Volunqueers

In this episode, we sit down with Alan Yount, an RPCV whose life path reads like an absolute masterclass in resilience and reinvention. Long before he was a healthcare lawyer, lobbyist, NYC public school teacher, or novelist, Alan was a 24-year-old nurse arriving in Guatemala in 1985. But his decision to join the Peace Corps wasn't just about altruism, it was a heart-wrenching, urgent race aga...

In this episode, we sit down with T, a mid-career chemical engineer and RPCV who took a leap of faith to serve as a WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) volunteer in Peru. Stepping out of a decade-long career in sustainability to live in rural Peru, T anticipated a journey focused entirely on clean water. Instead, navigating the shift into a conservative culture and moving back into the closet be...

In this episode, we are joined by Cai Thomas, an RPCV who served in Mongolia from 2011 to 2014. While Cai’s role was to teach English, their most enduring legacy was a grassroots partnership with a local disability center. In a region where individuals with disabilities were often overlooked, Cai and a fellow volunteer helped break down barriers by launching awareness trainings and building a brid...

In this episode, we are joined by Katie Waldo, an RPCV who served in Rwanda as a Maternal and Child Health volunteer from 2018 to 2020. Katie arrived with a plan to implement Rwanda's critical 'first 1000 days program,' leveraging her expertise as both a food scientist and a postpartum doula focused on the needs of the mother. But her most important project began when she had to abando...

In this episode, we are joined by Lauren, an English Education volunteer whose service in Georgia was anything but "by the book." After a snap decision on a train and a quick "Hey Siri" to find her destination on a map, Lauren arrived as a seasoned LGBTQIA+ advocate—only to find herself back in the closet in a country where the lines of safety were shifting daily. When a landma...

In this episode, we are joined by Syd Merz, a double-tour RPCV who served in both Armenia and the Philippines. Syd’s journey began with a thick envelope and a country she couldn’t place on a map, landing in a Soviet-era airport that felt more like a scene from Star Trek than a welcome gate. But one service wasn’t enough. With only a whirlwind 11-day break, Syd swapped the snowy mountains of Armeni...

In this episode, we are joined by Bea, who served as a Youth and Families Development Volunteer in Ecuador. Bea had her bags packed for the remote island nation of Timor-Leste, but a sudden notification in her Peace Corps portal rerouted her. She faced a new set of hurdles: navigating "machismo" culture as a queer woman, fielding blunt questions from students about her gender, and balanc...

In this episode, we are joined by Edward van Luinen, who served as a TEFL Volunteer in the Republic of Guinea. Edward had his life meticulously mapped out: he was going to finish his Master's in French and become a diplomat. But a chance encounter with a recruiter in a dark college library late one night derailed everything. He found himself in West Africa instead, navigating two intense journ...

In this update: Life Update: Why I’ve been away (Med school is no joke!) The New Schedule: We are locking in consistency. New episodes will drop on the 1st of every month , starting December 1st. Call for Guests: We need your stories. Whether you are ready to be public or want to remain anonymous (Jane Doe/John Doe/Doe), your safety is our priority, but your experience is invaluable. 📅 Mark Your...

In this episode, we are joined by RPCV Michael Del Rio, who served as an Agriculture Volunteer in Ethiopia. Michael set out to Ethiopia with a passion for the land—but he didn’t know that the soil there would plant the seeds of his life’s work. Tune in to hear how those roots grew into an unexpected mission back home in Massachusetts… ------ A recording with a transcript of this episode is availab...

In this episode, we are joined by RPCV Jeremiah Johnson, who served as an Education Volunteer in Ukraine from 2006-2008. Jeremiah joined the Peace Corps to serve in Ukraine—then a routine check derailed everything. Tune in to hear how what happened next reshaped his life—and the program itself… Some fun news clips of Jeremiah becoming an advocate for the next generation.  https://www.aclu.org/case...

In this episode, we are joined by RPCV Ralph Cherry, who served as an Education Volunteer in Ghana in the early 1970s. Ralph shares his compelling journey to the Peace Corps—initially driven by a desire to avoid the Vietnam War draft—and how it evolved into a life-changing experience marked by both profound love and personal struggle. As a gay man serving during a time when his identity had to rem...

In this episode we are joined by RPCV Charly Stoever, who served as an Education Volunteer in Nicaragua from 2014–2016—but like many Peace Corps Volunteers, wore many hats along the way. Charly (they/he/papi) is a nonbinary Latinx money coach, speaker, and host of the Unicorn Millionaire Podcast . They're helping LGBTQ+/BIPOC/first gens make $30k+ in passive income a year so they can twerk the...

It's Justin's last episode, but the pod lives on! In this special episode we are joined by Nicky and Danny who served as a couple in Ecuador as Education volunteers. During the recording they were technically still PCVs, but by the time you hear this they are back in the states and part of our RPCV community. They share stories from Peace Corps' post-pandemic serice as some of the firs...

In this special episode we are joined by Jeffrey Blagg who is an RPCV twice over AND a current RPCV. Apologies for the less than stellar audio quality on this one, but we were working with uncooperative internet connections in Zambia. Its giving meta for a Peace Corps podcast to face internet connection and technology difficulties-- so just lean into the experience today and reminisce about those...

In this episode, RPCV Westen Thomas recounts his adventures of service Cambodia. We discuss coming out in the early 2000s, nonbinary interpretations of gender, and how Peace Corps can lead you to places you'd never consider otherwise. --- If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at www.lgbtqirpcv.org. If you have questions about our community please...

In this episode, RPCV Lex Ajello shares how Peace Corps service in Ghana sparked their powerful journey of self-discovery and gender exploration. From experiencing queer culture across borders to navigating COVID-19 evacuations and regional unrest, Lex transformed challenges into resilience and authenticity—finding their true self and their wife along the way. Lex is boldly pursuing a career in ad...

In this episode we are joined by RPCV Bill Sweigart to learn about what service was like in the early days of Peace Corps. Bill is a fabulous storyteller who mixes his love for service with harrowing tales of life as a closeted gay man in Liberia. We talk about the ideas of secrecy in the 1970s, mustaches, bombshell letters, and Peace Corps' future in this wonderful episode. If you enjoy Bill&...

In our kickoff episdoe join your host Justin Tabor (RPCV Philippines) for an interview with Nick Denson. They discuss Nick's service in Rwanda, evacuations, failed animal husbandry, and secret condoms! If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at www.lgbtqirpcv.org . If you have any questions about our group please contact us at podcast@lgbtqirpcv.org for...