Rated LGBT Radio

Obscene Mortal Bullies, from the Death of a 9-year Old to YMCA Idiocy

Brody Levesque is my co-host this week for an in depth discussion of hot topics this week.  We will address the horrific incident where a 9-year old comes out as gay.  Within a few days, the harassment he received as a result inspired him to suicide a few days later.
Elsewhere, a transgender man, operating within the rules of using the bathroom of the gender he was assigned at birth, is kicked out of the YMCA,  
And we say good bye to John McCain, and discuss other topics in the news of LGBTQ relevance.
(If you miss our live broadcast, the same link works for you to access the podcast!)

Scruff, Scandals and Other Hot LGBTQ Topics of the Week!

Tonights show is a one-on-one with Rob and Brody. We talk about the exclusive interview that Brody had with the CEO of the Scruff App, Eric Silverberg and how they are making moves to protect their users. Plus we dig into the scandals of the week from more Catholic Church revelations, to the anti-LGBT GOP Congressman indicted on charges and more!
 

How Do We Save the Lives of Transgender Youth?

When a young transgender person becomes an activist --- does that make them immune to the hate of the general population?  Are transgender kids safe even in schools that are not particularly welcoming? The answer to those questions appear to be a resounding “NO”.
A young teen activist loses his life, as a 12year old is terrorized by adults whose children go to her school.  How can we fight the hatred transgender youth find bombarding them on a daily basis?
Tonight we search for answers with Eliza Byard, Executive Director of GLSEN,.
GLSEN is an organization recognized worldwide as an innovative leader in the fight for equity for LGBTQ students and respect for all in K-12 education. Eliza joined GLSEN as Deputy Executive Director in 2001, and has led the growth of GLSEN’s public education and advocacy efforts; youth leadership development programs; professional development training for educators; research and program evaluation capacity; and in-school programming.  
 
Featuring top journalist Brody Levesque.
 

America’s Got Talent Sensation Brody Ray in the House!

“Brody Ray took the "America's Got Talent" stage during Tuesday's episode ready to share a piece of himself. The Nebraska native who sang Jordan Smith's "Stand in the Light," explained to the judges that the lyrics mirrored his own life. Elaborating on his "struggles and battles," Ray explained, "I actually was born female. I'm transgender."Ray's performance visibly touched judge Mel B and moved audience members to get up from their seats."This is who I am inside, this is who I am, and I'm not going to hide," he belted out. "'Cause the greatest risk we'll ever take is by far to stand in the light and be seen as we are."At the end of his song, Ray received a standing ovation from the judges and crowd.”    USA Today
Tonight, on Rated LGBT Radio… he is ours.  And yours.
Featuring panelist Brody Levesque.

Exposing the Secrets of America’s Anti-LGBTQ ”Deep State”

Today , influential anti-LGBTQ leaders met in Washington DC, at the Museum of the Bible,  as part of a 5-day International Religious Freedom Ministerial.  Their focus was attacking LGBTQ kids and family rights under the guise of exercising what they called “parental rights.” Their strategies include support of ex-gay conversion therapy and opposition to same-sex marriage while challenging the practice of offering affirming healthcare for, especially, trans and non-binary youth.  Speakers included Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, faith advisor to President Trump, and commissioner nominated by Senator Mitch McConnell to the State Department’s United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.
But our guest, journalist Christopher Kane, was there taking notes for a full report. Tonight we have him exclusively, letting you know the plans of the Religiously Repressive Right even before their minions know themselves.
Featuring panelist Brody Levesque.

The Trans Generation! Exclusive with author Ann Travers

Based on interviews with transgender kids and their parents, Ann Travers offers us a rare look into what it is like to grow up as a trans child. We will talk to Ann about options for kids' own gender self-determination, questioning the sex bianary and find out what ways that cultural and material resources can be redistributed more equitably.
Ann Travers is Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Simon Fraser University.
Our panel tonight features journalists Brody Levesque and Dawn Ennis.

Analyst Brynn Tannehill on Transgender Representation in Media & Other Issues!

Tonight we talk to senior defense analyst, and writer, Brynn Tannehill.  A writer for the Advocate, OutServe magazine, The New Civil Rights Movement, and Queer Mental Health as a blogger and featured columnist, Brynn takes a look at criteria publications should consider in commissioning works regarding transgender issues.  We will also talk about the week in Washington and abroad, and what they mean to Americans as well as transgender citizens.
Brynn served as a campaign analyst while deployed overseas to 5th Fleet Headquarters in Bahrain from 2005 to 2006. In 2008 Brynn earned a M.S. in Operations Research from the Air Force Institute of Technology and transferred from active duty to the Naval Reserves. In 2008 Brynn began working as a senior defense research scientist in private industry. 
Featuring panalist Brody Levesque.

Gun Violence Being Turned on Journalists: Is This Trump’s Plan?

Our panelist, seasoned journalist, Brody Levesque has stood in newsroom that sustained violence today. We talk about his recollections, his thoughts and fears in the age where those in power seem to have as little of a muzzle as they do common sense. Is the reckless rhetoric of the President clueless, or intentional?
Gabriel Hudson, constitutional scholar, joins our discussion.  Tonight.

Exclusive Coverage of the Immigration Horrors and Trump Administration Oppression

Our panel member and producer, top journalist, Brody Levesque is live at the
Texas border covering the intolerable immigration detention situation. Helping us make sense of the situation is our special guest, Judge Melanie Nathan.
Melanie Nathan is a South African born attorney, a mediator, equality activist, and human rights advocate and documentary producer, who advocates, speaks and writes on issues impacting LGBTI communities around the world, with a focus on the United States and Africa    She is the executive director of the African Human Rights Coalition (African HRC). She was appointed a community grand marshal for San Francisco Pride 2014, in recognition of her global human rights advocacy work for LGBTI people and is a director of the Peacemaker Museum World Tour.
 She herself is fighting specific Trump Administration suppression when the US Navy censored her for speaking out against Trump. We hear her story and get her insights on the current immigration situation.   Featuring panel member, esteemed journalist, Karen Ocamb.
 

Let Them Not Eat Cake, but Don’t Blow Out the Candles Yet , Homophobes

Today, an Arizona appeals court upheld a Phoenix anti-discrimination law that makes it illegal for businesses to refuse service to same-sex couples because of religion. This week however, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with a Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple—that decision was based on the idea that a Colorado civil rights commission showed anti-religious bias when it ruled against the Masterpiece Cakeshop.
LGBTQ activists got mad.  A Tennessee store put up a sign declaring “No Gays Allowed”.
So what did the decision actually mean?  For that, we are going to one of the nation’s experts—our guest for tonight, Rachel Laser.
Rachel Laser, President & CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State,  is a lawyer, advocate and strategist who has dedicated the last two decades of her life to fighting to make the country inclusive for all Americans. She has a proven track record of uniting both faith and secular leaders and advocacy organizations to make tangible progress on some of the most important issues of our time.
 
My panel tonight includes Brody Levesque and Gabriel Hudson!