Being Lgbtq

Lesbian author Amanda Kabak joins us to talk about her new book ‘Upended’ which is due out in July 2021. Amanda’s debut novel ‘The Mathematics of Change’ received excellent reviews with fellow author Tayari Jones saying she is a ‘writer to watch’. Amanda talks about the new book, growing up lesbian in the suburbs of Chicago, coming out in 1992 and more.

Queer, black playwright Barbirye Bukilwa joins Sam to talk about her latest play ‘...cake’ which opens at Theatre Peckham in London from July 13th until August 7th. The play is a prequel to Barbirye’s first play ‘…blackbird hour’ and is said to ‘unapologetically queer the existing complexities of family roots and belonging. Barbirye talks about the themes explored in the play as well as racial and LGBTQ injustice in the U.K.

Bisexual writer Kira Leigh joins Sam to talk about their latest series ‘Constelis Voss’, a sci-fi, anime inspired series in which all the characters are bisexual. The series opens on a dystopian planet sized ship in the far future! Kira talks about the series as well as LGBTQ representation in mainstream media, bisexuality, and Star Trek.

Activist Blake Pruitt from ‘Reclaim Pride NYC’ joins Sam to discuss the Queer Liberation March which has taken place in New York City since the 50th anniversary of Stonewall in 2019. The march which has been attended by tens of thousands in recent years aims to take Pride back to its routes, focussing more on activism and without corporate sponsorship. Blake tells us why he thinks Pride has become a shadow of its former self and shares his views on the debate surrounding police marching in uniform at Pride events.

Bisexual solo artist Sage Suede joins Sam to talk about his new sexually charged and unapologetically gay new album ‘Foolin Around’ which takes risks mainstream artists are scared to take. Sage also shares his thoughts about the commercialisation of Pride and his view that ‘everyone is a bit bisexual’.

For our first episode of Pride Month 2021 black LGBTQ music artist Rebel Will from Toronto, Canada joins Sam to discuss a range of issues including music, racial injustice, the pressures of life and being an unapologetically queer artist. Rebel’s latest album is ‘REBELFUTURISM’, and his influences include Janet Jackson and Prince.

Author Ian and Illustrator James join us to talk about their new LGBTQ inclusive children's book 'Nen and the Lonely Fisherman'. The book features a same sex love story and has been described as the gay version of 'The Little Mermaid'. Ian and James talk about how the book is personal to them and what it would have meant to have seen such representation when they were in school.

Gay poet Randall Mann speaks to Sam about his new poetry collection 'A Better Life'. The collection covers a variety of themes including LGBTQ history, HIV and the impact of apps on modern day dating. Randall is a critically acclaimed, established poet from a multi-racial background and draws on his own personal experience to bring intimacy and authenticity to his writing.

Sam chats to Andrew Sartory, co-founder of 'Gay Man Thriving' which Andrew runs with his husband Zach. Both are professionals who aim to help gay men overcome common obstacles that keep gay men single and attracting toxic relationships. In this interview Andrew discusses mental health, body image and how 'Gay Man Thriving' helps gay and bisexual men embrace who they are.

Sam chats to singer-songwriter and LGBTQ activist Ryan Cassata. Ryan is transgender and hails from Long Island, New York. He’s been described as a ‘transgender singing sensation’ and was listed in Billboard’s list of ‘11 transgender and non-binary musicians you need to know’. Ryan talks about his music, activism, and the rise of hate towards trans people in the United States, what we can do to combat it and be better trans allies.

LGBTQ business coach Kevin Colley joins us to talk about getting back on track after the pandemic, being a cyclist enthusiast and the importance of safe spaces including being part of an LGBTQ cycling group. In the past Kevin has struggled with mental health, including body image issues, we delve into the reasons why and the methods which could help others.

LGBTQ music artist Sev7en Taylor joins us to talk about his new deluxe EP ‘Bless A Bee’, which Sev7en says explores his spiritual side. He also shares his thoughts on recent ‘outrage’ from conservatives levelled at Lil Nas X and if being black and gay has made him more of a target. Keeping with racial discrimination Sev7en shares his thoughts on the recent shootings of unarmed black men, including Daunte Wright, and the continuing problem of systemic racism in the police force and how people have become almost desensitised to these incidents.

Author of the new book ‘Determined To Be Dad’ Steve Disselhorst joins us to talk about his journey to becoming a father. Steve has two adopted children Kaitlyn and Matthew and shares his experience and how he was determined not to let his sexuality impact his dream of becoming a Dad. As well as his book Steve shares his views on the changes, he has seen in terms of same sex parenting over the years.

Derek Frost talks about his new book ‘Living and Loving in the age of AIDS’ an intimate, personal account of living through the AIDS crisis in the 80’s and 90’s. Derek’s husband Jeremy Norman (who created the LGBTQ venues the Embassy Club and Heaven) was diagnosed during the height of the pandemic and faced a fight for his life which thankfully he ultimately won thanks to advancements in medicine. In this interview Derek shares his story and what he hopes people will learn from the book.

Public speaker Rebecca Ashley joins us to talk about her identity being an aromantic asexual lesbian. Rebecca points out the many misconceptions and raising awareness of lesser-known orientations. Rebecca is from Toronto Canada and is the founder of ‘Arts Healing Hearts’.

As we mark the 12th annual Transgender Day of Visibility, Sam is joined by trans woman Sarah Stephenson-Hunter who also lives with a disability - Sarah is blind. Sarah is the founder of ‘Simply Equality’ which aims to amplify the voices of LGBTQ disabled people. She has a lot of experience in the higher education sector currently working at the University of Oxford. Sarah was named Stonewall’s LGBT role model of the year for the East Midlands in 2018. In this interview we talk about being transgender in 2021, the barriers for trans and disabled people and how to be a better trans ally.

Author of the new book ‘The Greatest Superpower’ Alex Sanchez chats to Sam about the release which features a transgender coming out story. Alex’s previous work has included ‘You Brought Me The Ocean’ for DC Comics which depicted a gay origin story of superhero Aqualad. Alex talks about the changing concept of gender and the challenges of writing the book.

Sam previews an upcoming podcast series from ‘Ugly Duckling Films’, which looks into the still unidentified serial killer ‘The Doodler’. The show unravels the case and dives into the archives of the San Francisco Chronicle and San Francisco Police Department. The Doodler, known for drawing portraits of his victims, committed violent targeted attacks against the LGBTQ community in the San Francisco area between 1974 and 1975. He brutally beat and murdered at least 5 gay men and got away with it due to little evidence and lack of attention from the media and the police at the time.

Jason Kniep the founder and executive director of OUTSpoken Illinois joins Sam to talk about why he founded the LGBTQ non-profit group which is based in Wheaton. OUTSpoken formed in 2019 and offers support services for LGBTQ young people and do community outreach work including getting businesses involved with events including ‘Pride Month’.

Dr Aidan McKearney, Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management at London South Bank Universities Business School shares the findings of his latest research ‘How gay men have overcome the challenges of living in rural communities in England and Ireland’. The new research looks at the challenges of living in these areas and how gay men overcame them.