Podcast appearances and mentions of karen ocamb

Karen Ocamb is now a leading LGBTQ journalist in LA, but decades ago she was a cranky teenager on the East Coast, who was very gently reproved by Paul Newman over some freshly caught fish. When Newman died, Ocamb filed a loving commentary on her two encounters with the star. Then, since Newman won the Academy's Jean Hersholt award at the Oscars in 1994, another distinguished journalist, Hollywood historian Alex Ben Block, goes to the Hollywood Walk of Fame to tell us who Jean Hersholt was and why he's beloved in the Industry. Both of these pieces originally aired in October of 2008.   Support for this podcast comes from Gordon and Dona Crawford, who believe that quality journalism makes Los Angeles a better place to live; and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. Off-Ramp theme music by Fesliyan Studios.

Today on Sidebar With John Duran: FIRST SEGMENT –  Our final interview for BLACK HISTORY MONTH with Rev. Lucia Chappelle from MCC Churches. Lucia is a leader in both the LGBT and African American community. What should Black History month mean for LGBT people? SECOND SEGMENT – WOMEN and METH? TWEAKER’S PROJECT. CHEM SEX.  An interview with MELLISSA MCCRACKEN and JIMMY PALMIERI. Mellissa is an out lesbian in recovery from meth addiction who now works in the recovery arena. She was once homeless with meth psychosis on the streets of LA. Now, her life is back together as she works to help out women and men get off meth and back into life. Jimmy Palmieri will talk about the CHEM SEX panel that he and Mellissa were a part of on how meth has taken hold on sex apps to ruin the lives of sexually active gay men. And what can be done to stop it. THIRD SEGMENT – We talk with journalist Karen Ocamb on the Coronavirus outbreak, and what we should be doing to protect ourselves. FOURTH SEGMENT – Telephone interview with State Senator Scott Wiener who represents San Francisco in the California State Legislature. We will talk about his bill to use Medi Cal funds to give financial rewards to addicts who show they can stay off meth. Is this a wise use of public funds to deal with addiction? Does positive reinforcement work as an incentive to get our people off meth? San Francisco’s LGBT community has suffered much damage from crystal meth. 

Sidebar With John Duran  (12/28/18) 2018 Queer in Review - End of the year with journalist Karen Ocamb and Bros for Hillary Clinton’s founder Rance Collins!

Sidebar With John Duran Post Election Analysis (11/09/18) Guest line up: KAREN OCAMB, LGBT Journalist from LA Blade SAMUEL GARRETT-PATE, Equality California DIANE ABBITT, Founder of MECLA and HRC SEPI SHYNE, HRC Board member  

Our great lineup this week! Segment one - Karen Ocamb joins us in studio to talk about whats happening in Venezuela and much more! Segment two - Pezhmun Ghiassi - A young author who talks to us about his experiences  growing up gay in Iran and serving in the military.  Segment three - David Ayon a professor who has taught at USC. He talks with us in studio about the current immigration crisis in the US and so much more!

In the first segment, an interview with Armen Abelyan who is apart of GALAS (Gay and Lesbian Armenian Society.) A discussion about the violence and discrimination against LGBT people in Armenia. In the second segment, an interview with Karen Ocamb an LGBT Journalist and Historian. A discussion about the Equality Act by Nancy Pelosi in DC and the history on vetoing bill AB 101. In the third segment, an interview with Mariah Hanson who is the founder of Dinah Shore Weekend in Palm Springs. A discussion about upcoming events later this month.

Our panel member and producer, top journalist, Brody Levesque is live at the Texas border covering the intolerable immigration detention situation. Helping us make sense of the situation is our special guest, Judge Melanie Nathan. Melanie Nathan is a South African born attorney, a mediator, equality activist, and human rights advocate and documentary producer, who advocates, speaks and writes on issues impacting LGBTI communities around the world, with a focus on the United States and Africa    She is the executive director of the African Human Rights Coalition (African HRC). She was appointed a community grand marshal for San Francisco Pride 2014, in recognition of her global human rights advocacy work for LGBTI people and is a director of the Peacemaker Museum World Tour.  She herself is fighting specific Trump Administration suppression when the US Navy censored her for speaking out against Trump. We hear her story and get her insights on the current immigration situation.   Featuring panel member, esteemed journalist, Karen Ocamb.  

Our panel member and producer, top journalist, Brody Levesque is live at the Texas border covering the intolerable immigration detention situation. Helping us make sense of the situation is our special guest, Judge Melanie Nathan. Melanie Nathan is a South African born attorney, a mediator, equality activist, and human rights advocate and documentary producer, who advocates, speaks and writes on issues impacting LGBTI communities around the world, with a focus on the United States and Africa    She is the executive director of the African Human Rights Coalition (African HRC). She was appointed a community grand marshal for San Francisco Pride 2014, in recognition of her global human rights advocacy work for LGBTI people and is a director of the Peacemaker Museum World Tour.  She herself is fighting specific Trump Administration suppression when the US Navy censored her for speaking out against Trump. We hear her story and get her insights on the current immigration situation.   Featuring panel member, esteemed journalist, Karen Ocamb.  

This week, Fox News hack Tucker Carlson staged an attack on Pulse survivor Brandon Wolfe, which resulted in death threats and attempts to intimidate.  We talk to Brandon about what happened. We also welcome Arthur Dark who created Hollywood Graveyard, a way to keep the memory of the world's greatest entertainers alive, by visiting their final resting places. His "Famous Grave Tour" videos take us on a journey of remembrance of the stars we know and love, and introduce us to a few new ones along the way.  Panelists include stellar journalists Karen Ocamb and Brody Levesque.                

This week, Fox News hack Tucker Carlson staged an attack on Pulse survivor Brandon Wolfe, which resulted in death threats and attempts to intimidate.  We talk to Brandon about what happened. We also welcome Arthur Dark who created Hollywood Graveyard, a way to keep the memory of the world's greatest entertainers alive, by visiting their final resting places. His "Famous Grave Tour" videos take us on a journey of remembrance of the stars we know and love, and introduce us to a few new ones along the way.  Panelists include stellar journalists Karen Ocamb and Brody Levesque.                

Breaking news- California passes a complete ban on "Conversion Therapy" today, and we talk to top jounalists about it! Plus, we are excited to talk to author Rick Karatas about his new book Rainbow Relatives. Rainbow Relatives is an entertaining guide for parents, uncles, aunts, teachers and other trusted adults to find the language and methods to discuss with children (ages 3 to 16). It's a lighthearted and inspiring book, not a scientific one. Rick collected real, humorous, and heartwarming stories to help answer questions children may have on various topics about LGBT people and families. The book will help answer questions like: “How come Uncle Bill doesn't have a girlfriend?” Do Aunt Lucy and Doreen sleep in the same bed? “How can both those guys be Cindy's dads?” Film maker, Del Shores, (Sordid Lives) speaks of raising two daughters as a gay dad. Bruce Vilanch (Hollywood Squares) talks about being “Godfather” to 40 kids”. Country singer Chely Wright speaks about some of the battles still being fought. Another woman recalls how she explained to her children their father is gay. Featuring journalists Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb, we also pay tribute to the late First Lady, Barbara Bush and her Abigail Adams legacy.  

Breaking news- California passes a complete ban on "Conversion Therapy" today, and we talk to top jounalists about it! Plus, we are excited to talk to author Rick Karatas about his new book Rainbow Relatives. Rainbow Relatives is an entertaining guide for parents, uncles, aunts, teachers and other trusted adults to find the language and methods to discuss with children (ages 3 to 16). It’s a lighthearted and inspiring book, not a scientific one. Rick collected real, humorous, and heartwarming stories to help answer questions children may have on various topics about LGBT people and families. The book will help answer questions like: “How come Uncle Bill doesn't have a girlfriend?” Do Aunt Lucy and Doreen sleep in the same bed? “How can both those guys be Cindy’s dads?” Film maker, Del Shores, (Sordid Lives) speaks of raising two daughters as a gay dad. Bruce Vilanch (Hollywood Squares) talks about being “Godfather” to 40 kids”. Country singer Chely Wright speaks about some of the battles still being fought. Another woman recalls how she explained to her children their father is gay. Featuring journalists Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb, we also pay tribute to the late First Lady, Barbara Bush and her Abigail Adams legacy.  

Tonight we talk about the new fight in Oklahoma to outlaw subjecting teens to abusive “conversion therapy”.  Joining us is Troy Stevenson, Executive Director of Freedom Oklahoma.  Troy is a nationally recognized civil rights advocate having previously served as the Executive Director of Garden State Equality in New Jersey and a veteran of two presidential campaigns. Troy will take us inside on the new fight, as well as other equality oriented issues being fought in Oklahoma as well.   My journalist panel tonight includes Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb!  

Tonight we talk about the new fight in Oklahoma to outlaw subjecting teens to abusive “conversion therapy”.  Joining us is Troy Stevenson, Executive Director of Freedom Oklahoma.  Troy is a nationally recognized civil rights advocate having previously served as the Executive Director of Garden State Equality in New Jersey and a veteran of two presidential campaigns. Troy will take us inside on the new fight, as well as other equality oriented issues being fought in Oklahoma as well.   My journalist panel tonight includes Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb!  

My guest tonight! A 17-year-old High School junior was suspended Wednesday after Rep. Mark Amodei's office complained to administration about a call the student had made to his office. Noah C. had never had so much as a detention before, is a model student, and a major player on his school's debate team. Noah and dozens of his classmates called their representatives during Wednesday's nationwide school walkouts over gun violence. He had just been elected class secretary/treasurer but will not be able to serve in that role due to this unconstitutional suspension. Noah and the Nevada ACLU's policy leader, Holly Wellborn, join us and tell the whole story of protest, free speech and oppression.  Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb join as our journalist panel.

My guest tonight! A 17-year-old High School junior was suspended Wednesday after Rep. Mark Amodei’s office complained to administration about a call the student had made to his office. Noah C. had never had so much as a detention before, is a model student, and a major player on his school’s debate team. Noah and dozens of his classmates called their representatives during Wednesday’s nationwide school walkouts over gun violence. He had just been elected class secretary/treasurer but will not be able to serve in that role due to this unconstitutional suspension. Noah and the Nevada ACLU’s policy leader, Holly Wellborn, join us and tell the whole story of protest, free speech and oppression.  Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb join as our journalist panel.

When esteemed activist Gilbert Baker passed away, the New York Times said of him, “Gilbert Baker, (was) a self-described “gay Betsy Ross” who in 1978 hand-dyed and stitched together eight strips of vibrantly colored fabric into a rainbow flag, instantly creating an enduring international symbol of gay pride.” They were wrong.  The unsung designer of the rainbow flag was Lynn Segerblom. Tonight we are joined by Lynn and the film maker telling her story, Glenne McElhinney. We find out what the real story was around the birth of the beloved flag, and get Lynn's thoughts on how it is being used today. Joining me are top journalists Karen Ocamb and Brody Levesque.  Please note our special time, one hour earlier, this week!

When esteemed activist Gilbert Baker passed away, the New York Times said of him, “Gilbert Baker, (was) a self-described “gay Betsy Ross” who in 1978 hand-dyed and stitched together eight strips of vibrantly colored fabric into a rainbow flag, instantly creating an enduring international symbol of gay pride.” They were wrong.  The unsung designer of the rainbow flag was Lynn Segerblom. Tonight we are joined by Lynn and the film maker telling her story, Glenne McElhinney. We find out what the real story was around the birth of the beloved flag, and get Lynn’s thoughts on how it is being used today. Joining me are top journalists Karen Ocamb and Brody Levesque.  Please note our special time, one hour earlier, this week!

We talk to the man who made history, and is now challenges the anti-gay policies of the Mormon church.   Fred Karger was the first openly gay presidential candidate in a major political party in American history. He worked on nine presidential campaigns and served as a senior consultant to the campaigns of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush and Gerald Ford  and now works as an activist on gay rights causes, from protecting the gay bar The Boom to using his organization Californians Against Hate to investigate The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).   Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb are our featured journalist panel!  

We talk to the man who made history, and is now challenges the anti-gay policies of the Mormon church.   Fred Karger was the first openly gay presidential candidate in a major political party in American history. He worked on nine presidential campaigns and served as a senior consultant to the campaigns of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush and Gerald Ford  and now works as an activist on gay rights causes, from protecting the gay bar The Boom to using his organization Californians Against Hate to investigate The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).   Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb are our featured journalist panel!  

 We are pleased to welcome Rachel Blank to the show to talk about strategies for LGBTQ2 people to tap into community resources.  She introduces us to Pride Pocket, a virtual home for LGBTQ2 people and our initiatitves. At its most fundamental, Pride Pocket is a one-stop-shop for community resources and material support. It's a place to turn for factual, informational articles, “guidebooks” about how to deal with situations that are more prevalent for LGBTQ+ individuals. They cover transitioning, family planning, queer youth, mental health, sexual health and many other topics. Featuring panel members Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb!

 We are pleased to welcome Rachel Blank to the show to talk about strategies for LGBTQ2 people to tap into community resources.  She introduces us to Pride Pocket, a virtual home for LGBTQ2 people and our initiatitves. At its most fundamental, Pride Pocket is a one-stop-shop for community resources and material support. It’s a place to turn for factual, informational articles, “guidebooks” about how to deal with situations that are more prevalent for LGBTQ+ individuals. They cover transitioning, family planning, queer youth, mental health, sexual health and many other topics. Featuring panel members Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb!

Our panelist Brody Levesque tells it this way: "The Grey-haired old lady made her way to centre stage as the crowd of over 2500 in Pasadena, California's historic Civic Auditorium politely applauded expectantly. What happened in those next couple of minutes last March, would propel the former middle-school English Language Arts teacher into public consciousness and validate her life-long held dream of being a recognised stand-up comedienne on the national stage. From that initial audition on Simon Cowell's wildly successful variety entertainment programme on NBC, America's Got Talent, Julia Scotti has rapidly filled her schedule with engagements and shows. The YouTube videos of that first appearance have altogether garnered nearly 4.3 million views thus far and her fan base is rapidly expanding." Tonight, she is ours... and if you listen in.... yours as well! With panelists Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb.

Our panelist Brody Levesque tells it this way: "The Grey-haired old lady made her way to centre stage as the crowd of over 2500 in Pasadena, California’s historic Civic Auditorium politely applauded expectantly. What happened in those next couple of minutes last March, would propel the former middle-school English Language Arts teacher into public consciousness and validate her life-long held dream of being a recognised stand-up comedienne on the national stage. From that initial audition on Simon Cowell’s wildly successful variety entertainment programme on NBC, America’s Got Talent, Julia Scotti has rapidly filled her schedule with engagements and shows. The YouTube videos of that first appearance have altogether garnered nearly 4.3 million views thus far and her fan base is rapidly expanding." Tonight, she is ours... and if you listen in.... yours as well! With panelists Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb.

A Colorado baker's case stood before the Supreme Court this week. Due to his view of religion, he felt compelled to reject a gay couple and their wedding cake order. Does he have the right to say no?  According to Shannon Price Minter, Legal Director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the action the Supreme Court could take would “open the floodgates to discrimination in employment, healthcare, schools, and other settings. Businesses and others can simply claim that their anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination isn't about LGBTQ+ people, just their “conduct” of being married, partnered, sexually active, transitioning, or even just openly LGBTQ+. In short, there is no way to limit the impact of a negative ruling just to wedding cakes or bakers.” Tonight, I talk to Shannon Minter along with our distinguished board of journalists, Brody Levesque, Karen Ocamb and Dawn Ennis. We find out if anti-LGBTQ2 discrimination is about to be a sanctioned institution in the United States and what we can do about it. The award-winning Shannon Price Minter, Legal Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), was lead counsel for same-sex couples in the landmark California marriage equality case which held that same-sex couples have the fundamental right to marry and that laws that discriminate based on sexual orientation are inherently discriminatory and subject to the highest level of constitutional scrutiny.  

A Colorado baker’s case stood before the Supreme Court this week. Due to his view of religion, he felt compelled to reject a gay couple and their wedding cake order. Does he have the right to say no?  According to Shannon Price Minter, Legal Director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the action the Supreme Court could take would “open the floodgates to discrimination in employment, healthcare, schools, and other settings. Businesses and others can simply claim that their anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination isn’t about LGBTQ+ people, just their “conduct” of being married, partnered, sexually active, transitioning, or even just openly LGBTQ+. In short, there is no way to limit the impact of a negative ruling just to wedding cakes or bakers.” Tonight, I talk to Shannon Minter along with our distinguished board of journalists, Brody Levesque, Karen Ocamb and Dawn Ennis. We find out if anti-LGBTQ2 discrimination is about to be a sanctioned institution in the United States and what we can do about it. The award-winning Shannon Price Minter, Legal Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), was lead counsel for same-sex couples in the landmark California marriage equality case which held that same-sex couples have the fundamental right to marry and that laws that discriminate based on sexual orientation are inherently discriminatory and subject to the highest level of constitutional scrutiny.  

Tonight we welcome special guest Dawn Ennis to the microphone.  She will share some of the behind the scenes insights to some LGBTQ media, and how internalized transphobia and other issues need to be addressed. Is there a scandal here?  Listen to find out. Dawn Ennis is an? on-air host, interviewer, speaker, public relations and marketing pro, social media maven, live reporter, writer, editor, producer, videographer, author, manager, seasoned broadcast journalist, multimedia communications and digital media professional. She has worked at LGBTQNation, Queerty The Advocate and other well known media outlets. Dawn joins host Rob Watson, and our regular jounalist panel of Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb.

Tonight we welcome special guest Dawn Ennis to the microphone.  She will share some of the behind the scenes insights to some LGBTQ media, and how internalized transphobia and other issues need to be addressed. Is there a scandal here?  Listen to find out. Dawn Ennis is an? on-air host, interviewer, speaker, public relations and marketing pro, social media maven, live reporter, writer, editor, producer, videographer, author, manager, seasoned broadcast journalist, multimedia communications and digital media professional. She has worked at LGBTQNation, Queerty The Advocate and other well known media outlets. Dawn joins host Rob Watson, and our regular jounalist panel of Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb.

Tonight, my guests are Jason Marsden, the Executive Director, and Sara E Grossman, Director of Communications, for the Matthew Shepard Foundation.  They join my expert roundtable panel of Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb. As the Foundation commences its 20th year kick off at the historic Stonewall Inn in the West Village, New York City, this upcoming November 16th, Jason & Sara will be discussing the future, Matthew Shepard's continuing legacy, and why, although sadly Judy & Dennis Shepard's dream of phasing the foundation out due to it not be a critical necessity is not looking as though that event will occur anytime soon. 

Tonight, my guests are Jason Marsden, the Executive Director, and Sara E Grossman, Director of Communications, for the Matthew Shepard Foundation.  They join my expert roundtable panel of Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb. As the Foundation commences its 20th year kick off at the historic Stonewall Inn in the West Village, New York City, this upcoming November 16th, Jason & Sara will be discussing the future, Matthew Shepard's continuing legacy, and why, although sadly Judy & Dennis Shepard's dream of phasing the foundation out due to it not be a critical necessity is not looking as though that event will occur anytime soon. 

They are calling it “Religious Freedom”, but it is, and will be in practice should the Trump Administration succeed in its oppressive intents, actually religious domination. How should the LGBTQ population respond to moves to legalize discrimination against us? Is retaliation against conservative Christians by LGBTQ owned businesses the answer? What are the full ramifications of the actions by Jeff Sessions, and where does Anti-gay Bigotry Inc. intend to take the country? My regular panel, including top journalists Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb, welcomes special guest Zack Ford. Zack is the LGBTQ Editor at ThinkProgress.org, where he has covered issues related to marriage equality, transgender rights, education, and "religious freedom," in additional to daily political news. In 2014, The Advocate named Zack one of its "40 under 40" in LGBT media, describing him as "one of the most influential journalists online." 

They are calling it “Religious Freedom”, but it is, and will be in practice should the Trump Administration succeed in its oppressive intents, actually religious domination. How should the LGBTQ population respond to moves to legalize discrimination against us? Is retaliation against conservative Christians by LGBTQ owned businesses the answer? What are the full ramifications of the actions by Jeff Sessions, and where does Anti-gay Bigotry Inc. intend to take the country? My regular panel, including top journalists Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb, welcomes special guest Zack Ford. Zack is the LGBTQ Editor at ThinkProgress.org, where he has covered issues related to marriage equality, transgender rights, education, and "religious freedom," in additional to daily political news. In 2014, The Advocate named Zack one of its "40 under 40" in LGBT media, describing him as "one of the most influential journalists online." 

Tonight, we discuss gun violence and the unceasingly parade of shooting incidents we have experienced. Can the LGBT community be at the forefront of a solution? We feature the experts in the field with an exclusive interview with U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01) who, along with nearly 100 co-sponsors, introduced legislation this week to ban the manufacture, possession, transfer, sale, or importation of bump stocks like the one used to murder 59 innocent men and women earlier this week in Las Vegas. We also talk to Aaron Overman with Gays Against Guns on perspective on next steps.  Panelists include jounalists Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb. Congressman David N. Cicilline is currently serving his fourth term and is a member of the House Democratic Leadership as Co-Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC). He is also a leader in Congress on issues of core American values, serving as Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus and Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Aaron Overman is a part time social justice activist and core team member of Gays Against Guns in Washington, DC.

Tonight, we discuss gun violence and the unceasingly parade of shooting incidents we have experienced. Can the LGBT community be at the forefront of a solution? We feature the experts in the field with an exclusive interview with U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (RI-01) who, along with nearly 100 co-sponsors, introduced legislation this week to ban the manufacture, possession, transfer, sale, or importation of bump stocks like the one used to murder 59 innocent men and women earlier this week in Las Vegas. We also talk to Aaron Overman with Gays Against Guns on perspective on next steps.  Panelists include jounalists Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb. Congressman David N. Cicilline is currently serving his fourth term and is a member of the House Democratic Leadership as Co-Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC). He is also a leader in Congress on issues of core American values, serving as Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus and Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Aaron Overman is a part time social justice activist and core team member of Gays Against Guns in Washington, DC.

Scout Schultz, a leader of the LGBT student group at the Georgia Institute of Technology was fatally shot by police on campus a few weeks ago— after police said the student refused officers' orders to drop a knife. There are reports that mental health challenges drove Schultz into a fatalistic situation. Tonight we look at dire mental health challenges that some LGBT people face and what to do about them. Joining me is my discussion panel regulars Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb along with special guest Ellen Kahn. Ellen Kahn is the Director of the Children, Youth and Families Program at the Human Rights Campaign where she provides national leadership and expertise in public education and advocacy efforts on behalf of LGBT youth and families. Prior to joining HRC, Ellen served at the Whitman-Walker Health as Director of the Lesbian Services Program and Associate Director of LGBT Health Promotion.  Ellen was a founding Board member of Rainbow Families DC, the capital area's support and education organization for LGBT-headed families. 

Scout Schultz, a leader of the LGBT student group at the Georgia Institute of Technology was fatally shot by police on campus a few weeks ago— after police said the student refused officers’ orders to drop a knife. There are reports that mental health challenges drove Schultz into a fatalistic situation. Tonight we look at dire mental health challenges that some LGBT people face and what to do about them. Joining me is my discussion panel regulars Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb along with special guest Ellen Kahn. Ellen Kahn is the Director of the Children, Youth and Families Program at the Human Rights Campaign where she provides national leadership and expertise in public education and advocacy efforts on behalf of LGBT youth and families. Prior to joining HRC, Ellen served at the Whitman-Walker Health as Director of the Lesbian Services Program and Associate Director of LGBT Health Promotion.  Ellen was a founding Board member of Rainbow Families DC, the capital area’s support and education organization for LGBT-headed families. 

Mark S. King is fresh from the world's top AIDS conference and he is ready to chat with my roundtable including top journalists Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb. MARK S. KING is an award winning blogger, author, and HIV/AIDS advocate who has been involved in HIV causes since testing positive in 1985. His blog, My Fabulous Disease, was awarded the National Lesbian and Gay Journalist Association's “Excellence in Blogging” honor. HIV Equal named King one of “13 Legendary Activists in the Fight Against HIV.” King has appeared as a spokesperson on ABC News, 48 Hours, CNN News and in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.  

Mark S. King is fresh from the world's top AIDS conference and he is ready to chat with my roundtable including top journalists Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb. MARK S. KING is an award winning blogger, author, and HIV/AIDS advocate who has been involved in HIV causes since testing positive in 1985. His blog, My Fabulous Disease, was awarded the National Lesbian and Gay Journalist Association’s “Excellence in Blogging” honor. HIV Equal named King one of “13 Legendary Activists in the Fight Against HIV.” King has appeared as a spokesperson on ABC News, 48 Hours, CNN News and in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.  

We talk to DACA and LGBTQ actvist Jose Guevera along with expert journalist Karen Ocamb on the state of DACA. Will nearly 800,000 young undocumented immigrants lose protection from deportation? That decision is up to Congress, the Trump administration has said. The administration is rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. By doing so, Trump overturns President Barack Obama's signature immigration policy and could upend the lives of more than three quarters of a million people. LGBTQ people affected face special issues including being returned to countries, in which they have never lived, to be executed for who they are. Co-hosted by seasoned reporter Brody Levesque.  

We talk to DACA and LGBTQ actvist Jose Guevera along with expert journalist Karen Ocamb on the state of DACA. Will nearly 800,000 young undocumented immigrants lose protection from deportation? That decision is up to Congress, the Trump administration has said. The administration is rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. By doing so, Trump overturns President Barack Obama's signature immigration policy and could upend the lives of more than three quarters of a million people. LGBTQ people affected face special issues including being returned to countries, in which they have never lived, to be executed for who they are. Co-hosted by seasoned reporter Brody Levesque.  

Empowered by the rhetoric of Donald Trump, neo-Nazis have hit the streets triggered by the removal of Confederate statues. Among the diverse expressions of hatred they make, the bigoted throng seems obsessed with LGBTQ people -- from homophobic chants to verbal attacks of prominent transgender individuals, homophobia and transphobia is part of the fabric.  What is the LGBTQ community response?  Are there actual sympathizers within our mix?  How have our advocacy groups mobilized against this emboldened minority? What has this done to areas where there is racial tension amongst LGBTQ people?   These are some of the things we will talk to our distinguished journalist panel -- all of whom are in the frontlines on this story. Tonight, our guests include:   Brody Levesque is a top journalist, author and commentator. Karen Ocamb is an award winning LGBTQI Press Pioneer, who is currently the Senior Editor at the LA Blade. Will Batts is the Executive Director of OutMemphis & the LGBTQI Centre in Memphis, TN. Cynthia M. Deitle , Matthew Shepard Foundation, Programs and Operations Director

Empowered by the rhetoric of Donald Trump, neo-Nazis have hit the streets triggered by the removal of Confederate statues. Among the diverse expressions of hatred they make, the bigoted throng seems obsessed with LGBTQ people -- from homophobic chants to verbal attacks of prominent transgender individuals, homophobia and transphobia is part of the fabric.  What is the LGBTQ community response?  Are there actual sympathizers within our mix?  How have our advocacy groups mobilized against this emboldened minority? What has this done to areas where there is racial tension amongst LGBTQ people?   These are some of the things we will talk to our distinguished journalist panel -- all of whom are in the frontlines on this story. Tonight, our guests include:   Brody Levesque is a top journalist, author and commentator. Karen Ocamb is an award winning LGBTQI Press Pioneer, who is currently the Senior Editor at the LA Blade. Will Batts is the Executive Director of OutMemphis & the LGBTQI Centre in Memphis, TN. Cynthia M. Deitle , Matthew Shepard Foundation, Programs and Operations Director

We welcome Karen Ocamb and Matt Thorn, the foremost experts on the Trans Ban to our show.  We will tell you the inside scoop details of what has happened, and what is likely to happen next.  Also joining is premier journalist Brody Levesque.  Call ins, particularly from transgender individuals, welcome.

We welcome Karen Ocamb and Matt Thorn, the foremost experts on the Trans Ban to our show.  We will tell you the inside scoop details of what has happened, and what is likely to happen next.  Also joining is premier journalist Brody Levesque.  Call ins, particularly from transgender individuals, welcome.

Episode 41 is our last live show before a lengthy hiatus, so Christopher and Eric are launching a new special, COCKTAIL CHATTER, a one hour chat on The Dinner Party Show's Facebook page every night at showtime, 8 PM ET, 5 PM PT. Journalist Karen Ocamb joins the party to help Christopher and Eric as they fight to keep The Dinner Party Show's computer expert from facing deportation. Critic-at-large Jordan Ampersand takes an ill-advised trip to New York with his best friend Fitzpatrick. Relationship expert JoNell Samms has a new housemate who's about to torch her Crown Victoria. And speaking of flames, fairly imbalanced newsman Breck Artery reports from a wildfire on cuts in government spending.

Chaz Bono, LGBT activist and author, answers questions from the “Party People”, the show's loyal listeners who posted questions for him on The Dinner Party Show's Facebook page. Another installment of Best Served Warm, featuring travel consultant, Tanya Lee Musgrave. Christopher and Eric tease next Sunday's very exciting guest!

The Dish features Christopher and Eric's deeply personal interview with Chaz Bono, LGBT activist and author, whose journey of self discovery made headlines around the world. Chaz also talks about his latest theatrical venture, 30 Minute Musicals: Independence Day.

Award-winning journalist Karen Ocamb settles in for a lively discussion of currents events with Christopher and Eric. Twan, Queen of the Stars, reads the signs before they read you. Relationship expert Miss JoNell Samms councils a listener on what to do about a girlfriend who enjoys wacky tabacky.

Christopher and Eric say there's never a right time for white people to use the N word. Christopher's bestselling first novel, A DENSITY OF SOULS, is now available as an e-book with a new afterword. Award-winning journalist Karen Ocamb takes a seat at the table to discuss imminent Supreme Court decisions in the fight for marriage equality. Fairly imbalanced newsman Breck Artery has a lot to say on the topic as well.