Queer We Are

Picture a world where love transcends barriers, prejudice, and misunderstanding; that's the world seen through B Proud's lens. Guest, photographer B Proud, transports us into the heart of the LGBTQ community with her powerful and evocative images. She shares insights into her captivating projects, such as her 2014 book featuring black and white photographs of LGBTQ couples and her current visually stunning exhibit, the Transcending Love Project, celebrating transgender and gender nonconforming couples and families in vibrant color.

B Proud unearths the complexity of the transgender experience. With her Transcending Love Project, B Proud encapsulates the diversity, beauty, and resilience within the community. We delve into the creative process, the stories, and the significance of the project. 

Together, we navigate the evolution of LGBTQ+ rights and representation as seen through B Proud's lens. We use the backdrop of her work to touch upon the landmark case of Edith Windsor, whose fight for love laid the groundwork for the Obergefell decision on marriage equality. It's not just a conversation about her photographs; it's a conversation about the message they carry, the progress that's been made, and the importance of keeping the dialogue alive. Join us, as we celebrate love, equality, and representation with B Proud.

Websites:

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bproudphoto.com

firstcomeslove.org

transcendinglove.org

First Comes Love Project on Instagram

Barbara Proud Facebook Page

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Do you know actors such as William Shatner, Chris Pine, Leonard Nimoy, Kate Mulgrew, George Takei, and others may have Lucille Ball to thank for advancing their careers? Without her, Star Trek may never have happened.  And that's a small part of our discussion.

Tony Maietta is a man of many talents: actor, host, producer, writer, and author. His passionate and insightful tales of Tinseltown's golden era will have you leaning in to hear more. From his personal journey to LA in the 90s, with nothing more than dreams of an Emmy, to his intimate knowledge of Hollywood's transformation over the years, Tony enlightens us about the evolution of the film industry, the fading era of relationship-focused films, and the impact of CGI.

Tony delves the intricate life of Lucille Ball, a showgirl turned comedic genius turned Hollywood studio president, a feat few could even dream of achieving. We delve into Lucy's perfectionism, her unwavering loyalty to her friends, and her immense impact on popular culture.

We also discuss Grey Gardens, the now-celebrated mansion chronicled in a documentary and two feature-length films.  Tony Maietta and Jerry Torre co-wrote a memoir on Jerry's time at the mansion.

Links:

Website: tony-maietta.com

Instagram: @tcm.too

Facebook: tonymaietta1

YouTube: @tonymaietta7899

Amazon: Tony Maietta

Transcripts

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From the comedy stages of Los Angeles to the political epicenter of Madison, Wisconsin, Dina Nina Martinez Rutherford not only is a trans woman stand-up comedian who's been breaking barriers in the world of comedy, but Dina Nina also holds the distinction of being Madison's first elected trans official. Her journey is far from ordinary, marked with grit and resilience.

 With a powerful message for trans kids and a call to action for everyone to participate in effecting change, Dina Nina leaves us inspired. Explore the multifaceted life of Dina Nina, a woman who continues to be a beacon of hope, advocacy, and laughter.

Dina Nina's website: dinanina.com

Follow her on Instagram: @dinaninaxo

Dina Nina on Facebook: @dinaninaxo

On TikTok: @dinaninaxo

On Twitter: @dinaninaxo

Transcripts

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Sam Kirk's murals are not just about aesthetics, they're stories that promote inclusivity and redefine public spaces. This episode takes you through Sam's journey from her magnificent installation in Times Square to her deeply personal mural in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago near where she was the victim of a brutal hate crime. 

We go beyond Sam's art to uncover the person that she is. A queer individual from a mixed-race family, Sam's stories of resilience and journey of self-discovery are as captivating as her art. She delves into her coming out experience at an all-girls high school, and the challenges she faced in her decision to become an artist This episode paints a vivid picture of Sam Kirk - the artist, the advocate, and the trailblazer.

Sam Kirk's Website

Sam Kirk's Art Products

Sam on Instagram

On Facebook

On Twitter

Transcripts

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Ready to embark on a melodious journey into the world of film music? Join Brad in an enlightening conversation with the extraordinary David Gonzalez, who has lent his mesmerizing musical talent to film and talent. David's insights on the significance of music in film – from its indispensable role during the silent movie era to its power to amplify cinematic brilliance in the present day – are nothing short of remarkable.

David's astute understanding of balancing sound effects' frequency ranges while scoring a busy action scene is just one of the many technical aspects that make him a maestro. Get ready to delve into the importance of a composer’s ego (or lack thereof) while creating a score that serves the narrative and not just their personal ambition.

As we progress, we turn our attention to the profound impact of documentary filmmaking and how it becomes a strong voice for marginalized communities. We discuss the importance of queer representation in film and television, emphasizing the need for characters to be more than just their sexuality. David and I also touch upon the controversial topic of straight actors playing gay roles. Brace yourself for an episode packed with insightful discussions on music, film and beyond.


David's Website

David on Instagram

David on TikTok

David on Facebook

David on Twitter

Hear David's playlist on the Queer We Are website

Star Wars Throne Room Scene without music 
(Warning! You'll never see that scene the same way again after this)

Transcripts

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Can you imagine the profound impact of losing a child, and simultaneously choosing to transform that pain into a global drive for change? Our journey today is a deeply moving and powerful one as Brad sits with Judy Shepard, the courageous mother of Matthew Shepard, whose tragic murder laid the groundwork for a significant advancement for LGBTQ+ rights. Join them in this intimate conversation as they walk through the haunting night of Matthew's demise, the worldwide response it ignited, and the inspiring resilience of a mother's love leading to seismic shifts in societal attitudes.

In our candid conversation, we delve into how Matthew's horrifying end lit the fire of advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, instigating the creation of the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Judy generously shares her story of transforming personal loss into a powerful force for change, fueled by the contributions of thousands and ironically bolstered by anti-gay protesters. We explore the Foundation's ongoing work since the enactment of the Matthew Shepard James Bird Federal Hate Crime Prevention Act in 2009, and its unremitting advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.

This episode concludes with a heartwarming discourse on the power of love and the necessity of offering support to those around us. We invite you to accompany us on this emotional journey, a celebration of Matthew Shepard's life and the monumental changes spurred by his untimely loss.

Mathew Shepard Foundation website

Foundation of Social Media:

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

Threads

Matthew Shepard is a Friend of Mine for sale or rent on Amazon Prime

The Celebration of Life and Interment of Matthew Shepard on YouTube

Transcripts

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Host Brad Shreve takes us on a wild ride as he shares his personal story of love, addiction, abuse, and ultimately finding himself. From a life fueled by drugs,  alcohol, sexual addition, to facing domestic violence, Brad opens up about the challenges he faced and the difficult decisions he had to make. But this episode isn't just about the dark times. Brad reminds us that amidst the negativity, there are powerful stories of resilience and triumph within the LGBTQ+ community.

Every scar tells a story, and Brad's are written across the pages of Brad's life. Join him as he bears his soul. Hear about the devastating effects of hiding his sexuality, finding any means to mask it, and his tumultuous journey to self-discovery.  He eventually found stability and started anew, metaphorically throwing off his old persona and embracing who he truly is.

This episode originally aired on The Unexpected Guest podcast in April 2023.

Listen to The Unexpected Guest podcast

Need help? In the US you can call 988 and reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also chat with them and learn more information at 988lifeline.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness

The Coming Out Handbook from The Trevor Project

Transcripts

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Caesar Zepeda struggled with his sexuality before coming out in a big and fabulous way in front of millions of people. After rejection from his family, he reached a low part of his life but rebounded by being an activist in his community and being an example for those younger than him. Today he is the first openly gay man on the city council in Richmond, California, located in the San Francisco Bay area.

In addition, the state of California has unique laws regarding the procedures for elections that end in a tie. Hear Cesar talk about the game of chance that won him the election (spoiler alert: later counts showed there was not a tie after all and he had indeed won by votes)

Be motivated during these tough times by his inspiring story of resilience, determination, and giving back to the next generations.

Cesar Zepeda's Website

Cesar on Instagram

Cesar on Twitter

Cesar on Facebook

Transcripts

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What happens when a fictional character evolves alongside decades of LGBTQ history, reflecting the changes and challenges faced by the community? Join us this week on Queer We Are as we delve into the fascinating world of the Donald Strachey mystery series with its author, Richard Lipez, also known as Richard Stevenson. Together, we'll explore the series' 18 novels and the growth of its characters, from Strachey and his partner Timmy's early non-monogamous relationship in the 1980s to their eventual settled married life in the 2000s, while delving into the social issues that permeate the novels.

This episode was played on the Queer Writers of Crime podcast in 2020.

ReQueered Tales - Publishes award-winning post-Stonewall LGBTQ Fiction
Publisher of the final Donald Strachey Novel, Chasing Rembrandt

Amble Press- Published the only novel in Stevenson's new series
Knock Off the Hat

Killer Reunion (A Donald Strachey Mystery) on Amazon

Transcripts

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Can a love revolution truly start on the dance floor? Join us as we explore this possibility with my special guest, Mr. Slade, while discussing his unique blurring of music genres and allow his aggressive fun nature to motivate you.

Throughout our conversation, we dive into Mr. Slade's electrifying, sexy blend of metal, techno, and disco. We discuss the power of music and how it can transcend differences to connect people on a deep, personal level, fostering understanding and compassion. Discover the importance of maintaining integrity in the face of differing beliefs and how Mr. Slade's music acts as an extension of his political and spiritual views.

Learn how music can have a transcendent, healing effect even in the darkest of times, and connect people with differences in beliefs. 

Find Mr. Slade on Instagram

Mr. Slade's YouTube Channel

Hear his playlist on the Queer We Are Website

or

find it directly on Spotify.

Transcripts

Transcripts and more on the Queer We Are podcast website.

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Queer We Are logo created by Umeworks