LGBTQ&A

Abdi Nazemian talks about what it was like to come out in a Middle Eastern family and how it differs from the typical Western LGBTQ experience that people know. He talks about the Iranian president’s comments that they “don’t have any gays in Iran” and describes why he didn’t feel at home in either the gay or Iranian communities that he was a part of. Abdi Nazemian also discusses what it was like to come of age during the AIDS crisis, especially now that he is raising kids as part of this new wave of gay parents. LGBTQ&A is hosted by Jeffrey Masters. @jeffmasters1 You can recommend a guest or let us know what you think about the show on Twitter or by emailing lgbtqashow@gmail.com More information: www.LGBTQpodcast.com

Cameron Esposito talks about making comedy in the Trump era, saying that to be apolitical and an artist right now is a waste of time. She also describes life without her iconic asymmetrical haircut, the ways we police different people's gender, and the stress of having to decide whether or not to come out to strangers in a heteronormative society. Cameron also talks about the great impact Edith Windsor had on all aspects of her life.  LGBTQ&A is hosted by Jeffrey Masters. @jeffmasters1  You can recommend a guest or let us know what you think about the show on Twitter or by emailing lgbtqashow@gmail.com  More information: www.LGBTQpodcast.com

Tommy Pico talks about growing up on a Native American reservation, trying to tame the English language with his poetry, and why labeling himself as an “NDN” is a powerful act of reclamation. He also talks about how people often don’t know enough about indigenous people to be able to stereotype them, and then he […]

Shadi Petosky talks about wanting to create a diverse and inclusive world in her animated series, Danger and Eggs. She also talks about still being confused and challenged by gender, switching up pronouns amongst friends, and why we have a great responsibility to love and honor the people in our chosen families. Shadi also talks about how she didn’t think she could have a career in television as an out transgender woman before Laverne Cox got famous. LGBTQ&A is hosted by Jeffrey Masters. @jeffmasters1 You can recommend a guest or let us know what you think about the show on Twitter or by emailing lgbtqashow@gmail.com More information: www.LGBTQpodcast.com

Michael Varrati talks about the queer undertones (both hidden and overt) in horror movies and why the recurring theme of the underdog who has to persevere in the face of adversity is so relatable. He talks about how there are many horror stories, like The Laramie Project, that we don’t consider to be horror movies because they’re based on true events. Michael also shares stories from touring the country with the legendary drag queen, Peaches Christ, and the mainstream media’s use of drag terms like “throwing shade”. Michael Varrati is a screenwriter and hosts the podcast, Dead for Filth. LGBTQ&A is hosted by Jeffrey Masters. @jeffmasters1 You can recommend a guest or let us know what you think about the show on Twitter or by emailing lgbtqashow@gmail.com More information: www.LGBTQpodcast.com

Cheryl Dunye is a pioneering queer filmmaker. She talks about the enduring legacy of her film, The Watermelon Woman (celebrating its 20th anniversary), and directing sex scenes with brown bodies, why she’s no longer interested in making the compromises necessary to be a commercial filmmaker. She also talks about supporting more films by and about queer people of color and the significance of undocumented queer history. LGBTQ&A is hosted by Jeffrey Masters. @jeffmasters1 You can recommend a guest or let us know what you think about the show on Twitter or by emailing lgbtqashow@gmail.com More information: www.LGBTQpodcast.com

Our Lady J talks about being a writer for Transparent, the power and responsibility that storytellers have, and shares the “beautiful and excruciating” moments from growing up in a predominantly Amish community. She talks about playing piano for people like Sia, as well as the discrimination she faced in the music industry after she transitioned. Our Lady J also describes the ongoing process of learning to love herself, saying she’s no longer interested in lying about her age. LGBTQ&A is hosted by Jeffrey Masters. @jeffmasters1 You can recommend a guest or let us know what you think about the show on Twitter or by emailing lgbtqashow@gmail.com More information: www.LGBTQpodcast.com

Kristin Russo (author of This is Book for Parents of Gay Kids) talks about Autostraddle’s A-Camp (where she is the co-director), the special importance of sex ed in LGBTQ communities, and social pressures she faced to identify as a lesbian instead of bisexual. She also talks about her efforts to make LGBTQ youth feel seen with her website, Everyone Is Gay, why “queer” is such a special word, and explains her religious beliefs, saying that when she and her wife are going through a difficult time, they pray together. LGBTQ&A is hosted by Jeffrey Masters. @jeffmasters1 You can recommend a guest or let us know what you think about the show on Twitter or by emailing lgbtqashow@gmail.com More information: www.LGBTQpodcast.com

Laith Ashley talks about why transgender men are less visible than transgender women in society, says people police his gender as much now as they did before his transition, and why living openly as a transgender person is a privilege that not everyone has. He also talks about people’s obsession with his (and his girlfriend’s) genitalia, the stigma around dating transgender people, and why modeling is a craft (and a lot of hard work). LGBTQ&A is hosted by Jeffrey Masters. @jeffmasters1 You can recommend a guest or let us know what you think about the show on Twitter or by emailing lgbtqashow@gmail.com More information: www.LGBTQpodcast.com

Shane Ortega is the first transgender person to serve openly in the military. He talks about how to interpret President Trump’s tweets banning trans people from serving in the military, explains why it’s so detrimental that Trump didn’t seek guidance from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and says that as of now, there hasn’t been any changes to official military policy concerning trans people. Shane also talks about why this is a human rights issue, not just concerning LGBTQ people. LGBTQ&A is hosted by Jeffrey Masters. @jeffmasters1 You can recommend a guest or let us know what you think about the show on Twitter or by emailing lgbtqashow@gmail.com More information: www.LGBTQpodcast.com