Weathering Rainbows

Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston sit down with Living Legend Lawanda Jackson. Lawanda Jackson is former Miss Gay USofA 2012, Miss Gay USofA Classic 2009, and has won over 20 other pageants. She is an entertainer known for her impersonations of Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Dionne Warwick, and Mary J. Blige. After a stroke changed her life at the age of 50 leaving her partially paralyzed, she decided to inspire others with disabilities by continuing to perform despite her disability. She now teaches Interview Master Classes for up and comers to the pageant world. 

 

P.S. Lawanda Jackson is Leah Halston’s Drag Mother. They have a very talented family.

 

FOLLOW THE SHOW

For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com

For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/

 

GUEST LINKS

Lawanda Jackson: https://www.instagram.com/lawada_jackson/

 

HOSTED BY

Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/

Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/

 

ANIMATION BY

Christian Gallardo: https://www.instagram.com/drawnbychristian/

 

SPONSORED BY

JustFundKY: https://www.justfundky.org

 

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/g2FN4I_Ifkw

Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston sit down with KC Sunshine, the current Mr. Gay America 2022, from Kansas City, Missouri. He is also known as The Midwest Michael Jackson. He has been a dancer of 29 years, and has been performing in the art of drag and competing in male pageantry for 16 years. He has even been featured 3 times on America’s Got Talent. 

 

He is a former Duke of KC Pride 2008, Mr. KC Gay Pride 2011, Mr. Iowa Captal City USofA 2018, Mr. Gay Iowa USofA 2018 and Mr. Gay Missouri America 2021.

In 2017 KC placed in the top 3 at Mr. Entertainer of the Year and in 2018 he placed in the top 10 at Mr. Gay USofA. 

 

When not performing, KC teaches 4th grade in Kansas City, and works with several organizations that advocate for POC & LGBTQ+ youth visibility and inclusion. He is a co-director of The Coterie Theater’s LGBTQ youth group Project Pride, an annual production that is dedicated to providing performance spaces for LGBTQ+ youth.

 

FOLLOW THE SHOW

For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com

For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/

 

GUEST LINKS

KC Sunshine: https://www.instagram.com/kcsunshinemj/

Mr. Gay America: https://www.instagram.com/mrgayamerica/

 

HOSTED BY

Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/

Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/

 

ANIMATION BY

Christian Gallardo: https://www.instagram.com/drawnbychristian/

 

SPONSORED BY

JustFundKY: https://www.justfundky.org

 

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/EOhwp7VyMPc

 

RESOURCES:

Teacher Guide: https://www.headteacher-update.com/best-practice-article/lgbt-common-questions/189680

 

MR GAY AMERICA COVER PHOTOGRAPH: https://tiosphotagraphy.com/

With growing concern over conservative bills targeting lgbtq+ youth in schools, Kurtis Sunset sits down with Bryan Stanton, the host of Teaching While Queer Podcast, to discuss how they have provided an inclusive environment in spite of the right wing rhetoric in Texas government. Bryan has won teacher of the year for their district and now gives back by sharing the stories and experiences of LGBTQ+ Teachers on their podcast. This interview answers questions such as how to be more inclusive in the classroom, at what age is teaching youth about sexual identity appropriate, and how to overcome the fears of self-censorship.

 

FOLLOW THE SHOW

For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com

For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/

 

GUEST LINKS

Bryan Stanton: https://www.instagram.com/thebryanstanton/

Teaching While Queer Podcast: https://www.teachingwhilequeer.com

 

 

HOSTED BY

Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/

Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/

 

ANIMATION BY

Christian Gallardo: https://www.instagram.com/drawnbychristian/

 

SPONSORED BY

JustFundKY: https://www.justfundky.org

Growing up LGBTQ in the Bible Belt has its own set of problematic situations when dealing with Fundamentalist Christian Organizations. In this episode, Kurtis Sunset interviews Josh Astor, also known as J. Steele, and discusses the fears he had before and after coming out as a gay male to a religious family. Prior to coming out, Josh was a christian school teacher and had high standing within his church, afterwards that all changed. However, Josh talks about how he found a new accepting community that propelled him into the career of his dreams. Josh is the owner of J. Steele Photography that focuses on photography for male boudoir and drag queens.

 

For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com

For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/

 

GUEST LINKS

J. Steele Photography: https://www.instagram.com/jsteelestudios/

 

HOSTED BY

Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/

Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/

 

ANIMATION BY

Christian Gallardo: https://www.instagram.com/drawnbychristian/

 

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/khcHWxTeheA

Growing up LGBTQ in the Bible Belt has its own set of problematic situations when dealing with Fundamentalist Christian Organizations. In this episode, Kurtis Sunset interviews Bernadette Barton and discusses many stories of gay and lesbian individuals from the Bible Belt. They discuss the Toxic Closet, Conditions of Inarticulation, and how to start making steps towards making rural areas more accepting of LGBTQ individuals. 

We recommend the book, “Pray the Gay Away” by Bernadette Barton, to anyone that wants to learn about the Bible Belt effects on LGBTQ+ individuals.

For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com

For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/

GUEST LINKS

Bernadette Barton: https://www.instagram.com/bernbarton/

HOSTED BY

Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/

Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/

 

LINK TO PURCHASE BOOK: https://a.co/d/gt9uO8k

 

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/fOu-wuiepJE

In our funniest episode yet, Kurtis and Leah interview Joe Gollahon and Daniel Hutchins, a couple from Louisville, Kentucky that have been together for over 27 years. For 19 of those years, the two have become well known for hosting a Huge Christmas Party! Each year the two shoot and edit over 15,000 photos from various events throughout Louisville.

In this FABULOUS episode expect to hear all about Christmas Scams, 2x4’s, and Badonkadonks. Heck, you may even become educated on how to properly slap some booty without hurting your partner. That’s right, this is a gift like we’ve never given before, as this “Christmas Episode” takes an absolutely wild turn into stories that would make these two TikTok famous overnight. 

 

For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com

For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/

 

GUEST LINKS

Joe Gollahon: https://www.instagram.com/joegollahon/

Daniel Hutchins: https://www.instagram.com/hutchins5104/

 

HOSTED BY

Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/

Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/

 

LINK TO CHRISTMAS TREE SCAM VIDEO: https://youtu.be/b6GATfs2Jgw

 

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/WojDKN0ADnY

Is it ever too late to transition? Can you still find happiness by doing it later in life?

In this episode, Kurtis Sunset interviews Ashley Anna Parks, author of Taking Flight, a memoir on transitioning at the age of 65. Having lived 65 years presenting as a male, being married to a woman twice, having children, serving in the military, and being a minister, Ashley reached a point where she had to set herself free. Taking Flight is all about that emotional journey of transitioning and finding happiness in her 60’s. 

 

But first, Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston chat Hunks in Pumps, Stuffing Turkeys, and even ear fetishes. 

For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com

For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/

GUEST LINKS

Ashley Anna Parks: https://www.instagram.com/butterfly.discoveries/

Website & Book Purchases: https://www.butterflydiscoveries.com

HOSTED BY

Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/

Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/

SPONSORED BY

JustFundKY: https://www.justfundky.org

WATCH EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/XjkYFNmXr3w

Ever wonder how to be successful in the HipHop Music Industry? Or to open shows for huge musical artist?

In this episode, Kurtis Sunset interviews Tori WhoDat. Tori is a HipHop artist that has performed at many pride festivals with popular songs such as, “Heather Grey”, “Thru My City” and “Love the Way”. She tells her wonderful story from Christian Artist to HipHop star.

But first, Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston tell you what they’ve been up to over the lengthy break and some fun events coming this holiday season.

For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com

For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/

 

GUEST LINKS

Tori WhoDat: https://www.instagram.com/toriwhodat/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Ce9Le1hru4Me2NwIWE6S3

HOSTED BY

Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/

Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/

LINK TO CHRISTMAS WISH TREE VIDEO:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6GATfs2Jgw

Have you ever wondered how to fight school policies that are not gender inclusive? Interested in learning about the life of a transgender student?

 

In this episode, Kurtis Sunset interviews Marcus Macchi. Marcus is a transgender male that discusses how he managed to change the graduation gown policy at his Catholic high school. Today, many schools still have policies that force students to wear a color robe based on gender often forcing transgender students to wear the color robe that is based on their gender assigned at birth. The outdated policies should be looked into across the country and Marcus tells how he changed it at his own school.

 

But first, Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston answer some of the questions that folks submitted at Kentuckiana Pride including questions on feelings for their best friends, favorite drinks, and early sexual experiences.

 

For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com

For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/

 

GUEST LINKS

Marcus Macchi: https://www.instagram.com/marcus_macchi/

 

HOSTED BY

Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/

Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/

 

RESOURCES:

APP Suggestion - https://www.refugerestrooms.org/

Ever wonder how to be successful on TikTok? From another country and need advice on starting life after moving to America?

 

In this episode, Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston interview “Art” Bezrukavenko. Art is a Ukrainian immigrant that moved to America with just $500 in his pocket. He is now a well-known TikTok Star and Social Media Influencer after going viral in 2020 with his coming out video holding an LGBTQ+ flag in front of the Bank of America. Art tells his story from Ukraine to America, then answers some fun questions that his fans have likely never heard him answer.

 

But first, Kurtis Sunset gives a bit of information on LGBTQ+ rights and fight for LGBTQ+ progress in Ukraine in the midst of war.

 

For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com

For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/

 

GUEST LINKS

Art Bezrukavenko: https://www.instagram.com/itsartbezrukavenko/

Art in the Park: https://www.instagram.com/artintheparkshow/

Art’s Website: https://www.onlyartiom.com

 

HOSTED BY

Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/

Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/

 

SUPPORT LGBTQ+ UKRAINIANS

OutRight Action International: https//outrightinternational.org/ukraine

 

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/rGdIlCCbgxI