Did you meet Meryl Streep?

Brian James shares his journey from a small-town upbringing in West Virginia to a career in musical theater and film in New York City. He talks about becoming a dad, moving to the suburbs, and why representation in media matters for kids.

He and his husband’s adoption journey highlights the challenges and joy of building a family. Brian reflects on raising a Black child as a white parent, navigating racial dynamics, and the role of community in supporting LGBTQ families.

This conversation explores adoption, parenting, family life, and the changing landscape of LGBTQ representation.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Brian's Artistic Journey

02:09 The Impact of Parenthood on Career Choices

05:13 Exploring Musical Theater and Recommendations

08:01 Transitioning from Theater to Film and Television

11:12 Behind the Scenes: The Film and TV Experience

14:06 Balancing Fatherhood and Career

16:51 Moving from City Life to Suburbia

20:01 The Charm of Provincetown and LGBTQ Acceptance

24:56 The Power of Representation in Media

26:47 Growing Up Queer: A New Perspective

28:45 Cultural Shifts in LGBTQ+ Visibility

30:28 Love and Relationships: A Musical Connection

32:51 Navigating Life Together: The Importance of Communication

35:51 The Adoption Journey: Challenges and Triumphs

38:47 Preparing for Parenthood: The Adoption Process

43:42 Coping with Loss: Finding Humor in Dark Times

48:47 Navigating Grief and Adoption Journeys

49:55 The Unexpected Call: Welcoming a Newborn

50:48 Open Adoption: Building Relationships with Birth Parents

52:44 Addressing Race in Multicultural Families

55:18 Confronting Public Perception and Cultural Identity

58:33 Educating Others: The Importance of Curiosity

01:01:05 Embracing Diversity in Family Dynamics

01:09:45 The Future of Parenting in a Changing World