As we get ready for Pride here in Seattle, we have so much to celebrate. We have one of the country's largest LGBQTIA+ populations. We're a beacon of hope, anti-discrimination, and Washington is notable for being one of the first two states to legalize same-sex marriage by a vote of the people. We are a welcoming place, but not far from here, just miles away, we've seen protests against our community, especially when it comes to drag queen story time. Today, we speak to the queen who helped pioneer this unique form of expression--ten years running, and at PrideFest no less--Aleksa Manila. And we speak with Lil Miss Hot Mess, who is a national and international leader on Drag Queen Story Hour, who will also help headline Seattle PrideFest this weekend. We talk of the history of this tradition and how it can actually be good for kids.

In this episode of the PrideCast, we learn the stories of three LGBTQIA+ Seattleites as we take a journey through trauma, recovery, and giving back. Learn about one woman spontaneously "playing" the piano (the soundtrack for this episode), how a second trip to prison was a turning point for one young man, and the healing power of beauty pageants for another of our interviewees, one of the few refuges from his cult upbringing.  The stories are all different, the paths to recovery all varied, but you'll find the beautiful lives these three have created from trauma and struggle to be inspiring and unexpected.

World AIDS Day is December 1, a perfect time to recall the local history of HIV/AIDS and fight for a better future. The AIDS Memorial Pathway, right in the heart of Capitol Hill, is a perfect place to do that. Take a tour of The AMP with host Egan Orion and several key players in the development of this important memorial.

On today's podcast:
Rosette Royale, the storygathering consultant for The AMP
Tom Rasmussen, former councilmember who got the memorial started
Christopher Paul Jordan, artist who created andimgonnamisseverybody (the big X)
Jason Plourde, former project manager of The AMP from 2019-2022
Bekah Telew, co-executive director of Seattle's LGBTQ+ Center (current stewards of The AMP)

On August 19, King County declared Monkeypox a public health emergency., and though anybody can get the disease, the vast majority of cases are still in men who have sex with men. In this episode of the PrideCast, we discuss the local response, what's going right, what Public Health can do better, and things you can do to protect yourself and your community. Guests: Brian Westbrook (event producer, broadcaster, vaccine site IT support) and Ben Meana (Seattle and King County Public Health Operations Lead for Community Vaccination events).  

Over Pride weekend this year, the Supreme Court overturned a 49-year-old precedent established in 1973 in Roe v. Wade, reversing the federal right to abortion access in the US. This by itself is a massive social and legal earthquake, but the aftershocks--as promised by Justice Thomas--could reverse other rights. In today's PrideCast, we cover that decision, the basis for it, what may come next, and dive in deep to the legal and constitutional concepts of Substantive Due Process and the Right to Privacy. Our guest today is Julie Gonen (PhD, JD), the federal policy director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, an expert on reproductive law and just the person we want to talk to about Dobbs and Roe.

A few resources for our listeners (referenced in the podcast):

• Map of state laws: https://reproductiverights.org/maps/abortion-laws-by-state/
• See ineedana.com for up to date info on which clinics are operating throughout the country
• Donate to Keep Our Clinics to provide direct support to independent clinics
• Donate to Abortion Funds: A donation to the National Network of Abortion Funds brings abortion funds closer to a future where all people have access to abortion without shame or stigma. 
• Support/Share Practical Support Organizations (PSOs): PSOs help abortion seekers with travel and logistical support.
• Direct legal services for those seeking abortion care

·         Repro Legal Helpline provides free and confidential legal advice and information on self-managed abortion to people anywhere in the states or U.S. territories (also on parental involvement laws and judicial bypass for young people under 18).

·         Repro Legal Defense Fund provides financial assistance to people criminalized for self-managed abortion and pregnancy loss by assisting with bail, attorney fees, and defense costs

Want to get pumped for Pride weekend? Our PrideFest hosts can help! We have all of them on today's episode of the PrideCast. You'll hear from Aleksa Manila, long-time host of the main stage at PrideFest Seattle Center as well as the host of Drag Queen Storytime. We bring on G.S. Matencio AKA Gaysha Starr, a longtime PrideFest host and co-conspirator (a host for our PrideFest Capitol Hill main stage). Finally, there's DonnaTella Howe, a mainstay of the drag and LGBTQIA+ nightlife scene for over a decade now, who assists with our doggy drag show and hosting our Capitol Hill main stage. 

PrideFest Capitol Hill is Saturday, June 25 (on Broadway).
PrideFest Seattle Center is Sunday, June 26.
Both events are 100% free.

25-year-old Jake Wesley Rogers has been making music most of his life, but his music career has exploded in the last two years. He came out as gay when he was 12 in rural Missouri and was on America's Got Talent when he was 15. Shortly after, he began producing music independently and was signed to Warner Records in 2020, releasing his EP "Pluto" in 2021. The title track from that EP contains powerful lyrics for a queer musician: "Hate on me, hate on me, hate on me, you might as well hate the sun, shining just a little too bright." Jake does indeed shine bright, getting the attention of Elton John (Jake's style is reminiscent of Elton in the 70s), Brene Brown, Brandi Carlile, and Ben Platt, among many others. He got our attention, too, which is why we're proud to feature him as one of our 2022 headliners. Enjoy this conversation with Jake Wesley Rogers. 

This weekend is Pacific Northwest Black Pride! Yes, it's mainly for people of color, but allies can attend, too. Find out from POCAAN Executive Director and PNW Black Pride co-founder Steven Sawyer about this weekend's events.

Then, take a deep dive into Ball culture, explaining the history, houses, competition, prizes, kikis, mainstream Ball culture, and more. You think you know Ball simply by watching Paris is Burning, Pose, or Legendary? Think again! Ball expert Kurt Regin takes you through all the ins and outs of ball culture in preparation for this weekend's ball.

Friday October 29 - Opening Reception - 4-7pm
Rotie Cellars - 3861 1st Avenue S. Suite F

BLACK PRIDE SCHEDULE 2021
Saturday October 30 - Sip and Paint - 7-9pm

Saturday October 30 - Workshops (Virtual and in-person) - 11am-6pm

Saturday October 30 - Halloween Costume Party - 7-9pm
15920 West Valley Highway

Saturday October 30 - Haunted Nights Masquerade Ball 9pm-12am
15920 West Valley Highway

ALL INFO AT: www.nwblackpride.org

The Seattle Queer Film Festival is happening October 14-24, with both in-person and virtual opportunities to see great queer film! The opening night film this year is Potato Dreams of America, a film by Wes Hurley about growing up gay in Russian and emigrating to the United States. We talk with Wes about his ten year filmmaking career and about "Potato Dreams" and what he has next in store. Then we chat with Billy Ray Brewton, the managing director for Three Dollar Bill Cinema, about some of the exciting plans they have for this year's festival.

In our latest PrideCast, we talk with Co-Host Aleksa Manila about her (now) virtual celebration, PrideAsia Fest, happening at noon on Sunday, May 30, 2021. We'll also be talking with three PrideAsia ambassadors about their work in the community and what they'll be doing for PrideAsia Fest.

Guests:
Arnaldo! Drag Chanteuse
Gaysha Star Starr
Atasha Manila

Find out more about PrideAsia Fest at www.prideasia.org