Queer Changemakers

Francis Gortaire (they/them) is changing their community by encouraging nonviolence in our communities through the DC Peace Team. DC Peace Team provides training and services in active bystander intervention, unarmed civilian protection, and restorative justice. In this conversation, we discuss their journey into working for the DC Peace Team, the variety of those services and topics, as well as h...

Dwight Venson is changing the world and our community by promoting the inclusive health services provided by Whitman Walker. With multiple locations in DC, Whitman Walker is a federally qualified health center offering the full range of primary care, dental, pharmacies as well as some legal services (name/gender marker and immigration support), and insurance navigation.   In this conversation, Dwi...

The Modern Military Association of America is changing the world by serving, supporting and connecting LGBTQ+ current service members, veterans and their family members.  According to their website, “Modern Military works to uphold and expand the civil rights progress made on behalf of LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and their families through education, advocacy, support networks, and discrimin...

The Modern Military Association of America is changing the world by serving, supporting and connecting LGBTQ+ current service members, veterans and their family members.  According to their website, “Modern Military works to uphold and expand the civil rights progress made on behalf of LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and their families through education, advocacy, support networks, and discrimin...

Jocelyn Jacoby, she/her, is changing the world by serving as  a Program Director and Psychotherapist. At the DC LGBTQ+ center, her team provides free behavioral health services and survivor advocacy to LGBTQ+ and community individuals.  In this conversation, we talk about the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center's expanded new location, themes of mental health and other challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ commun...

Chris Wood, he/him, is changing the world as co-founder and Executive Director of LGBT Tech, a non-profit organization aiming to bridge the gap between technology and our LGBTQ+ community through research, programs and events.     In this conversation, we talk about Chris’ background and journey into founding LGBT tech, which includes having being kicked out of their house to being held hostage by...

Jessica L’Whor  is changing the world by inspiring and entertaining crowds as a drag queen. In addition , she is on tour performing and with her “Ask A Queen” series, where she goes to public spaces around the world, inviting strangers to engage in conversation and to ask her an original question.   In this conversation, we talk about how she started doing drag as well as some stories around the u...

Charlie Sprinkman, he/they, is changing the world by connecting everyone with thousands of Queer-owned or supportive businesses, communities and organizations. As founder of the Everywhere is Queer app, Charlie aims to increase joyful experiences for our Queer community, by mapping safe businesses and resources that have signed up, worldwide.    In this conversation, we talk about their journey in...

Dr Ashley Elliot, or Dr Vivid, she/her,  is changing the world by supporting people in their mental health journey in clinical settings as well as through her social media, community events, and other offerings. She brings her unapologetically Black, queer, female & DC-native identities to support better and safer experiences in healthcare, life and community.   Dr. Vivid also serves as Chief...

Paul Marengo is changing the world through consulting and fundraising with a variety of non-profits. As CEO of Promethean Fundraising, Paul has worked with a number of film festivals, arts organizations and LGBTQ+ non-profits in the DC area and beyond.  In this conversation, Paul shares his journey from New York to DC as well as his love of travel. We also discuss the importance of community, trav...

J. Henry is changing the world through music focused on love, authenticity and knowing we are enough.  In this conversation, we talk about his journey into hiphop and music, creativity, and self-acceptance. He discusses the transformative power of love in his music, his unique wedding experience, and his album "Love J. Henry." Check out his album on Spotify or Apple . You can connect with J. Henry...

Justin Ayars, he/him, is changing the world through his current startup EqualityMD— a tech-enabled healthcare platform for LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, businesses, nonprofits, professional organizations, and universities. This low-cost healthcare alternative includes a network of providers who have all received cultural competency training, to understand the needs and concerns of our LGBTQ+ communi...

Raj Korpan is changing the world by championing inclusivity in the field of robotics and AI.  He co-founded the Queer In Robotics organization in 2023, to uplift projects and build community for Queer people in the robotics field.   In this conversation, we talk about a variety of projects Raj is working on. We discuss themes of community building, ethical AI, and the necessity of human-centered r...

Magda Stegda, she/her, is changing the world by advocating for trans-inclusive workplaces.  In this conversation, we talk about her career in HR and life journey.  We discuss themes of inclusion in business, supporting marginalized communities, and the importance of mentorship and seeing the beauty and value in others, even if people may not see it fully in themselves.  Magda shares vulnerable sto...

Josie Caballero, she/her, is changing the world through professional Trans advocacy. She performs multiple roles with a few different hats advocating for trangender rights, dignity and LGBTQ+ equality.    In this conversation, Josie shares her journey from a conservative upbringing to becoming a progressive leader. We discuss themes of resilience, community support, the power of representation and...

Michael continues to share his story, journey and perspectives in part 2 of this conversation.  In this conversation, we talk about themes of gratitude, resilience, and the importance of unity within the LGBTQ+ community. We talk about diversity, the value of hard work, pride (both good and bad), and our relationships with church. We also talk about his work with the Rainbow History Project and a ...

Robert Michael Vanzant has changed the world by dedicating himself to the service of the LGBTQ+ community through various roles and initiatives over the past 50 years.   In this part 1 of this conversation, he shares his story from arriving in Washington, DC his early encounters with the gay community, and his extensive involvement in LGBTQ+ group and advocacy since the 1970's.   We discuss some t...

Sampson McCormick, He/Him, is changing the world through black queer comedy, storytelling and speaking his truth. He is a a DC native, a stand up comedian for over 20 years, and also a actor, producer and director. In this conversation, we talk about his journey in comedy and media over the past 24 years. We discuss themes of perseverance, community activism, and creating space for black queer voi...

Bishop Allyson Abrams is changing the world by advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and fostering a sense of community and healing. In this conversation, we talk about her journey as an openly gay bishop, her work through the Empowerment Liberation Cathedral and Empowerment Justice Center, and themes of spirituality, resilience, and healing. From founding an inclusive church in Washington D.C. to tackling...

Tonio Ellison (He / Him) is changing the world by advocating for the community and providing peer support through the HIV Prevention Trials Network, and is also a certified life coach.  In this conversation, we talk about the Importance of community and allyship,  challenges for people of color in the queer community, and themes of resilience, being our true selves, and the value of listening to e...

Robin McHaelen (she/her) is changing the world by working with LGBTQ+ youth and other gender and sexual minorities for about 30 years. She founded an organization called True Colors in Connecticut and ran it for 26 years, retiring in 2020.    In this conversation, we talk about empowering young people, supporting the systems around youth,  and  the importance of openness and continuous learning. ...

Daniel Garza (He / Him) is changing the world through a variety of entertainment and advocacy work. By sharing his story, and journeys, he advocates for awareness of HIV, anal cancer, and HPV with Cheeky Charity , and LGBTQ cancer support group.      He also creates and shares media content through his production company, Lilmesican Productions Inc., which has three shows on the air, including a t...

Finding Your Fit with Keira Harbison   Keira Harbison (they/them) is changing the world by showing people that everyone is on a unique health journey and deserves an authentic plan as a fitness and nutrition coach. They are especially focused on supporting the unique needs of queer and neurodivergent individuals and helping create customized health plans.   In this conversation, we talk about chal...

Michelle Archable (she/her) is changing the world by helping everyone see how GREAT they already are, by planting seeds of self-confidence everywhere she goes. She does this through her motivational speaking, books for adults and children and her confidence coaching services.    In this conversation, she shares a few confidence strategies, and maintaining confidence and authenticity in 2025.   Mic...

Cassie (They, She, He, All) is changing the world by increasing the participation of LGBTQ+ individuals in health research as participants, researchers, advocates, and policymakers, as the LGBTQIA+ regional engagement coordinator for the Midwest at PrideNet. Cassie shares how she implements and more community-engaged model so that individuals can be heard and have a say in the full research proces...