Queer Changemakers

JT  “German Chocolate”  (He/Him) is changing the world by advocating for a more holistic approach for LGBTQ+ health and healthcare. In his role as LGBTQIA+ Regional Engagement Coordinator (South), he finds a variety of ways to do outreach and connect with individuals and organizations on behalf of the Pride Study and the All of Us Research Program. Outside of that, JT also mentors youth supporting...

  Alex Armira (they/she) is changing the world by expanding the ways LGBTQ+ individuals are seen in research as Communications Coordinator at PRIDEnet. They create graphic design, social media, and email content for PRIDEnet’s collaborations.    Through their high school and college years, they worked to create safe community spaces at schools for LGBTQIA+ youth through clubs like Gay-Straight All...

Ana Rescate, MBA (she / her / ella) is changing the world by supporting LGBTQ+ research as Communications Manager at PRIDEnet. In this conversation, she describes what the Pride Study is all about, why LGBTQ+ participation in research is important and other initiatives PrideNet is engaged with.  Learn more about The PRIDE Study:  pridestudy.org Research Findings:  pridestudy.org/research Learn mor...

Candis Fox is changing the world by helping individuals live into their own financial integrity, through their financial wellness and coaching services.    In this conversation, we talk about the connection between our money stories, finances and our mental health. We discuss themes of scarcity, facing our fears, our responsibilities to ourselves and to others, and challenges of being an LGBTQ+ bu...

Diana Pastrana is changing the world by helping companies grow through conflict and create more inclusive workplaces.  In this conversation, we discuss how workplaces affect individuals and their mental health. We also discuss how diversity can bring challenges, the useful role conflict can play in an organization, workplace engagement and strategies to avoid burnout.  As we continue our conversat...

Natalie Jovanic is changing our world by providing trauma counseling as well as trauma recovery coaching services for individuals. Natalie also shares their experience of being nonbinary and how they are working to make the field more understanding and inclusive.    In this conversation, continuing our series on mental health, we talk about boundaries, intersectionality, loving the various aspects...

Carey Cook is changing the world and community through her therapy practice using traditional and somatic methods. Even before she became licensed she was supporting individuals and students in her career path. To learn more about Carey’s practice: https://careycookcounseling.com   In this conversation, we continue our series around mental health. We discuss themes of being queer in the south, and...

Raven Ekundayo and Us Helping Us are changing the world by providing wrap-around health and wellness services in the DC area, centered around Queer and Black folx experiences, yet all are welcome to receive care.   Us Helping Us also collaborates with research groups and has a number of paid research studies for individuals that meet the selection criteria. Learn More here: https://www.ushelpingus...

Raven Ekundayo is changing the world through wellness, healing spaces, and community.   In part 1 of this conversation, we talk about his journey into wellness, as well as themes of mental health, and a full conversation about what mental health looks like, some challenges in and around our communities, and how we can create more spaces of healing where everyone can be included and be truly SEEn. ...

  Sarah “SC” Nealy (they/them) is changing the world by supporting the mental health journeys of the Queer community through their practice: LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative, located in Arlington, VA . In this conversation, we talk about their journey, multiple themes of mental health, healing and community. Their practice is led by Queer therapists and provides a range of services. To learn more ab...

Kirk and Adam are changing the world by helping GBTQ+ men Live Out Proud in all aspects of their lives. Together, Kirk Barnett and Adam Owens are not only advocates for change but also living examples of the transformative power of embracing authenticity and following one's true calling. Through their work with Live Out Proud and their individual endeavors, they continue to inspire others to live...

Heather is changing the world, by helping people create more expansive lives by learning to know, like and trust themselves. In this conversation, she shares her journey, how she needed to rebuild her life in a more authentic and self-determined way, and how she helps others do the same.  The Queer Women’s retreat May 14-17, in North Carolina. Find more information here: https://vickeryandco.com/q...

When you think of our LGBTQ+ community, what do you want to see as the next step or an improvement? Or if you had a magic wand, what would you wish for that helps our community or beyond? Share your Vision here: https://bit.ly/QCM_shareyourvision In this episode, I share my thoughts around vision and I share the visions of individuals I met at the 2024 Creating Change conference in January.  Conne...

Jae Edwards is changing the world by imagining, creating and organizing inclusive communities on campus as Assistant director of the LGBTQ+ Center. In this conversation we discuss Jae’s journey into creating spaces of belonging, especially for Black Queer and Trans folk, ideas around Afro-Futurism, and believing in and validating ourselves and our experiences.    Connect with Jae on LinkedIn   Or...

In this episode, I share a few highlights and ideas I experienced at the Creating Change conference in New Orleans in January.    Learn more about the LGBTQ+ Taskforce and the conference: https://www.thetaskforce.org/creating-change/about-creating-change/     Follow us on socials: @QueerChangemakers QueerChangemakers on Facebook Website: www. QueerChangemakers.com   Share your feedback: https://bi...

Jon Carl Lewis is changing the world by integrating faith, religion and queer sexuality. We discuss various concepts and traditions that affirm queer lives in the Bible, and we discuss his upcoming event “Dancing with the Erotic Jesus”.    Trigger warning: There are many references to Jesus and christianity in this episode. Although, it is in a different light than typical christian conversations,...

Laverne Simpson is changing the world by helping people of faith better understand the LGBTQ+ community through art and story. A writer, producer, and director, Laverne shares about her stage play "Affirming Love" and her book "Just Be You Baby." * We discuss experiences with church communities and the reasons why people leave them, and the potential of storytelling to provoke thought, stimulate d...

Liza Lomax (they/them) is changing the world by helping leaders and individuals develop a true and deep sense of self-love. Self-love is a foundation for life, and guides their coaching practice: Love Your Body coaching.   From Feb 1 - 14, Liza is hosting a Love Yourself First challenge on Facebook with daily lives, exercises and community to help attendees proactively show more love to themselves...

Welcome to Season 1 of Queer Changemakers! The first set of episodes were the pilot season, and with 2024 we will continue to share stories of LGBTQIA+ individuals taking action to make our communities, and the world, a better place. I share a short recap of the previous season, and my commitment to record 40 episodes this year.  Finally, my word for this year is "Co-creation" and I share how I wi...

Magda is changing the world by helping organizations create trans-inclusive workplaces. She shares her journey as an HR leader and entrepreneur. Magda also shares her transition journey transitioning, and the power of mentors who can sometimes see who we are before we can.  I appreciate this episode because it mentions both the professional and the personal.  Please learn more about and connect wi...

Mike Henderson is changing the world by empowering Black and Gay individuals to travel around the world. An avid traveler himself, as well as a travel agent, he organizes many group trips around the world helping people not only see the sights and experience the culture, but with a passion for history and urban design Mike can share why cities were laid out certain ways and help people get a deepe...

Harris Eddie Hill (they/them) is an out-and-proud nonbinary podcaster, best-selling author, coach and founder of the Centre for Childhood Trauma Healing; a platform dedicated to supporting neurodivergent, queer or highly empathic adults to overcome their childhood trauma and begin to thrive. In our conversation, Harris emphasizes the importance of self-education and empowerment as consistent theme...

Stefaan is the founder of Titanology, a platform dedicated to providing LGBTQ+ business owners with resources, community, and development. His goal is to  eliminate LGBTQ+ business failure within the next decade. Connect with Stefaan at https://titanology.world https://www.instagram.com/titanology.world/    

Daniel Benjamin is changing the world through financial coaching,  as well as his platform as Mr Fire Island Bear 2023. He shares his journey into and through the competition, as well as how he got into his profession. We talk about the power of showing up, sharing our stories, and also leaving a legacy. Daniel is hosting a fundraiser at RockBar on Sunday November 12 to raise money for the Anti-De...

Dr. James Proetz is changing the world by helping clients through coaching, supporting others on their journey being sober and helping us see our personal truths and connection.  I enjoyed many moments where his share, made me reflect on my own life.  He has also offered a free coaching session. Website: www.transformationalselfmastery.com  IG: @transformational_self-mastery ;  Facebook: facebook....