Life Uncloseted With Rick Clemons

From out activist to living in anti-lgbtq China, this musical artist found a way to explore the truth of universal love and doing her own reverse coming out on so many fronts. Ember Swift, singer, songwriter and international artist reveals the power of queerness and staying true to yourself without apologies, even in the face of fears. About Ember Ember Swift is a Canadian original artist, musician, songwriter and performer with 13 original albums and countless international tours under her musical belt across the last 25 years. She is also queer-identified, straight-marriage-divorced, the mother of two kids, an active writer, part-time vocal coach and music-creation instructor, a hobbyist figure skater and a damn good self-described "culinary engineer" of soups and biscuits. Based in Beijing, China since 2008, this Canadian artist, fluent in Mandarin as well as French, is an active performer throughout China with her own eclectic blend of original pop music that consistently pays tribute to jazz, folk and

He went from Christian Athlete to married straight guy, to focused on medical school and has catapulted his Podiatry practice to heights he never thought possible. Oh, and he finally freed himself to live his gay truth. Blowing up every box in his life, Dr. Brad Schaeffer shares his journey of coming out of the closet like a true Titan, to live his truth, and why it was so important for him to breakdown the stereotypes that held him back. About Brad Dr. Brad Schaeffer [“Dr. Brad”] is a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon with the ABFAS [American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery]. He is the owner of Central Park SOLE, the state-of-the art head-to-toe wellness practice on the upper west side of NYC. Dr. Brad helps people get back on their feet, literally and figuratively, to enjoy the activities and life they love and deserve. With a focus on sports medicine, foot & ankle reconstructive surgery, regenerative medicine, and aesthetic procedures, he offers a myriad of innovative, preventive, and effect

The question is, "Is it possible to enjoy sex, be queer, and be a Christian?" For some people those three just don't go together. However, if we are made in the image of God, does that mean...??? Unraveling this interesting construct of Christianity, Sexuality, and Sex, is Jon Carl Lewis, founder of Sex & The Queer Christian community, and author of 7 Steps to Sexual Peace of Mind for the Queer Christian.. In this candid conversation we discuss this interesting triad and how as humans we simply need to allow ourselves to be our sexy, sexual, God made selves. About Jon Jon Carl Lewis is the host of Sex & the Queer Christian, a growing, sex positive community dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ folk make sexual decisions and construct a personal sexual ethic in line with their values as part of the Body of Christ. He is also author of the guide, 7 Steps to Sexual Peace of Mind for the Queer Christian. A trained and certified spiritual director, Jon Carl seeks to help Queer Christians and their allies come to p

Hollywood, Hollywood, Hollywood. Everything in Hollywood is so open, diverse, welcoming, and gay. Maybe not so much. But it has gotten better. So good that it is becoming more common for the LGBTQ+ crowd to be honored with Emmy's, Oscars, and all types of film acknowledgements. Sharing her journey as Founder of Tello Films, a queer content driven film house, Christin Baker talks candidly about where the film industry stands and why more fluidity in the industry helps  LGBTQ+ individuals have more impact in the arts. About Christin Kristin is the founder of Tello Films, which focuses on lesbian/queer content and is the first LGBTQ network to receive an Emmy nomination. Their 2017 series “Secs & EXECS” earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for Austin Powers actress Mindy Sterling. Also, in 2019, their series Riley Parra received two Emmy nominations for actresses Liz Vassey and Carolyn Ratteray. The SVOD platform has a wide library of the best LGBTQ+ wom

Imagine being a 32-year-old gay accountant who’s never outside your rural upbringings and you move to major metropolitan area where you struggle to find your way. Sound familiar? But wait there is a twist. A six-foot, nine-inch, sensational drag queen takes you under her colorful wing for lessons in shopping, first dates, hosting brunch, furnishing an apartment, and living in the gay community. This is the story brought to life by Chandler Myer in his debut novel, Jayne and the Average North Dakotan, which is an unconventional coming-of-age and coming-out story filled with humor and humanity. Today he Chandler joins us for an exploration of his work and to share with us why this fun, whimsical book came to life. About Chandler Chandler Myer published his first novel, Jayne and the Average North Dakotan, at the age of 57, following a 35-year career as a professional musician. The book is based on his short story, “That Night I Ran the High Heel Race,” published in the Medium publication Prism & Pen. He ha

From troubled upbringing with her mother who suffered from undiagnosed schizophrenia, to foster homes and reform schools, then finding her groove in her own band The Bloods, it's not surprising that this former backup singer for the likes of Culture Club, and Whitney Houston, final made her move to live her queer identity. Three time author, singer, songwriter Adele Bertei joins us to share her life journey of self-acceptance and to talk about her new book Twist: An American Girl. About Adele Adele Bertei musical history includes singing back up for Culture Club, Whitney Houston, Sandra Bernhard, and Matthew Sweet among others. She released records as a solo artist with the Geffen and Chrysalis labels and has had international dance and pop hits with Thomas Dolby (“Hyperactive!”) and Jellybean (“Just a Mirage”). She has also written songs for artists as diverse as Sheena Easton, Arthur Baker, Lydia Lunch, and the Pointer Sisters, among others. In the '70s, Adele fronted the punk band the Wolves in Cleveland,

We all have bad days, months, and years. Especially as someone in the LGBTQ+ community. But the beauty in the bad is the good that comes from it. Singer, songwriter, broadway performer Kyle Motsinger has take taken the concept of "Bad Years," and turned it into song to help people battle through and preserve regardless of their challenges. This is queer life, his queer story, and how he is living his life (un)closeted. About Kyle In “Bad Years”, singer/songwriter Kyle Motsinger reflects on the long, arduous, road he has travelled in the pursuit of his rock star dreams.  “It’s been challenging with daily obstacles like waking up to find my bank account overdrawn and having to call mom and dad for grocery money,” he admits.  “Or promoting a show at the venue I always dreamed of playing to only have one friend show up.  It can be pretty humiliating and soul-crushing. You start to wonder if anyone cares or if you are even talented.”   Produced by Motsinger and engineered, mixed, and mastered by MP Kuo, the altern

Many may ask, "Why?" Why is it important to have festivals, parties, private vacations, for LGBTQ+ individuals. The answer is simple, "Why Not?" And especially "Why not?" for queer women. Helping us answer that question and sharing about her own exciting, Mediterranean event - Velvet Ibiza - is Carine De Mesmaeker. We're exploring the celebration of queer women and creating safe spaces for them to be themselves. About Velvet Ibiza Velvet Ibiza - Europe’s most epic queer women party - is celebrating its 7th anniversary this year and taking the festivities to the next level. Happening May 2 - 7, 2023 in idyllic Ibiza, Spain, Velvet Ibiza, the all-inclusive 5-day/5-night party, has, in only a few years’ time, become a holy ground for queer women who continue to descend on the pine-covered isle to enjoy one the most life changing and bonding experience. Created and (ever since) produced by Carine De Mesmaeker - the mastermind behind Velvet 69, one of Europe’s biggest queer Women party in Brussels, Belgium - Velv

Whether it is starting a business or choosing to get married as a gay or lesbian individual, it is always in our best interest to do what we know is best for us, not what everyone else expects us to do. Proving this point over and over again, serial entrepreneur, resilient hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) thriver, and LGBTQ+ community advocate, Bill Rossi share candidly about his life decisions and his intentionality behind desire to get married to his husband when he did. About Bill Bill Rossi is a respected entrepreneur and veteran business leader in the Chicago area, as well as a devoted partner and father, an inspirational LGBTQ+ advocate and a passionate proponent of health and fitness. As founder and CEO of Rossi Enterprises, Bill helps a diverse array of organizations thrive in their industries, by guiding them and serving as their fractional chief operating officer and/or chief financial officer. He frequently collaborates with startups and small- to mid-size organizations to foster innovation and he

Lesbians just want to find love. Yes it is true, so why not give them their own reality TV show and let the fun, drama, and reality of dating life ensue. Filmmaker Nicole Conn along with model and actress Jessica-Rose Clark bring the desert life of Palm Springs to life fully in this rolicking adventure of Coming Out For Love. Think Bachelorette for Lesbians. Learn all about this ground-breaking approach to making sure Lesbians get some much needed air time about dating and mating. About Nicole, Jessica, and Coming Out For Love Prolific queer filmmaker Nicole Conn (A Perfect Ending, Elena Undone, More Beautiful For Having Been Broken), through her Nicole Conn Films Global, presents Coming Out for Love (“COFL”), a new, 16-episode dating competition premiering worldwide on February 14, 2023, across various digital streaming platforms. New episodes will air weekly. Watch the sizzle reel HERE. Conn tapped LGBTQ+ icon and activist Jessica Clark to host. An actress in such films as True Blood, Season of Love, ALIEN

It's really easy to say, "My way or the highway." Especially when coming out or dealing with all the things we deal with as LGBTQ+ individuals. Yet, things can be so much easier when we add a dash of Empathy and as the question, "Tell me more about that?" Empathy Activist Rob Volpe, and author of the book Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time, shares insights on how to be more empathetic and still be your unique and powerful LGBTQ+ self. About Rob Rob Volpe is an astute observer of life and a master storyteller who brings empathy and compassion to the human experience. As CEO of Ignite 360, he leads a team of insights, strategy, and creative professionals serving the world’s leading brands across a range of industries. He is the author of Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time. As a thought leader in the role of empathy in marketing and the workplace, he is a contributor to Entrepreneur’s Leadership Network and frequently speaks

Coming out is a complete reset in our lives. A big reset. Yet, when we do it and we really dial into a reset of thoughts, feelings and beliefs, our journey out of the closet can become so much better. Filled with simple tools in this 8 minute power packed podcast, you will find ways to reset your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about coming out and fitting in, on your terms. You can also listen to the podcast on…        

Polarization. Gun shootings. Politics just for politics. It's all frustrating, scary, and leaves you wondering, can we ever navigate away from it as planet again? Maybe, maybe not, but you never know unless you try. And, it starts with one conversation at a time. It's time for empathy, understanding, and conversations, as hard as that might be, but what's the alternative - another mass shooting? Live from Colorado Springs, Mother of a transgender child and amazing advocate for the LGBTQ+ Community, Kellie Woolf joins me for a candid conversation about having one conversation at a time with those you just don't think you might could have a conversation with in these times that test all of our ability to be civil to one another. About Kellie Kellie Woolf’s debut novel, Mount Hope, is set in Topeka, Kansas,where she was born and raised. While she now lives in Colorado With her husband, Steve, and her cat Figgy, Topeka will always be home. She graduated from Seaman High School, and all other children were born a

Anxiety, depression, no, no, no. Let's not talk about that. Really? Yes, yes, yes, let's talk about it instead of shoving those conversations in the closet. Whether you're coming out of the closet, or coming out of isolation from a pandemic, or just living your everyday life, anxiety and depression hit all of us. Yes, all of us and the best way to deal with it is to talk about it and get support. Joining me today is my good friend, Brittany Richmond who is coming out of the closet about her own journey managing anxiety and depression. She's having impact in the world as a mental health expert helping teens navigate this journey of mental wellness while simultaneously continuing her own day-to-day travels of dealing with anxiety, depression and all that lovely jazz that makes us humans. She's got great insights for finding your path through. About Brittany Brittany Richmond is an energetic, charismatic communicator and a mental health expert of 10+ years. Right after high school, Brittany was diagnosed with m

Coming out is no easy journey, but when you have a no excuses, no fears attitude, it does get a little easier. Helping you step into a new year, with a new mindset about coming out, whatever your coming out journey may be, are some steps for getting clear and honoring yourself for doing this on your terms, your way in 2023. You can also listen to the podcast on…        

Life is full of challenges, many of which we feel we have to tolerate, especially as LGBTQ+ individuals. But tolerance is mostly bullshit that we create ourselves, and then we find ourselves wondering why we are always the one tolerating things. As you head into 2023, let's explore what you don't have to tolerate as an LGBTQ+ person in the world. And, Happy New Year. Thanks for being listeners. You can also listen to the podcast on…        

You are a gift. Yes you. That fact that you are an individual in the LGBTQ+ community makes you a gift to the world and you need to own that. No better time than the holiday season to see yourself and the amazing gifts you bring into the world as an LGBTQ+ person having a human experience. Open up this gift of insight and enjoy your holidays. You can also listen to the podcast on…        

Christianity. It's a very triggering word in today's climate. You either embrace, hate it, or have completely walked away from it. But what if you could find a way to make it work for you, in a way that says, " I can be Christian and LGBTQIA? Joining the conversation today, is Rev. Brandan Robertson. A progressive Gay Christian, who call us to wake up and take action for the collective good in the ways of Jesus--challenging and inspiring all to believe that a just world is on the horizon. About Rev. Brandan Rev. Brandan Robertson is a noted author, activist, and public theologian working at the intersections of spirituality, sexuality, and social renewal. He currently serves as the Pastor of Metanoia Church, a digital progressive faith community and is the host of The Big Questions Podcast. A prolific writer, he is the author of seven books on spirituality, justice, and theology, including the INDIES Book of the Year Award Finalist True Inclusion: Creating Communities of Radical Embrace. Robertson has bylines

You're too fat. You're to femme. Oh, and no blacks. Really? You can't be serious. There is no such thing as being too Black, Fat, and Femme. Driving this point home are today's guests, and hosts of the Black, Fat, Femme podcast - Jon and Joho. Listen as we uncover the "T" of being who you are in your world and making the most of it. About Jon & Joho Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins aka DoctorJonPaul (they/them pronouns) is an educator, professor, national speaker, freelance journalist, thought leader and media critic who examines the intersections of identity, gender and race in entertainment. Dr. Higgins is a trailblazer who is creating, sharing, and crafting the stories their ancestors didn’t get to tell. Jon was named National Black Justice Coalition’s Inaugural “Emerging Leaders to Watch” and Business Equality Magazine’s “Top 40 LGBTQ People Under 40.” They are a Tedx Speaker, and their op-eds and personal essays have been featured in Essence, Ebony, Complex, MTV NEWS, Out Magazine, BET & Paper. With over

What is the advantage of being queer? Andrew Gelwicks, explores  the answer to this question, through a collection of incisive, deeply personal conversations with LGBTQ+ trailblazers about how they leveraged the challenges and insights they had as relative outsiders to succeed in the worlds of business, tech, politics, Hollywood, sports and beyond. In his book, The Queer Advantage, Andrew celebrates the unique, supercharged power of queerness, and invites you into that experience. About Andrew Andrew Gelwicks is a writer, celebrity fashion stylist, and speaker. He has been featured in Forbes, the Hollywood Reporter, Los Angeles Times, People, Harper’s Bazaar, and WWD, as well as on the OUT100 and Variety Power of Pride List. Gelwicks lives in New York City. The Queer Advantage is his first book. Connect With Andrew Website Instagram Twitter You can also listen to the podcast on…