Pride Connection

Episode Notes Last year, the team produced a stirring, heartfelt commentary on why we still need pride parades and celebrations. Unfortunately, these musings are now even more relevant than they were back then. In the face of hatred, fascism and bigotry, let's conspire to have the boldest, loudest, most colorful and most affirming pride month EVER!!! To find out more about Blind LGBT Pride International, please visit www.bpi.gay  You can also find our “queer gear” merch here:  https://blindgirldesigns.com/collections/bpi-25-anniversary

Episode Notes Pride Connection is pleased to present an interview with acclaimed writer, professor and GLBTQ+ activist Karla Jay. Beginning with her involvement in the feminist and gay liberation movement in the early 1970s, Jay indelibly made her mark as a strident voice in our community. Jay has written 10 books and has traveled extensively speaking about post-Stonewall glbtq+ advocacy and the 2nd wave of feminism. Jay is a distinguished professor emerita at Pace University, where she taught English and directed the women's and gender studies program between 1974 and 2009. Leah Gardner hosts this dialog with Jay, primarily discussing her 1999 memoir, Tales of the Lavender Menace. This is a riveting interview brimming with historical context and Jay's thoughts on the tumultuous world we live in today.

Episode Notes One of Pride Connection's most inspiring and thought-provoking conversations was with then-Senate aide Laurel Hilbert—a shining example of courage, conviction, and the strength of the human spirit. In this episode, we revisit Laurel's extraordinary journey: from leaving his home country of Syria, to his time in Saudi Arabia, to arriving in the United States knowing only a few words of English—but armed with drawings, dreams, and unstoppable determination. Laurel speaks passionately about the universal truths of democracy, the resilience of the human condition, and what becomes possible when we align our spirit and purpose. But this conversation isn't just about where he's been—it's also about where he's going. Since the passing of his mentor and friend, the late Senator Dianne Feinstein—whom many of us remember as a fighter for justice and democracy—Laurel has taken time away from politics and even from the United States. In this deeply personal update, he shares his own version of an Eat, Pray, Love journey: finding love, learning how to live within grief, and reconnecting with his purpose. Now studying for finals and preparing for the LSAT, Laurel took time out of his busy schedule to reconnect with us, reflect on where life has taken him, and share why he still believes in the future of this country, our intersectional communities, and humanity itself. This powerful and timely episode is a reminder that strength comes in many forms—and that hope, when nurtured, can carry us through even the darkest times. Have thoughts or questions? We'd love to hear from you. Drop us a note at media@blindlgbtpride.org, and don't forget to visit www.blindlgbtpride.org for more information about BPI, our 25th anniversary celebrations, and to grab some fabulous queer gear—including our new Ally Love collection just in time for Pride Month!

Episode Notes On this episode of Pride Connection, we get to know Grim Kells, founder of Grimalkin Records, a collective of LGBT, disabled and BIPOC musical and visual artists.  We talk about Grim's musical work under the name Spartan Jetplex, and what led them to found Grimalkin records.  We also touch on some of the community outreach that makes Grimalkin special, including an in-person and virtual festival every October.  Finally, we talk about how you, too, can get involved if you'd like to be part of the collective. You can find Grimalkin Records at www.grimalkinrecords.com We also discuss the work of RAMPD, Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities.  Find them at www.rampd.org Finally, Grim discusses “loop sessions” in which musicians have roughly 23 hours to complete a track, as an exercise in creative unblocking.  Find out more at: https://linktr.ee/loopsessionsdmv To find out more about Blind LGBT Pride International, please visit www.bpi.gay  You can also find our “queer gear” merch here:  https://blindgirldesigns.com/collections/bpi-25-anniversary

Pride Connection presents a Flashback, celebratory discussion about Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. **Content warning: gun violence, hate crimes/violence against AAPI, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, ableism, other topics that may be sensitive to some listeners ** May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month! This week on Pride Connection, please join Saejh Chung (moderator,) Minh Ha, Miso Kwak, Tyanne Wilmath, and Anthony Corona for a conversation exploring AAPI history, personal stories of the intersectionality of identifying as AAPI and having a disability, mental health, sexualization and fetishization of AAPI women, defining heritage, and how the pandemic has shaped their lives and the greater AAPI community at large today. Additionally, the roundtable discussion also examined the Covid 19 Hate Crimes Act (H.R. 1843) and thoughts on how this legislation will affect the AAPI community. The hour-long segment concludes with our guests answering how they will celebrate AAPI heritage month. Resources are listed below. Resources Stop AAPI Hate: https://stopaapihate.org/ National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association: https://www.naapimha.org/ Asian Americans (on PBS): Asian Americans Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong (Available on Bookshare and BARD) Pachinko by Minjin Lee (Available on Bookshare and BARD) H.R. 1843: Covid 19 Hate Crimes Act: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/117/hr1843 Try Guys Anti-Asian Hate documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14WUuya94QE Misogyny Against Asian Women - The TryPod Ep. 102: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMd3S3BOarU

Episode Notes This week on Pride Connection, dropping on Tuesday wherever you get your podcast, we're continuing a very special two-part journey with someone who continues to inspire and electrify our community —Rosemary Ketchum! Part one last week presented a flashback to one of our most powerful conversations ever. And this week, she's back with us for a brand-new episode—raw, real, and refreshingly Rosemary. We first met Rosemary Ketchum during a momentous chapter of her journey—as an advocate, a candidate, and a history-maker. As the first openly transgender person elected to office in West Virginia, Rosemary shattered barriers and made national headlines… but she didn't stop there. In this powerful updated episode, we had a conversation that left an indelible mark on our hearts. Rosemary shares her passion for advocacy, her grassroots work supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, and her unapologetic drive to protect and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community—especially in places where it's not always safe or easy to do so. She joins us to talk about what's next, how she's really doing, and how she's feeling in the face of an America that's teetering between promise and peril. Spoiler alert: she doesn't hold back. She talks candidly about attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community, the exhaustion of advocacy, and the crossroads many of us are standing at: fight or flee? And in her own words: “I love coming to talk with Blind LGBT Pride International's Pride Connection. I am an honorary member of this fabulous organization who is fighting the good fight and folding and embracing our community's most vulnerable members, and standing up against the forces trying to strip away the identities of us all—especially our transgender and non-binary siblings.”   For more information on Blind Pride International, please visit www.bpi.gay

Episode Notes This week on Pride Connection, dropping on Tuesday wherever you get your podcast,were kicking off a very special two-part journey with someone who continues to inspire and electrify our community —Rosemary Ketchum! Part one starts Tuesday with a flashback to one of our most powerful conversations ever. And next week, she's back with us for a brand-new episode—raw, real, and refreshingly Rosemary. We first met Rosemary Ketchum during a momentous chapter of her journey—as an advocate, a candidate, and a history-maker. As the first openly transgender person elected to office in West Virginia, Rosemary shattered barriers and made national headlines… but she didn't stop there. In this powerful flashback episode, we revisit a conversation that left an indelible mark on our hearts. Rosemary shares her passion for advocacy, her grassroots work supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, and her unapologetic drive to protect and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community—especially in places where it's not always safe or easy to do so. And then—buckle up—next week we catch up with Rosemary once again! Fresh off her historic mayoral run in Wheeling, she joins us to talk about what's next, how she's really doing, and how she's feeling in the face of an America that's teetering between promise and peril. Spoiler alert: she doesn't hold back. She talks candidly about attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community, the exhaustion of advocacy, and the crossroads many of us are standing at: fight or flee? And in her own words: “I love coming to talk with Blind LGBT Pride International's Pride Connection. I am an honorary member of this fabulous organization who is fighting the good fight and folding and embracing our community's most vulnerable members, and standing up against the forces trying to strip away the identities of us all—especially our transgender and non-binary siblings.”

Episode Notes On April 5, 2025, over 5 million people around the US and the globe gathered for a series of rallies and protests against the Trump administration. Their message was loud and clear. Hands Off!! Hands Off our democracy, our economy, our bodies, our most vital services ... Among the protesters were BPI members Courtney and Destiny, raising their voices and fighting for their very lives as blind queer people. They share their experience at the rallies, what steps they took to make protesting as safe and comfortable for them as possible, and what actions they plan to take going forward. Join us for a lively conversation full of inspiration, encouragement, advocacy, and more ways to fight back!! Learn more about the Hands Off rallies here: https://handsoff2025.com/ Check out this article from Mother Jones about virtual rallies spearheaded by the disabled community: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/04/hands-off-virtual-zooms-disability-covid/ Thanks to Courtney and Destiny for speaking with us. If you have an idea for a future episode of Pride Connection or questions about our podcast, please email us at media@blindlgbtpride.org Browse our new Queer Gear, perfect for Pride, nights on the town, or speaking your truth to power: https://blindlgbtpride.org/queer-gear/ BPI is on Facebook, Mastodon and Bluesky. Find all our links and follow us here: https://linktr.ee/bpisocials

Episode Notes We at Blind Pride International are always working diligently to advocate for our membership. But, things have been kind of heavy lately and we wanted to lighten things up. We invited BPI members to a recording session where they could share their embarrassing stories and bloopers. Join us for an episode full of laughter and comradery.

BPI is excited to tell you about our new and fabulous Queer Gear! Head on over to http://www.bpi.gay right now, and click on "Queer Gear"

Episode Notes Two Presidents, a Lot of Sheep, and a Whole Lotta Fun What happens when two powerhouse leaders in the blind and low vision community sit down for a chat? You get laughs, insight, and maybe a little ginger beer. Join BPI President Leah Gardner and Martine Abel Williamson, President of the World Blind Union, as they dish about Leah's recent adventures in Martine's stunning homeland—New Zealand! From breathtaking landscapes to quirky sheep encounters, delicious food, unexpected hiccups, and cultural delights, this conversation is equal parts travel diary and leadership summit—with the easy banter of two gal pals catching up over drinks. But it's not all fun and fluff; these two dive into the shared experiences and challenges faced by our community, all with heart and humor. Pride Connection drops every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts. For more about Blind LGBT Pride International, visit www.bpi.gay. Got a question or comment for Leah, Martine, or the BPI family? Email us at: media@blindlgbtpride.org — we'd love to hear from you!

Episode Notes Please join us for a flashback episode of Pride Connection from 2021, where guest host Tristan Snyder brings you an exclusive, in-depth interview with queer author TJ Klune! TJ Klune is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries, and more. Being queer himself, TJ believes it's important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories. Visit Klune online: tjklunebooks.com Twitter: @tjklune Instagram: tjklunebooks

Episode Notes Join us for this very special interview with author and Pagan leader Enfys Book! Find out how their spiritual path began, a little about their writing process and how we can all use rituals to mark the passing of time in meaningful ways. Enfys also shares a bit of their musical journey as well, including their time with the band Misbehavin' Maidens! Find out more about Enfys and their writing at www.majorarqueerna.com Find out more about Blind Pride International by visiting our new website www.bpi.gay find us on other social media by visiting https://linktr.ee/bpisocials

Episode Notes Join Blind LGBT Pride International as we flash back to our very first episode, which aired five years ago! Listen in to a bit of BPI history and then dive in to the parenting roundtable discussion. Real joys and real fears are shared as participants honestly share their parenting journeys.

Episode Notes Join the Pride Connection Team for this lively discussion about what it means to be an ally. Whether we're calling our representatives, sharing our pronouns or speaking up when we hear untrue or bigoted comments, we can lift up our LGBTQIA+ friends, siblings and coworkers. Listen in as we share various perspectives.

Episode Notes Come with us on a fun and festive journey back through time! This episode was Recorded in 2022 to celebrate two years of Pride Connection. Get a taste of the many happy memories, laugh along and have a little fun with us.

Episode Notes History does not repeat, but it does reiterate. It cycles. Right now, we are living through the kind of times that will be written about for centuries to come. Those who come after us will ask us where we were and what we did to resist the tide of authoritarianism sweeping our nation and the globe. In this episode, we talk about the growing resistance to the bigotry and authoritarian actions in the US, various resources for fighting back and the what resistance could look like in times ahead. Remember, resistance to authoritarianism and bigotry works best when we act together. Solidarity forever!

Episode Notes First they came for is a recording of an advocacy panel discussion, held at the Convention in Schaumburg, Illinois. Participants spoke about current threats to our community, and what can be done to ensure that we have a brighter future. Please listen, and. Be inspired to get involved!

On this episode of Pride Connection, Tristan Snyder takes you on a tour of TikTok, at least the resistance, LGBTQ, artistic and blind areas. Join us as we learn, rage, fight, sing, laugh and read together. For More information or to support Blind LGBT Pride International, please visit: WWW.BPI.Gay , or to join us: www.bpi.gay/join . Follow BPI on social media by visiting our new Linktree: https://linktr.ee/bpisocialsEpisode Notes Notes go here Find out more at https://pride-connection.pinecast.co

Episode Notes This is a rebroadcast of a previous episode that aired over Pride Month 2023. Blind Pride International and Members and our Allies offer testimonials surrounding restrictive Laws, book bans, drag story hours and so much more. As our community is used as a pawn for political divisiveness, hear from our members in their own words how destructive these proposed and sadly adopted laws are to our community and country. Words matter so much more than we realize and in the words of our MEMBERS AND ALLIES, you will hear how the rhetoric hurts, devalues and frightens us to the core. Our members are; Teachers, Lawyers and Tech developers. They are Parents, Daughters, Sons and Non-binary individuals. Most of all, they are Americans! They are watching and listening as factions in the United States try to Weaponize the way we love. They attempt to shame and blame the LGBTQ+ community, all while framing their divisive tactics as saving the soul of America. The hurt and damage to the mental health of the most vulnerable among us is incalculable. We aren't attempting to groom or convert; rather, we are trying to live our lives as proud Americans. In this episode, you will hear from the very people who are living through these scary times. This powerful episode shines light on the feelings evoked by almost daily attacks on LGBTQ+ HUMANS!! For More information or to support Blind LGBT Pride International, please visit: WWW.BPI.Gay Or to join our mission: WWW.BPI.Gay/join Follow BPI on social media by visiting our new Linktree. https://linktr.ee/bpisocials

Episode Notes This week's episode is a lively and thought-provoking discussion led by our inspiring president, Leah Gardner! This special event marks Blind LGBT Pride International's 25th anniversary—a perfect moment to reflect on where we've been, celebrate how far we've come, and dream boldly about where we're going. With Leah leading the charge, we'll journey through the highlights of our history, share ideas for this pivotal year of independence, and chart a course to uplift the often-overlooked voices within the blind, low-vision, and LGBTQIA+ community. Follow BPI on social media by visiting our new Linktree. https://linktr.ee/bpisocials

Episode Notes In this final episode of Pride Connection for 2024; Join BPI for a discussion about how we define language and who we learn language from. Can we repurpose language that trips people up? Is language divisive or inclusive? Join Dr. Lynne Koral as she leads a lively discussion with members of Blind LGBT Pride. We will be back early in January with a revamped and rebooted Pride Connection to celebrate 25 amazing years of BPI!!! You can reach BPI at: membership@blindlgbtpride.org Or: Learn more about our mission, donate or join our good work at: www.bpi.gay

In this final episode of Pride Connection for 2024; Join BPI for a discussion about how we define language and who we learn language from. Can we repurpose language that trips people up? Is language divisive or inclusive?  Join Dr Lynne Coral  as she leads a lively discussion with members of Blind LGBT Pride.  We will be back early in January with a revamped and rebooted Pride Connection to celebrate 25 amazing years of BPI!!! You can reach BPI at: membership@blindlgbtpride.org Or Learn more about our mission, donate or join our good work at: www.bpi.gay

Episode Notes This time on Pride Connection: we discuss family, chosen family and how we celebrate during the holiday season. What happens when people make gatherings difficult? We talk about how the recent US election results will impact us, and the importance of finding community and connection when facing uncertain times. Pride Connection currently airs on ACB Media 1 Tuesdays at 10:00PM Eastern and streams whereever you get your podcasts.

Episode Notes This week on Pride Connection, we're focusing on a topic that's been on the minds of most Americans for much of the year, the 2024 Election. As we prepare to cast our ballots for President, Congress, and various local offices and propositions, many questions remain. Why should we vote? What does it matter in the grand scheme of things? And even if we're excited to go to the polls, what happens if our ability to cast a secret, independent ballot is compromised? We're joined by attorney and BPI member Tai Tomassi, who provides an extensive list of resources and hot lines you can contact if you face voter suppression of any kind. Next, several of our members share their voting stories, and their motivations for making their voices heard. They seem to say this every election cycle, but 2024 truly is one of the most important and consequential elections in our nation's history, not just for those in marginalized communities but for democracy itself. If you haven't done so already, please vote and encourage your friends and family to join you. As Justin Dart said, “Vote like your life depends on it, because it does.” www.vote.gov www.usa.gov/election-office www.ballotpedia.org https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/voting-rights https://www.ndrn.org/resource/right-to-help-a-guide-to-getting-help-with-voting/ Pride Connection airs on ACB Media, Stream 1 Tuesdays at 10pm et. It is also available wherever you listen to your podcasts. Visit www.BPI.gay for more information, to join or support our mission.

Blind Lgbt Pride Discussion List celebrated its fall social networking event in Minneapolis September 18 through the 23rd. This highlight wheel gives you a glimpse into the fun and family feeling of our affiliate and the amazing adventures of our fall socials. Please check out Blind pride at: Www.bpi.gay.

Across the nation, books are being banned. Young people are now faced with the strong possibility of not seeing themselves represented in the fiction they're reading. On this latest episode of Pride Connection, several avid readers discuss what it was like to see ourselves on the pages of the books we loved, as well as how it felt when literature failed to represent us in an accurate way. We also offer resources for those living in areas where book bans are in place, and discuss ways individuals can stand up for the rights of all of us to read books that make us feel seen.

Tristan Snyder is back with a 3D audio excursion that takes you all kinds of places in Minneapolis. Grab your headphones, sit back and relax as we take you all around the city. From the airport to a jazz club to a pride festival and more. It's a feast for the ears. BPI is holding our fall social in Minneapolis Minnesota from September 19th through the 22nd this year.

Blind pride international members sit down for a conversation sharing their thoughts about sitting out this year's American council of the blind convention, and discuss pathways towards healing

June is internationally recognized as Pride Month and this year BPI members and allies have taken to the MIC to share their thoughts on Why Pride? Why Pride matters? Why Pride is important? This powerful set of testimonials spans experiences both very personal and very retrospective of our community. We share from our vulnerability, experience and from our hearts. We hope this episode will serve to continue the understanding of why all parts of us matter, need to be respected and why our pride can only strengthen the greater pride of advocacy. If your really still asking yourself: Why Pride in this time and space this episode is for you. BPI celebrates our strong and wonderful Allies this month as well and this episode is also a testimonial in itself of our strong Allied Members. Pride Connection airs on ACB Media stream 1, Tuesday evenings at 10 pm and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts by searching: ACB's Pride Connection For more information or to support our mission please visit www.BPI.gay

Late May coincides with Memorial Day in the U.S. and warm weather in many regions of the world. With summer in the air, it's time to pull out the suitcases from the closet and set out for new travel destinations. On today's Pride Connection podcast, Leah Gardner talks with some BPI members about their travel experiences around the world. They share memories of travels past and hopes for future exploration. They also share tips and tricks for navigating as a visually impaired traveler in new locations. If you want to travel with confidence, get packing and listen to this week's Pride Connection escapade.

Pride is a big deal in the LBGTQIA Plus community, but, for some of us who are blind or visually impaired, the idea of attending such a huge event can feel scary and/or overwhelming. On this episode of Pride Connection, we reached out to some of our members who have attended pride marches all over the country and came away with some tips and tricks that might make the whole experience feel a bit more doable. We hope this episode gives you some insight and maybe some confidence to get out this year and support the community. Pride Connection can be heard Tuesday nights on the ACB Media network Stream 1 at 10 pm; or can be accessed by your favorite podcast catcher by searching: ACB's Pride Connection For more information about our organization please visit www.BPI.Gay Questions about the show or Blind LGBT Pride please email: membership@BlindLGBTPride.org

Episode Notes This week Anthony Corona and Jessica Tomlinson speak with Kaila Allen of ACB Crafters and Jade Alexander to learn about many ways of creating accessible craft projects. Amethyst Twilight also shares her own personal experiences with art and crafting. Low vision? No vision? You can still be an artist or crafter and add beauty to the world. We answer some of the fun questions about crafting, get a little philosophical, and talk about projects that can be fun and exciting! Pride Connection airs Tuesday at 10 PM Eastern on ACB Media 1, and can be found wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Check out ACB Crafters at https://www.facebook.com/groups/acbcrafters/ Check out Jade Alexander and Tokyo Dog Designs at https://www.tokyodogdesigns.com/

Episode Notes Join Pride Connection as we talk with Diane, Collin of ArtsAbly, along with Shannon and Natalia, two blind musicians, who have both studied at the university level. They talk accessibility in the university halls, and the concert halls, and even beyond in the broader community. Learn about some barriers they faced, and some suggestions they have for moving forward. If you're a producer, a performer, or just someone who enjoys the arts, you'll definitely want to tune in for this one.

Episode Notes We at Blind Pride International are always working diligently to advocate for our membership. But, things have been kind of heavy lately and we wanted to lighten things up. We invited BPI members to a recording session where they could share their embarrassing stories and bloopers. Join us for an episode full of laughter and commerodity.

Episode Notes This week a panel of guests lead by Jessica Tomlinson talk about LGBTQ+ representation in TV and Film. Who was your first celebrity gay crush? What character helped you to find the strength to come out? Which character did you most identify with? We discuss these topics and more on this week's episode of Pride Connection!

Episode Notes This week on Pride Connection, we have produced a very special program highlighting the importance of human rights. This episode features a rich tapestry of voices from all walks of life within the membership of Blind LGBT Pride International. The focal point of this presentation is the recent decision by the American Council of the Blind's Board, which chose to remain neutral on the matter of supporting BPI's Human Rights Rally. This choice has stirred a wave of concern and disappointment among us, for a multitude of reasons that we will delve into throughout the program. We hope that you will listen with an open heart and an open mind. Featured Voices Lineup: Leah Gardner - Welcome and Introduction Anthony Corona Tristan Snyder Amethyst John Forster Margie Donovan Erick Marco Ramos Monica Wegner Brynn Lee Ray Campbell Margo Downey Jessica Tomlinson Gabriel Lopez Kafati Leah Gardner - Jenga, a Poem In addition, we featured clips from famous activists and human rights advocates, this list is in order that they were heard. Angelica Ross Rustin Bayard Harvey Milk Judy Heuman Stevie Wonder Additional voices from various news programs and TikTok channels were also used throughout Brynn Lee's segment of our program.

Episode Notes One of BPI's most popular events is our 3D Audio Excursion, which we owe to the Sultan of Sound himself, Tristan Snyder. His tireless efforts have resulted in this amazing example of binaural audio. We'll be back in 2 weeks with a fresh episode of Pride Connection. Until then, enjoy this blast from the past. Here's the original description of this episode for additional contest. If you missed the 3D Audio Excursion at convention this year, fear not; Pride Connection has you covered! Grab those headphones, and tune in. Tristan Snyder will take you on a Tesla autonomous driving tour, a trip on the Portland Max Rail to the Portland Pride Festival, a jaunt to the French Quarter Jazz Festival in New Orleans, and top the evening off with a little stand up comedy from the deviously hilarious Emo Phillips. It's a virtual trip you won't want to miss! Don't forget, headphones are required to experience the 3D aspects of the tour.

Episode Notes This week we invited BPI members and allies to come to Clubhouse to talk about their favorite LGBTQ+ Books. We covered every genre from non-fiction to the weirdest of science fiction and everything in between. Thank you to Jessica Tomlinson for taking the helm and leading this conversation.

Episode Notes Join us this week on Pride Connection, a podcast by Blind LGBT Pride International, as hosts Anthony Corona and Leah Gardner engage in a candid conversation with Brynn Lee. This episode provides an insightful look into Brynn's personal experience with her transition. Brynn will let us in on on the practical and emotional aspects of coming out to friends, family, and employers as a trans woman. We also cover the importance of community and finding your chosen family during this crucial time. We also touch on the legal and financial hurdles Brynn faced during her legal name change. This episode is a great one to catch if you are trans, a parent of a trans child, or an ally who wants to know more about the personal aspects of transition. Pride Connection airs on ACB Media 1 every Tuesday at 10pm ET, and can be found wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts by searching for ACB's Pride Connection.

Episode Notes On this very special episode of Pride Connection, hosts Anthony Corona and Janeen Lea talk with David Cruz of Millionaire Matchmaker and Finding Cupid fame about his newest adventure in love: FruitLoots! David, who originally hails from Guam, shares his story of coming to California for college and the culture shock that was, to being first a contestant, then the host on Millionaire Matchmaker, and creating the wildly popular Finding Cupid. Love is a recurring theme for David; studying it, helping others find and cultivate it, and now helping others celebrate it. He shares his vulnerability with us and why advocating for the queer community still matters, especially for the most vulnerable among us. "Love is Love is Love" will be the theme for BPI's February programming, as well as the name of our first-ever fundraiser. More details about the fundraiser in the program will be shared later this week. Whether you're celebrating loving yourself, a loving partner, a family member, or a friend, FruitLoots is a place for specialized curated love boxes of all kinds by queer-owned and operated small businesses. Our fabulous "Love is Love is Love" fundraiser will open on Monday, January 8. We will post information to our various information lists and send special reminders to our Pride Connection listeners. Thank you so much. Pride Connection airs on ACB Media every Tuesday at 10 pm ET and can be found wherever you listen to your podcasts by asking for ACB's Pride Connection. To support "Love is Love is Love" and all of BPI's important work, please consider joining us or donating to our mission at http://bpi.gay.

Episode Notes This week's episode of Pride Connection showcases a special recording from our Friday Night Fun Chat on Clubhouse, hosted by Jessica and JD. The theme is "Holiday Open House," where the discussion revolves around unique ways of celebrating the holidays, with a focus on how blindness and queerness intersect with festive traditions. Additionally, the episode is enriched with musical contributions from BPI secretary, Tristan Snyder.

Episode Notes This time on Pride Connection, Host Anthony Corona is back, and with him are Advocacy Committee co-chairs Gabriel Lopez Kafati and Tristan Snyder. We'll hear from Florida State Representative Anna Eskamani, and we'll get an update on BPI's plans to bring a powerful advocacy rally to Jacksonville. BPI's reinvigorated Advocacy Committee is ready to offer a platform not only to the LGBTQ+ community, but to all marginalized communities. In this powerful episode, we talk about our views on diversity and about the importance of advocating for equality across the board.

Episode Notes This is a rebroadcast of a previous episode that aired over Pride Month 2023. Blind Pride International and Members and our Allies offer testimonials surrounding restrictive Laws, book bans, drag story hours and so much more. As our community is used as a pawn for political divisiveness, hear from our members in their own words how destructive these proposed and sadly adopted laws are to our community and country. Words matter so much more than we realize and in the words of our MEMBERS AND ALLIES, you will hear how the rhetoric hurts, devalues and frightens us to the core. Our members are; Teachers, Lawyers and Tech developers. They are Parents, Daughters, Sons and Non-binary individuals. Most of all, they are Americans! They are watching and listening as factions in the United States try to Weaponize the way we love. They attempt to shame and blame the LGBTQ+ community, all while framing their divisive tactics as saving the soul of America. The hurt and damage to the mental health of the most vulnerable among us is incalculable. We aren't attempting to groom or convert; rather, we are trying to live our lives as proud Americans. In this episode, you will hear from the very people who are living through these scary times. This powerful episode shines light on the feelings evoked by almost daily attacks on LGBTQ+ HUMANS!! For More information or to support Blind LGBT Pride International, please visit: WWW.BPI.Gay Or to join our mission: WWW.BPI.Gay/join

Episode Notes This episode is brought to us by permission from the Multicultural Affairs Committee (MCAC). This discussion was recorded at the American Council of the Blind National Convention in Schaumburg, Illinois on July 5, 2023. Panelists Jennifer Arnott, Pam Shaw, and Tristan Snyder discuss how recent laws that lead to the removal of books are rewriting history and affecting the blind and other marginalized groups. They highlight the debate over Helen Keller's existence as a key example of this issue. The conversation emphasizes the need to maintain a full historical record in schools and libraries to support equality and rights for all communities.

Episode Notes This evening at 10pm ET and directly after wherever you listen to your podcasts, Pride Connection puts the treat into the Tricky Halloween bag. Enjoy a delectable grab bag of treats including stories and reflections from our community, a spooky audio drama from Tristan Snyder, and a musical offering from Jessica Tomlinson! It's the perfect way to jump into Halloween season! To listen ask your devices to play: ACB Media and choose stream 1 or go to: ACBMedia.org and choose stream 1 or search under podcasts. Special Thanks to all BPI members who shared their Spooky and to Jessica Tomlinson for producing this extravaganza! To support BPI or get more information please visit: BPI.gay/join

Episode Notes For many years, October 11 has been recognized in our country as “National Coming Out Day.” Have you ever wondered why do we celebrate coming out? Do you know what is the importance of coming out for the LGBTQ+ Community? In this edition of Pride Connection, we share and listen personal stories that illustrate why it is so important. Join us, as we hear powerful testimonials from a diverse panel composed of BPI Members. Pride is the opposite of shame; and for too long, members of the LGBTQ+ Community were forced to live in shame, in a closet. Coming Out is the act of sharing with loved ones and society at large the fullness of our beauty and the entirety of our light! Letting someone you know that they have a safe space in which they can feel free to come out and be themselves is not only life-changing, but it can also be life-saving. Please join Pride Connection, as BPI celebrates National Coming Out Day! Tuesday, October 10 at 10:00 PM EDT and shortly after through your favorite podcast catcher.

Episode Notes Tune in as the Pride Connection crew recommend some of their favorite other podcasts, besides Pride Connection, that is! You may want to add a few of these to your favorite podcast catcher! Happy listening! Stacey's Recommendations: Making Gay History https://makinggayhistory.com/ VisionCast with JC & Friends https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/preston-gaylor Aaron's Opinion https://open.spotify.com/show/4ufuOkBmyC2XM8BccB57eA Brynn's Recommendations: Gender Reveal https://www.genderpodcast.com/ We're Having Gay Sex https://werehavinggaysex.com/ Penny Forward https://www.pennyforward.com/podcast-2/ Twenty Thousand Hertz https://www.20k.org/ The Morning Stream https://www.frogpants.com/tms The Moth https://themoth.org/podcast TED Radio Hour https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/ Overcast - APP https://apps.apple.com/us/app/overcast/id888422857 Jessica's Recommendations: Handsome https://podtail.com/en/podcast/handsome/ Queery https://maximumfun.org/podcasts/queery/ We Can Do Hard Things https://wecandohardthingspodcast.com/ The Soundgirls Podcast https://soundgirls.org/the-soundgirls-podcast/ Leah's Recommendations: RISK! https://www.risk-show.com/ The Rachel Maddow Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/7yfYvyKNKAuuqSX3PVyRYi The Fun Zone with Brynn Lee http://funzone.show iCatcher - APP https://apps.apple.com/us/app/icatcher-podcast-player/id414419105

Episode Notes First they came for is a recording of an advocacy panel discussion, held at the Convention in Schaumburg, Illinois. Participants spoke about current threats to our community, and what can be done to ensure that we have a brighter future. Please listen, and. Be inspired to get involved!

Episode Notes In today's episode, we embark on an enlightening journey through the exploration of aging within the LGBTQ+ community. We're honored to present "Aging Over The Rainbow," a discussion that provides insights into the unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs faced by LGBTQ+ individuals as they age. Featuring our hosts, Anthony Corona and Miss Ruth Williams, and special guest, Dr. David Rosen, this conversation dives deep into the intersectionality of aging and LGBTQ+ identity. With thoughtful reflections and expert insights, we gain a clearer understanding of the dynamics at play and the importance of fostering inclusivity at every stage of life.

Episode Notes This week Randy Reed hosts a panel discussion exploring various identifiers in blind and LGBTQ+ communities. Anthony Corona, Brynn Lee, and Stacey Paulson join us to discuss which identifiers they use and how these identities intersect. This conversation was recorded during the Virtual portion of the 2023 ACB National Convention.