Queer Late Night Hosted by Ell McCullars

On this episode of QLN, Emmy Nominated journalist Trey Sherman aims the mic at Ell (Less McCullars III). The Salisbury, Maryland, born and raised now New Yorker, shares bits and pieces of his story of triumph over tribulation. It's a fun and emotional listen as he talks about his career change from public health to nightlife—the purpose of creating a podcast on unhealthy coping mechanisms with alcohol dependency and suicidal ideation. Most importantly, the understanding of creating safe boundaries and the importance of positive affirmation for oneself. Recorded August 2022Audio Editing Provided By: Ell McCullars

There's some people in life you can go months without hearing from but, the minute you pick up the phone it's like there wasn't anytime apart at all. That's Jonathan Cotto he's a reporter for KSAT's Good Morning San Antonio. More importantly, Jonny is a jet setter when it comes to finding his own lane of happiness and sticking to it. I remember when I couldn't pry him form his neatly organized, bleach filled barracks room. Now, 12 years later he's bilingual award-winning news reporter that still listens to Beyoncé. Please Support https://transasylias.org/about/ (https://transasylias.org/) Queer Late Night is edited by Pretty Easy Podcasts https://prettyeasypodcasts.com/ (Get all the production help you need to make podcasting fun and easy at prettyeasypodcasts.com!)

QLN Welcomes Iman Le Caire CEO & Founder of Trans Asylias, activist, advocate, artist, & angel. Iman was born Ayman Kassem in Cairo, Egypt. She was enjoying a career as a contemporary dancer at the Cairo Opera House as a choreographer when she had to flee Egypt to avoid persecution. She moved to the US in 2008 where she was granted political asylum & married in 2014 to her husband Jèan Le Caire. Listen as Iman shares her personal story about how the pandemic forced her to address her PTSD in way that she hadn't before. Iman said through therapy she was able to harness her own traumatic experience and turn it into a source of empowerment to help save the lives of other trans people faced with persecution, violence, and trauma globally. To find out ways you can to support Trans Asylias please visit transasylias.org/about/ Queer Late Night is edited by Pretty Easy Podcasts https://prettyeasypodcasts.com/ (Get all the production help you need to make podcasting fun and easy at prettyeasypodcasts.com!)

Cristina Herrera founded Translatina Network in 2007, in order to organize and empower the transgender immigrant community through leadership development and education. Cristina was formerly the Transgender Programs Coordinator at the Lesbian, Gay Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (The Center), where she worked in various roles for 11 years. In her final role there, prior to moving into full-time staff leadership at TN, she oversaw the development of workforce development programming specifically designed to meet the needs of the TGNC community. Listen to Cristina as she shares her personal journey as a Trans-person and, how it shaped and empowered her purpose for creating a space & accessible resources for people in the Trans community. As the founder and CEO of the Translatina Network, Cristina and her staff continue to provide as many services as possible to the countless TGNC people living in New York City. SHOW NOTES: https://translatinxnetwork.org/ (Translatinx Network) 137 West 19th Street Floor 2 New York, NY 10011 https://transequality.org/ (National Center for Transgender Equality ) https://www.vogue.com/article/trans-organizations-to-support (VOGUE "5 Trans Organizations to Support") Queer Late Night is edited by Pretty Easy Podcasts https://prettyeasypodcasts.com/ (Get all the production help you need to make podcasting fun and easy at prettyeasypodcasts.com!)

Maxim Ibadov (he/they/fab) is a Brooklyn- born, Moscow-raised, Jewish-American who's not afraid of living their life authentically. They're an event-organizer, podcast host/ producer, theater director, activist, and arts educator at Park Avenue Armory. The Brooklyn-born testifies to their experience of growing up as a queer person in Russia, and what moving to America meant for them. More importantly, Maxim speaks out against the war taking place in Ukraine. As a member of a WE Together, a collective aimed to unite and celebrate the Caucasus, Eastern Europe and Central Asia (CEECA) LGBTQIA+ community, Maxim works to create spaces where every queer person from the post-Soviet region gets to find their tribe because no one deserves to go it (???) alone. You can find Maxim on Instagram @maxim_fab. How you can support those affected by the war in Ukraine: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Support-Black-people-fleeing-Ukraine?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=sms&utm_source=customer (Fundraiser by Tokunbo Koiki : Support Black people fleeing Ukraine (gofundme.com)) https://campaigns.allout.org/ukraine-fundraiser (All Out - Here is how you can help LGBT+ Ukrainians now!) info@kyivpride.org ngo.cohort@gmail.com Queer Late Night is edited by Pretty Easy Podcasts https://prettyeasypodcasts.com (Get all the production help you need to make podcasting fun and easy at prettyeasypodcasts.com!)

Joey Skladany is a writer/editor, TV/radio personality, lifestyle expert, former entertainment publicist, and published author. He was most recently editor-at-large of CBS Interactive's Chowhound where he managed the site's food and travel editorial content. Throughout all the multimedia endeavors he's accomplished publishing his first cookbook “Basic Bitchen” is one of his career and personal highlights thus far. The publication includes recipes that Joey has been perfecting for 10+ years. With a sharpened sense for fine wines, food, travel, on top of being an accredited writer. Joey is ultra gay :).  This podcast is meant for the dreamers. When you in yourself things happen. Listen as Joey describes the moment of realization that he's publishing his first cookbook. As well as how growing up in a Sicilian & Czech American family helped him carve out his gustatory perception of the fine arts.

Douglas Lyons is an actor, playwright, writer, director, composer, and teacher. He served as a writer & composer on Apple TV's 2022 series Fraggle Rock. His new family comedy "Chicken and Biscuits", which got its world premiere at Queens Theatre has touched the hearts of many in the way it sheds light on the power of healing and unity from a black family perspective. Mr. Lyons is an inspiration for all creatives. Listen to this episode and find out what inspires Lyons the most. From New Haven, Connecticut Douglas is a person who's comfortable with thinking & creating freely and encourages more people to do the same. This episode is for the people.  https://prettyeasypodcasts.com (Produced by Pretty Easy Podcasts)

Dr. Felipe Henao is one of the kindest, most down to earth, and hard-working individuals you'll ever have the pleasure of meeting. Dr. Henao joined New York Tech as Dean of Students for the New York City and Long Island campuses in March 2021. He has been instrumental in bridging the gap between commuter and residential students at Mercy College. He has also instilled a holistic approach to student success and academic achievement. Dr. Henao has secured various grants, including an AmeriCorp VISTA to help implement campus-wide food pantries to address food insecurity. He was recently accepted as a content expert for Complete College America with a focus on addressing student basic needs and is now working on a project to address student success primarily for adult learners at Historically Black Colleges. Listen as Dr. Felipe shares his testimony of how his career path was inspired by the hard work of his parents, as well as his gratitude for having the privilege to help provide queer & people of color access to education. https://prettyeasypodcasts.com (Produced by Pretty Easy Podcasts)

On this episode of Queer Late Night, we welcome the one and only Brita, from season 12 of RuPaul's Drag Race! Servicing as one of New York City's fiercest drag performers, Brita is an avid activist, and an advocate for LGBTQ and women's rights. Brita shares her story and insight on everything that she's accomplished outside of Drag Race. Listen as Brita opens up about anxiety and depression and find out how she's learned to grow and cope with whatever life has to offer. Drag isn't only about expression, it's also therapeutic in the way that it touches the lives of many. Enjoy our conversation with the purest of them all!

Queer Late Night welcomes with big arms Dey Phoenix! Dey is a person with so much charisma, charm, & compassion for the arts. He is a triple threat erotic pole dancer, instructor, and when he's not dancing, he serves as the chapter president for Impulse Group NYC; advocating for the local queer community.  In this episode, Dey gives us just a small slice of the big projects he has planned for his journey outside of the steady 9-5 atmosphere. He has performed for a number of shows and nightlife events such as Schtick A Pole In It, Lyfe Lounge, PoleCon, and more recently, Polari ATL. Listen to Dey Phoenix share how exuding sexuality through the art of pole dancing has been a part of his own mental and spiritual healing voyage.

On this episode of QLN we talk with Dr. Alfonso Ferguson about mental health & mindfulness as a hot topic to kick off 2022. If you've experienced the feeling of being stuck, this is a great starter conversation. Dr. Ferguson is a full-time faculty member in the Graduate Counseling Program at Centenary University, as well as a queer person of color, who's dedicated to creating change by encouraging people to engage in their own mental health and well-being. He has a strong interest to work with LGBTQ+ Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) struggling with mood disorders and psychosocial stressors. This episode is meant to be helpful for people looking to better their mental health as they plan for a successful year.

For many people the holiday season brings much excitement and festivities but, for others it's a time of heightened emotional vulnerability & isolation. Surveys show that people among the LGBTQ community commonly experience increased feelings of anxiety, stress, & depression during these times. For a lot of us going home means leaving the safety net of our queer freedom and identities behind just to survive the “family” function. Let us not forget that there are many who don't have the option of going home or there isn't a home to go to. This week, Sarah Mikhail (she/her) Executive Director of Time Out Youth, an organization serving a LGBTQ-youth in Charlotte, NC shares her professional and personal approach on the importance of identifying emotional triggers, how to create safe boundaries for uncomfortable situations and healthy ways to communicate when those boundaries have been crossed. More importantly how to show up and be supportive for our chosen friends and loved ones who are spending the holiday season alone.

On this Episode of QLN, we have the pleasure of hearing a story that is not only about sobriety, but it's also about self empowerment, self trust, and, most importantly, self love. Christina Ouyang is a queer ally, a nightlife enthusiast, and a sober person, exuding inspiration to people who want to start their sober journey. By night time you find her at New York City's newest queer night club, The Q, and by day she helps cultivate the colorful world of fashion. In this conversation Christina opens up about the importance of cultural representation, trusting yourself, being present, and more importantly the power in knowing and understanding your triggers. Sobriety doesn't mean isolation or the absence of thrill. Sobriety is a new beginning to a life of fulfilling your goals, chasing your dreams, and having fun while being present for the ones you love.

On this episode on QLN we have the pleasure to be in the presence of super stars on their rise to the top. Not only are Odessa and Issa magical to watch, but their story of friendship, sisterhood, artistry and business partnership goes unmeasured. From being published in issues of Vogue and Billboard magazine, to their studio recorded album, “The Fine Print," The Dragon Sisters have made themselves known all over New York City as nothing to be fu*ked with. This episode is soaked in black queer artistry and it's a testimony to believing in yourself, working hard, and staying dedicated to your craft.

Glow Job & “My Last Free Gig” On this episode QLN we hear from superstar on the rise Glow Job with no s. Glow is no stranger to sudden change. In his life he's been the orchestrator of the change he wanted to see in NYC nightlife. Glow opens up about breaking through negative doubts of others to refine his own take on what drag and performance art means from a Glow Job point of view.  Glow in details opens up about the pivotal moment when being comfortable wasn't enough to keep Glow chained to the 9-5 lifestyle. Hailing from Sunnyside Queens, Glow Job is a circus, mime, clown, burlesque, gogo, pole, aerial, crafty, lewk queen here to bring some joy and color into the world.

On this Episode of QLN bestie Ricky & Ell open up a conversation about their early adolescence  experiences with gender expression and sexual identity. At the age of 14 Ricky knew he needed to close the bedroom door for his personal rehearsal to “Borderline” By Madonna.  Born and raised in a small town of Salisbury, Maryland, Ell takes you on a short walk down memory lane to trying on mommy's clothes and in some cases altering them for better use.   Episode 6, is meant to be the precursor for Episode 5 with Alex Borsa “Toxic Masculinity and Mental Health”. Nevertheless, this episode is a good example of what it is to do the work of developing and understanding oneself. Finding / Building the confidence in yourself outside of the social norms & expectations can be almost like a reawakening experience.  Clothes don't have a gender.

On this episode of “Queer Late Night” we start the conversation of unpacking & understanding the box of toxic masculinity and how its effects both cripples men's mental health and damages the progressive nature of the LGBTQ community as a whole. We also acknowledge that we don't know what to with masculinity that isn't toxic. As well ways to bring more visibility and representation of queers bodies and culture. Alex Borsa is a PhD student in socio-medical sciences and sociology at Columbia University. Alex's background is in HIV, sexual health, and general hoeing, and he now looks at corporate investment in women's health and fertility services. When Alex's isn't turning looks or reading books he's busy writing informative & educational pieces like “The Doomsday Sperm Theory Embraced by the Far Right” or “Gay Circuit Parties During COVID Sparked a “Civil War.” Can Anyone Win?” for “Slate” magazine. Remember to like, comment, share and subscribe. https://slate.com/technology/2021/05/sperm-counts-decline-fertility-science-white-nationalism.html (https://slate.com/technology/2021/05/sperm-counts-decline-fertility-science-white-nationalism.html) https://slate.com/human-interest/2021/01/gay-circuit-parties-new-years-covid.html (https://slate.com/human-interest/2021/01/gay-circuit-parties-new-years-covid.html)

On this episode of QLN we have the pleasure of hearing from Rutgers University graduate, Pharmacy Specialist at AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and social media personality Jomil Luna. With a Masters of Public Health. Jomil is an avid activist and advocate for people living with HIV and a promoter of public health and safety. In this interview Jomil takes it a step further by opening up and sharing his own personal & professional journey with HIV. You're in for a treat, because this episode is packed full of laughs and it sheds more light on the importance of finding your footing in difficult moments, and growing into the person you want to be! Thank you listening! Follow us @QueerLateNight on Instagram! Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please reach out to us via email at queerlatenight@gmail.com! Or, help us with our production costs directly on our GoFundMe page! Thank you for your support! https://gofund.me/640a556f

In the spirt of Pride and in the efforts of continuing to commit to inclusivity in the LGBTQ community, Queer Late Night is proud and honored to present “Coming To: The Madison Black Interview." This is a story about understanding, embracing, and living your truth on the inside and out!   In Episode 3, Madison Black, the resilient Texas TRANS-plant, shares her personal journey of transitioning and the inherent importance of accessible trans affirming resources and representation. In this interview we take a small dive into the power of manifestation. While many people fled New York City during the pandemic, Madison took a leap of faith and followed her heart right into to it.    Thank you listening! Follow us @QueerLateNight on Instagram!

I want to start by saying I am so blessed and thankful to know and to have so many open minded individuals with exhilarating and passionate stories that they're willing to share with the world. On episode two of Queer Late Night, former make-up artist turned adult entertainer, and dare I say internet sensation, Xavier Blanco, gives us his insight on what it was like to create, brand and invest in his own artistry as a sex worker. However, this interview is NOT solely based on sex work. Xavier opens up a very empowering conversation about his journey through sobriety. He gives us his personal truth and shares bit of his blue print in taking the steps to become the absolute superstar he already is.  ❤️ Queer Late Night welcomes and wholeheartedly THANKS @nycdominicano for sharing his story and his truth! Thank you listening! Follow us @QueerLateNight on Instagram!

On the pilot episode of Queer Late Night, Ell McCullars welcomes a close personal longtime dear good friend...the one and only Ricky Roman! Thank you listening! Follow us @QueerLateNight on Instagram!

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