Outbeat Radio News

The entire Outbeat Radio team gathered for a round table discussion about the new federal administration and this post-election period.  We talked about how to sort out fact from fiction in the media, how to take care of yourself during this fearful and stressful time, some of the real threats to LGBT civil rights, and activism. Now is not a time to sit back to “wait and see” what might happen.  LGBT people need to be “out” and involved.  Listen to our suggestions about how to connect with your community and how to get involved in this special Outbeat Extra. Learn More Face To Face Food For Thought Positive Images LGBTQ Connection Equality California Human Rights Campaign National Center For Lesbian Rights Sonoma County Elected Officials State Senator Mike McGuire United States Congressman Mike Thompson United States Congressman Jared Huffman Listen to this special report: Outbeat Extra here The post Special Report: Post-Election Activism appeared first on Outbeat Radio News.

It’s our first show of the new year and we had a studio packed with amazing guests starting with newly elected State Senator, Scott Wiener.  Senator Wiener was a very successful and prolific legislator while on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.  He’s already introduced a housing bill to the State Legislature.  The Senator talks about what we should be doing as LGBT citizens under the new presidential administration. We also talked with the executive editor for The Advocate magazine, Neal Broverman.  After last fall’s election, Neal wrote an article about the need to be with community.  He tells us how to connect with our community in these times when much of the LGBT community has become integrated into larger society.  Neal also shared with us advice on how to sort through the facts and fiction in today’s mass media. Finally, we took a break from the heavy political talk and got caught up with Davey Wavey.  He returned to Outbeat Radio to talk about his new sexual health video s

Happy Holidays!  On this Christmas Day edition of Outbeat News In Depth, we share highlights from this year’s annual Matthew Shepard Foundation Honors event held in October of this year.  We begin talking with singer, song-writer, Matt Alber about how Matt’s story impacted him.  Matt shares his story and a special song for the season.  Then we head to the gala and share comments from actor and comedian Sean Hayes, Washington Post news writer, Jonathan Capehart, and of course the amazing Judy Shepard. Learn More Matt Alber Matthew Shepard Foundation Matthews Place Listen to this edition of Outbeat News In Depth here The post Show Notes – December 25, 2016 appeared first on Outbeat Radio News.

Happy Thanksgiving weekend!  This month we were thrilled to spend time with Cleve Jones at his home in the Castro to talk about his life and his new book, “When We Rise.”  Cleve is a remarkable man who’s been at the heart of the LGBT civil rights movement here in the Bay Area.  He talks about meeting Harvey Milk, helping to stitch together the first rainbow flag with Gilbert Baker, and how he was inspired to create and famous AIDS Memorial Quilt. Also this month, Nathan Manske, the founder and CEO of I’m From Driftwood returns to talk about some of his favorite stories from this last year and to share details about a new program he’e working on involving the collection of stories from LGBT seniors.  We love Nathan and appreciate his work.   Learn More Cleve Jones When We Rise I’m From Driftwood Listen to this edition of Outbeat News In Depth here The post Show Notes – November 27, 2016 appeared first on Outbeat Radio News.

Did you know there is a Catholic Church that allows women to serve as priests, recognizes same-sex marriage, and allows priests to marry?  That’s right, it’s the “Old Catholic Church” and this month we learned all about it from Bishop David Doyle and two of his priests, all three of whom are “out” gay men.  If you are an LGBT person who’s been rejected by the Roman Catholic Church, listen to this show and learn more about the affirming “Old Catholic Church.” We also talked with Joe Solmonese, former president of the Human Rights Campaign, about his new book, “The Gift of Anger:  Use Passion to Build Not Destroy.”  It’s a great read for new and experienced activists and professionals of all kinds. Learn More The Old Catholic Church Old Catholic Church Of Napa The Gift Of Anger: Use Passion To Build Not Destroy Listen to this edition of Outbeat News In Depth here The post Show Notes – October 23, 2016 appeared first on Outbeat Radi

On June 12, 2016, we all woke to news about the mass shooting at the Pulse Bar in Orlando, Florida.  It was a tragedy that had impact around the world.  This month we talked with Lt. James Young, who is the LGBT Liaison Officer for the Orlando Police Department, about how this incident impact him, the responding officers, and the greater LGBT community of Orlando. We also went back to school with Shane Windmeyer of Campus Pride to get an update on the “Shame List” of worst colleges for LGBT students and North Carolina’s HB2 and the bathroom controversy.  Shane talked about how this law is impacting particularly transgender students on college campuses.  He shared tips for how to find an LGBT supportive campus including how to use the Campus Climate Index.         Learn More Orlando Police Department – Lt. James Young Campus Pride Campus Climate Index Campus Pride Shame List Listen to this edition of Outbeat News In Depth here The post Show Notes – September

This month we caught up with Positive Images and their new executive director, Javier Rivera-Rosales.  He told us about his vision for the organization as it starts its second quarter-century of service to LGBT youth in Sonoma County.  We also chat with several youth members about their experience being LGBT in local schools today.  They offer some important advice for incoming freshman. We also talked with Jase Peeples about his new children’s book, “Square Zair Pair.”  It’s a wonderful story about differences and acceptance.  Jase is also talented writer for the Advocate. He shared his story about the book, it’s characters, and some interesting encounters with the Wesboro Baptist Church.           Learn More Positive Images Square Zair Pair Jase Peeples Listen to this edition of Outbeat News In Depth here The post Show Notes – August 28, 2016 appeared first on Outbeat Radio News.

This is an Outbeat Extra edition of Outbeat News In Depth. Last month we celebrated Pride with the Fountain Grove Lodge. It was June 12th, the same day we learned of the mass shooting in Orlando. The day was filled with mixed emotions and we share some of the conversations we had that day with you here. Charley Walters has covered the last 8 Olympic Games for a variety of news and entertainment channels. He stopped by to tell us all about the LGBT athletes we should watch for this year in Rio. He also told us about what the LGBT athletes should expect in Brazil. We will be sharing updates from Charley throughout this year’s Games, so be sure to stay connected with us for updates. Charley also told us about Rest In Pride. Here is a great way for you to celebrate the Olympics while honoring those who lost their lives in Orlando. And exclusively for this on-demand edition of our show, we include an interview with Arthur Slepian, the founder and CEO of A Wider Bridge. This organization is focused on creati

Last spring I was honored by the New England Gay Officers Action League at their 25th anniversary gala.  I met Mr. Tanner White, a member of the United States Marine Corps and an “out” gay man who is also “out” as HIV-positive.  In addition to serving our country, he also created an organization called “A Positive Tomorrow” with the mission of combating the stigma associated with being HIV-positive. https://youtu.be/PwhTxPA0COI In this show, we also talked with UC Riverside Professor Jane Ward about her new book, “Hot Gay: Sex Between Straight White Men.”  It’s a fascinating read.               Learn More Tanner White’s YouTube Channel A Positive Tomorrow Not Gay: Sex Between Straight White Men Professor Jane Ward Listen to this edition of Outbeat News In Depth here The post Show Notes – July 24, 2016 appeared first on Outbeat Radio News.

Tonight’s show is dedicated to the victims and families of those murdered and injured at the Pulse Bar in Orlando, Florida on Sunday June 12, 2016. The United States Supreme Court has three times announced major LGBT civil rights decisions on a June 26th, first in 2003 with the Lawrence Vs. Texas case, which struck down sodomy laws around the country, in 2013 when the court struck down Proposition 8 and the federal defense of marriage act, and one year ago when the embargo on marriage equality was eliminated. We celebrated pride weekend here in the Bay Area and the one year anniversary of the landmark marriage case, Obergefell Vs. Hodges, with the man whose name is on the case, Jim Obergefell.  He shares his story and talks about his new book, “Love Wins: The Lovers and Lawyers Who Fought the Landmark Case for Marriage Equality.”  The book is a wonderful read and the story of the two men who fell in love and who are at the center of this story will warm your heart. Learn More Love Wins:

This month we celebrated “Harvey Milk Day” and his 86th birthday.  We began by talking with San Francisco GLBT Historical Society executive director Terry Beswick.  He told the story of how the organization was formed in 1985 and how it has grown over the years.  The GLBT Historical Society operates the GLBT Museum located on 18th Street near Castro as well as an enormous archive that is open to researchers and members of the Historical Society.  Anyone can join and your support helps keep the doors open.  In June, the GLBT Museum will host a number of events to celebrate Pride Month.  It’s an ideal time to visit the museum and learn about our history. And speaking of Pride Month, Sonoma County Pride is just a couple of weekends away.  Chuck Ramsey, president of Sonoma County Pride, joined us to talk about the 4 days of events planned for this year’s celebration, starting on June 2 and running through June 5.  The weekend starts with an LGBT film festival of sorts in Monte Rio on Jun

We are fortunate here in the North Bay to have several amazing institutions of higher education that offer studies programs in gender and LGBT studies.  This month Professor Donald Romesburg and his students, Harper Tadross and Kris Hanks from Sonoma State University were on to talk about the degree program available at SSU and about how other local college are creating programs in LGBT studies. Matthew Shepard Foundation communications associate Sean McEntee returned to chat up some of the top news stories we covered this month including the many religious liberty bills pending in legislatures across the country.  We talked about the tragic suicide of a young gay man in Wyoming and about the coach who made a homophobic remark to his students, one of whom was a closeted gay man.   Learn More Sonoma State University Women’s and Gender Study Program Sonoma State QSA Napa Valley College LGBT Studies Program Matthew Shepard Foundation Matthews Place The Power Of Voices Project Listen to this edition of

This month we had three very different guests starting with Jon Edwards from the Marin Rainbow Village.  He talked about how LGBT seniors are being connected with support and services to help them live securely and independently. My friend David from Los Angeles talked about his strong support for use of Truvada as PrEP.  He’s been taking the drug almost since its release by the FDA and believes it is the key to stopping the spread of the HIV virus in a way that is healthy for men who have sex with men. Last month I saw a new documentary about an LGBT friendly and affirming Catholic Parrish in Baltimore.  Eric Kruszewski is a documentarian who shared his experience meeting the members of St. Matthews’ LEAD program. St. Matthew Catholic Church: LEAD Ministry from Eric Kruszewski on Vimeo. Learn More Marin Rainbow Village Truvada Eric Kruszewski LEAD Ministry at St. Matthews “The Lost Flock” Documentary Listen to this edition of Outbeat News In Depth here The post Show Notes –

In keeping with the Valentines Day theme, this month we focused on the “kinky” side of the gay community with two stories starting with “Mr. Ramrod 2015” Darran Mazaika.  Darran returned to the show this time talking about how he discovered his place in the leather community.  He told us about his pursuit of the title of “Mr. Leather International.”  And if you have ever been curious about leather and kink, Carl Sandler has a new app for you.  “KNKI” is a new app for people of all sexual orientations to use to explore and connect with others who share similar sexual interests on the kinky side of the spectrum.  What was most surprising is that 80% of the app’s current users identify as being straight. Learn More Mr. Leather International Ms. Leather International KNKI app Listen to this edition of Outbeat News In Depth here The post Show Notes – February 28, 2016 appeared first on Outbeat Radio News.

We launched 2016 with Equality California’s executive director, Rick Zbur who gave us an update on what pro-LGBT legislation Equality California sponsored last year that went into effect this month. He also talked about what’s coming up in 2016 including a focus on “lived equality” beyond “legal equality.” Professor Don Romesburg, from Sonoma State University, talked about work he is doing on the now 4-year-old Fair and Inclusive Education Act.  He is working on a committee to design curriculum and needs your support.  Go to the website below to learn more. And if you are thinking about traveling this year, check out a new LGBT travel app called Wimbify! Alessio Virgili was on live from Italy to tell us how to find that perfect LGBT friendly place to stay abroad. Email information Don Romesburg spoke about: Email to send the California Department of Education comments: HSSframework@cde.ca.gov Deadline: February 29, 2016 Specific Call Now for Changes: Include two-spirit traditions

  2015 was a momentous news year for the LGBT community and this month we talk with Matthew Breen, Editor and Chief of The Advocate magazine about some of this year’s most important stories like marriage, scouting, the visibility of the trans community, and more.  Mr. Breen shares his experience as a witness to much of this history and offers thoughts about what’s ahead in 2016.  The Advocate magazine is the longest running print magazine covering the politics, culture, and history of the LGBT community One of the big issues in 2015 that will surely follow in 2016 is immigration.  Sometimes the stories of the people behind this issue get lost in the politics.  Tonight one of my students, Eduardo Vasquez, who immigrated to Napa from Mexico, joined us to share his coming out story and life as a gay Latino man. Finally, we end the year with a look back at the top LGBT news stories of the last 50 years.   Learn More The Advocate Magazine Out Magazine Eddie Vasquez YouTube Channel Listen to t

We start this month with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Amy Nutt who wrote, “Becoming Nicole,” a story about the Maines family and their unconditional love for their transgender daughter Nicole.  Amy and Wayne Maines, the father of Nicole and her twin brother Jonas, talk with us about the family’s struggles and successes raising two incredible young people. In the second half of our hour, Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, returns to talk about his trip to Rome and coverage of the Synod, a meeting with Pope Francis and Catholic bishops.  Francis talks about the Pope’s visit to the United States and where the Catholic Church might be headed with LGBT people.     Learn More “Becoming Nicole” News Ways Ministry Call To Action Listen to this edition of Outbeat News In Depth here The post Show Notes – November 22, 2015 appeared first on Outbeat Radio News.

We traveled to Denver, Colorado this month for the 2015 Matthew Shepard Foundation Honors Gala.  This annual event celebrates the legacy of Matthew Shepard who was murdered 17 years ago this month in a vicious hate crime in Laramie, Wyoming. We have the highlights of the evening including words from Judy Shepard, Matthew’s mother, and the honorees.  The Maines family was honored this year for their courage and for their support of their transgender daughter.  You’ll hear from the parents and their two children, Jonas and Nichole.  Award winning actor, Nathan Lane, was also honored this year.  We also talk with members from the Matthew Shepard Foundation staff. Learn More Matthew Shepard Foundation Matthews Place “Becoming Nichole” Listen to this edition of Outbeat News In Depth here The post Show Notes – October 25, 2015 appeared first on Outbeat Radio News.

This month Prop 8 plaintiffs Jeff Zarrillo and Paul Katami return to Outbeat Radio to talk about life after their day at the Supreme Court.  Jeff and Paul have remained active in the LGBT civil rights movement and now have their own weekly radio show.  We get caught with these two amazing guys and discover the source of their passion for the LGBT civil rights movement. We also talk with Dr. Sugee Tamar-Mattis about the Sonoma County Rural Transgender Community Conference happening in October 2015. Learn More Sonoma County Rural Transgender Community Conference Santa Rosa Community Health Centers (SRCHC) Jeff Zarrillo and Paul Katami – Facebook “The Husbands” Radio Show Listen to this edition of Outbeat News In Depth here The post Show Notes – September 27, 2015 appeared first on Outbeat Radio News.

Meet Sean McEntee, the communications associate for the Matthew Shepard Foundation.  Sean shared with us some of the latest issues and challenges facing LGBT youth.  He will tell us about some of the new programs the Matthew Shepard Foundation is working on to support youth and to improve the reporting of hate crimes.   We also introduced you to Brian Pendleton, a philanthropist from Los Angeles who recently funded a community clinic that provides links for men to access PReP.  And Dennis Agnos from Face To Face joined us with news about this year’s Art for Life event happening on Saturday, September 19, 2015 in Sebastopol.         Learn More CauseForce APLA Health Clinic Art For Life Face To Face Matthew Shepard Foundation Matthews Place Listen to this edition of Outbeat News In Depth here The post Show Notes – August 23, 2015 appeared first on Outbeat Radio News.