Queer Changemakers

Chocolatté Miller (he/him)  is changing the world as Director of Capital Resource Connections. Capital Resource Connections (CRC) is a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organization that serves as a vetted resource hub and educational network for the LGBTQ+ community. In this conversation, we talk about the vision and next steps for Capital Resource connections. As well as some challenges, and pivoting when the landscape changes. 

Capital Resource Connections is currently seeking volunteers to help run and support the organization. You can find more information, programs, and volunteer opportunities on their website: lgbtqresources.org 

You can connect with the Capital Resource Connections team in the following ways:

Scot Maitland is changing the world by elevating the conversation and experience of non-alcoholic (NA) beverages in bars. Scot reminds that everyone is a NA beverage drinker, and believes in providing quality NA beverages in one way to increase inclusion in our communities. He is focused on educating venues and individuals on how to craft “elevated non-alcoholic beverages” (ENABS) in simple, yet effective ways. 

In this conversation, we talk about the science of building and tasting complex drinks using his VATS evaluation system, as well as themes of hospitality, inclusivity, and embracing life as a dynamic, artistic adventure. 

Check our Scot’s new video podcast called QueerAFAF: a series of conversations about how LGBTQ+ folks are reshaping the NA space. These are the people building the future of inclusive drinking culture, one thoughtful pour at a time. Here’s that link to the playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE9O3OVgsarG_9GW1O6yfUQvF0JIdx2vC&si=Q9sk_HUhgl3I19xb

You are also invited to join a Hospitality Pledge, to share that we WANT INCLUSIVE beverage choices. Including your zip code helps The Elevated Bear with outreach to the areas that are populated, however no personal information will ever be shared in relation to this pledge. Learn more at:  https://theelevatedbear.com/ 

If you’re interested in learning more, you can join Scot’s ENAB Sensory Club. It’s a $15/month print subscription. 

Members get one original recipe, one drink evaluation tool, and a behind-the-scenes letter about how the drink was built, all mailed on the first Saturday of each month. I launched it in May and folks are loving it. 

The link is: https://theelevatedbear.com/print-club

Francis Gortaire (they/them) is changing their community by encouraging nonviolence in our communities through the DC Peace Team. DC Peace Team provides training and services in active bystander intervention, unarmed civilian protection, and restorative justice.

In this conversation, we discuss their journey into working for the DC Peace Team, the variety of those services and topics, as well as how those themes can be used in our personal lives and workplaces. 

To learn more about the DC Peace Team, their monthly trainings and information, connect with them here: 

Email: [email protected] 

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DcPeaceTeam 

Website: https://www.dcpeaceteam.org/ 

Dwight Venson is changing the world and our community by promoting the inclusive health services provided by Whitman Walker. With multiple locations in DC, Whitman Walker is a federally qualified health center offering the full range of primary care, dental, pharmacies as well as some legal services (name/gender marker and immigration support), and insurance navigation.

In this conversation, Dwight shares his journey into this role, the people and opportunities in DC who helped him grow and get more involved and connected with the community. He highlights the opening of the Max Robinson Center and deepening work in Ward 7 and 8, while discussing challenges like resource allocation and Whitman-Walker’s complicated history minority communities, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging past harm and course-correcting, in order to grow and build a future with more inclusion, connection and community. 

To learn more about Whitman Walker services and locations visit their: 

You can connect with Dwight in the following ways:

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: