen about what it takes to keep two relationships going at the same time: lots and lots of communication. Bob also shares valuable advice about how to not be distracted by jealousy, whether romantic or professional.  Come with an open mind and learn how to move past your initial assumptions through conversation and community.

There aren't many ready-made answers when it comes to faith and sexual orientation. It takes a lot of humility to carve out a space where people can ask the big questions. This week, LZ talks to two people who have done just that: Pastor Rob Bell and Daniel Franzese. Pastor Bell is a New York Times bestselling author, friend of Oprah and LZ's former spiritual leader. Daniel Franzese is a successful actor whose podcast, Yass, Jesus!, dives into his own journey of finding a place in God's kingdom as an openly gay man. Together they talk about what it takes for LGBTQ+ folks to find spiritual community when many traditional religious institutions have not validated their existence. Regardless of your faith background, these conversations will inspire you to thank the angels in your life and challenge you to rethink what “faith” means to you.

“Authenticity,” “Realness,” “Respectability.” What do these terms actually mean for trans women of color who are re-defining their identities in the public eye? In this illuminating episode of Life Out Loud, LZ Granderson goes deep with actress and entertainer Ts Madison, the first trans woman to star in and direct her own reality tv show. Plus, a conversation with scholar Dr. Julian Kevon Glover about the double-edged sword of “passing.” These juicy conversations show us it's never too late to reinvent yourself into the person you were born to be.  

If you're not already following the Winter Olympics, get ready to fall in love with two-time U.S. national champion, figure skater Timothy LeDuc. They're the first Olympian to qualify as a non-binary person, and they're competing in one of the most gendered sports ever—pairs figure skating. Their story is truly inspiring. Plus, a conversation with Cyd Zeigler and Jim Buzinski from OutSports about The Raiders' Carl Nassib, transgender athletes and the progress that the LGBTQ+ community is making in sports.  

What is it about our favorite divas that makes our souls sing? This music-packed episode of Life out Loud explores the special connection between the LGBTQ+ community and the divas who love us back. LZ interviews GRAMMY® and TONY® winner Stephanie Mills and GRAMMY® winner Jody Watley, Mother of the Imperial House of Waacking. They share why they championed the LGBTQ+ community during a time when labels pushed back. Plus, an interview with former Vibe editor and cultural critic Emil Wilbekin adds some introspection to our sparkle

It's estimated that as many as 3.8 million LGBTQ+ people not only live in rural America, but for the most part, they actually prefer to live there, according the Movement Advancement Project. We're not always trying to escape. For the first episode of season 2 of Life out Loud, LZ Granderson talks to NY Times best-selling author Chasten Buttigieg and West Side Story star Ariana DeBose about the joys and struggles of building a supportive community in a small town. Plus, GLAAD president Sarah Kate Ellis shares what she's learned from the organization's Southern Stories Initiative and how far we still have to go to see even more representation for queers outside big cities.

Life Out Loud with LZ Granderson has received Special Recognitions honors from GLAAD and was named one of Spotify's “Best New Podcasts of 2021.” In season two, ABC News contributor and Emmy® Award-winning journalist LZ Granderson explores timely topics that impact the LGBTQ+ community, ranging from queer friendships, body positivity, non-monogamy, religion, parenting and on-screen representation. Granderson speaks with celebrity guests who help the community celebrate and cope, including award-winning actress Ariana DeBose; GRAMMY® winners Jody Watley, Stephanie Mills and DJ Tracy Young; TikTok sensation “The Old Gays”; New York Times best-selling authors Dan Savage, Rob Bell and Chasten Buttigieg; actor Daniel Franzese; Olympic figure skater Timothy LeDuc, celebrity fitness trainer Shaun T; and Ts Madison, reality TV Star. In addition, Granderson speaks with experts who break down the latest research and information regarding these issues. New episodes drop on Thursday.

In honor of National Coming Out Day, LZ sits down with D.J. “Shangela” Pierce, break out star and contestant on “RuPaul's Drag Race” and co-host of the hit HBO series “We're Here.” In an honest and raw conversation, Shangela discusses the queer journey, growing up in small town America and the power and freedom of living an authentic life. He shares some unforgettable moments from the road and talks about the unique bond he has with his favorite diva, Jennifer Lewis.

From winning Oscars to Olympic medals, British diver Tom Daley and Academy Award-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black embody the unstoppable. In the season one finale of "Life Out Loud," they open up about fighting against conversion therapy, coming out to their fans and how they met and decided to start a family. They also share advice for gay couples thinking about marriage, talk about the importance of visibility from gay athletes at the top of their sport, and discuss the challenges currently facing the LGBTQ+ community worldwide.

What does victory feel like for LGBTQ politicians? LZ talks with six political leaders paving the way with their imagination. Political veterans Keith St. John, Annise Parker, Neil Giuliano and newcomers Ritchie Torres, Sarah McBride, Brian Sims set the record straight on “the gay agenda,” whatever that is... The politicians talk about first crushes, representation and the Buttigieg of it all. Plus, what Harvey Milk taught them about local ordinances and dog poop, and what we can do to hold them accountable.   

Actor and model Daniel Newman is known for his roles on The Walking Dead and Homeland, but to LZ he's an Instagram crush. In this episode, Newman opens up about his body image journey and the truth behind those thirst traps. He also shares what it was like growing up in a sex-positive Christian household, and how a near-death experience gave him new perspective. 

LZ leads a roundtable of sports figures including Jason Collins, the first active player in the NBA to come out; Super Bowl winner and ally Keyshawn Johnson; and Rick Welts, the first out and proud NBA team president. They discuss their own personal stories and look at the ways LGBTQ issues play out in the world of professional sports. There are also some big laughs over what happens when you bring a straight ally like Keyshawn into a gay vacation spot or a PRIDE parade. Spoiler Alert: there's glitter involved.

Alphonso David is an LGBTQ civil rights attorney, advocate and the first person of color to serve as president of the Human Rights Campaign. He talks about his childhood in West Africa, getting disowned by his father and his quest for trans rights. Plus, Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin shares how being raised by her grandparents and witnessing her mother's struggle with addiction helped shape her policies and legislative goals. She also tells LZ which of her senate colleagues help steer her toward her current love interest.

Sherry Cola tackles sexuality, gender norms and racial stereotypes in her standup and in life. The ‘Good Trouble' actress looks back on when she first realized she was attracted to men and women, and pushes back against misconceptions about bisexuality even within the queer community. Plus, she gets fired up talking about her love for the Asian community that's suffered senselessly amid a wave of hate crimes. And being the comedian that she is, we have a few good laughs, too! 

Dr. Anthony Fauci is best known today for his role in the response to COVID-19, but he's been on the frontlines of the fight against HIV/AIDS for decades. Fauci recalls how that fight led to his unusual friendship with activist Larry Kramer, who once described him as “a murderer and an incompetent idiot.” Plus, HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Rachel Levine, who made history as the first openly transgender person confirmed by the Senate, shares her advice for trans youth and their parents.   

Pioneering singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright bears his soul in his music and in this candid conversation with LZ. How his decision to come out at age 13 led to his groundbreaking decision to enter the music scene as an openly gay recording artist, and what it's meant for his career and place in LGBTQ history. 

Actress Mj Rodriguez opens up about how entering the ballroom scene at age 14 helped her find the confidence to express her authentic self, and about her special relationship with her house father and with her mother, who was the inspiration for her breakout performance as Blanca in ‘Pose.'  

Host LZ Granderson kicks off ABC News' first-ever LGBTQ-focused podcast with Steven Canals, co-creator of the hit FX series ‘Pose.' The groundbreaking show, now in its final season, features the largest transgender cast in television history. 

Host LZ Granderson is passionate about preserving the history of the LGBTQ community. This podcast aims to further that mission through inspiring, provocative and often hilarious conversations with a wide variety of influential voices. Guests featured in the ten-episode first season include Steven Canals, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Rufus Wainwright, Sherry Cola, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Daniel Newman, and many more.