Our Gay Stories

In this episode of Our Gay Stories, Stephen and I discuss living your truth, honest communication, and finding an awareness of personal worth that prepared him for his current relationship.

Who is Stephen Edwards?

Stephen is the artistic director and one of the founders of Allegrezza, and SATB chorus in Chicago that gives 20% of its proceeds back to local nonprofits. He is also the director of music and worship at the union church of hinsdale. After coming out while he was in southern baptist seminary, he dropped out and finished his master of music at Baylor University.

You can support Allegrezza by coming to a concert or cabaret once we are able to rehearse and perform again. We are planning our annual Holiday concert in December, and several other things along the way. If you want to make a donation, you can go to allegrezzasingers.com.

Find out more about Stephen

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

In this episode of Our Gay Stories, Keith and I discuss the relationships he’s had with his parents, religion, an ex-wife, children, and exploring gay relationships.

Who is Keith Turner?

Your Bio: Born in Idaho, Keith grew up in the Mormon faith. After serving a Mormon mission he joined the U.S. Navy got married to a woman from Utah and they had two children. He came out of the closet and was discharged due to breaking the “Don’t ask don’t tell” rule. This lead to a divorce and moving to Utah to be closer to his kids. While in Utah he started exploring Paganism and became a practicing pagan. It has been his primary spiritual identification for the last 15 years. He spent a year living in Sweden between 2013 and 2014 while married to a Swedish man. He is currently married to Joshua Kamp and lives in North Ogden Utah with their three cats. 

Find out more about Keith

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

In this episode of Our Gay Stories, George and I discuss his nearly 30 year relationship, how humor breaks through resistance, and the power of friends.

Who is George Koury?

George is an International Psychic Medium and Angel Messenger. He had a powerful mystical experience at 5 years of age with a visitation from an Angel. From that first moment George had an unfolding of psychic and mediumistic abilities. His first tutor was his maternal Grandmother, a gifted Medium. 

George began his work life as a professional clown with Ringling Brother’s Circus. He was also an instructor at their Clown College. George worked for two decades as a clown. He realized the importance of laughter and a sense of humor on the spiritual path.

He conducts Mediumship demonstrations across the US and in England. He is a frequent guest instructor and Medium at Lily Dale, NY and has been featured on CNN. He writes extensively on spiritual topics and is a contributor to such publications as the British magazine, “3rd I”. His Angel prayers have been published in the book, “365 Days of Angel Prayers.”  

George is also a respected Tarot expert. He has co-taught Tarot with luminaries Rachel Pollack and Mary Greer at Omega Institute in New York. He’s also been a featured instructor at the international Tarot convention, The Reader’s Studio in Manhattan. He teaches group classes in working with Angels, Tarot and Mediumship worldwide. He is also a life-long activist, working on human, animal and environmental right issues.

George conducts private and group readings and classes and makes regular appearances on radio and television. He is respected for his ability to communicate with departed loved ones and Angels with accuracy, compassion and a great sense of humor.

“I am dedicated to serving Spirit and all living beings.”

In Loving Memoriam of George

George transitioned from this world in October 2021. As I write this I am overcome with the loss of such a wonderful man. I miss you, George. And I hope this conversation brings so many an opportunity to know you and love you.

In this episode of Our Gay Stories, Chris and I discuss reparative therapy, wearing your heart on your sleeve, and how relationships to our queer community (in particular those of other gay men) are fiercely important.

Who is Christopher Butler?

Christopher Butler (born 1967) is an author and artist from Liverpool, U.K. He received his first professional commission at the age of seventeen when Space Voyager magazine hired him to illustrate three interviews with cast members from the cult science fiction series Doctor Who.

In 2002, Christopher gave up a full time employment to go freelance as an artist. He initially acted as assistant to decorative artist Tony Raymond, working on several large scale projects in houses and stately homes across the UK and Ireland. He discovered digital media in 2003.

Christopher first encountered the Tarot at the age of thirteen through watching a James Bond movie. His fascination for the cards has stayed with him for over thirty years, inspiring him to create several decks of his own. His first published tarot deck was the Quantum Tarot, illustrated for author Kay Stopforth (Kunati Books 2008). Lo Scarabeo published a new version of this deck, Quantum Tarot 2.0 in 2010. They have also published his Healing Light Tarot (2017) and the Healing Light Lenormand (2019).

For Schiffer Books, Christopher has authored/illustrated The Son Tarot: Mysticism, Meditation and Divination for Gay Men, published in 2012. Schiffer also published his Lenormand Cartomancy deck and book set in December 2013. Christopher holds a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Heythrop College, University of London. He is also the recipient of a Kindred Spirit Award, being voted “Favorite Artist for 2013” by readers of Kindred Spirit Magazine.

For more information, visit Christopher’s art web site at christopherbutler.crevado.com

Find out more about Christopher

Website

OGS Part 10 With YuDam

In this final episode with YuDam we’ll listen in to advice from 20 years of personal growth and experience.

Adam and Yusef are two of my favorite people. They’re change agents who are relationship and mission driven. And that doesn’t just apply to the people around them, but also to themselves. They’re a working example of a gay relationship that grows stronger through mindfulness, awareness, and dedication.

Yusef Garcia’s Bio

For more than 10 years, Yusef has been committed to helping build a more vibrant Chicago region through philanthropy and social impact. As Vice President of Development & Communications, Yusef and his team activate stakeholders with Forefront’s work plus deepen relationships through cultivating collaborative partnerships. Prior to joining Forefront, Yusef led institutional fundraising and engagement strategies for organizations focused on public media, arts & culture, and human services. Yusef actively volunteers as Chair of The Chicago History Museum’s OUT at CHM initiative, and serves as Board Member of AFC (AIDS Foundation of Chicago). In addition to his passion for convening partners, building relationships, and influencing social change, Yusef is a trained chef, having graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Yusef is a native of Chicago, a lover of House Music, and an avid volleyball player. He and his husband Adam live in the Uptown neighborhood with their dog and two cats.

Adam Christensen’s Bio

With operational and training development experience in the fields of medicine, behavioral health, and academic research, Adam is a highly collaborative and cross-functional Learning & Development leader supporting teams to manage change, grow, engage, and positively impact the communities they serve.

In his most recent role as Director for Learning & Development at Oak Street Health, his aim is always to ensure that team members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide patients the highest quality of service and care possible. Additionally, Adam co-founded and currently co-chairs Oak Street Health’s first LGBTQIA+ People Resource Group.

Prior to joining Oak Street Health, Adam served in roles at UCSF, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and NorthShore University Health System. He earned a BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and an MA of Public Administration from Roosevelt University. Within these organizations he cultivated his passion for being part of a multidisciplinary team to lead the creation of smarter systems, efficient processes, and solid measurement frameworks – resulting in: increased engagement, quality improvement, revenue growth, employee engagement, and strategy development.

Adam lives with his husband, Yusef, in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, and is often soaking up the outdoors at a city beach or exploring one of the region’s vibrant communities.

OGS Part 9 With YuDam

Yusef & Adam envision their relationship will change post-pandemic and what’s next as they continue to grow individually and together.

Adam and Yusef are two of my favorite people. They’re change agents who are relationship and mission driven. And that doesn’t just apply to the people around them, but also to themselves. They’re a working example of a gay relationship that grows stronger through mindfulness, awareness, and dedication.

Yusef Garcia’s Bio

For more than 10 years, Yusef has been committed to helping build a more vibrant Chicago region through philanthropy and social impact. As Vice President of Development & Communications, Yusef and his team activate stakeholders with Forefront’s work plus deepen relationships through cultivating collaborative partnerships. Prior to joining Forefront, Yusef led institutional fundraising and engagement strategies for organizations focused on public media, arts & culture, and human services. Yusef actively volunteers as Chair of The Chicago History Museum’s OUT at CHM initiative, and serves as Board Member of AFC (AIDS Foundation of Chicago). In addition to his passion for convening partners, building relationships, and influencing social change, Yusef is a trained chef, having graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Yusef is a native of Chicago, a lover of House Music, and an avid volleyball player. He and his husband Adam live in the Uptown neighborhood with their dog and two cats.

Adam Christensen’s Bio

With operational and training development experience in the fields of medicine, behavioral health, and academic research, Adam is a highly collaborative and cross-functional Learning & Development leader supporting teams to manage change, grow, engage, and positively impact the communities they serve.

In his most recent role as Director for Learning & Development at Oak Street Health, his aim is always to ensure that team members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide patients the highest quality of service and care possible. Additionally, Adam co-founded and currently co-chairs Oak Street Health’s first LGBTQIA+ People Resource Group.

Prior to joining Oak Street Health, Adam served in roles at UCSF, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and NorthShore University Health System. He earned a BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and an MA of Public Administration from Roosevelt University. Within these organizations he cultivated his passion for being part of a multidisciplinary team to lead the creation of smarter systems, efficient processes, and solid measurement frameworks – resulting in: increased engagement, quality improvement, revenue growth, employee engagement, and strategy development.

Adam lives with his husband, Yusef, in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, and is often soaking up the outdoors at a city beach or exploring one of the region’s vibrant communities.

OGS Part 8 With YuDam

In this episode, Yusef will share his point of view on open relationships. And how and WHY new experiences were required beyond heteronormative monogamy.

Adam and Yusef are two of my favorite people. They’re change agents who are relationship and mission driven. And that doesn’t just apply to the people around them, but also to themselves. They’re a working example of a gay relationship that grows stronger through mindfulness, awareness, and dedication.

Yusef Garcia’s Bio

For more than 10 years, Yusef has been committed to helping build a more vibrant Chicago region through philanthropy and social impact. As Vice President of Development & Communications, Yusef and his team activate stakeholders with Forefront’s work plus deepen relationships through cultivating collaborative partnerships. Prior to joining Forefront, Yusef led institutional fundraising and engagement strategies for organizations focused on public media, arts & culture, and human services. Yusef actively volunteers as Chair of The Chicago History Museum’s OUT at CHM initiative, and serves as Board Member of AFC (AIDS Foundation of Chicago). In addition to his passion for convening partners, building relationships, and influencing social change, Yusef is a trained chef, having graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Yusef is a native of Chicago, a lover of House Music, and an avid volleyball player. He and his husband Adam live in the Uptown neighborhood with their dog and two cats.

Adam Christensen’s Bio

With operational and training development experience in the fields of medicine, behavioral health, and academic research, Adam is a highly collaborative and cross-functional Learning & Development leader supporting teams to manage change, grow, engage, and positively impact the communities they serve.

In his most recent role as Director for Learning & Development at Oak Street Health, his aim is always to ensure that team members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide patients the highest quality of service and care possible. Additionally, Adam co-founded and currently co-chairs Oak Street Health’s first LGBTQIA+ People Resource Group.

Prior to joining Oak Street Health, Adam served in roles at UCSF, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and NorthShore University Health System. He earned a BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and an MA of Public Administration from Roosevelt University. Within these organizations he cultivated his passion for being part of a multidisciplinary team to lead the creation of smarter systems, efficient processes, and solid measurement frameworks – resulting in: increased engagement, quality improvement, revenue growth, employee engagement, and strategy development.

Adam lives with his husband, Yusef, in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, and is often soaking up the outdoors at a city beach or exploring one of the region’s vibrant communities.

OGS Part 7 With YuDam

In this episode we’ll discuss how, from Adam’s point of view, opening a relationship can free you from heteronormative expectations, support your growth, and enrich your relationship. And that means incremental WERK.

Adam and Yusef are two of my favorite people. They’re change agents who are relationship and mission driven. And that doesn’t just apply to the people around them, but also to themselves. They’re a working example of a gay relationship that grows stronger through mindfulness, awareness, and dedication.

Yusef Garcia’s Bio

For more than 10 years, Yusef has been committed to helping build a more vibrant Chicago region through philanthropy and social impact. As Vice President of Development & Communications, Yusef and his team activate stakeholders with Forefront’s work plus deepen relationships through cultivating collaborative partnerships. Prior to joining Forefront, Yusef led institutional fundraising and engagement strategies for organizations focused on public media, arts & culture, and human services. Yusef actively volunteers as Chair of The Chicago History Museum’s OUT at CHM initiative, and serves as Board Member of AFC (AIDS Foundation of Chicago). In addition to his passion for convening partners, building relationships, and influencing social change, Yusef is a trained chef, having graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Yusef is a native of Chicago, a lover of House Music, and an avid volleyball player. He and his husband Adam live in the Uptown neighborhood with their dog and two cats.

Adam Christensen’s Bio

With operational and training development experience in the fields of medicine, behavioral health, and academic research, Adam is a highly collaborative and cross-functional Learning & Development leader supporting teams to manage change, grow, engage, and positively impact the communities they serve.

In his most recent role as Director for Learning & Development at Oak Street Health, his aim is always to ensure that team members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide patients the highest quality of service and care possible. Additionally, Adam co-founded and currently co-chairs Oak Street Health’s first LGBTQIA+ People Resource Group.

Prior to joining Oak Street Health, Adam served in roles at UCSF, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and NorthShore University Health System. He earned a BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and an MA of Public Administration from Roosevelt University. Within these organizations he cultivated his passion for being part of a multidisciplinary team to lead the creation of smarter systems, efficient processes, and solid measurement frameworks – resulting in: increased engagement, quality improvement, revenue growth, employee engagement, and strategy development.

Adam lives with his husband, Yusef, in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, and is often soaking up the outdoors at a city beach or exploring one of the region’s vibrant communities.

OGS Part 6 With YuDam

In our 6th episode, you’re going to hear an example of how to dig a bit deeper into what it’s like to discover how your partner navigates anxiety and working through how you each navigate emotions.

Adam and Yusef are two of my favorite people. They’re change agents who are relationship and mission driven. And that doesn’t just apply to the people around them, but also to themselves. They’re a working example of a gay relationship that grows stronger through mindfulness, awareness, and dedication.

Yusef Garcia’s Bio

For more than 10 years, Yusef has been committed to helping build a more vibrant Chicago region through philanthropy and social impact. As Vice President of Development & Communications, Yusef and his team activate stakeholders with Forefront’s work plus deepen relationships through cultivating collaborative partnerships. Prior to joining Forefront, Yusef led institutional fundraising and engagement strategies for organizations focused on public media, arts & culture, and human services. Yusef actively volunteers as Chair of The Chicago History Museum’s OUT at CHM initiative, and serves as Board Member of AFC (AIDS Foundation of Chicago). In addition to his passion for convening partners, building relationships, and influencing social change, Yusef is a trained chef, having graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Yusef is a native of Chicago, a lover of House Music, and an avid volleyball player. He and his husband Adam live in the Uptown neighborhood with their dog and two cats.

Adam Christensen’s Bio

With operational and training development experience in the fields of medicine, behavioral health, and academic research, Adam is a highly collaborative and cross-functional Learning & Development leader supporting teams to manage change, grow, engage, and positively impact the communities they serve.

In his most recent role as Director for Learning & Development at Oak Street Health, his aim is always to ensure that team members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide patients the highest quality of service and care possible. Additionally, Adam co-founded and currently co-chairs Oak Street Health’s first LGBTQIA+ People Resource Group.

Prior to joining Oak Street Health, Adam served in roles at UCSF, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and NorthShore University Health System. He earned a BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and an MA of Public Administration from Roosevelt University. Within these organizations he cultivated his passion for being part of a multidisciplinary team to lead the creation of smarter systems, efficient processes, and solid measurement frameworks – resulting in: increased engagement, quality improvement, revenue growth, employee engagement, and strategy development.

Adam lives with his husband, Yusef, in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, and is often soaking up the outdoors at a city beach or exploring one of the region’s vibrant communities.

OGS Part 5 With YuDam

Yusef and Adam share what a short circuit moment feels like as a couple. And we begin to hear a bit about why they chose to open their relationship.

Adam and Yusef are two of my favorite people. They’re change agents who are relationship and mission driven. And that doesn’t just apply to the people around them, but also to themselves. They’re a working example of a gay relationship that grows stronger through mindfulness, awareness, and dedication.

Yusef Garcia’s Bio

For more than 10 years, Yusef has been committed to helping build a more vibrant Chicago region through philanthropy and social impact. As Vice President of Development & Communications, Yusef and his team activate stakeholders with Forefront’s work plus deepen relationships through cultivating collaborative partnerships. Prior to joining Forefront, Yusef led institutional fundraising and engagement strategies for organizations focused on public media, arts & culture, and human services. Yusef actively volunteers as Chair of The Chicago History Museum’s OUT at CHM initiative, and serves as Board Member of AFC (AIDS Foundation of Chicago). In addition to his passion for convening partners, building relationships, and influencing social change, Yusef is a trained chef, having graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Yusef is a native of Chicago, a lover of House Music, and an avid volleyball player. He and his husband Adam live in the Uptown neighborhood with their dog and two cats.

Adam Christensen’s Bio

With operational and training development experience in the fields of medicine, behavioral health, and academic research, Adam is a highly collaborative and cross-functional Learning & Development leader supporting teams to manage change, grow, engage, and positively impact the communities they serve.

In his most recent role as Director for Learning & Development at Oak Street Health, his aim is always to ensure that team members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide patients the highest quality of service and care possible. Additionally, Adam co-founded and currently co-chairs Oak Street Health’s first LGBTQIA+ People Resource Group.

Prior to joining Oak Street Health, Adam served in roles at UCSF, The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and NorthShore University Health System. He earned a BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and an MA of Public Administration from Roosevelt University. Within these organizations he cultivated his passion for being part of a multidisciplinary team to lead the creation of smarter systems, efficient processes, and solid measurement frameworks – resulting in: increased engagement, quality improvement, revenue growth, employee engagement, and strategy development.

Adam lives with his husband, Yusef, in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, and is often soaking up the outdoors at a city beach or exploring one of the region’s vibrant communities.