Pride Connection

Episode Notes

One of Pride Connection’s most inspiring and thought-provoking conversations was with then-Senate aide Laurel Hilbert—a shining example of courage, conviction, and the strength of the human spirit.

In this episode, we revisit Laurel’s extraordinary journey: from leaving his home country of Syria, to his time in Saudi Arabia, to arriving in the United States knowing only a few words of English—but armed with drawings, dreams, and unstoppable determination. Laurel speaks passionately about the universal truths of democracy, the resilience of the human…

Episode Notes

On this episode of Pride Connection, we get to know Grim Kells, founder of Grimalkin Records, a collective of LGBT, disabled and BIPOC musical and visual artists.  We talk about Grim’s musical work under the name Spartan Jetplex, and what led them to found Grimalkin records.  We also touch on some of the community outreach that makes Grimalkin special, including an in-person and virtual festival every October.  Finally, we talk about how you, too, can get involved if you’d like to be part of the collective.

You can find Grimalkin Records at www.grimalkinrecords.com …

Pride Connection presents a Flashback, celebratory discussion about Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. **Content warning: gun violence, hate crimes/violence against AAPI, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, ableism, other topics that may be sensitive to some listeners ** May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month! This week on Pride Connection, please join Saejh Chung (moderator,) Minh Ha, Miso Kwak, Tyanne Wilmath, and Anthony Corona for a conversation exploring AAPI history, personal stories of the intersectionality of identifying as AAPI and having a disability, mental health, sexualization and fetishization of AAPI women, defining heritage, and how the pandemic has shaped their…

Episode Notes

This week on Pride Connection, dropping on Tuesday wherever you get your podcast, we’re continuing a very special two-part journey with someone who continues to inspire and electrify our community —Rosemary Ketchum! Part one last week presented a flashback to one of our most powerful conversations ever. And this week, she’s back with us for a brand-new episode—raw, real, and refreshingly Rosemary. We first met Rosemary Ketchum during a momentous chapter of her journey—as an advocate, a candidate, and a history-maker. As the first openly transgender person elected to office in West Virginia, Rosemary shattered barriers…

Episode Notes

This week on Pride Connection, dropping on Tuesday wherever you get your podcast,were kicking off a very special two-part journey with someone who continues to inspire and electrify our community

—Rosemary Ketchum! Part one starts Tuesday with a flashback to one of our most powerful conversations ever. And next week, she’s back with us for a brand-new episode—raw, real, and refreshingly Rosemary.

We first met Rosemary Ketchum during a momentous chapter of her journey—as an advocate…

Episode Notes

• On April 5, 2025, over 5 million people around the US and the globe gathered for a series of rallies and protests against the Trump administration. Their message was loud and clear. Hands Off!! Hands Off our democracy, our economy, our bodies, our most vital services ... Among the protesters were BPI members Courtney and Destiny, raising their voices and fighting for their very lives as blind queer people. They share their experience at the rallies, what steps they took to make protesting as safe and comfortable for them as possible, and what actions they plan to take going forward. …

Episode Notes

We at Blind Pride International are always working diligently to advocate for our membership. But, things have been kind of heavy lately and we wanted to lighten things up. We invited BPI members to a recording session where they could share their embarrassing stories and bloopers. Join us for an episode full of laughter and comradery.

BPI is excited to tell you about our new and fabulous Queer Gear! Head on over to http://www.bpi.gay right now, and click on "Queer Gear"

Episode Notes

Two Presidents, a Lot of Sheep, and a Whole Lotta Fun What happens when two powerhouse leaders in the blind and low vision community sit down for a chat? You get laughs, insight, and maybe a little ginger beer.

Join BPI President Leah Gardner and Martine Abel Williamson, President of the World Blind Union, as they dish about Leah’s recent adventures in Martine’s stunning homeland—New Zealand! From breathtaking landscapes to quirky sheep encounters, delicious food, unexpected hiccups, and cultural delights, this conversation is equal parts travel diary and…

Episode Notes

Please join us for a flashback episode of Pride Connection from 2021, where guest host Tristan Snyder brings you an exclusive, in-depth interview with queer author TJ Klune!

TJ Klune is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Extraordinaries, and more. Being queer himself, TJ believes it’s important—now more than ever—to have accurate, positive, queer representation in stories.

Visit Klune online: tjklunebooks.com Twitter: @tjklune Instagram: tjklunebooks