As we get ready for Pride here in Seattle, we have so much to celebrate. We have one of the country's largest LGBQTIA+ populations. We're a beacon of hope, anti-discrimination, and Washington is notable for being one of the first two states to legalize same-sex marriage by a vote of the people. We are a welcoming place, but not far from here, just miles away, we've seen protests against our community, especially when it comes to drag queen story time. Today, we speak to the queen who helped pioneer this unique form of expression--ten years running, and at PrideFest no less--Aleksa Manila. And we speak with Lil Miss Hot Mess, who is a national and international leader on Drag Queen Story Hour, who will also headline Seattle PrideFest this weekend. We talk of the history of this tradition and how it can actually be good for kids. Pride wouldn't be Pride without drag performers, and this week on the PrideCast we speak to two notable drag queens.
PrideCast Episode 22: Trauma, Healing, and Giving Back
In this episode of the PrideCast, we learn the stories of three LGBTQIA+ Seattleites as we take a journey through trauma, recovery, and giving back. Learn about one woman spontaneously "playing" the piano (the soundtrack for this episode), how a second trip to prison was a turning point for one young man, and the healing power of beauty pageants for another of our interviewees, one of the few refuges from his cult upbringing. The stories are all different, the paths to recovery all varied, but you'll find the beautiful lives these three have created from trauma and struggle to be inspiring and unexpected.
PrideCast Episode 21: A Tour of The AIDS Memorial Pathway
World AIDS Day is December 1, a perfect time to recall the local history of HIV/AIDS and fight for a better future. The AIDS Memorial Pathway, right in the heart of Capitol Hill, is a perfect place to do that. Take a tour of The AMP with host Egan Orion and several key players in the development of this important memorial.
On today's podcast:
Rosette Royale, the storygathering consultant for The AMP
Tom Rasmussen, former councilmember who got the memorial started
Christopher Paul Jordan, artist who created andimgonnamisseverybody (the big X)
Jason Plourde, former project manager of The AMP from 2019-2022
Bekah Telew, co-executive director of Seattle's LGBTQ+ Center (current stewards of The AMP)
PrideCast Episode 20: Monkeypox
On August 19, King County declared Monkeypox a public health emergency., and though anybody can get the disease, the vast majority of cases are still in men who have sex with men. In this episode of the PrideCast, we discuss the local response, what's going right, what Public Health can do better, and things you can do to protect yourself and your community. Guests: Brian Westbrook (event producer, broadcaster, vaccine site IT support) and Ben Meana (Seattle and King County Public Health Operations Lead for Community Vaccination events).
PrideCast Episode 19: Roe Overturned--What It Means and What Comes Next
Over Pride weekend this year, the Supreme Court overturned a 49-year-old precedent established in 1973 in Roe v. Wade, reversing the federal right to abortion access in the US. This by itself is a massive social and legal earthquake, but the aftershocks--as promised by Justice Thomas--could reverse other rights. In today's PrideCast, we cover that decision, the basis for it, what may come next, and dive in deep to the legal and constitutional concepts of Substantive Due Process and the Right to Privacy, as well as what we can do to stop this erosion of our rights. Our guest today is Julie Gonen (PhD, JD), the federal policy director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, an expert on reproductive law and just the person we want to talk to about Dobbs and Roe.
PrideCast Episode 18: We're Hosting a Big Pride Celebration, Y'all!
Want to get pumped for Pride weekend? Our PrideFest hosts can help! We have all of them on today's episode of the PrideCast. You'll hear from Aleksa Manila, long-time host of the main stage at PrideFest Seattle Center as well as the host of Drag Queen Storytime. We bring on G.S. Matencio AKA Gaysha Starr, a longtime PrideFest host and co-conspirator (a host for our PrideFest Capitol Hill main stage). Finally, there's DonnaTella Howe, a mainstay of the drag and LGBTQIA+ nightlife scene for over a decade now, who assists with our doggy drag show and hosting our Capitol Hill main stage.
PrideFest Capitol Hill is Saturday, June 25 (on Broadway).
PrideFest Seattle Center is Sunday, June 26.
Both events are 100% free.
PrideCast Episode 17: Jake Wesley Rogers
25-year-old Jake Wesley Rogers has been making music most of his life, but his music career has exploded in the last two years. He came out as gay when he was 12 in rural Missouri and was on America's Got Talent when he was 15. Shortly after, he began producing music independently and was signed to Warner Records in 2020, releasing his EP "Pluto" in 2021. The title track from that EP contains powerful lyrics for a queer musician: "Hate on me, hate on me, hate on me, you might as well hate the sun, shining just a little too bright." Jake does indeed shine bright, getting the attention of Elton John (Jake's style is reminiscent of Elton in the 70s), Brene Brown, Brandi Carlile, and Ben Platt, among many others. He got our attention, too, which is why we're proud to feature him as one of our 2022 headliners. Enjoy this conversation with Jake Wesley Rogers.
PrideCast Episode 16: PNW Black Pride is Having a Ball!
This weekend is Pacific Northwest Black Pride! Yes, it's mainly for people of color, but allies can attend, too. Find out from POCAAN Executive Director and PNW Black Pride co-founder Steven Sawyer about this weekend's events.
Then, take a deep dive into Ball culture, explaining the history, houses, competition, prizes, kikis, mainstream Ball culture, and more. You think you know Ball simply by watching Paris is Burning, Pose, or Legendary? Think again! Ball expert Kurt Regin takes you through all the ins and outs of ball culture in preparation for this weekend's ball.
Friday October 29 - Opening Reception - 4-7pm
Rotie Cellars - 3861 1st Avenue S. Suite F
BLACK PRIDE SCHEDULE 2021
Saturday October 30 - Sip and Paint - 7-9pm
Saturday October 30 - Workshops (Virtual and in-person) - 11am-6pm
Saturday October 30 - Halloween Costume Party - 7-9pm
15920 West Valley Highway
Saturday October 30 - Haunted Nights Masquerade Ball 9pm-12am
15920 West Valley Highway
ALL INFO AT: www.nwblackpride.org
PrideCast Episode 15: Seattle Queer Film
The Seattle Queer Film Festival is happening October 14-24, with both in-person and virtual opportunities to see great queer film! The opening night film this year is Potato Dreams of America, a film by Wes Hurley about growing up gay in Russian and emigrating to the United States. We talk with Wes about his ten year filmmaking career and about "Potato Dreams" and what he has next in store. Then we chat with Billy Ray Brewton, the managing director for Three Dollar Bill Cinema, about some of the exciting plans they have for this year's festival.
PrideCast Episode 14: Celebrating the AAPI Community
In our latest PrideCast, we talk with Co-Host Aleksa Manila about her (now) virtual celebration, PrideAsia Fest, happening at noon on Sunday, May 30, 2021. We'll also be talking with three PrideAsia ambassadors about their work in the community and what they'll be doing for PrideAsia Fest.
Guests:
Arnaldo! Drag Chanteuse
Gaysha Star Starr
Atasha Manila
Find out more about PrideAsia Fest at www.prideasia.org
PrideCast Episode 13: Stop Anti-Asian Hate
On today's PrideCast, Aleska and Egan do a COVID vaccine check-in, talk about in-person Pride in 2021, and talk with Washington State Supreme Court Associate Justice Mary Yu about the epidemic of anti-Asian hate and how allies can join the fight against it.
PrideCast Episode 12: 2020 Recap and Louise Chernin
In this week's PrideCast, Aleksa and Egan recap the year that was through an LGBTQ+ lens. Also, a talk with GSBA's outgoing President and CEO Louise Chernin about her 19 years of service to the organization and decades of activism.
PrideCast Episode 11: Getting out the LGBTQIA+ Vote
On today's PrideCast, hosts Egan Orion and Aleksa Manila take a deep dive into how the community is getting out the LGBTQIA+ vote and why it's important for us to vote. Special emphasis on Drag Out The Vote Ambassadors Aleksa Manila and Ceasar Hart. Plus, we speak with the Chair of the Washington State Democratic Party, Tina Podlodowski, about how to register and make sure your vote is counted, as well as some things she'll be looking for on November 3. Listen to this episode but more importantly: VOTE!
PrideCast Episode 10: LGBTQ+ Families
In this week's episode, hosts Aleksa Manila and Egan Orion explore the challenges of same-sex couples and their kids during the pandemic, plus solicit some advice for Egan for starting his family in 2021. Same-sex couples have always had challenges making babies, but more are taking the plunge and we wanted to check in with them to see how their fairing with all the challenges of 2020. Featuring couples Sarah Toce and Stephanie Brusig (with their daughter Sophia) and Steven Park and Mark Greenough and their three kids. A bonus conversation about being the "other" and the importance of belonging.
PrideCast Episode 9: Community Pride Events
This week, we explore the importance of small, community, local, and regional pride events and recognize the loss of Congressperson John Lewis.
First up, Aleksa and Egan speak with Stacy Bass-Walden, one of the founders of Alki Beach Pride, about some safely-distanced events they have planned for 2020. Then, we speak with Michael Dale, the board president for Boise Pride, and talk about their plans for a 2020 virtual pride (with some in-person elements). Finally, we meet with community activist Allison Fine Taylor who has been helping to lead up an effort to produce Federal Way's first Pride event in 2020. Sadly, they will have to wait until 2021. Happily, they've built quite an organization and have already done much of the work to prepare for an in-person Pride next year.
Stacy Bass-Walden with Alki Beach Pride (https://www.alkibeachpride.org) @ 8:30
Michael Dale, Boise Pride (https://www.boisepridefest.org) @ 25:00
Allison Fine Taylor, Federal Way Pride (https://www.fwlgbtq.org/pride) @ 43:00
PrideCast Episode 8: Queer Black Voices
Over our break for Pride month, there were weeks of protests against police violence and for justice for George Floyd. Since it was Pride month as well, those who are both black and LGBTQ+ in our community felt the moment even more intensely. This week, we talk to three black activists and performers, from Dominique Stevens Stephens (Drag King, Mayor Durkan's Senior External Affairs Liaison ) to Thaddeus (performer, host, songwriter) and to the inimitable Adra Boo (Fly Moon Royalty, Hotels).
Dominique Stephens @ 8:50
Thaddeus @ 27:40
Adra Boo @ 50:46
PrideCast Episode 7: Seattle LGBTQ Legends
Today we look to trailblazers in Seattle's LGBTQ community, our legends. From drag queen Kahlua Ice to Trans pioneer Marsha Botzer and Seattle Gay News Publisher George Bakan, we have incredible leaders here in Seattle. We stand on the shoulders of giants, but those giants are still moving. Enjoy our PrideCast--we hope you're as inspired as we are by them!
PrideCast Episode 6: LGBTQ+API
It's Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month and today on the PrideCast, and your hosts Egan Orion and Aleksa Manila feature three key API community leaders in this week's episode. UTOPIA Seattle's Executive Director, Taffy Maene-Johnson, talks about how her non-profit has adapted services for Pacific Islanders of all stripes during the COVID pandemic. We meet Victor Loo, a Seattle based, queer, androgynous and genderless model from Singapore who is the Director of Practice Innovation at Asian Counseling and Referral Service. Finally, we speak with Dutchess Drew, Sri-Lankan-born drag queen who talks to us about drag on Zoom, Rice and Curry, and plans for the upcoming PrideAsia Fest.
Links:
www.utopiaseattle.org
www.acrs.org
www.prideasia.org
PrideCast Episode 5: "Mother's" Day
On today's PrideCast, Egan and Aleksa explore the many different types of mothers LGBTQ people have, from biological, to drag, and to those who simply help lead the community and set a good example. Interviews with Egan's mom, Diane, Aleksa's drag daughter Atasha, and international drag star Mama Tits, who joins us from Puerto Vallarta. Until we can have Pride in person, we'll be doing the Sunday PrideCast, to help you get through and beyond this crisis.
PrideCast Episode 4: Let Me Entertain You (Virtually)
For PrideFest, artists are essential. For this June's Virtual Pride, artists are virtual (and still essential). Today, hosts Egan Orion and Aleksa Manila talk Bubble Tea, queerentine, and plans for Mother's Day, and more importantly they chat with three artists in different fields. Olivier Wevers is the founder and artistic director of dance company Whim W'him. Gaysha Starr is a legendary Seattle drag queen. And Lisa Koch is a jack-of-all-trades comedienne who is sure to make you laugh. June Pride this year may be virtual, but the artists are more essential than ever.
