LGBTQ History Alive!

In Episode 52, we meet Tammy Smith, a trailblazing LGBTQ+ activist and advocate for equality and representation. As the first openly gay general in the U.S. Army, Tammy has broken barriers and inspired countless individuals with her courage and dedication to inclusivity. Tammy's impactful work includes championing LGBTQ+ visibility in the military, mentoring future leaders, and advocating for poli...

In Episode 51, we meet Billy Curtis, a trailblazing LGBTQ+ advocate and champion for equity and inclusion. As Director of the Gender Equity Resource Center at UC Berkeley, Billy has dedicated his career to supporting LGBTQ+ students and advancing social justice initiatives. Curtis's work includes developing impactful programs, shaping inclusive policies, and empowering marginalized voices. His com...

  In Episode 50, we meet Kate Johnston, a passionate LGBTQ+ activist and dedicated advocate for equality. Known for her tireless efforts to advance LGBTQ+ rights, Kate is a committed community leader who promotes inclusion, celebrates diversity, and amplifies marginalized voices. Johnston's advocacy spans grassroots initiatives, public speaking, and intersectional activism, addressing the complex...

  In episode 49, we welcome back Dr. Warren Blumenfeld, a distinguished historian, who passionately highlights the significance of World AIDS Day and the powerful lessons we must carry forward from the AIDS crisis. With a deep commitment to preserving LGBTQ+ history, Dr. Blumenfeld sheds light on the devastating early years of the pandemic and the grassroots activism that stepped in where governme...

In episode 48, we meet Esther Newton, a passionate LGBTQ+ activist dedicated to fostering equality and inclusivity. Known for her work in advocacy and community engagement, Esther has been a steadfast champion for the rights of marginalized voices within the LGBTQ+ community. Newton's activism includes creating safe spaces and collaborating with organizations that promote equality, ensuring that e...

In Episode 47, Dr. Warren Blumenfeld, a renowned LGBTQ+ activist and passionate advocate for equality, joins us for an insightful discussion, offering a post-mortem analysis of the 2024 election. Dr. Blumenfeld is a distinguished scholar, author, and educator, known for his extensive work in social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and intersectionality. With a career spanning decades, he has written severa...

In episode 46,  Joy Silver and Dr. Warren Blumenfeld , esteemed LGBTQ+ activists and advocates for equality, join us for a conversation on the 2024 election. Joy, known for her work in healthcare advocacy and housing rights for LGBTQ+ seniors, has championed inclusivity at every level of public policy. Dr. Warren Blumenfeld, a respected academic and author, has dedicated his career to combating di...

In episode 45, we meet Rose Norman , a dedicated LGBTQ+ activist, writer, and educator known for her work preserving lesbian history and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. She has contributed extensively to feminist and queer scholarship, highlighting the experiences of lesbians in the American South. Norman's activism includes co-founding several LGBTQ+ archives and working with organizations like the...

In episode 44, we meet Mark McNease , an LGBT activist, writer, and advocate focused on senior LGBTQ+ issues. An author and co-creator of The Twist Podcast , Mark uses storytelling to highlight the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ seniors, advocating for inclusivity and community support. Listen to Mark and all the stories of LGBTQ heroes of the week at https://ronnisanlo.com/podcasts/ .  

In episode 43, we meet Debin Smith, a dedicated LGBT activist committed to advancing equality and fostering inclusive spaces. Through community organizing, advocacy, and education, she has made a significant impact on LGBTQ+ rights, focusing on fighting discrimination and promoting justice for marginalized individuals. Listen to Deb and all the stories of LGBTQ heroes of the week at https://ronnis...

  Jackie Mendelson is a former nonprofit executive who transitioned from leading AIDS and homeless organizations to founding her coffee company, Jackie's Cup . With a passion for coffee and philanthropy, she provides resources like livestock and bicycles to coffee-growing communities. Jackie also authored  Natural Born Guilds , a memoir about her adventurous youth during San Francisco's countercul...

October is National Coming Out Month, also known as LGBTQ+ History Month in some places. It is a time to honor the act of coming out and raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, celebrating LGBTQ+ visibility and awareness. National Coming Out Day, on October 11, honors the courage of those who come out and promotes inclusion and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. Candace Gingrich is a prominent LGBT...

Robyn Ochs is a prominent LGBTQ+ activist, speaker, and educator known for her work on bisexuality and sexual orientation. She has edited anthologies like Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World and RECOGNIZE: The Voices of Bisexual Men . Ochs advocates for the visibility and inclusion of bisexual individuals within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Her work focuses on issues of identity,...

  Kris Radish is an LGBTQ+ activist, author, and advocate for equality, using her writing and activism to amplify marginalized voices and promote inclusivity. Her work continues to inspire change and foster dialogue on key LGBTQ+ issues. Listen to Kris and to the stories of LGBTQ heroes of the week at  https://ronnisanlo.com/ podcasts/ .  

In episode 37, we meet John D'Emilio , a key LGBT activist and historian known for documenting the history of the LGBT movement. His influential book "Sexual Politics, Sexual Communities" examines the role of sexuality in American society. D'Emilio's work has significantly shaped the understanding of the intersection between sexuality and politics. Listen to John and to the stories of LGBTQ heroes...

In episode 37, we meet Katherine V. Forrest , an influential author and LGBT activist, known for her pioneering  Kate Delafield mystery series featuring a lesbian detective. Her work has increased LGBTQ+ visibility in literature, and she continues to champion equality and diverse voices. Listen to Katherine and to the stories of LGBTQ heroes of the week at https://ronnisanlo.com/ podcasts/  

In Episode 36, we meet Vernon Wall, a leading LGBTQ+ activist and educator with over 30 years of experience. A founding member of the Social Justice Training Institute, he is known for his compassionate leadership and dedication to creating inclusive spaces. Listen to Vernon and to the stories of LGBTQ heroes of the week at https://ronnisanlo.com/ podcasts/  

In  Episode   35 , we meet Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida, who has led LGBTQ advocacy for over 30 years; achieving major legal victories and broader acceptance. Her work in policy reform and education has earned her widespread recognition. Listen to Nadine and to the stories of LGBTQ heroes of the week at https://ronnisanlo.com/ podcasts/ . 

In  Episode   34 , we meet Ruthie Berman, a pioneering LGBT activist known for her tireless advocacy for equal rights. She made history alongside her partner, Connie Kurtz, by challenging discriminatory policies and fighting for the recognition of same-sex couples. Listen to Ruthie and to the stories of LGBTQ heroes of the week at https://ronnisanlo.com/ podcasts/    

In  Episode   33 , we meet Karen Williams, hilarious comic and director of the HaHa Institute. Listen to Karen and to the stories of LGBTQ heroes of the week at  https://ronnisanlo.com/ podcasts/  

In  Episode   32 , we meet Robert Kestern, executive director of the Stonewall Museum and Archives in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. Listen to Robert and to the stories of LGBTQ heroes of the week at  https://ronnisanlo.com/ podcasts/  

In  Episode   31 , we meet author, professor, and activist Dr. Judy Grahn. Listen to Judy and to the stories of LGBTQ heroes of the week at  https://ronnisanlo.com/ podcasts/  

In  Episode   30 , we meet Torie Osborn, producer of concerts and festivals as part of the Lesbian Feminist Women's Music network of the 1970s and community activist and politician. Listen to Torie and to the stories of LGBTQ heroes of the week at  https://ronnisanlo.com/ podcasts/  

In Episode 29, we meet Dr.  Lillian   Faderman , internationally known scholar of lesbian and LGBT history and literature as well as ethnic history and literature. Listen to  Lillian  and to the stories of LGBTQ heroes of the week at  https://ronnisanlo.com/ podcasts/  

In  Episode   28 , we meet Joy Silver, an activist, politician, and expert in LGBTQ community housing.  Listen to Joy and to the stories of LGBTQ heroes of the week at https://ronnisanlo.com/ podcasts/