She Comes With Baggage

Today’s guest is Chelsea Byers — Mayor of West Hollywood, community organizer, and an openly queer leader redefining what inclusive leadership looks like. Elected to City Council in 2022 and becoming Mayor in 2025, Chelsea has spent nearly two decades building stronger communities through expanding social services, supporting renters, advancing climate action, and creating public spaces that truly...

Today’s guest is Kyle Kleiboeker an international model, Broadway performer, and one of Los Angeles’ most in-demand instructors at Barry’s. From starring in productions like Hairspray, The Wedding Singer, and RENT to walking runways in New York, Milan, and Paris, Kyle has built a career rooted in discipline, creativity, and undeniable presence. But the spotlight is only part of the story. In this...

Today’s guest is Deison Afualo, a proud queer Samoan woman using her voice to expand representation, challenge internalized homophobia, and encourage others to step fully into who they are. Through honesty and vulnerability, Deison is redefining what visibility and cultural identity can look like within the LGBTQ+ community. In this episode, we talk about: Representation as a queer Samoan woman Br...

Today’s guest is Marita Prodger , known to many from The Ultimatum: Queer Love Season 2. What started as a journey to save a relationship became something much deeper — a powerful reckoning with self-worth, boundaries, and emotional truth. Marita’s experience resonated across the LGBTQ+ community, opening conversations about love, healing, and what it really means to choose yourself. In this episo...

Today’s guest is Jeffrey Marsh, an international bestselling author, spiritual teacher, and nonbinary advocate whose work has reached billions around the world. Jeffrey made history as the first out nonbinary person to appear on national television and is the author of How To Be You (endorsed by Oprah) and Take Your Own Advice , an Apple Books Best Book winner. With over 25 years of Zen practice,...

PJ Brescia is the founder of  ⁨@BabyGayTV⁩   a media platform and nonprofit amplifying LGBTQ+ voices through storytelling. PJ is also the host of The BabyGay™ Podcast, serves as President of the LA Queer Coalition, and played a key role in making National Coming Out Day an official holiday in Los Angeles. In this episode, we talk about: • Stepping away from rigid labels and embracing fluidity in s...

Today’s guest is CeCé Telfer, the first out trans woman to win an NCAA title, an author, model, and advocate, and a proud member of the Unique Woman’s Coalition, a Black trans-led organization supporting transgender lives. CeCé lives by the principle of being the change she wishes to see in the world and is currently training as an Olympic hopeful for the LA 2028 U.S. Track & Field Open Trials...

Today’s guest is Robbie Simpson — an actor, director, producer, and educator based in New York City. Robbie serves as the Director of Creative Development at Midnight Theatricals and the Director of Musical Theater at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting . You may recognize him from his role as Chad on General Hospital or as one of the first LGBTQ+ contestants on Hallmark’s Finding Mr. Christmas . In...

Today’s guest is Tony Morrison — a three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, media strategist, and founder of Morrison Media Group , a venture helping brands and changemakers activate through storytelling and cultural influence. Tony has spent over a decade at the intersection of media and social change, leading campaigns that shape public perception and move culture forward. From producing live a...

Today’s guest is Kinley Clark — a proud queer creative who once taught in the South, where she faced more homophobia than anyone should have to. After leaving the classroom, she turned her energy toward her passion project, her podcast Lez Be Honest , a space where she shares authentic queer stories, mixes in humor, and builds community through representation. Now she’s fully committed to creating...

Today’s guest is Manda Malina —a Swedish singer, songwriter, and queer artist based in Los Angeles. Her hit song Her Ocean took off on TikTok in 2023, leading to headlining solo shows including EDC Las Vegas and performances at the 80s Live residency in Lake Tahoe. Through her artistry, Manda explores what it means to show up authentically as a femme lesbian while navigating the darker realities o...

Today’s guest is Victor Ramos — a vibrant creator whose mix of beauty, pop culture, and comedy has earned him a loyal following on Instagram and TikTok. Beyond his viral makeup tutorials and hilarious skits, he’s also a host on The Q Agenda , where he brings visibility and representation to the queer Latinx community. In this episode, Victor opens up about: ✅  Breaking down societal norms and exp...

Today’s guest is Kelly Hrebenar — a femme lesbian content creator based in Los Angeles. Kelly shares stories about life after coming out, mental health, and the ups and downs of figuring it all out—while breaking down lesbian stereotypes and opening conversations around femininity through community building. Her work is rooted in making sure others feel seen, celebrated, and never alone. In this e...

Today’s guest is Rose Montoya — a trans Latina creator, model, actor, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Known for her captivating presence and her fearless advocacy, Rose uses her platform to champion equity, mental health, and bodily autonomy. Through fashion, beauty, and storytelling, she celebrates self-expression as a tool for empowerment and lasting change. In this episode, Rose opens up about...

Today’s guest is Maartje Hensen (they/she) — an Amsterdam-based queer traveler, photographer, and author of The Pride Atlas . Soon-to-be coach and full-time storyteller, Maartje is known for their vibrant, fairytale-like imagery that captures the magic of queer joy and exploration. They’re embracing a new era, retiring the “girl boss” and leaning into “girl moss” — because, at the end of the day,...

Today’s guest is Madison Werner — a self-proclaimed “trans glam girl,” beauty content creator, and human rights activist. She made history as the first transgender face of a Covergirl campaign, and as a born-and-raised Jewish valley girl, she brings both sparkle and substance to everything she does. In this episode, Madison opens up about: ✅ Living out loud in a world that hasn’t always made spac...

Today’s guest is Brooke Ventre — a multifaceted creator with a deep passion for animals and the ocean. Beyond her creative pursuits, Brooke has acting credits in productions like “Girl Lost” (2016) and “Drib” (2017) . On TikTok, she’s built a following of over 128,000 and 1.5 million likes, sharing content that reflects her authentic, fun-loving personality. In this episode, Brooke opens up about:...

Today’s guest is Scott Frenzel - a rising pop artist who first gained traction on TikTok and YouTube Shorts with his debut single “Sugar High”, which went viral as the number one song on YouTube Shorts with over a million fan-created videos. Since then, Scott has continued to captivate audiences with tracks like “Key Lime Pie” and “Streetlights”, blending catchy hooks, witty lyrics, and heartfelt...

Today’s guest is Blair Imani - a historian, educator, and the brilliant mind behind the viral web series Smarter In Seconds . She’s also an LA Times bestselling author of Read This to Get Smarter , and if you’ve ever seen her content, you know she has a one-of-a-kind way of breaking down big, complex ideas with clarity, color, and compassion. The New York Times called her delivery “perky” and “qui...

Today’s guest is Mariah Counts, a genre-blending artist whose dynamic sexuality and musical versatility mirror her personal journey. From her early days as an athlete to her fearless rise in the music industry, Mariah has always led with grit and creativity. Music started as a coping tool through family struggles, grief, and coming out, but has grown into a powerful outlet for connection, performa...

Today, we’re sitting down with the insanely talented ally Ashamad Heard, a DIY fashion creator, musician, and streamer who’s making waves in the creative world. You might have seen him on Buy It Now or Beast Games on Amazon Prime, but today, he’s here to share his journey - the hustle, the creativity, and any baggage he’s carried along the way. Follow Ashamad: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/...

Today’s guest is Lexie Peters - a creator and community-builder navigating identity, love, and what it means to show up authentically. From growing up more of a tomboy to finding balance in her masculinity today, Lexie’s story is about embracing all sides of yourself while building meaningful connections. In this episode, we’re diving into her journey of identity, adjusting to life in a healthy re...

This season is full of LGBTQ+ voices and perspectives, but today I wanted to include a conversation with one of my close friends and longtime allies. Michael may not be queer himself, but his story of creativity, identity, and showing up authentically still deeply resonates. This week on She Comes With Baggage, I’m joined by the brilliant and stylish Michael Amanor—aka Mikestyle—a civil engineer b...

Today, I’m sitting down with my friend Noa Taieb - a lifestyle creator, entrepreneur, and storyteller. Originally from Paris and now based in LA, Noa has built a platform sharing his journey through content, creativity, and self-discovery. He recently launched Sunny Days , a men’s swimwear and lifestyle brand created by and for the LGBTQ+ community, with a portion of all sales supporting It Gets B...

Today’s guest is Melanie Posner - an LGBTQ+ muralist, portrait artist, and creative force based in Los Angeles whose bold, unapologetic work centers around empowerment, identity, and mental health. Through large-scale murals and intimate portraits, Melanie transforms public spaces into canvases of self-expression and healing. In this episode, we go beyond the canvas to talk about her personal jour...