The Modern Military Association of America is changing the world by serving, supporting and connecting LGBTQ+ current service members, veterans and their family members. 

According to their website, “Modern Military works to uphold and expand the civil rights progress made on behalf of LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and their families through education, advocacy, support networks, and discrimination tracking.”

In part 2 of this conversation, we hear from the NEWLY named Executive Director…. Ashley Carothers, as Cathy Marcello passes the baton of leadership. We talk about Ashley’s vision for the continued success and future of the organization. We also discuss a variety of ongoing  programs and collaborations, and going back to their roots of legality, advocacy, and policy as an organization. We also discuss the power of community storytelling, and how listeners can support their vital work.

Visit their Website and sign up for their newsletter to stay tuned for all their events and programs: https://modernmilitary.org/ 

Donate to Modern Military through their website or the Combined Federal Campaign. Their CFC number is 12111

You can connect with Modern Military in the following ways:

Website: https://modernmilitary.org/

The Modern Military Association of America is changing the world by serving, supporting and connecting LGBTQ+ current service members, veterans and their family members. 

According to their website, “Modern Military works to uphold and expand the civil rights progress made on behalf of LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and their families through education, advocacy, support networks, and discrimination tracking.”

In part 1 of this conversation, we sit down with Cathy Marcello, the interim Executive Director, as well as Ashley Carothers, who is serving on the Board. We talk about how the organization came to be, stories and some of the previous victories, as well as some of the challenges that are faced by LGBTQ+ service members and their family communities.  

You can connect with Modern Military in the following ways:

Stay tuned for part 2 next week!

Jocelyn Jacoby, she/her, is changing the world by serving as  a Program Director and Psychotherapist. At the DC LGBTQ+ center, her team provides free behavioral health services and survivor advocacy to LGBTQ+ and community individuals. 

In this conversation, we talk about the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center's expanded new location, themes of mental health and other challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and how our community can come together to support one another. 

Jocelyn is hosting a free therapist-facilitated conversation on mental health and community support on November 5th from 7pm - 8:30pm. This offering is an opportunity to be in community as we grapple with fear, anger, sadness, hope, and share where we find joy. In a time of increasing isolation, The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center wants to remind you that you are not alone and your community has your back. 

The DC Antiviolence Project (DCAVP) is hosting an open mic event on December 5 at 7pm: Queer Voices: Unwavering. This will be a space that allows us to honor our queer siblings of all communities, mourn those lost, and celebrate the power and love in our community. 

Jocelyn is also actively seeking  Volunteers for the DC Antiviolence Project (DCAVP) to lead community organizing, recruitment, and communications efforts. The DCAVP meets monthly (quarterly in person, every other month online). 

You can connect with the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center, where Jocelyn works, in the following ways:

For Trauma-Informed Casework, Individual/Group Therapy, or DCAVP Volunteer Chair Interest:

Email: [email protected]

For General Information, Peer Support Groups, or Volunteering (Front Desk, Clothing Boutique, Food Distribution):

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedccenter/  

Website: https://thedccenter.org/

Chris Wood, he/him, is changing the world as co-founder and Executive Director of LGBT Tech, a non-profit organization aiming to bridge the gap between technology and our LGBTQ+ community through research, programs and events.  

In this conversation, we talk about Chris’ background and journey into founding LGBT tech, which includes having being kicked out of their house to being held hostage by a suicide bomber. We also discuss how technology has helped him in his journey, how technology supports our LGBTQ+ community and how we can ensure we are included in the design and safety future technological advancements. 

On Oct 09, 2025, from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT LGBT Tech is hosting a virtual event: PATHS Forward Summit. This full-day, virtual event will discuss the current state of hiring and the multiplicities of job searching in today’s online and ever-changing world. Each session in the day will create meaningful discussions on the job market for LGBTQ+ professionals in STEAM from common trends, navigating AI, job seeker recommendations, and the release of PATHS’ 

Workplace Belonging Report! 

Check out LGBT Tech’s website and sign up for their newsletter: https://www.lgbttech.org/ 

Learn more their events and program here: https://linktr.ee/lgbttech

Follow their team on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lgbttech/ 

Jessica L’Whor  is changing the world by inspiring and entertaining crowds as a drag queen. In addition , she is on tour performing and with her “Ask A Queen” series, where she goes to public spaces around the world, inviting strangers to engage in conversation and to ask her an original question.

In this conversation, we talk about how she started doing drag as well as some stories around the ups and downs of being a drag performer, and engaging with varieties of people at performances or randomly on the street.

Jessica is currently on tour, and you can sign up her newsletter on her website:  https://www.jessicalwhor.com/ 

You can connect with Jessica in the following ways:

On August 31, Jessica is taking part in a Drag Brunch in DC and will be at DC sights continuing her Ask-A-Queen tour. 

If you want to learn about other organizations doing good work that Jessica supports:

Charlie Sprinkman, he/they, is changing the world by connecting everyone with thousands of Queer-owned or supportive businesses, communities and organizations. As founder of the Everywhere is Queer app, Charlie aims to increase joyful experiences for our Queer community, by mapping safe businesses and resources that have signed up, worldwide. 

In this conversation, we talk about their journey into this business, as well of themes of acceptance, community and entrepreneurship.

The Everywhere is Queer app is available now on iOS and Android

Website: Map: www.everywhereisqueer.com/map

You can connect with Charlie in the following ways:

Dr Ashley Elliot, or Dr Vivid, she/her,  is changing the world by supporting people in their mental health journey in clinical settings as well as through her social media, community events, and other offerings. She brings her unapologetically Black, queer, female & DC-native identities to support better and safer experiences in healthcare, life and community.

Dr. Vivid also serves as Chief Inclusivity Officer, for Spark Social House, the only queer non-alcoholic bar, cafe, and social house in the country. 

In this conversation, we talk about her journey into mental health, perspectives of life in DC over the years, and themes of authenticity and community. 

Dr Vivid is hosting an event to talk about Sex, Love and Relationships on Saturday May 24, during World Pride and Black Pride. Followed by A Sapphic Social at Spark. 

You can connect with Dr Vivid in the following ways:

Learn more about Spark Social: https://www.instagram.com/sparksocialdc/ 

Paul Marengo is changing the world through consulting and fundraising with a variety of non-profits. As CEO of Promethean Fundraising, Paul has worked with a number of film festivals, arts organizations and LGBTQ+ non-profits in the DC area and beyond. 

In this conversation, Paul shares his journey from New York to DC as well as his love of travel. We also discuss the importance of community, travel, and pride.

Finally, we look forward to World Pride 2025 taking place in DC, and we highlight the new DC LGBTQ+ Center, which just opened in DC. Learn more about World Pride here and find information about the DC Center here. 

You can connect with Paul in the following ways:

J. Henry is changing the world through music focused on love, authenticity and knowing we are enough. 

In this conversation, we talk about his journey into hiphop and music, creativity, and self-acceptance. He discusses the transformative power of love in his music, his unique wedding experience, and his album "Love J. Henry."

Check out his album on Spotify or Apple.

You can connect with J. Henry in the following ways:

Justin Ayars, he/him, is changing the world through his current startup EqualityMD— a tech-enabled healthcare platform for LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, businesses, nonprofits, professional organizations, and universities. This low-cost healthcare alternative includes a network of providers who have all received cultural competency training, to understand the needs and concerns of our LGBTQ+ community, as well as mental health services and free or massively discounted prescriptions.

To learn more about what EqualityMD offers check out this short video: https://tinyurl.com/2uza8f87

To learn more about Justin, his journey, and EqualityMD visit: https://gaingels.com/justin-ayars

In this conversation, Justin A. shares the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial journey, and the importance of combining purpose and profit. We also discuss navigating life in 2025 and living intentionally. 

You can connect with Justin A. in the following ways: