Being LGBTQ
290 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★ - 55 ratingsBeing LGBTQ features interviews with people from across the community. Striving to give a platform to those who feel underrepresented, within it we discuss the latest issues impacting the community, amplify the voices of LGBTQ people, sign post you to the latest LGBTQ music artists and much more. Hosted by LGBTQ advocate Sam Wise, Being LGBTQ is informative and friendly!
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Episodes
Episode 154: Doug Probst 'Shawn Mayotte: The Musings of a Narcissist'
June 30, 2021 00:00 - 49 minutes - 113 MBDoug Probst (Aka – Shawn Mayotte), known in the 80’s for his modelling and gay porn movies joins us to discuss his life and his new memoir ‘Mayotte: The Musings of a Narcissist: A Survivors Story’. His story is one of trauma as a child, navigating the horrendous AIDS crisis, but also one of finding your way through life, the joy and in Doug’s case becoming a parent.
Episode 153: David Little & Kevin Wainwright 'Bear Wolf Panda'
June 27, 2021 00:00 - 36 minutes - 83.9 MBDavid and Kevin from LGBTQ clothing brand ‘Bear Wolf Panda’ talk about why they launched the brand and how the pandemic pushed them to make their dream of 8 years a reality. Based in the UK, the brand hopes to cater to all shapes and sizes and make “everyone feel fantastic”.
Episode 152: Amanda Kabak 'Upended'
June 25, 2021 00:00 - 46 minutes - 105 MBLesbian 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.
Episode 151: Barbirye Bukilwa
June 23, 2021 00:00 - 43 minutes - 99.3 MBQueer, 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.
Episode 150: Kira Leigh 'Constelis Voss'
June 20, 2021 00:00 - 32 minutes - 75 MBBisexual 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.
Episode 149: Blake Pruitt 'Reclaim Pride NYC'
June 18, 2021 00:00 - 47 minutes - 110 MBActivist 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 march...
Episode 148: Sage Suede
June 15, 2021 00:00 - 34 minutes - 79.5 MBBisexual 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’.
Episode 147: Rebel Will
June 08, 2021 00:00 - 56 minutes - 129 MBFor 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.
Episode 146: Ian Eagleton & James Mayhew 'Nen and the Lonely Fisherman'
May 23, 2021 00:00 - 42 minutes - 96.5 MBAuthor 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.
Episode 145: Randall Mann 'A Better Life'
May 21, 2021 00:00 - 58 minutes - 133 MBGay 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.
Episode 144: Andrew Sartory 'Gay Man Thriving'
May 11, 2021 00:00 - 50 minutes - 117 MBSam 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.
Episode 143: Ryan Cassata
May 04, 2021 00:00 - 34 minutes - 78.9 MBSam 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.
Episode 142: Kevin Colley 'Business, Cycling & Mental Health'
April 19, 2021 00:00 - 47 minutes - 108 MBLGBTQ 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.
Episode 141: Sev7en Taylor 'New Music & Racial Inequality in America'
April 16, 2021 00:00 - 44 minutes - 103 MBLGBTQ 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 ho...
Episode 140: Steve Disselhorst 'Determined To Be Dad'
April 11, 2021 00:00 - 44 minutes - 101 MBAuthor 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.
Episode 139: Derek Frost 'Living and Loving in the age of AIDS'
April 07, 2021 00:00 - 41 minutes - 94.1 MBDerek 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 b...
Episode 138: Rebecca Ashley 'Aromantic, Asexual'
April 04, 2021 00:00 - 48 minutes - 111 MBPublic 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’.
Episode 137: Sarah Stephenson-Hunter 'Simply Equality'
March 30, 2021 00:00 - 49 minutes - 114 MBAs 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 ...
Episode 136: Alex Sanchez 'The Greatest Superpower'
March 21, 2021 00:00 - 28 minutes - 64.1 MBAuthor 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.
Episode 135: True Crime 'The Doodler'
March 17, 2021 00:00 - 16 minutes - 38.4 MBSam 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 aw...
Episode 134: Jacob Kniep OUTSpoken Illinois
March 14, 2021 00:00 - 41 minutes - 94.5 MBJason 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’.
Episode 133: Dr Aidan McKearney
March 10, 2021 00:00 - 56 minutes - 129 MBDr 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.
Episode 132: Rae McDaniel
March 07, 2021 00:00 - 47 minutes - 108 MBSam is joined by Rae McDaniel, a transgender non-binary therapist turned life coach. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counsellor, they offer services and support to other gender non-conforming people to help them fully embrace their true selves. Rae’s goal is for trans and non-binary people to see transition and embracing their gender identity as a celebration of their uniqueness, not always as a negative barrier.
Episode 131: End Conversion Therapy Scotland
March 03, 2021 00:00 - 38 minutes - 88.2 MBSam Wise is joined by Erin Lux and Tristan Gray from ‘End Conversion Therapy Scotland’. Ahead of the 2021 Scottish parliamentary election in May the group are asking MSPs and candidates to pledge their support for banning the abusive practice. Previously the Westminster government in the U.K. has pledged numerous times to ban conversion therapy pending a ‘consultation’ but have continuously dragged their feet. What can be done to end the abuse once and for all?
Episode 130: Tony J Selimi
February 28, 2021 00:00 - 45 minutes - 104 MBBestselling gay author of ‘A Path to Wisdom’ Tony J Selimi talks about his life journey from growing up in the Republic of Northern Macedonia to escaping civil war, and then arriving in London in 1990. Tony talks about his struggles and how he got to where he is today. Tony has given over 12,000 coaching and mentoring sessions and has facilitated over 250 workshops. His aim is to promote global LGBTQ rights and he once spoke at the United Nations.
Episode 129: Shelly McNamara
February 22, 2021 00:00 - 44 minutes - 101 MBChief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Proctor and Gamble and lesbian writer Shelly McNamara joins us to talk about her book ‘No Blanks, No Pauses: A Path to Loving Self and Others’. In the book Shelly shares her life experiences including coming out at work in 1997, getting married and bringing up three children with her wife.
Episode 128: John Mercer - 'It's A Sin'
February 13, 2021 00:00 - 48 minutes - 111 MBJohn Mercer, Professor of Gender and Sexuality at Birmingham City University talks about the Channel 4 drama 'It's A Sin' , with a focus on sex on screen and representation. In particular John comments on stories published in the tabloid press with homophobic undertones reminiscent of the 80's when the drama is primarily set.
Episode 127: C. G. Moore
February 05, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 138 MBQueer author of the new coming of age verse novel C.G. Moore joins Sam to talk about living with a chronic illness. Chris was diagnosed with 'familial adenomatous polyposis' (FAP) at the age of eleven and talks about the unique challenges of the illness and its impacts on his everyday life.
Episode 126: Neil Basterfield & Jane Upson
January 31, 2021 00:00 - 53 minutes - 122 MBNeil Basterfield from Pride House Birmingham talks about the project which is being organised for the Commonwealth Games in 2022. A Pride House is a safe space where LGBTQ fans and allies can meet to enjoy the games. Jane Upson from Safeword Theatre in Wimbledon discusses domestic violence. Jane spent many years working for the police supporting victims of abuse and hate crime. The theatre group recently released a play 'When The Birds Stopped Singing' about abuse in a same sex rela...
Episode 125: Richard Angell - 'It's A Sin'
January 29, 2021 00:00 - 42 minutes - 96.6 MBRichard Angell from the 'Terrence Higgins Trust' joins us to discuss the new Russel T Davies Channel 4 drama 'It's A Sin' which portrays the AIDS crisis in the gay community in the 1980's. Richard chats to Sam about the response to the show and the progress that has been made in terms of treating those with HIV and the goal to have zero HIV transmissions in the U.K. by 2030.
Episode 124: Inauguration 2021 LGBTQ Review
January 24, 2021 00:00 - 46 minutes - 106 MBSam Wise reviews the 2021 Inauguration of President Biden with two LGBTQ guests – Rodney Wilson, a teacher who came out and made national headlines in the U.S. in the 90’s and Andrea Marius a black woman based in New York who has seen the course of U.S. history change over the past 60 years. What does the Biden/Harris administration mean for LGBTQ people in the U.S. and around the world?
Episode 123: Shawn Parikh
January 23, 2021 00:00 - 38 minutes - 87.3 MBIndian American gay actor and writer Shawn Parikh joins us to talk about his work including his new TV comedy script 'On Brand'. Shawn has been selected as part of NBC Universal’s ‘Writers on the Verge Class’ which is an annual initiative ran by NBC for TV writers of diverse backgrounds. Shawn has been in shows including ‘Cougar Town’ and 'What/If' and his LGBTQ short film Kohl explored coming out.
Episode 122: Trey Pearson
January 17, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 144 MBMusic artist Trey Pearson joins Sam Wise to talk about religion, coming out, his music and what’s next. Trey founded the Christian band ‘Everyday Sunday’ which sold hundreds of thousands of records, the band was active between 1997 and 2016. In 2016 Trey came out publicly as gay making headlines around the world. His appearance on ‘The View’ in which he spoke about coming out was also nominated for a 2017 GLAAD award.
Episode 121: Stephanie Davies
January 14, 2021 00:00 - 43 minutes - 100 MBStephanie Davies, author of ‘Other Girls Like Me’ talks about the book which has received high praise since it’s release in September 2020. The book focusses on how Stephanie became an activist including her time as a ‘Greenham Women’, a group of lesbians, punk rockers, mothers, and activists founded in the 1980’s who setup a camp outside a U.S. military base in England protesting against nuclear weapons. Stephanie also delves into her personal life including relationships and embrac...
Episode 120: James Withey
January 11, 2021 00:00 - 55 minutes - 128 MBGay author based in Brighton & Hove, UK, James Withey joins us to talk about his collection of mental health books. James' latest book 'How To Tell Depression To Piss Off' is due for release in January 2021. James has been a mental health counsellor himself with 20 years of public speaking experience, as well as taking on his own battles with mental illness.
Episode 119: Rachel Noall
December 31, 2020 00:00 - 31 minutes - 73.1 MBLGBTQ poet Rachel Noall joins Sam Wise for the final episode of 2020. Rachel's newest poetry collection 'At War With The Stars' is out now. A native of Cleveland, she penned her college essay on her love affair with words. Since then, writing has permeated her career aspirations and pastimes.
Episode 118: Jessye DeSilva
December 24, 2020 00:00 - 45 minutes - 105 MBNon-binary, Boston based music artist Jessye DeSilva joins Sam to talk about identity, feelings toward religion, their musical influences and adapting as a music artist during a global pandemic, which included releasing an EP aptly titled 'Quarantine Sessions'.
Episode 117: Conleth Kane
December 13, 2020 00:00 - 48 minutes - 111 MBGay music artist Conleth Kane joins Sam to discuss his new EP 'Lierty' which includes the track 'Proud' which explores themes of self-acceptance and societal prejudice. Conleth who is from Northern Ireland but based in London also chats about the difficulties of lockdown and the impact it has had on performers.
Episode 116: Brian Falduto
December 09, 2020 00:00 - 46 minutes - 105 MBBrian Falduto – LGBTQ music artist and gay life coach. Brian is known for his role in the major motion picture ‘School of Rock’, in which he became known as the ‘gay kid’ for his flamboyant performance and sassy attitude. But after filming Brian found it hard to embrace that! Brian chats about his experiences, supressing his sexuality and becoming a gay life coach.
Episode 115: Marcus Connolly & Paul Bright
December 07, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 177 MBFeaturing... Marcus Connolly, LGBTQ music artist from Manchester in the U.K., Marcus talks about his latest tracks and how he wants to make a statement with his music - including the impact of social media on society. Are we too obsessed? Paul Bright - LGBTQ filmmaker chats about his newest film 'Crossing Shaky Ground', a doco-drama which focuses on a businessman trying to get back to his family following a massive earthquake. The film explores themes of division in society and how...
Episode 114: Dr Elle Boag & Burry
December 04, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 174 MBAssociate Professor of Applied Social Psychology at Birmingham City University Dr Elle Boag joins us to discuss gatherings at Christmas during the time of COVID19 and the pressure and anxiety that can come along with it. Also - Canadian, Non-Binary music artist Burry talks about their latest track '3 Birthdays' and coming out earlier this year.
Episode 113: Being LGBTQ Episode 113 Yavin
November 24, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 140 MBFeaturing LGBTQ music artist based in Boston, MA - Yavin who just released his latest track 'Hot'. The song focuses on liking someone 'way out of your league' and feeling self conscious. Yavin discusses the new song and lots more! Also - Sam talks about some of the latest LGBTQ news including the marking of 'Trans Day of Remembrance' on November 20th and a set back in the fight to ban so called conversion therapy.
Being LGBTQ Episode 112 Election 2020
November 11, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 138 MBWe look back at the 2020 Presidential Election in the United States and the unprecedented fall out. We celebrate the Biden/Harris victory along with the 'rainbow wave' which saw many LGBTQ people elected to public office. We also consider what it may mean for LGBTQ rights. Sam is joined by a black voter Andrea Marius from New York who voted for Biden - Andrea shares her perspective on what's next for the United States and the role of black voters in the election process, especial...
Being LGBTQ Episode 111 Clinton John & Dr Laura Cole
November 02, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 158 MBFeaturing... LGBTQ music artist Clinton John talks about his new song 'Fresh' and shares his thoughts on the U.S. Election. And Sam is also joined by certified Life Mastery Consultant, author and motivational speaker Dr Laura Cole to discuss her work including creating safe spaces for LGBTQ people.
Being LGBTQ Episode 110 Anthony Hale & Mike Curato
October 31, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 153 MBFeaturing... LGBTQ music artist Anthony Hale talking about his music, authenticity and the upcoming U.S. Presidential election and how the political landscape has changed in recent years. Author Mike Curato discusses his new graphic novel 'Flamer' which is set in 1995 and focuses on character Aiden Navarro and explores the struggles of bullying and the dark path it can lead to. 'Flamer' has received excellent reviews, including one reviewer who said the book would 'save lives'. ...
Being LGBTQ Episode 109 The Debt Free Guys
October 27, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 145 MBDavid Auten and John Schneider talk about finances and getting debt free. Known as ‘The Debt Free Guys’, husbands David and John have 35 years combined experience and host the ‘Queer Money’ podcast. They’ve developed various debt help tools including a programme which has helped people pay off mounting credit card debts. David and John also chat to Sam about LGBTQ specific financial struggles. Also – One week out from the U.S. Presidential Election Sam shares his thoughts and predic...
Being LGBTQ Episode 108 Kayla & Sarah Sounds Fake But Okay
October 25, 2020 00:00 - 55 minutes - 127 MBKayla Kaszyca & Sarah Costello - Hosts of the 'Sounds Fake But Okay' podcast 'a podcast where an aromantic asexual girl and a demisexual-straight girl talk about all things to do with love, relationships, sexuality, and pretty much anything else that they just don't understand'. With October 25th marking the start of 'Asexual Awareness Week' Sarah and Kayla join Sam to talk about underrepresentation of asexuality within the LGBTQ community, educating others about it, common misconce...
Being LGBTQ Episode 107 Brandyn Killz & David Ledain
October 21, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 162 MBFeaturing... Brandyn Killz - LGBTQ music artist who describes his music as 'dance music for the new romantics'. Brandyn sees music as a multitude of different things from an escape, to joy, therapy, passion and purpose. Brandyn chats to Sam about his music, growing up, election 2020 and the BLM movement. David Ledain - British author talks about his latest book 'Having Gay Sex: A Guide To Male Homosexual Sex'. Part of the books synopsis explains an often asked question by some ga...
Being LGBTQ Episode 106 Gia Woods & Tom Hendry
October 18, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 103 MBFeaturing... Gia Woods - LGBTQ Persian music artist Gia Woods just dropped her brand new album 'Cut Season'. An album which at its core is grounded in personal, raw experience. Gia talks about her music, coming out to the world with her first release in 2015, the impact of the pandemic and her Persian background. Tom Hendry - British actor and LGBTQ ally talks about the production of 'The Starving Swans', a feature film currently being developed by 'Baby Dog Films' in the United K...
Being LGBTQ Episode 105 David Lester & Tommy Atkins
October 16, 2020 00:00 - 58 minutes - 20.2 MBFeaturing... David Lester - Money strategist with over two decades of experience. We chat to David about struggling with finances due to the coronavirus pandemic and the impact on vital LGBTQ community services. David has written two books 'I Heart Money' and 'From Middle Class To Millionaire' and is a contributor on CNBC, HuffPost and more. Tommy Atkins - LGBTQ country music artist Tommy joins us for a second time to talk about his newest release 'Kiss Me Cowboy'. Despite lockdow...