Nathan OUTloud

Nathan OUTloud #15: Getting all Political & Serious with Kathy Young

comments@nathanOUTloud.com — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 04:18:00 +0000

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Special Guest Kathy Young of Thoughts from a Lezzymom fame, joins me to discuss Marriage Equality, the state of Arizona politics and the upcoming election, as well as a few other topics. Not only is Kathy an excellent blogger, but she also has her finger on the pulse of politics in Arizona, and nationally, as she is the Political Co-Chair for the Human Rights Campaign Arizona Steering Committee.

Episode 14: Gay Wine Weekend 2012

comments@nathanOUTloud.com — Sat, 19 May 2012 19:26:00 +0000

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The organizers of the Gay Wine Weekend, in Sonoma, California. Mark Vogler and Gary Saperstein join me to discuss wine, wine country and and being Out in the Vineyard. Mark and Gary have really out done themselves this year and it is only the second year for Gay Wine Weekend! Listen as they take you through all of the events of this incredible 3-day event. We also talk about the amazing wines we are drinking during the show from, Imagery Estate Wines, Benziger and Penfolds, all sponsors of Gay Wine Weekend.

Gay Wine Weekend kicks off Friday, June 15th, with a VIP Reception at the host hotel, El Dorado Hotel. Following the reception, there are three different winemakers dinners - two of which are already sold out.

The events continue on Saturday, with three different wine tours to choose from. Followed by the premier event of the weekend - The Twilight T-Dance at Atwood Ranch, under the stars and "Out in the Vineyard". Followed by "Apres-T" After Party at El Dorado Hotel.

The weekend wraps up on Sunday morning with the Big Gay Wine Auction and Recovery Brunch at Ramekins's Culinary School & Inn, located just blocks from the town square of Sonoma. This will benefit Face to Face, Sonoma County AIDS Network.

For more details on Out's in the Vineyard's Gay Wine Weekend, visit www.outinthevineyard.com.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at comments@nathanoutloud.com. You can also call the Nathan OUTloud comment line at (209) 202-3688 (209.20.BeOUT)

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Come OUT | Be OUT | Live OUTloud™

Episode 13: Out in the Vineyard | 2011 Gay Wine Weekend

comments@nathanOUTloud.com — Tue, 31 May 2011 18:50:00 +0000

Click here to download Episode 13 on iTunes. Don't forget to subscribe!

In conjunction with WinePHX.com, a newly created wine blog, I continue my series and in episode 13, you hear my interview with the organizers of the very first Gay Wine Weekend, in Sonoma, California. Mark Vogler and Gary Saperstein are the founders of Out in the Vineyard and have put together a line-up of events, special guests and host wineries, that cannot be missed.

Gay Wine Weekend kicks off Friday, June 17th, with a VIP Reception at the host hotel, MacAurther Place and is open to all VIP All-Access ticket holders. Following the reception, Gay Comedy Night will be held at the Sonoma Community Center. All proceeds benefit the Sonoma Community Center.

The events continue on Saturday, with the premier event of the weekend - The Twilight T-Dance. A benefit for Face to Face, Sonoma County AIDS Network - this event will feature over a dozen participating wineries, under the stars and Out in the Vineyard at Atwood Ranch.

The weekend wraps up on Sunday morning with the Big Gay Brunch and Wine Auction. This event is also for VIP All-Access ticketholders and will also benefit Face to Face, Sonoma County AIDS Network.

For more details on Out's in the Vineyard's very first Gay Wine Weekend, visit www.outinthevineyard.com and don't forget to follow my new blog at www.WinePHX.com

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at comments@nathanoutloud.com. You can also call the Nathan OUTloud comment line at (209) 202-3688 (209.20.BeOUT)

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Come OUT | Be OUT | Live OUTloud™

Episode 11: Jane Wishon of Restore Equality 2010, Jay Arseno, LGBT Issues Update

comments@nathanOUTloud.com — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:22:00 +0000

Click here to download Episode 11 on iTunes. Don't forget to subscribe!

In episode 11 of Nathan Outloud you will hear my conversation with straight ally and marriage equality activist Jane Wishon. You will also hear a song by Jay Arseno from his recently released album “From the Ashes”. I will also provide an update on recent developments within the LGBT community.

I had the opportunity to speak with Jane Wishon is a member of Restore Equality 2010 Interim Administrative Group. The Restore Equality 2010 campaign is working to repeal the anti-marriage equality proposition 8 in California in 2008. Since our conversation there have been several developments, the language has been submitted to the California Secretary of State, restoreequality2010.com is live with volunteer opportunities, donation information and the latest on the ballot initiative. Restore Equality 2010 has also launched the “Million for a Million” fundraising campaign. Organized by Yes! on Equality and TruthandHope.org, in collaboration with Restore Equality 2010, the goal of the “Million for a Million” campaign is to raise the $1 million necessary to fund getting the more than one million signatures needed to place a marriage equality initiative on the ballot.

Jay Arseno began his career as a singer in a church choir and musical theatre in his native Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is a passionate, true artist with emotional expression. He is a writer, a producer, a performer. Jay also enjoys collaborating with other artists, to meld unique tastes in sound and texture. Over the past year he has worked with hit producers I-ROC and RADIO towards the ending results, “From The Ashes”.

Jay’s new single, “Take It From The Ashes”, comes off of his new album titled, “From The Ashes”, released on March 6, 2009. You can easily identify with this new single. It applies to everyone, although Jay admits that it may be somewhat autobiographical. “It draws on the legend of the Phoenix, in that it’s about starting over, a rebirth, a trial through fire where you come out on the other side with a fresh start.” The mission statement of the single is simple: No matter what you go through in life, you can always pick yourself up, gather all the pieces together and keep moving forward.

If you would like to find out more information about Jay Arseno, check out www.myspace.com/jayarseno.

Since the last episode there have been several developments that affect the lives of LGBT people across the country. First, our biggest win! Just days after the 11th anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s death, the “Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act” was passed by both Congress and the Senate and signed into law by President Obama. This is long overdue piece of legislation expands protections to people who are victims of violence which are perpetuated by their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is the first of many legislative priorities for our community, and just the beginning of what we will be working for until full equality is achieved.

The next major piece of legislation that has been introduced on the federal level is the “Employment Non-discrimination Act”. For the first time ever, a member of the current administration has testified in both Congress and the Senate in favor of a fully inclusive ENDA. Although it doesn’t appear the Senate will vote in this legislation until early next year, it is imperative that our representatives and senators hear from us on this vital piece of legislation for the LGBT community. The Human Rights Campaign has set up www.passendanow.com for the latest on ENDA, also you can also contact your representatives by clicking the link on that site.

Additional legislation that has been passed and signed into law by the President includes reauthorization of the Ryan White Care Act. At the signing of the bill, President Obama also announced plans to remove a ban on travel and immigration to the U.S. by individuals with HIV. Obama called the 22-year ban a decision "rooted in fear rather than fact".

On November 3rd, the voters of Maine approved a citizen’s veto of the Marriage Equality bill that was passed by the Maine legislature and signed into law by their governor. Unfortunately, the lies won out again and marriage equality has been set back in Maine. Although the No on 1 campaign ran a flawless campaign, and truly shed light not only on the lies being told by the opposition, but also showed what our families really look like. Their moving ads and stories throughout the campaign brought to the forefront that this isn’t about gay or straight, it is about our families and being able marry and be with the person we love. The battle for marriage equality in Maine is far from over and there are many dedicated to seeing this fight through.

Although the Maine vote kind of over shadowed other key votes across the country, there was a lot of very good news for the LGBT community out of this Election Day. In Kalamazoo, MI an ordinance was upheld by the voters which ensures fairness and equal treatment. One Kalamazoo ran a great campaign to ensure that the fully inclusive Non-Discrimination ordinance was upheld.

In Washington state, the Yes on 71 campaign pulled out a major victory by ensuring that the state Domestic Partners law was upheld by voters. Washington’s ‘everything but marriage’ law provides domestic partners the same rights, benefits and recognitions provided by the state.

And finally the Victory Fund announced that on Election Day of the 79 LGBT “Victory Fund Endorsed” candidates on ballots across the country, 49 won their elections and 6 are still undetermined. Some of the highlights include:
• Annise Parker advanced to a runoff in her race to become the next mayor of Houston.
• Charles Pugh will become Detroit’s first openly gay city councilmember after finishing first among 18 candidates for 9 at-large seats. Placing first also means Pugh will become city council president.
• Steve Kornell won his race for the St. Petersburg, Fla. City Council, becoming the first openly LGBT candidate to do so.
• Sandra Kurt overcame anti-gay attacks to become the first openly LGBT member of the Akron, Ohio City Council.
• Simone Bell advanced to a runoff election in her race for the Georgia State House of Representatives. Bell will become the country’s first openly lesbian African-American state legislator if she wins her runoff election.
• Eric Resnick won a seat on the Canton, Ohio school board.
• Mark Kleinschmidt was elected mayor of Chapel Hill, N.C.

As you can tell it has been a busy couple of months for the LGBT community. Get involved – 2010 is going to provide us a huge opportunity to work and move our community forward. Let’s not let this pass us by.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at comments@nathanoutloud.com. You can also call the Nathan OUTloud comment line at (209) 202-3688 (209.20.BeOUT)

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Come OUT | Be OUT | Live OUTloud™

Episode 10: Jay Morris, Marc Pedraza & TAKE ACTION in Maine, Washington & the National Equality March

comments@nathanOUTloud.com — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:11:00 +0000

Click here to download Episode 10 on iTunes. Don't forget to subscribe!

Episode 10 of Nathan OUTloud features my interview with activist and founder of jaysays.com – Jay Morris. I also feature a song by recording artist Marc Pedraza titled, “No More, No Less”. The “Take Action” items I discuss at the end of the show cover the latest on the campaigns in Maine and Washington, as well as details around the National Equality March in DC.

Founder, activist and dreamer, Jay Morris, began jaysays.com as a small personal project to stay in touch with family and friends. Over time, the site developed into what you see today with a focus on LGBT issues and current events. Jay is also the voice behind the Blog Talk Radio program Closet Talk, a weekly show discussing issues surrounding the LGBT community, coming out of and staying in the closet which can be found at: blogtalkradio.com/jaysays.

Marc Pedraza’s music conveys messages of equality, unity, freedom and a pro-peace themes. He combines thought provoking lyrics with a unique blend of reggae, dub and soul to create a unique style all his own.

Born in the suburbs of Phoenix, Marc traces his first interest in music to childhood memories of listening to his father play piano. After noticing his natural inclination towards music, his parents enrolled him in piano lessons at the age of six. As a teen, he took up guitar and with the help of two friends formed a band called Euphoric Blue. The band performed at house parties, bars and small clubs throughout their hometown for the next six years.

While studying music theory at Mesa Community College, Marc was accepted into the selective Music Industry program at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. During his three semesters at USC, Marc took classes in concert promotion and production, music supervision for film and television, music business, recording arts and sciences, music history and entertainment law.

Empowered by his education, Marc returned home and co-founded his record company, Independent Freedom Tribe, with long time friend Abby Hertzel. Throughout the summer of 2003, they worked together to create a platform for talented artists to freely express their unique thoughts and opinions.

Marc has performed at events such as Phoenix Pride, San Diego LGBT Pride, Palm Springs Pride, Humboldt Pride, GLSEN Phoenix "A=Art" Auction 2008, Arizona State University's Day of Silence, Glendale's Food Not Bombs' March For Social Change, The Season For Nonviolence Concert to benefit the Arizona Department of Peace and The People's Army Benefit Show for the No Borders Camp.

This November the people of Maine and Washington will vote on two ballot measures of significant importance not only to the LGBT community, but everyone who believes in fairness and equality. It is incredibly important that each of us do our part to ensure that come November 3rd, the right to marriage equality in Maine is protected and that the loving couples in Washington have the right to enjoy the same benefits and recognitions offered by the state to married couples.

Even if you are not able to travel to either of these states to volunteer, there are plenty of opportunities to be involved from where ever you may be. For more information visit:

We also have to the opportunity to come together as a community and let our elected officials know that we are no longer going to accept excuses for our rights to be put on hold. On October 11th in Washington DC, the National Equality March will take place. This is our chance to send a clear message. Please do whatever you can to be in Washington as we send a clear message as members and allies of the LGBT community. For all of the events around the National Equality March go to:

Send comments, suggestions and feedback to comments@nathanoutloud.com.

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Come OUT | Be OUT | Live OUTloud™

Episode 9: TransForm Arizona Conference

comments@nathanOUTloud.com — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:45:00 +0000

Click here to download Episode 9 on iTunes. Don't forget to subscribe!

In episode 9 of Nathan OUTloud, I interview Abigail Jensen and Allyson Robinson about the upcoming TransForm Arizona Conference. I also play a song by Joe Stevens of Coyote Grace.

Abby Jensen is member of the Board of Directors for TransMentors International and presenter at the TransForm Arizona Conference being held October 16-18 in Phoenix, AZ. Abby speaks about the important work that TransMentors International does, and why the TransForm Arizona Conference is so important. We discuss the details of the conference and the line up for the picnic happening Sunday Oct. 18 at Papago Park, in conjunction with TransForm Arizona.

I also speak with Associate Director of Diversity at the Human Rights Campaign, Allyson Robinson, also a presenter and speaker at the TransForm Arizona Conference. Allyson shares her story and why she feels the work and mission around the conference is so important.

The featured artist on this episode is Joe Stevens of Coyote Grace and the song “A Guy Named Joe”. Joe will be performing at the Sunday picnic as part of a long line up of very talented members of the LGBT community.

For more information or to register for TransForm Arizona, visit: http://transform.transmentors.org/

Send comments, suggestions and feedback to comments@nathanoutloud.com.

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Episode 8: Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva (Ret.)

comments@nathanOUTloud.com — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:54:00 +0000

Click here to download Episode 8 on iTunes. Don't forget to subscribe!

In episode 8 of Nathan OUTloud, I interview Retired Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva. Eric's courageous story of 13 years of service in the United States Marine Corp. and being the first US Service Member to be injured in Operation Iraqi Freedom caught the country's attention in 2003. After spending over a year rehabilitating from the injuries he sustained, Eric retired from the Marines. After his retirement, Eric went back to college to obtain his degree. It was during that time that he decided to be true to himself and help others and he came out as a gay veteran. In February of 2007, Eric joined Rep. Martin Meehan, D-MA, at the introduction of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, a bill designed to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Eric discusses his journey and what has driven him to be a voice for equality, not only for LGBT people, but for all Americans.

Eric will also participate in the Voices of Honor tour in select cities. For more information visit hrc.org/voicesofhonor.

For the latest on H.R.1283 "Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009", click here.

For information on how to contact your elected officials, click here.

Send comments, suggestions and feedback to comments@nathanoutloud.com.

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Come OUT | Be OUT | Live OUTloud™

Episode 7: Representative Kyrsten Sinema, Singer/Songwriter Matthew David & "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

comments@nathanOUTloud.com — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:51:00 +0000

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Episode 7 features an interview with Arizona State Representative Kyrsten Sinema. Kyrsten just released the book Unite and Conquer: How to Build Coalitions that Win and Last. Kyrsten currently serves as the Assistant Leader to the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives and represents central Phoenix in the Arizona Legislature. Now in her third term, she is the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee and the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee.

Kyrsten holds both a law degree and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in the School of Justice and Social Inquiry at ASU. She is an adjunct professor in the School of Social Work at ASU and practices law when not in session. Kyrsten also serves as faculty for the Center for Progressive Leadership, teaching tomorrow’s community leaders about the political process.

Kyrsten has worked on initiatives in Arizona and around the country for a number of years, and in 2006 chaired Arizona Together, the first and only successful effort in the country to defeat a same-sex marriage ballot initiative. In 2008, she chaired Protect Arizona’s Freedom, the coalition that defeated Ward Connerly’s effort to place an initiative on the state ballot to eliminate equal opportunity programs. She continues to consult with political groups around the nation on electoral and legislative strategy.

Kyrsten serves on numerous community and national boards, including as Board President of Community Outreach and Advocacy for Refugees, the YWCA of Maricopa County, Center for Progressive Leadership, and the Young Elected Officials’ Network. Kyrsten is the recipient of awards for her political leadership, including the NAACP Civil Rights Award, AZ Hispanic Community Forum Friend of the Year, Planned Parenthood Legislative CHOICE Award, Sierra Club’s Most Valuable Player, and the AZ Public Health Association Legislator of the Year.

Kyrsten’s first book, Unite and Conquer: How to Build Coalitions that Win and Last, is now available by Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

You can find more information on Kyrsten's work by following her on twitter, facebook and her blog.

Also in Episode 7 you will hear the debut single by singer/songwriter Matthew David – “Masquerade”.

Strong, inspiring lyrics along with an impressive contemporary rock arrangement were merged with Matthew’s engaging vocal style to create a first release that is fueling the anticipation of his first full-length album.

The Vancouver based singer-songwriter got his start like many of today's chart-topping artists - by singing in church. Since he was 4, Matthew has been exploring and learning the art of performance. At 18 he packed his bags and moved to England where he studied voice and theatre in London's West End. Matthew is currently in the studio finishing up his debut release, which is due out this fall.

You can find Matthew David at facebook.com/musicbymatthewdavid & myspace.com/musicbymatthewdavid.

On July 7, 2009, Representative Patrick Murphy (D-PA) announced that he was taking over lead sponsorship of legislation in Congress to repeal the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy of the US Military. Rep. Murphy also announced a website – www.letthemserve.com – where people can go for more information on the legislation, and to take action in support of the bill.

In conjunction with this announcement, the Human Rights Campaign, along with Servicemembers United announced a National Tour call “Voices of Honor: A Generation Under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’” For details on the tour visit: www.hrc.org/voicesofhonor.

Thank you Kyrsten Sinema & Matthew David for your contributions to episode 7 of Nathan OUTloud!

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To share your coming out story, or for comments or suggestions on the show, please email me.

Come OUT | Be OUT | Live OUTloud™

Episode 6: Daniel Karslake - Director/Writer/Producer of FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO

comments@nathanOUTloud.com — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:26:00 +0000

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Episode 6 of Nathan OUTloud features an interview with Director/Writer/Producer– Daniel Karslake.

Daniel Karslake is an award-winning American film director and producer. His last film, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO, premiered in competition at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and won the Katherine Bryan Edwards Prize for Human Rights at the 2007 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival. The film also won nine “Best Documentary” audience awards at prestigious festivals across the country, and it was on the short list for a 2008 Academy Award. Sir Ian McKellen recently introduced the film at its UK premiere in London, and it is currently rolling out internationally.

In addition to discussing FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO, Daniel shares his moving coming out story and what moved him to create the movie.

Thank you Dan for your contributions to episode 6 of Nathan OUTloud!

Follow the podcast on twitter @nathanOUTloud.

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To share your coming out story on a future episode of Nathan OUTloud, email here.

Come OUT | Be OUT | Live OUTloud™

Episode 5: Kim Pearson from TransYouth Family Allies

comments@nathanOUTloud.com — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:07:00 +0000

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In episode 4, I discussed the events from the "Rob, Arnie & Dawn Show" on KRXQ in Sacramento, California that started with the May 28th show. In response to that, along with the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Kim Pearson from TransYouth Family Allies lead the effort to ensure that KRXQ and Rob & Arnie be held responsible for the words and tone of their show and their follow-up response.

Kim Pearson is Executive Director/Co-Founder of TransYouth Family Allies (TYFA) and National Board President of PFLAG-TNET. She first directed her energy into GLBT support, advocacy and education as the founder and president of her local PFLAG Chapter when the youngest of her three children came out as lesbian in 2005. Eighteen months later she found herself facilitating that same child's transition to living life as a young man. Fueled by her passion for ensuring respect and equal rights for children like hers she co-founded TYFA, the first and only national organization that supports, educates and advocates exclusively for gender variant and transgender children. In its short history TYFA has provided support to over 100 families, and training to hundreds of GLBT organizations, service professionals and government officials all over the United States. TYFA and their families have been featured on several local/national radio programs, national/regional television and numerous print articles.

You can also find TYFA on facebook.

You can find the story that started this discussion by visiting ketv.com.

For the statement and to listen to the entire show from June 11th that featured Kim and Autumn Sandeen, click here.

To follow the whole story, go to the GLAADblog.

You can find the book discussed on the show "The Transgender Child: A Handbook for Families and Professionals".

Thank you Kim for your contributions to episode 5 of Nathan OUTloud!

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To share your coming out story on a future episode of Nathan OUTloud, email here.

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Episode 4: Tom from Ramble Redhead Show & Singer/Songwriter Tom Goss

comments@nathanOUTloud.com — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:25:00 +0000

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Episode 4 features a coming out story and interview with Tom from Ramble Redhead Show. Tom has been doing his podcast for over 4 years and has completed nearly 300 episodes. You can check out all of the podcasts on his website at http://www.rambleredhead.com/. You can also find his podcasts in iTunes.

If you would like to share it on a future episode of Nathan OUTloud, please let me know by emailing me.

Tom Goss' "Back To Love" is a collection of edgy alt/pop songs that are literally about love—not always romantic love, but the many faces of love. He has built on the success of his first national tour with acclaimed singer/songwriter Eric Himan in 2008, as well as the production and release of his first video, which was featured nationally and eventually rose to #2 on MTV LOGO’s The Click List.

"I wanted to create something that was instantly accessible," says Goss. "Something that would touch a wide audience, and something that was fast and clean but also carried a concrete message."

As a gay man, he wanted to deliver a message about societal and religious perceptions of what love means to a gay person, as well as his family’s love and failed love, including the divorce of his parents. Goss also learned a lot from his recently deceased grandfather, whom he says loved his grandmother “more than I have ever seen anyone love.” He adds that “Back To Love” breathes speaks, and aches like nothing I have ever done before.”

Goss, who grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin, moved to DC in 2004 to enter Catholic seminary in hopes of becoming a priest. After that didn’t go as planned, Goss later found himself through his charity work and through his partner, and began to make music a full-time ambition. His debut, album, Naked Without, was released in 2006 and was followed by Rise in January 2008.

Goss plans to hit the road in support of Back To Love, delivering the message of his new album to a wide range of listeners. “I want people to listen to "Back To Love" and leave with a sense of hope and love greater than before,” says Goss. “I want to start conversations about love and loss, anger and forgiveness, hope and fear, but most importantly integration, of self and of each other. And at the same time, I want to deliver the best batch of songs that I possibly could.”

You can find more information on Tom’s music and concert dates on his website tomgossmusic.net. "Back to Love" is also available on iTunes. From that we get “Til the End”.

On May 28 radio hosts Rob Williams and Arnie States spent more than 30 minutes making crude and dehumanizing comments promoting child abuse against transgender children. It began when they discussed a story about an Omaha family supporting their transgender child and her transition.

After GLAAD, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation issued a call to action, the radio station finally called back and promised Rob and Arnie would respond to their offensive segment.

GLAAD also spoke with with radio host Dawn Rossi who defended transgender people on the highly problematic segment.

On their follow-up show, Rob and Arnie failed to apologize for their remarks. GLAAD re-issued the Call to Action, and LGBT advocates made their voices heard through social networking and thousands of people from around the world contacted KRXQ and their advertisers. After nine advertisers pulled their ads, the radio station finally took notice and they suspended the show until Thursday June 11th. For the most up-to-date information visit glaad.org.

Thank you Tom & Tom for your contributions to episode 4 of Nathan OUTloud!

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Come OUT | Be OUT | Live OUTloud

Episode 3: Mitchell Gold & Jake Walden

comments@nathanOUTloud.com — Sun, 24 May 2009 00:21:00 +0000

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Episode 3 of Nathan OUTloud features an interview with the author and editor of the book Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social, and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America, Mitchell Gold.

In 1989, Mitchell Gold and his business partner, Bob Williams, created a furniture company in Taylorsville, North Carolina. Today, Gold and Williams head a nationally recognized company Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams.

In addition to running a $100M company, he plays a major role in the national dialogue on gay rights. In December 2005, he established Faith in America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating people about how religion-based bigotry is used to justify discrimination against gay people.

Mitchell has been recognized as a major force for good in the fight for gay rights by numerous organizations, including: The Human Rights Campaign: Board of Directors for seven years and Nov. 2007 Equality Honoree, Palm Springs. National Black Justice Coalition: April 2008 Leadership Award. Out magazine: April 2007, "Top 50 Most Powerful Gay People in America" list. Gay Men's Health Crisis: March 2007 25th Anniversary Dinner Honoree. The Advocate magazine: 2006 "People of the Year Award" for Faith in America. Vox Vodka + Out: 2004 Vox/Out Voices of Style + Design Award.

Mitchell's work for gay rights has forged friendships with prominent members of the gay community--and led to a number of them wanting to join him in creating his recently released book entitled "Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social, and Religious Pain & Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America."

You can also find more information on the book at www.crisisbook.org.

After the interview with Mitchell I share more about my coming out story, and how reading “Crisis” and speaking with Mitchell has made me reevaluate my coming out journey.

In an interview with artist Jake Walden we learn about the inspiration for Jake’s debut album “Alive & Screaming”.

As you hear in ‘For Somebody’, Jake's soaring, melodic, heartfelt music, coupled with his distinctively emotive velvet gravel voice is both intensely personal and universal. According to Jake, "I want to be as raw and truthful as I can. When I'm playing a show, I try and engage myself fully with every person, as if it were just our time."

"If I haven't made half of the audience cry, not out of sadness, but out of hope, then I haven't done my job, or lived up to my dream. I am trying to inspire them to remember what it is they are seeking."He pauses and smiles with a look of heartache, " For hope is so easily swept away by the storms of our lives."

More information can be found at Jake’s website jakewaldenmusic.com.

This week I am asking that you take action on "Don’t Ask Don’t Tell". You may have heard the news lately a lot of coverage of the discriminatory "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy of the US military. My good friend and fellow podcaster Kathy of "Thoughts from a Lezzymom" had great coverage of this topic on her recent episode. It was her suggestion, and I am asking that each of you take action this week, and call the White House and ask that the President live up to his campaign promise and repeal "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell". You can reach the White House by calling (202) 456-1111.

Thank you Mitchell & Jake for your contributions to episode 3 of Nathan OUTloud!

Follow the podcast on twitter @nathanOUTloud.

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To share your coming out story on a future episode of Nathan OUTloud, email here.

Come OUT | Be OUT | Live OUTloud

Episode 2: Meghan Stabler, music by Lee Waters & Hate Crimes Legislation

comments@nathanOUTloud.com — Wed, 13 May 2009 02:59:00 +0000

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Click here to download Episode 2 on iTunes. Don't forget to subscribe!

Episode 2 features a coming out story by Meghan Stabler:

After an impressive 25 years leadership in I.T., she took on her toughest challenge and transitioned openly in the workplace at BMC Software. At BMC she helped establish understanding, communication and policies within the company to support global diversity and credits her co-workers and company DNA culture for LGBT support throughout the company.

Meghan is a past board member to the National & International Center for Missing and Exploited Children. She currently serves on the board for; AIDS Foundation Houston, Human Right Campaign’s National Business Council, HRC Steering Committee’s of both Houston & Austin, President Obama’s National LGBT Policy Committee, AETNA Healthcare GLBT Advisory Board, PRIDE Houston Board, Out and Equal Workplace Advocate’s Conference Committee.

As a nationally recognized spokesperson and activist Meghan has appeared globally on the television, radio and print media representing a number of industry and board related issues. Meghan has used her no-nonsense approach to advise a number of international governments, including members of the US Senate and House of Representatives. In June 2008 she submitted written testimony to Congress on Transgender Workplace issues. Meghan's courageous story is an example of authenticity and of being able to Come OUT | Be OUT | Live OUTloud.

This episode I am featuring a song by singer/songwriter Lee Waters. The song is titled "Virginia" and as Lee explains was inspired by the remarks made by Rep. Virginia Foxx's remarks in Congress during the debate on the Matthew Shepard Act. Lee has committed to donating all proceeds from the song to the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

Click here to download the song. Lee's other music can be found on his website: leewaters.com

Take Action: Contact your Senators to ask that they support the Matthew Shepard Act. Visit fighthatenow.org for more information.

Thank you Meghan & Lee for your contribution to episode 2 of Nathan OUTloud!

Follow the podcast on twitter @nathanOUTloud.

To share your coming out story on a future episode of Nathan OUTloud, email here.

Come OUT | Be OUT | Live OUTloud

Episode 1: Introduction to Nathan OUTloud

comments@nathanOUTloud.com — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:04:00 +0000

Listen to the podcast here, or...

Click here to download Episode 1 on iTunes. Don't forget to subscribe!

Episode 1 of Nathan OUTloud is a brief introduction to the host of Nathan OUTloud, Nathan Treanor. Nathan shares part of his coming out story, including the first time he ever told anyone he is gay. Nathan also shares when he came out to his mother.

In the news: Nathan talks about the tragic news of two 11 year-old boys who, after being bullied and tormented in school, needlessly took their lives. The heartbreaking stories of Jaheem Herrera and Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover shed light on the importance of anti-bullying curriculum in schools. Also, the Human Rights Campaign released the new “Welcoming Schools” Program – information at hrc.org

Spotlight Artist: Maria Daines and her song “The Staffie Song”. As a dog lover, Nathan shares a song about the importance of dog rescue and how every animal deserves a chance at a loving home. Music courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network. Also check out Maria Daines online.

Take Action: Congress is currently considering Federal Hate Crimes legislation that would expand protections to LGBT Americans. Learn more at fighthatenow.org – where you will be able to contact your members of Congress and also share a moving video by Judy Shepard. Judy’s son Matthew was killed 10 years ago in a brutal attack because he was gay. Since Matthew’s death, Judy has not given up the fight to ensure that Matthew’s death was not in vain and that current Hate Crimes protections are expanded to include members of the LGBT community.

Follow the podcast on twitter @nathanOUTloud.

To share your coming out story on a future episode of Nathan OUTloud, email here.

Come OUT | Be OUT | Live OUTloud

What is Nathan OUTloud?

comments@nathanOUTloud.com — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 20:55:00 +0000

Nathan OUTloud is a forum for LGBT people to share their stories. By sharing these stories we will be able to change hearts and minds, and further our progress in achieving equality for each of us as individuals, and for each of our families.

Each episode of Nathan OUTloud will have a coming out story, as well as current news and an action item for members of the LGBT community and our allies. There will also be music, book reviews or movie reviews on items of interest to the LGBT community.

For more information on this podcast, follow the podcast on twitter @nathanOUTloud.

Click here to share comments or suggestions.

To share your coming out story on a future episode of Nathan OUTloud, click here to email Nathan OUTloud.

Come OUT | Be OUT | Live OUTloud