Deep Dive with Shawn

**Originally released Dec 9, 2022**Have you ever pondered the courage it takes to truly embrace your identity, despite society's norms? Do you ever wonder what it feels like to experience the world through the lens of a queer individual? Join me for a heartfelt conversation with guests, Soda Canter and Justin Hentges, as we navigate through the intricacies of our queer lives. This episode unpacks various stages of our lives, inviting you to reflect on some key moments such as coming out, confronting societal prejudices, and finding self-acceptance. Justin shares his vulnerable journey of coming out and how it was crucial for him to survive into his 40s. We discuss the challenges faced by queer individuals in the military, scrutinizing Soda's experiences under the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Soda and Justin bring a sprinkle of humor with a dash of reality.This isn't a conversation limited to personal anecdotes though. We tackle broader issues that touch the lives of queer individuals everywhere. Body positivity, self-acceptance, and societal expectations are some of the topics that we shine a light on. We wrap up the episode with a dose of nostalgia as we recall our childhood celebrity crushes and the music that marked our youth. So, get comfortable and join us on this exploration of queer life and the journey towards self-acceptance.Mentioned: Nellie’s Sport Bar JRs Bar Tell Me Lies After the Ecstasy, the Laundry - Jack Kornfield The ExpanseMartina McBrideReba McEntireMatchbox TwentyFaith HillBobbie GentryAmy GrantRecommended:Morgantown Blues-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Promising an enlightening journey through the historical and contemporary significance of the U.S. Census, I'm joined by esteemed scholar Dr. Dan Bouk - professor of History at Colgate University and author of the book Democracy's Data: The Hidden Stories in the U.S. Census and How to Read Them. This episode unearths the nuanced power dynamics and biases inherent in the census process. With a focus on the 1940 Census, a task monumental in scale, we uncover the detailed process of transforming raw data into a compelling narrative about who we value as a society.We investigate the poetic yet complex process of conducting the census, shedding light on the intricacies of data literacy and the potential pitfalls of interpretation. Dr. Bouk offers valuable advice for researchers and analysts, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and conveying uncertainty in statistical data. Moreover, we explore how this counting of people creates narratives about societal importance, resonating particularly when considering marginalized groups and queer communities.Unmasking the suppression, survival, and blossoming of marginalized communities through the lens of census data, we endeavour to understand how this vital tool impacts the power distribution among states. We analyze the effects on American democracy, considering the challenges and potential of an accurate and inclusive census count. In conclusion, we reflect on the immense potential of the U.S. Census, not just as a data gathering tool, but as a means to shape a more representative and united America.Recommended:Democracy's Data: The Hidden Stories in the U.S. Census and How to Read Them - Dan BoukMentioned:The 272: The Families who were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church - Rachel L. SwarnsClose to the Machine - Ellen Ullman Thinking Like an Economist: How Efficiency Replaced Equality in US Public Policy - Elizabeth Popp BermanThe Wandering Mind: What Medieval Monks Tell Us about Distraction - Jamie Kreiner-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Imagine navigating the intricate pathways of immigration and citizenship in the United States, only to find yourself in uncharted territory. Join me and esteemed legal scholar, Amanda Frost, as we embark on this journey through the complexities of these policies. We uncover the historical evolution of immigration and citizenship, shedding light on the legal and political perspectives that have shaped this contentious debate. Unearth with us how the outcomes of these policies directly impact immigrants and the broader American society, and grasp the implications these issues pose on our nation's identity and future.Ever wondered why American citizenship is a gray area? It all stems from the lack of a clear definition in the U.S. Constitution. Amanda and I delve into the significant contributions of the Reconstruction Amendments, particularly the 14th Amendment, to the idea of citizenship, revealing the persisting gray areas that continue to challenge the concept of citizenship in the United States. This conversation spotlights contemporary issues with citizenship, highlighting the historical and current attempts to deny citizenship to different groups. We also about the power of birthright citizenship. We evaluate its significance in the United States, how it compares to other countries, and its influence on our national identity. Amanda stresses the essential role immigrants play in the U.S. workforce, and the need for more accessible legal pathways for immigrants. She also underscores the need for a more positive narrative surrounding immigration, one that values and appreciates the contributions of immigrants to our society. So, tune in, because the future of immigration and citizenship in America is a story you don't want to miss.-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

How often do we pause and think about the multiple layers of our identities and how they intersect with our experiences? What's the role of our race, gender, sexuality, religion and more in shaping our perception of societal issues? With Dr. E. Patrick Johnson, a renowned scholar, artist, and activist, we navigate the complex course of intersectionality, focusing on the unique fusion of queerness, blackness, and southerness.Together with Dr. Johnson, I journey through the South and its complexities, understanding how it influences our life paths and identities. We delve into poignant discussions about the intersection of race, class, and sexuality with the Southern experience, and the distinct Black Southern Queer male and female experiences. The conversation follows a trail of resilience stories, the impact of privilege, and the challenges of disentangling from religious structures - a fascinating exploration of the intricate intersection of religion, sexuality, race, and region in the South.As we tie the threads of our discussion, we highlight the potential of embracing intersectionality to cultivate a more inclusive, empathetic, and equitable society. I invite you to join us in this riveting episode and partake in understanding the beauty of human experiences, their intersectionalities, and their significance in our society. Let's journey together into the heart of intersectionality and its transformative power on our lives.Recommended:Honeypot: Black Southern Women who Love Women - E. Patrick JohnsonSweet Tea: Black Gay Men of the South—An Oral History - E. Patrick JohnsonMentioned:Long Division - Kiese LaymonP-Valley-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Is the spirit of bipartisanship gasping its last breath? Today's conversation with Dr. Laurel Harbridge-Yong, Professor of Political Science at Northwestern University and an authority on the subject, might just surprise you. We’ll journey into the heart of American politics, exploring the ramifications of polarization, the push and pull of primary voters, and the strategic game of redistricting. We’ll dissect how our elected representatives navigate the tricky path between appeasing primary voters and general electorates, and delve into the concept of the primary premium, particularly in safe seats. Drawing from Dr. Harbridge-Yong's research, we examine the seismic shifts within the Republican and Democratic parties and the disparities between them. Also on our agenda is the controversial practice of gerrymandering - an exercise that shapes our districts, our representation, and potentially strains our democracy.As we navigate through these complex themes, our final port of call is the state of American democracy itself. We’ll grapple with the explanations for the rise of polarization, the role of money in politics, and the shifting perception of democratic norms. Is it all doom and gloom, or do glimmers of hope persist? Join us as we embark on this provocative exploration of American politics, with an ending that will leave you optimistic about the future of our democracy.Recommended:Is Bipartisanship Dead - Laurel Harbridge-YongRejecting Compromise - Sarah E. Anderson, Daniel M. Butler, & Laurel Harbridge-Yong-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Have you ever felt the weight of fear when your spirituality seems to contradict your identity? This episode addresses the intricate relationship between faith and queerness, as we delve into the profound emotions and experiences that come with growing up queer in the church. Dr. Bernard Schlager, associate professor of Historical and Cultural Studies and Executive Director of the Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion at Pacific School of Religion, joins me to share his valuable insights on this topic.We dissect not only the conflicts and tensions within religious spaces but also explore the potentialities of queer spirituality, how religious texts can be interpreted, and the importance of creating safe faith exploratory spaces for queer individuals. This genuine exploration of the queer experience within the context of spirituality and religion aims to instigate conversations, questions, and a broader understanding of the intersection between queerness and faith.What does it mean to find comfort and community in faith as a queer individual? We examine the need for open and inclusive religious spaces, the complexities of interpreting religious texts concerning queer identities, and how easily differing beliefs can be demonized. Also, we reflect on the invaluable role of pastoral care for the queer community, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating queer people as valuable members of religious communities. Tune in for an enlightening dialogue that bridges the seemingly disparate worlds of queerness and faith. And, ChatGPT does something the Bible does not - writes a parable in which Jesus explains to a young child why his queerness ensures him a place in Heaven.Recommended:Ministry Among God’s Queer Folk: LGBTQ Pastoral Care - Bernard Schlager and David KundtzMentioned:Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality - John BoswellNot a Tame LionLove Tenderly: Sacred Stories of Lesbian and Queer Religious - Grace Surdovel and Jeannine GramickPunch Me Up to the Gods - Brian BroomeQueer as Fact Podcast-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

In this episode I’m talking to Dominic Arnall, CEO of Open for Business, an international coalition dedicated to working with the business community to advance LGBT+ rights globally. Open for Business advances LGBT+ inclusion and creates change in three ways – by constructing and promoting the economic business case, by catalyzing a global business voice on LGBT+ inclusion, and by mobilizing local business leaders to advance LGBT+ inclusion. We talk about some of their initiatives, their research, the practice of corporate pinkwashing, some of the best and worst places to do business, how companies support the LGBT+ community in ways that aren’t necessarily visible, how the US right-wing attacks on LGBT+ supportive business could impact the community, as well as business practices around the world, Ron DeSantis' war against Disney, The right-wing war against Dylan Mulvaney and Bud Light,if we could be experiencing an emerging paradigm that pits an LGBT+ positive economic model against an anti-LGBT+ model, and more. Recommended:Open for Business-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

In this episode, I talk to  Dr. Javier Corrales, professor of Political Science at Amherst College. Dr. Corrales' research focuses on democratization, democratic backsliding, populism, foreign policies, and sexuality. He has also published extensively on Latin America and the Caribbean.We talk about all of these things – advancement of queer rights in Latin America, why these countries seem to be liberalizing in this area when other regions of the world are experiencing significant contractions on queer rights, which characteristics of Latin American societies and politics influence liberalization on queer rights, what makes Cuba unique on this issue and in this region, the role that religion plays in queer rights advancement and contraction, what signs indicate democratic backsliding, and if we in the United States are still vulnerable to the rise of authoritarianism. And, I also discuss the profound influence that Sinead O'Connor had on my social and political development. RIP. Recommended: Telltale Signs of Democratic Backsliding - Javier CorralesThe Politics of LGBTQ Rights Expansion in Latin America and the Caribbean – Javier Corrales-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Increasingly, Russian citizens opposed to the war are fleeing their country, taking asylum in other places – around the world. A significant number of these folks are queer – leaving not just because of their opposition to the war, but fleeing severe persecution in Russia, as the country cracks down on the LGBTQ community. And, they’re landing in places that are skeptical of them because of the war in Ukraine. In this episode I’m talking to Maxim Eye-BAD-off, coordinator with Rusa LGBTQ+ - a network for Russian-speaking LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States, their friends, supporters and loved ones. They provide informational support to asylum seekers and organize social events to increase acceptance and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people within the Russian-speaking public.  We talk about the queer climate in Russia today, how it has evolved, the feedback loop of LGBTQ oppression – how the anti-LGBT policies instituted in Russia are being mirrored in red-states here in the US, that then inform further oppressive policies in Russia, the war in Ukraine, how it has created a global diaspora of Ukrainian and Russian refugees, and how you can support the community. Recommended:Rusa LGBTQWelcome to ChechnyaWhat is War to a Grieving Child?Mentioned:The Idol-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

**This episode was recorded on July 7, 2023, one week after the Supreme Court issued its ruling in 303 Creative allowing some private businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ people.If you’ve been listening to the podcast over the past few months, you know that I’ve been worried about the safety and mental health of the queer community, especially queer kids, as they sustain broadside after broadside from the far-right, the Republican Party, which has firmly set the queer community in its sights. Hundreds of pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation have passed in Republican-led states – banning books with LGBT content, banning drag, banning trans treatment, and banning LGBTQ discussion in certain places. All of this stigmatizes and marginalizes an already vulnerable community. This, in turn, heightens not just the perception of hostility, but actual hostility and violence against LGBTQ-identified individuals. As you might know from my conversation a couple of weeks ago with Beverly Tillery of the Anti-Violence Project, this rhetoric and legislation has led to an increase in anxiety and fear within the queer community, but also actual, tangible incidents of violence against the community.On today’s episode I want to dig further into the toll this is taking on queer people, queer families, and queer youth. So, I’m talking to Dr. Abbie Goldberg – Professor in the Department of Psychology at Clark University, and the Director of Women and Gender Studies. A leading scholar on LGBTQ families and queer youth, Dr. Goldberg has published over 140 articles, 25 books chapters, and 4 books – including, most recently, LGBTQ Family Building – A Guide for Prospective Parents. She’s also written for the New York Times, The Atlantic, Boston Globe, and New York Magazine.  We talk about some of her research, the challenges that LGBTQ families face irrespective of anti-LGBT legislation, but also the impact that this legislation is having on LGBTQ families and youth, the choices people face to stay or leave increasingly hostile environments, and how we can all, and should all, help LGBTQ families and youth in need. And, then after the interview, an AI assistant comes through in its support for LGBT youth.Recommended:LGBTQ Family Building: A Guide for Prospective Parents - Abbie GoldbergMentioned:Equality FloridaClaude 2-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock