Queer Intentions

Steph says school's out for summer!!!!!!!!!stay in touch for updates and QI's return in the fall @queer.intentions on instagramSupport the show

Amanda Wickert is my childhood best friend from Omaha, Nebraska. She is one of the largest influences for me on my #queerjourney but also one of the brightest, most resilient, most incredible people I have gotten to hold so close.Sooo.. I thought I would share her with you all. She talks about her experiences with men (great), her internalized homophobia (not great) and her perspective on healthcare with regard to queer and trans people (the WORST). Her & I talk about this endlessly and I would love to have more of these conversations shared with others. ENJOY!what a time!!!!!!!!!!!Support the show

Haley Jakobson is a bisexual writer who is about to publish her first novel Old Enough on June 20th!!!She and I talk about the duality of bisexuality, the second puberty that comes with dating women for the first time, and celebrating all sides of queerness. I have followed her for years inspired by the way she writes about bisexuality as a woman and the nuance that comes with being taken seriously as a bisexual dream girl. Please presave her book through her website: https://www.haleyjakobson.comYou can also find her on instagram and TikTok  @haleyjakobsonSupport the show

Rae has lived a couple lives though recently works out of the midwest as a counselor. She/they are active on Instagram and TikTok and recently started their own podcast solely focused on mental health. Rae identifies as a masc lesbian and uses she/they pronouns. In this conversation we cover their queer journey, boundaries with family (!) and queer stereotypes that I had a few questions about from a mental health perspective. Rae and I got connected on TikTok because I just wanted to be a queer woman however I saw fit. I do like labels but not in this alphabet army, I found myself just getting into more and more trouble. Rae did such a good job of helping me understand more about our queer gays and theys. Big sigh. You can find Rae on instagram @ RaeSchneiderConsulting TikTok Healing Mindfulness and her website RaeSchneiderConsulting.com.Support the show

Hunter is most known for his TikTok account with over one million followers and fans share in his humor, his hurt, his politics and his sexuality. In part II of this episode, Hunter and I talk about the generational differences, why young people might not want to have kids, and his TikTok evolution.  I love everything Hunter has to say in this episode, I laughed a little too hard... enjoyFind/Support Hunter on TikTok and Instagram: hunterkaimiSupport the show

Hunter is most known for his TikTok account with over one million followers and fans share in his humor, his hurt, his politics and his sexuality. While Hunter does identify as pansexual, he does not spend a lot of time worrying about it. In this episode, I ask hunter what it is like as a man entering queer spaces, masculinity judgements, bigotry, religious trauma, etc. He attributes much of his exploration to being friends with queer women, which I love. I could talk to Hunter forever, he is so well spoken and so aware of his own privileges and shortcomings, it was incredibly refreshing. Next week we will continue the conversation (YAY!)Find/Support Hunter on TikTok and Instagram: hunterkaimiSupport the show

This week we welcome Rural Oklahoma Pride as we talk about Jacob's journey starting conversations about queerness and marches through his small town in Oklahoma. As always we discuss his queer journey as well and what motivated him to be loud and proud.As we are currently seeing in Tennessee, often these red states get stereotyped but the blue dots are coming through and putting the work in. No one should have to move just to be who they are and queer people are EVERYWHERE. That's the best part. If you are looking to find out more about Rural Oklahoma Pride they are on facebook and instagram via RuralOklahomaPride.Support the show

Trigger Warning - suicideAnna's episode last week included the dialogue around suicidal ideation, what it feels like, and why suicide rates are higher than ever but no one feels like they can talk about it. This second episode is a continuation focused on how to support each other whether you have felt this way or not and as always, knowing you are not alone. Anna is an author, freelance writer, podcast host, and editor who currently resides in NYC.  Follow her on twitter and instagram @annabrogesThe article we reference is: https://theoutline.com/post/7267/living-with-passive-suicidal-ideationSupport the show

Trigger Warning - suicideFour years ago Anna published a very vulnerable article about mental health and suicidal ideation. Little did she know it would go viral and ignite a larger conversation on what it means to want to live and want to die. The numbers dont lie with young people and disenfranchised communities being affected by depression, mood disorders, and suicide now more than ever . Anna has inspired me to open up about my journey with these thoughts and feelings and how isolating it can be in a world where you are either crazy or perfectly fine. Anna is an author, freelance writer, podcast host, and editor who currently resides in NYC.  Follow her on twitter and instagram @annabrogesThe article we reference is: https://theoutline.com/post/7267/living-with-passive-suicidal-ideationSupport the show

I learned so much from this episode and if you would have told me I would be interviewing a gay nurse and doula I would never have believed it! Paige and I discuss her experiences working with those through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. We also talk about the healthcare system and how pregnant women are treated in the US. And, of course, she touches on her queer experience, gender roles, and queer love. As someone who has not always felt connected to the idea of giving birth and having kids, this conversation was so interesting. Enjoy!For more info:paigegreenwellness.cominstagram: pagpaggySupport the show

This is a very personal episode where I talk with my mom about our tumultuous journey when I came out to her. I appreciate my Mom's vulnerability to come on and talk about how she got to the place where we are now. It was not always easy but it was worth it. Way way way worth it. & as always, thanks for joining me for the hard conversations, MB. Support the show

Olivia Gatwood is a poet and author and it definitely shows in this conversation. We talk her queer journey, feminine rage, and how binary thinking ruins our connection with others. People are complex and we are always more than one thing. This conversation was so timely for me and as an angry, offended woman I found a little more hope through Olivia. Go support her work!!!!!!!Instagram: @oliviagatwoodWebsite: oliviagatwood.comShe is the author of two poetry collections, NEW AMERICAN BEST FRIEND and LIFE OF THE PARTY.  She is the co-writer of the film THE GOVERNESSES alongside director Joe Talbot (The Last Black Man in San Francisco). Her debut novel, WHOEVER YOU ARE, HONEY, will be released in 2023.Support the show

Daniel Blevins is the accidental founder of Stand In Pride - a network of LGBTQ+ people and allies to connect  and stand in for any event where support is lacking. I love how he stumbled upon this whole movement just by raising his hand and has now created a network of 90k people and counting who have a private and monitored facebook groups to meet people just like themselves. Please enjoy our conversation on being queer in the bible belt, how Stand In Pride has come to be, and Daniel's joy at seeing people helping one another.Facebook: Stand In Pride Instagram & TikTok: the_zombie_danSupport the show

Sarah Vezina is the successful co-founder of the clothing brand Octopied Mind based out of New Brunswick. The company was founded in 2018 and has since gathered international success with their unique  graphic t-shirt designs, growing to stickers, home decor, swimwear and more. Octopied Mind is the epitome of creating something you love for the right reasons. Their audience recognizes that as they continue to grow and create space to address mental health and spark meaningful conversation. Please use code 'queerintentions15' for 15% off your first order with OM!Instagram: octopiedmindhttps://octopiedmind.com/Support the show

Al  provides his insight around his litigation with the famous Supreme Court case allowing same-sex marriage as a constitutional right. He also speaks to the process amidst current legislation that is under review across the country ie abortion rights. Al Gerhardstein is a civil rights attorney in Ohio who has been litigating since 1976. While he is best known nationally as lead counsel for James Obergefell in the Supreme Court's same-sex marriage decision Obergefell v. Hodges, he has been an advocate on behalf of prisoners, victims of police misconduct and women seeking reproductive freedom throughout his career, in addition to LGBTQ causes like same-sex marriage.I learned a lot  - enjoy!Support the show

TW: suicide mentions, conversion therapySara Cunningham began her journey of becoming an advocate of the LGBTQIA+ community through her relationship with her gay son. She founded Free Mom Hugs in 2014 and since that time many parents and allies across the country joined the movement to accept, love and support the LGBTQIA community.Katrina Kalb works with Sara on programming and social media and has her own unique journey coming out. She met Sara and they have been working together for years spreading love and celebration all over the country through Free Mom Hugs. This episode is very emotional and involves religious trauma, suicide, and conversion therapy trauma. Please listen when you are ready. Instagram: freemomhugshttps://freemomhugs.orgSupport the show

Eric Marcus is a best selling novelist, founder of the nonprofit Making Gay History, and podcaster of the popular Making Gay History podcast. He has been interviewing members of the queer community since the eighties and continues to publish interviews from the iconic LGBTQ+ individuals that helped to shape the future of queerness today. In this conversation we get to know how Eric got involved in interviewing queer people during a time where no one was asking. We also touch on the AIDs epidemic briefly as well as the growth we have made as community that sometimes only has one thing in common, being different. You can find Eric and his podcast on all platforms ie Making Gay History. Enjoy!Support the show

My new unlikely friendship founded in TikTok joins me for a wonderful and dynamic conversation about queerness and womanhood. We discuss breakups, sexual trauma, activism, and women empowerment. She is kind and funny and I hope you walk away from this conversation the way I did - with a big exhale. Please follow on instagram at Alyssa.up, tiktok alyssanupofficial, and listen to her podcast on all streaming platforms!!!

Steph just stopping in to deliver a message!!! Tis the season!

Moe Girton and Brittany Leach join me in discussing women's bars vs gay bars, the generational changes in queer culture, and how the community needs each other now more than ever. Moe Girton is the owner of both Gossip Grill and Barrel & Board located in San Diego CA. Brittany Leach is the marketing director for both establishments. Next time you are in town, don't forget to visit!!!

Steph and Chris discuss queer pop culture, make some jokes, and hope to bring some levity to your Monday - take it easy gays, girls, and theys.

Listen along as Chris and Stephanie catch up on a variety of topics from recent life updates dating to fighting in relationships and many other things. This episode is only the tip of the iceberg on more personal details about Chris and Stephanie's lives that Season 1 didn't fully cover.

This week's episode was recorded on National Coming Out Day, October 11, to commemorate all of those who have bravely come out of the closet over the years. Listen along as Chris and Steph discuss their coming out journeys in greater detail with different anecdotes than the OG coming out episode. Religion and shame (oh my!) play a very outsized role in this week's podcast. Let us know what you think by rating and following us!

Join us for the latest conversation of Queer Intentions,  -- someone I have been wanting to have on the pod for a minute --  queer founder and owner of Ultreya coffee shop in San Diego. Dani took her passion for coffee and leadership and turned it into a space where sober queer female-identifying people can congregate and rest. Ultreya embodies what coffee starts: community, creativity, and a safe space. Dani never intended on Ultreya being specifically a queer sober space but the queers started showing up and never stopped. Please go follow and visit Ultreya - they are constantly inviting events specific to queer women as well as creative outlets for all of us to gather and learn new things. It is more than a coffee shop and Dani is more than a leader - listen up!

AC fills our cup of hope for the future after living through transformative times in the 80s and 90s as an openly gay person. In this episode you will hear stories on women's rights, and  LGBTQ+ rights and how AC fought for us and continues to do so. It may feel bleak out there but there is no reason to forget that activism can still be a grand ole time!AC's other work below!!!IG: annechristinedadeskyTwitter: @poxvoxWebsite: annechristinedadesky.comBlog: acdadesky.substack.com

Sem is a dear friend I met on the big hike across rural Spain. He is 20 years old and from the Netherlands and is a trans man navigating his big beautiful future! He just moved to Berlin to study music.Trans rights have taken center stage in the US and is often faced with controversy. Often many people still do not know a trans person or understand what that would feel like. Sem opens up his thoughts and feelings and provides an international perspective but also a human one. 

If you don't like a stream of consciousness on the woes of Don't Say Gay, the right to abortion access, common sense gun reform, capitalism, and many other things, then this bonus episode isn't for you. Continuing on the theme of providing a forum for Chris and Stephanie to rail on the issues of the moment, listen along as the two discuss their most impassioned causes and why all LGBTQ+ people should care.

Vitallia Williams is one of a kind. She is a black, queer,  disabled army veteran. She is someone has examined so much of herself: sexuality, race, and gender. To witness someone who has done the work and shared with such poise and wisdom I was absolutely honored to hear her speak. She will definitely be welcomed back!

Please join me in listening to an incredibly unique perspective from Olivia. Olivia identifies as a bisexual, a first generation Chinese American, and a woman in tech. The coolest part is her sexuality is her favorite layer. She explores growing up in China and having these feelings, what it is like being bi and dating her boyfriend, and how she celebrates her queerness in all ways possible. Olivia's perspective is one we should all hear - enjoy!

Chris and Stephanie both have a passion for current events especially living in this current political and social shit storm. Tune in if you're interested to learn a few things or just hear us vent about how the world is upside down!Monkeypox - let's listen up. 

My fellow midwestern girl and I discuss what bisexuality means to us. We both grew up in a very homogenous town and agree that queerness looks different on everyone. We also discuss sexual trauma and criticize the queer community's most common stereotypes and why we give in to heteronormative toxicity. 

Stephanie's uncle, Steve Hutnick, tested positive for HIV in 1985 in San Francisco towards the beginning of the onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Steve stories his journey from his diagnosis to the team that rallied around him and all of the ups and downs of experimental drugs and nontraditional medicine that has defined his life. Listen in as Steve details his life over those years and how he's come to live a "normal" life today after going through all that he's gone through.

In this conversation with Justine we talk about the three different times she had to come out to her traditional, catholic, Philippino  American family. We also discuss dating in the queer community and pursuing your dreams despite the non-traditional path. Finally we speak on love and boundaries. Following what feels good and having it all because you deserve it. 

Mallory Madfes and Stephanie share corporate stories, queer activism, and the queer female-identifying community at large. If you are wondering where all the corporate queer women are at, we asked. If you are feeling weird in the community/city you are in, we answer. If you can safely come out, please do. We beg you

Chris is joined by Ryliegh Vieira (they/she) and Lucy Pazos (they/them), the fantastic married duo behind Nashville's preeminent vegan bakery popup. They discuss their roundabout way of meeting one another, becoming the people they are now, and the exciting and eventful journey of building a business in Nashville.Check out all things Y&L at www.yellowandlavender.com AND follow them on Instagram @yellowandlavender_.

Sometimes you don't know you're LGBTQ+ until you meet someone who just does it for you. Amber discusses her nontraditional path to discovering her sexuality and falling in love, all at the same time. Join us as we discuss the relationship between homophobia and the Black community, looking for representation in media, and one of the cutest love stories you will ever hear as Amber talks about her love.

Join Chris as he discusses Aniekan Akpaninyie's unique perspective at the intersection of his identity as a black gay man living in Chicago. He grew up in the South and had his fair share of racist and homophobic situations. His nuanced experience as someone who enjoys and competes in CrossFit and powerlifting competitions provides him with an incredibly interesting take on where he's found a place for himself in all of these different communities. Aniekan has the added bonus of being Chris' first friend in Chicago, which is extra special!

This episode lives in my head rent free especially growing up in a religious household. The religious institution has literally and emotionally burned the gays for centuries and that trauma lives on. If you grew up religious, if you still want it, if you are still hurting, give this a listen. And please please take care of yourself. It is pride, be proud, and you are exactly who you are supposed to be. 

Wesley identities as a bisexual woman of color who is definitely in the queer community now and in love with her long term girlfriend. Gold star ally or GAY? Like Wesley says you do not have to be in a community to care about them. Wesley tells us about queer people and the arts community, not knowing she was queer and coming out later, and queer culture vs being queer. Give it a listen and let us know what you think!

Season 2 of Queer Intentions is back and ready to go! Chris and I discuss our favorite conversations of what is to come with our "Everyday Queer" series. 

Stephanie and Chris get even more into the details with their sexual experiences, tips and tricks, what is gay sex... it just makes sense. Give it a listen - prepare for the graphic and dirty details! All fun and games until the sheets are ruined and we need a sex blanket. 

It's finally here! Chris and Steph take a deep dive into some of the juiciest details of their sex lives that have shaped their journey as queers. No spoilers here! You'll just have to give it a listen to see where this one goes. Below are the two podcasts Chris and Steph reference:Bad Queers: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Y1edmoLln35Zqu1rl2QZ4?si=9ab90fe7b80e4829LGBTQ&A: https://open.spotify.com/show/37E7LIv89GodYNEBAWREd8?si=6552ef4e5c514f85

Stephanie and Chris talk about their loves, how queer love is different from straight love, and the gay love experience and how it evolves. Love is love is love and there's so much more here. We are excited to talk about the point of it all and the motivation behind all the gay pride: LOVE. Enjoy!

Stephanie & Chris discuss their first impressions of each other, queer vibes or not, their work selves and how they developed their friendship by chance (i.e., a last minute dinner in Pittsburgh). Stephanie also discusses her journey to being queer, getting physically involved with queer women, and recommends therapy to all! No surprises here. Tune in to understand us better - how our unlikely pairing has led us to where we are today. Cheers!

Stephanie and Chris touch on a variety of topics including: straight people thinking the gays are always trying to f*** them, coming out late in life, and gay monogamy.Stephanie also walks back some of her "define yourself" comments from the previous episode as we speak to the idea if sexuality is fluid then let it be really  fluid. Many different ideas we dipped our toes into and deep dives for future episodes. Have at it!

Chris and Stephanie discuss gay-baiting, dating while closeted or ashamed of your sexuality, and the nuances of past queer experiences in a continuation of their conversation on lingo and language in the LGBTQ community. Link to Hustler by Josef Salvat on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/2GV8KD7EvTPkuG7hGC6sX1?si=bee676eb11154821.

From twinks to uhauling to cruising and more, Chris and Stephanie discuss the important lingo and slang used in the gay and lesbian communities. No doubt, this isn't exhaustive, so please listen in and let us know what we missed!

Chris and Stephanie continue their conversation around LGBTQ+ stereotypes and their own experiences with those stereotypes. From tells to gaydars to assumed roles in sex, Stephanie and Chris dig a little deeper on how stereotypes have played into their queer journeys.

Chris and Stephanie talk gay male and lesbian stereotypes - and the differences between the two communities. We briefly touch on straights being curious and how that affects the LGBTQ+ community. This is part one of some incredibly nuanced topics of what a stereotypical gay could look like but also how problematic that can be. Happy listening!

Chris and Stephanie tackle a variety of uncomfortable moments - what not to ask to those coming out, offensive questions vs curious questions, workplace coming out, and our own experiences responding to these situations. Just the tip of the iceberg - give it a listen!