On this episode of Stereotypes, Christopher Beale delves into the intersection of neurodivergence and queerness with Alicia Valenski, a bisexual, neurodivergent author, and world traveler. 

They discuss the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face in finding safe and inclusive travel destinations. Alicia shares insights from her latest book, Lonely Planet's LGBTQ+ Travel Guide, which is sourced from locals to offer authentic and safe travel recommendations for queer people. 

They also touch on the current climate in the US and other parts of the world regarding the safety of queer travelers. The episode promises a deep dive into the importance of visibility and inclusion in both travel and identity.

LINKS

The full 40 minute interview.

Alicia Valenski

Lonely Planet's LGBTQ+ Travel Guide

Stereotypes Live: Pride, Protest and Punchlines

Whether through his myriad contributions to style, his talk show, or his run as a judge on Project Runway All Stars there is a good chance that you know Isaac Mizrahi.

But you may not have known that for Isaac Mizrahi, all of that work in fashion, the success, the failures, was actually his plan B. How Isaac Mizrahi climbed to the top of the mountain in fashion, then got back to Plan A this time on Stereotypes.

LINKS Isaac MizrahiIsaac Mizrahi PerformanceChristopher BealeRadioQueer.com

On this episode of Stereotypes: Straight Talk From Queer Voices, host Christopher J. Beale sits down with Sister Roma, a prominent member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, to discuss hookup safety amid an increase in violence targeting queer individuals through hookup apps.

“I was scared for my community, and I was pissed off!” - Sister Roma

The Sisters, known for their activism and HIV/AIDS outreach since the late 1970s, launched a simple three-step safety campaign called Safety First, Sexy Second where they encourage you to: “Buddy Up, Hook Up, Follow Up.”

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🏳️‍🌈📻 SOFT LAUNCHING NOW  📻 🏳️‍🌈RADIO QUEER, the new LGBTQ+ radio station streaming live from San Francisco. Available 24-7 at RADIOQUEER.com! New shows will be online soon, for now it's today's best music from queer artists and surprise live shows. Tune in now!

Black Native trans professional wrestler Nyla Rose grabbed attention when All Elite Wrestling signed her, and even more when they made her the first trans World Champion.

That was 5 years ago, but it’s a very different world today. AEW’s Nyla Rose stops by Stereotypes.

LINKS Nyla Rose on IGChristopher J. BealeStereotypes PodcastStereotypes.LiveAEW TIX

San Francisco based Queer South Asian recording artist Miraaj recounts his journey from growing up in Dubai with a crush on Ricky Martin, to coming out and moving to America to make music.

Plus, Miraaj shares the inspiration for his new song and video "Secret" out now.

Hear the full 40 minute interview on Patreon, click here.

LINKS MiraajChristopher J. BealeStereotypes

Cory Allen spent a number of years on Michelle Obama’s personal Secret Service detail, standing next to the most powerful couple in the world as an out and proud gay man.

What was it like being Michelle Obama’s Secret Service Agent, and what were his favorite moments…that he can talk about? From the Grammys to the World Cup, finding love, becoming a father and reconnecting with Michelle Obama, Cory Allen tells all in his book “Breaking Free” and on this episode of Stereotypes.

LINKS Cory Allen https://www.coryallenbooks.com/ Christopher Beale https://christopherjbeale.com 

The full 35 minute conversation with Cory Allen (out Wednesday 2/22) on Patreon. https://patreon.com/realchrisjbeale 

Alicia Keys, Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga Open The 2019 GRAMMYs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqrBK9wmHl8

Anita Bryant has died, and if you’ve noticed queer people celebrating a bit you might be wondering why. At the beginning of the modern LGBTQ rights movement, she was probably the most visibly anti-LGBTQ person in America. This time on Stereotypes, why those of us in the know think Anita Bryant was wicked.

LINKS StereotypesPodcast.org Christopher J. Beale Patreon AP News

*NOTE: This episode was reuploaded on 1/11/25 to swap out a piece of archival audio that was of poor quality.*

Meet Toni Cannon, a charismatic trans man known for his acrobatic strongman performances, which combine feats of strength with dramatic flair.

“ I wouldn't say I had the worst family experience with being trans or queer, but it was challenging.” – Toni Cannon

Toni shares his journey of coming out as trans, discovering acrobatics, and eventually joining San Francisco’s Circus Bella. Plus, how his act playfully critiques toxic masculinity.

LINKS

The full conversation with Toni Cannon

Toni Cannon on Instagram

Circus Bella

Christopher Beale

Trans synth rock duo The FMs was conceptualized and created by longtime friends Matte Namer (she/they) and Frankie Rex (he/they). After releasing one album and recording parts for another, Rex suddenly died.

Namer has dusted off Rex’ vocal tracks for two new albums, and has their sights set on the future of The FMs.

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LINKS

Hear the full interview with Matte Namer Christopher Beale The FMs

On this episode of Stereotypes: Straight Talk from Queer Voices, Christopher Beale introduces us to Lynne Jassem, a remarkable queer performer and pioneer whose journey began 75 years ago when she started exploring her gender identity at the tender age of three.

Despite living as a butch lesbian, Lynne never fully embraced labels like non-binary or transgender, preferring a playful ambiguity in her self-identification.

Hear Lynne's fascinating life journey and clips of her autobiographical solo show, "Tap Dancing with My Pronouns: The He/She Life of Richard Greene." UPDATED 11/06/24: I made a few edits for timlieness, and was able to let a few scenes breathe a bit more. This is what I'd call the directors cut. Enjoy!

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To hear the full 20 minute conversation with Lynne, join me on Patreon for as little as $1 a month. You’ll also get each episode of Stereotypes early!