Can We Talk for REAL

CWT4R  again this week will revisit a series that is geared toward the masculine identified lesbian with returning guest Kofi Adoma and the Jerry Palmer Group of Detroit. The conversation will again explore Identity and labels with a twist of social justice movement within the MIL community.The mission of the Jerry Palmer Group is to combine the talents of self-identified masculine lesbians into a cohesive effort to give validation, support and resources to MILs of all ages in the Detroit metropolitan area, as well as across the country where such support is needed. This grassroots self-reliant group specializes in educating the public about the social and cultural experiences of African American MILs and others of color because this is a population often neglected, stigmatized, and rarely highlighted in national discussions about the LGBT community. Since this is a self-help peer support organization, MILs serve as leaders in proactively managing the programs of this collective group. The JPG strives to collaborate and partner with similar groups such as Brooklyn Boihood, Brown Boi Project, Unity Fellowship Church Movement MIL Ministry, and Butch Voices to encourage participation in the intersected social justice movements where women of color are marginalized and disempowered.The show will feature three of the leadership cadre members, Elder Atiba Cohen-the elder of the group, Dr. Kofi Adoma (pronounced doe-MAH)- founding member, and Kunto Mawusi-the youngest in the group. Their aim is to share with you the purpose of the Jerry Palmer Group and how it was founded, the specific goals and target areas, who all is involved, and the importance of having a group like this exist in Detroit and elsewhere. The focus of the conversation will be on empowerment and visibility of MILs of color and ways to rally up their talents and skills to be of service to their communities, to each other, and to themselves.

In August, 2014 The Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry’s  African-American Roundtable and Many Voices hosted the Souls a’ Fire Conference focusing on the next generation of Black Queer Theology.  The conference encourages young scholars in their current work and seasoned theologians and preachers as they explore the intersections of African-American culture, the church and LGBTQ identity. As a follow up to CAN WE TALK FOR REAL’s “Black LGBT Believers” series which aired in May, CWT4R cohosts Teresa Adams, Ina Anthony and Michelle E. Brown will once again be joined by Rev. Roland Stringfellow (Detroit) and Rev. Anthony W. Sullivan Jr. (Chicago) as well as Rev. Gwen Thomas (Atlanta) to continue the conversation.Finding solace and strength in religion, Black LGBTQ Believers often find themselves at odds with the very faith communities they were born and raised in. Besides sharing their personal story, they will talk about the safe harbor LGBTQ churches provide, how to build more inclusive and supportive communities of faith outside the LGBTQ community, and how to remain strong/be agents of change in the face of attacks against the LGBTQ community.Rev. Roland Stringfellow is Senior Pastor of Metropolitan Community Church in Ferndale, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit). Rev Anthony W. Sullivan, Jr. serves as a Regional Consultant for the United Church of Christ HIV/AIDS Network, Inc. (UCAN) in Chicago, Illinois.Rev. Gwen Thomas is currently the Executive Director at the S.H.E. Experience and a minister at Victory for the World Church, Atlanta, GA.  Part Three of CWT4R series on Black LGBTQ Believers .

We will replay Part Two of the series on Black LGBTQ Believers which aired Wednesday, May 28, 2014 when CAN WE TALK FOR REAL co-hosts Ina, Terry Boi and Michelle were joined by Rev. Roland Stringfellow, Rev. Darlene C. A. Franklin and Rev. Anthony W. Sullivan Jr. continuing the conversation started by Bishop Allyson Nelson Abrams.Com next week is Part IIII when they discuss Souls of Fire. They’ve come this far by faith and draw upon that faith to minister and heal members of the LGBTQ community. Finding solace and strength in religion, Black LGBTQ Believers often find themselves at odds with the very faith communities they were born and raised in. Besides sharing their personal story, they will talk about the safe harbor LGBTQ churches provide, how to build more inclusive and supportive communities of faith outside the LGBTQ community, and how to remain strong/be agents of change in the face of attacks against the LGBTQ community often led a by Black ministers.

Reverend Roland Stringfellow Senior Pastor of Metropolitan Community Church in Ferndale, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit). He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Master of Science degree in Counseling from Indiana University. Reverend Anthony W. Sullivan, Jr. is a justice advocate committed to the liberation of persons and groups who suffer from all forms of oppression. He is a graduate of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University having earned the Master of Divinity degree., Reverend Darlene C. A. Franklin is originally from East Orange, New Jersey. She is a veteran of the United States Air Force. Rev. Franklin has been in formal ministry since 1993. iRev. Franklin holds an Associate’s Degree from Oakland Community College, Royal Oak and is currently pursuing full time a Bachelor of Social Work at Wayne State University.

For close to twenty years Donna worked for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), most recently as the Associate Director of Field Outreach/Diversity. She has advocated for LGBT legislative priorities, such as Marriage Equality and the Employment Non Discrimination Act by building relationships in people of color communities. Her work has successfully created visibility for LGBT people of color nationally. We are the link in understanding and changing the world dynamics around the conversation. Be proud of you and own all parts of you, and the world will have to adapt because you are significant. I must see – and we all must see, reflections of ourselves in fighting for LGBT rights.“ Donna Payne continues to serve as a Member of the Board of NBJC, and also serves as a Board member of Global Diversity & Inclusion Foundation (GDIF), and as a Member of the Metropolitan Community Church, of Washington, DC. She was named by “Root.com” as one of Top Twenty Black LGBT Movers and Shakers in 2012, and received the National Action Network Woman of Excellence Award, also in 2012. Donna Payne is the author of “Pocket Guide to having Difficult Conversations about LGBT Discrimination,” designed to educate and empower anyone fighting discrimination and bullying. As she prepares to embark on the next journey of her remarkable life, Donna talks about the lessons learns and challenges still on the horizon for the LGBTQ community.

Approximately 40% of homeless youth are LGBTQ. Nearly all homeless youth service providers in the U.S. now serve our youth but very few are exclusively by, for and about LGBTQ Youth.

Joining Ina, Teresa and Michelle on CAN WE TALK FOR REAL on Wednesday August 20, 2014 is Jerry Peterson, Executive Director of The Ruth Ellis Center in Highland Park, Michigan serving the metro-Detroit community.  The Ruth Ellis Center is a youth social services agency that serves the needs of runaway, homeless and at-risk youth. Incorporated in 1999, it is one of the nation’s leading organizations focusing on vulnerable youth who are experiencing residential instability

Being homeless brings its own level of stigma to LGBTQ youth and the definition for homelessness defies traditional boundaries. Many youth say “I have a home. I just don’t want to go there”. Opting for alternative housing (couch surfing, etc.) and/or the streets over unstable households. Sex trafficking transactional sex, even suicide are day –to-day realities. What can we do?

Peterson will be talking about the “Family Acceptance Project” which focuses on the harmful effects of family rejection and the importance of engaging family members who are outed by their children and other options for our youth than the dangers/victimization on the streets.

America’s next generation of LGBTQ youth need us to stand with them so that they can stand on their own. How can you help? Tune in Wednesday, August 20, 2014 to CAN WE TALK FOR REAL and be a part of the solution.

Join us in the fight to save our YOUTH. Call in 347-215-8985, show starts at 10:30est/9:30cst. Press 1 to speak.

It’s “HOT IN CLEVELAND” and it’s more than because of the summer weather. “SOULS A’ FIRE 4: A National Gathering of Black Queer Scholarship” has just concluded; The GAY GAMES IX are underway; The Republican National Convention is coming to town in 2016; And Lebron “King James” James announced his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Things are truly heating up in “The Rock and Roll Capital of the World” but what does all this activity mean for residents, especially Cleveland’s LGBT community.Paulina Smith of Cleveland’s Eight Ball Club will be joining Ina, TerryBoi and Michelle on CAN WE TALK FOR REAL Wednesday August 13, 2014.The Eight Ball Club was founded in 1984. This Black and International LGBTQ Group works to bring about visualization in the black community as well as the LGBTQ community. It connects young LGBT with older LGBTQ people through mentorship and knowledge.Money raised by The Eight Ball Club donated goes to the community...domestic violence houses, children’s needs, family assistance, most of all support for LGBT seniors and youth!!!! Their goal is to show ALL....young or older (in Cleveland and beyond)....you are never alone, we are here!

CAN WE TALK FOR REAL - Your award winning blog radio show. Every Wednesday at 10:30PM EST/ 9:30PM CST

Call in 347-215-8985, show starts at 10:30est/9:30cst. Press 1 to speak.

Immigration might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of issues affecting the LGBTQ community but it has a deep impact on the lives of many LGBTQ families especially immigrants in our community who face unique and often daunting challenges.

Immigration equality demands fair and equal execution of the laws and rights of non-citizens regardless of nationality or where they come from. LGBTQ individuals are being detained when no crime has been committed with reports of transgender persons being isolated weeks on end while awaiting a court appearance or deportation. In over 77 countries around the world being gay is illegal. For many who are undocumented and those seeking asylum, being deported is the equivalent to a death sentence. The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) has been advancing the civil and human rights of LGBTQ people and their families through litigation, legislation, policy, and public education since 1977. 

America is a country built on the immigrant experience of many cultures, nationalities and ethnicities but for LGBTQ people seeking freedom and opportunities the pathways are hindered by roadblocks of inequality, transphobia, homophobia and often racism. Are you or your partner an immigrant, undocumented, or looking for help maneuvering the immigration laws? Do you want to learn how you can be a part of the fight for immigration equality? Join us for this important conversation with Maya Rupert.

There is an epidemic in the community and it is just not in the gay community but in the African American community. The sad TRUTH is that you have it and you don't even know it. When was the last time you were tested? A more important question is: Are you practicing SAFE sex daily? How well do you know the person you are kissing and loving? Do you know their status? Do you know YOURS? Herpes is a disease that has affected one out of six people in the United States between the ages of 14-49.  The CDC has estimated that at least 25% of Americans are infected with Herpes (HSV-2).  At least 90% of the population has herpes -1, which are cold sores. It does not matter if you have never been with a man your partner may have and unbeknownst to her or him and you, you both may have now been exposed and or be a carrier. Herpes is an Infection that is more easily transmitted from men to women than from women to men.  In the United States, an estimated 81.1% of 14–49 year olds infected with HSV-2 have never received a clinical diagnosis. When it comes to the LGBT community where the actual statistical breakdown of STD?  Where is the written information that is geared toward lesbians when it comes to safe sex? 

Question to family, why do male identified women not go to the gynecologist or get tested on a regular?

A myth that two woman loving each other will not catch anything - false.

Myth that a stud strap on and cannot catch a STD-Guess what FALSE!

Join cwt4r as we talk about Hotter In July.  Learn history and get excited. Call 347 215 8985 press 1 to speak.

Tonight join CWT4R co-host, Ina, Michelle and Terry and we discuss the STOP and FRISK Project in New York and the VIOLENCE IN CHICAGO. Today more children are being killed, African American and Latino youth are being hand cuffed and their life which is supposed to be just beginning comes to a complete stop. Parents are crying themselves to sleep either because their child is dead or their child is the reason another family will never get to hold theirs ever again. Are we putting our children in situations that mark them for either jail or the grave? Joining us as LeMagie Tapia a volunteer that works in this grassroots effort to educate our youth and keep them safe and alive. LeMagie will talk about how in the Bronx they are teaching young people about their rights when they are profiled, Stopped and Frisked by members of law enforcement.  LeMaige is involved in the New York STOP and FRISK Project that guide youth by educating them on when they are stopped by the police to not make a bad situation worst then it has to become by knowing their rights. We will then focus on the center of attention by the media regarding violence, Chicago. Joining us tonight is Dawn Valenti, a Crisis Responder at Chicago’s Citizens for Change and Executive Director of United for a CAUSE.   In 2008, United For A Cause (UFAC) was formed an organization aimed at helps women and children that have been victimized by violent crimes. Also welcome Stephanie Brown mother of Darius Brown a 13 year old shot & killed in 2011 while playing an innocent game of basketball on the south side of Chicago.  Conversations and crying is being heard all over the country. Tonight a parent will be heard and now we need to LISTEN and people need to become INVOLVED.

 For so long is has been silence. NOW, SILENCE IS NOT AN OPTION!