Skip to main content
The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse

The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse

By Shannon Wong Lerner, Ph.D.

This podcast features cutting-edge diverse professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, and activists. The Intersection is a podcast created by and for Queer People of Color and Gender Non-Conforming People. Each episode includes:
🌈 An introduction
🌈 The Intersection where each guest explains what they do in beginners’ terms
🌈 An open talk about current issues that affect diverse people in work and life
🌈 A mentoring section
🌈 A take-away on what we learned
Hosted by Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner, Communication Coach, Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, and DEI and Communication Skills Trainer.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse; Introduction-Why & How We Help Diverse Professionals

The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse Feb 10, 2024

00:00
26:01
The Intersection Season 3 Episode 1: Interview with Josh Paul

The Intersection Season 3 Episode 1: Interview with Josh Paul

The Intersection and this episode "Interview with Josh Paul" are meant for educational purposes. Josh Paul is the State Official whose resignation letter went viral as former Director of the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs. Paul resigned in protest of the US sending additional arms to Israel during its siege on Gaza. He had been with the PM for 11 years and served the government through four Presidential administrations. Since then, Paul has become the leading voice of informed dissent for the Peace in the Middle East movement. Josh Paul has appeared on Democracy Now, Reid Report, Amanpour, PBS, Middle East Eye, and was a featured speaker at March on DC for Gaza, 1-13-2024. We were lucky to be the first non-news show and the only LGBTQ+ platform to interview him. Josh and I collaborated to provide a thoughtful, historical, and accessible show about Gaza. The show will be accessible to everyone, no matter if you have felt too overwhelmed to do the research on your own. This important conversation includes queer people of color, gender non-conforming, and trans people’s domestic struggles for bodily autonomy and integrity and the intersection of the occupation and war on Gaza. We address the problem of dehumanization domestically and in Gaza and the self-determination of an entire nation. We discuss some potential hopeful solutions for Palestine’s future integration and statehood. Season 3, Episode 1, “An Interview with Josh Paul” premieres February 3, 2024 at 6PM PST. We hope you will join us! BIO: Previously - and for the last decade - Josh Paul has served as Director of Congressional & Public Affairs, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, U.S. Department of State, with responsibility for shaping and implementing a holistic communications strategy in support of U.S. security assistance, arms transfers, and global defense partnerships. The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse is a podcast made by and for queer people of color, gender non-conforming people, and trans people. We often discuss topics already in the minds and hearts of our community. And we don't shy away from paths less traveled. We encourage critical thinking and show relationships within the intersection of social justice and confronting systems of racism, homophobia, and transphobia, sexism, xenophobia, ableism. Our intersection also exists between host and guest and between our social and political lives, our personal lives and lived experience. Interview taped December 21, 2023 ***TRIGGER WARNING: There are a few moments where we mention someone who had been killed, violations of human rights, and risks people in the Middle East have experienced. None of the descriptions are inherently explicit but they do name violence, violations, or killings. If you would like to learn more about Josh Paul's work, check out his LinkedIn page where he originally published his resignation letter: / josh-paul-655a25263 Credits: Intersection audio engineer: Ben Kramer Merchants Media http://www.merchantsmedia.com Ben.kramer@mac.com Intro/Outro music: L’envol Du Papillon by Patchworker f.k.a. [friendzoned] | / patchworker Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Feb 10, 202401:16:33
Intersection Season 2, Ep 12: Assuming the Ecosexual Position w/Beth Stephens for Earth Day

Intersection Season 2, Ep 12: Assuming the Ecosexual Position w/Beth Stephens for Earth Day

Join us for this thought-provoking conversation with founder Beth Stephens to learn more about ecosexuality for EARTH DAY.

Ecosexuality is a person that finds nature romantic, sensual and sexy.

It is a new sexual identity, much like you might think of pansexual as a newer sexual identity.

An ecosexual is a person who imagines the earth as their lover, and it's a term used in dating that describes a person interested in environmentalism.

For Beth Stephens and Annie Sprinkle, they have used this term ecosexuality within performance art to blur the boundaries between life and art.

Their great love and relationship is something we discuss in this podcast and talking about a new way to queer the environmental movement. I hope you enjoy.

Beth Stephens and Annie Sprinkle founded the ecosexual art movement from their weddings to each other and the earth starting in 2008. Since, then they have written a book, Assuming the Ecosexual Position (University of Minnesota, 2022), and produced two films about their work, Goodbye Gauly Mountain and Water Makes Us Wet, with one on the way, Playing With Fire.

BIO
Elizabeth M. Stephens is a filmmaker, artist, and professor in the Art Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Stephens grew up in the heart of rural West Virginia’s coalfields where she forged deep bonds with the Appalachian Mountains, as well as with miners, labor activists, environmentalists, and other mountaineers.

Stephens earned a PhD in Performance Studies from UC Davis in 2015, systemic settler colonial practices, racism and poverty are deeply intertwined with environmental justice.

She developed and gained administrative approval for a new MFA in Environmental Art and Social Practice.

Her first film was Goodbye Gauley Mountain with Annie Sprinkle. The second was Water Makes Us Wet.

Stephens and Sprinkle have screened at Documenta 14 in Kassel, Germany and then went on to screen at MoMA, the British Film Institute and the Berlin Festspiele.

In 2021 Stephens was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship with Annie Sprinkle for their new film, Playing with Fire.

Their book is Assuming the Ecosexual Position: The Earth as Lover published by the University of Minnesota Press (2022).

See what the Ecosexuals are up to here:
sprinklestephens.ucsc.edu/

earthlab.ucsc.edu

***CORRECTION, Beth Stephens is from Earth Lab not Eco Lab
Feb 10, 202401:03:39
The Intersection, S2, Ep 11, Queering Boxing for Self-Growth and Life Strategies

The Intersection, S2, Ep 11, Queering Boxing for Self-Growth and Life Strategies

The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse is a podcast made by and for queer people of color, gender nonconforming, and trans people. This is Season Two, Episode 11. Our title is, We're Not Gonna Take It: Queering Boxing For Self-Growth and Life Strategies. We have special guest, Pharrell Shaymar, boxing coach and LGBTQ speaker. We are releasing this podcast in anticipation of the first World Gay Boxing Championship held in Sydney, Australia Feb 18–22 2023! With growing violence and hate crimes directed at LGBTQ people in the US and elsewhere in the world, queering boxing has a positive effect on queer and trans folx's self-image, safe spaces, and community. We talk about how queer people belong everywhere, including in sports. We confront stereotypes about boxing and toxic masculinity and describe how by queering boxing, trans and queer boxers are redefining the sport in and beyond the ring. Pharrell Shaymar: Keynote Speaker 🏳️‍🌈 Sports Advocate 🏳️‍🌈 Mental Health Advocate 🏳️‍🌈 Professional Boxing Coach 🏳️‍🌈 "I may never be a biological male, but I am a gentleman" For more information on our Special Guest Pharrell Shaymar, check out his social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pharrell-shaymar/ Everywhere else @the_pad_technician Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner (she/they) is a cross-continental scholar, thought leader, keynote speaker, and DEI & communication skills trainer whose work spans across the United States, Europe, and Asia. They are the host of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse, programming made by and for QPoC and GNC individuals and Communication for Diverse People. https://drshannonwl.com @dr_shannon_wl The Intersection is a not-for-profit project made by and for queer people of color and gender non-conforming and trans people that relies on donations. Currently for this year, we have only reached $540 out of our $8,000 goal! If you like what you hear, please consider donating. Even $10 would be great to add to our production fees. See our GoFundMe here: https://gofund.me/9476c47f Theme Music created by: L’envol Du Papillon by Patchworker f.k.a. [friendzoned] | https://soundcloud.com/patchworker Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Feb 10, 202459:25
The Intersection, S2, 10, Making Trans Positive Media:Bringing Our Personal Lives to Work/the Screen

The Intersection, S2, 10, Making Trans Positive Media:Bringing Our Personal Lives to Work/the Screen

The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse Season 2, Episode 10 with our special episode with Bennett Kaspar-Williams, "Making Trans Positive Media: Bringing Our Personal Lives to Work and the Screen." About a year ago, Netflix, one of the leading streaming media companies, destroyed its employee-first work culture policy and produced transphobic content. Both of which caused a mass exodus of some top talent, the distrust of their audiences, and the company's stock to tank. Media and tech companies had looked up to Netflix for its non-hierarchical business model, cutting-edge content, and commitment to an almost idyllic transparency with their employees. What happened? One glaring problem was producing transphobic content that could fuel an already volatile situation for trans people. The fact that Netflix decided to go back on its word to consider its employees' voices. And failed to include the Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that have been assembled previously to maintain the integrity of their values and content. And to support and protect their communities. Earlier this year, I met Bennett Kaspar-Williams, labor relations and inclusivity, and we started to work on "Making Trans Positive Media: Bringing Our Personal Lives to Work and the Screen." Bennett was at the center of the Netflix walkouts over transphobic content, the most public being Dave Chappelle's The Closer. He also served as vice president of the Netflix trans ERG and Chair for the Trans* Content Review Pod. Bennett now works at Amazon Studios, where he is starting a new trans ERG among other projects. Our intersection rests between trans positive media and labor relations, especially of trans employees. Especially when we are talking about a media company who needed to do better in both of these regards to better represent and support the trans community. At work and on the screen. 💙In this podcast, we talk about trans positive media. What is it? What are some examples now? And why is seeing ourselves in today's and historic narratives so important? 💗We talk about ways to keep encouraging and supporting this content. 🤍We discuss what happened precisely with Netflix to cause their radical shift in company culture. And the threats to trans people irl when transphobic content is produced. 💖And end with ways to do better for media companies to support trans-positive content and employees. Bennett Kaspar-Williams serves as Corporate Counsel for Labor Relations at Amazon Studios. Previously worked as Counsel for Labor Relations at Netflix, where I also served as Vice President of the Trans Employee Resource Group and Chair for the Trans* Content Review Pod. For more information on our Special Guest Bennett-Kaspar Williams, check out his shop: www.TransistShop.com And Instagram account: @bennettonpurpose Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner (she/they) is a cross-continental scholar, thought leader, keynote speaker, and DEI & communication skills trainer whose work spans across the United States, Europe, and Asia. They are the host of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse, programming made by and for QPoC and GNC individuals and Communication for Diverse People. https://drshannonwl.com @dr_shannon_wl The Intersection is a not-for-profit project made by and for queer people of color and gender non-conforming and trans people that relies on donations. Currently for this year, we have only reached $540 out of our $8,000 goal! If you like what you hear, please consider donating. Even $10 would be great to add to our production fees. See our GoFundMe here: https://gofund.me/9476c47f Theme Music created by: L’envol Du Papillon by Patchworker f.k.a. [friendzoned] | https://soundcloud.com/patchworker Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Feb 10, 202401:02:12
Intersection S2, Ep9–Black Remote She–J Jacobs Talks Life-Work Balance, Self-Care & Career Alignment

Intersection S2, Ep9–Black Remote She–J Jacobs Talks Life-Work Balance, Self-Care & Career Alignment

In this episode of The Intersection, I sat down with Founder of Black Remote She, Jasmine Jacobs to talk all about how to work to live and not live to work. Specifically focused on how Black professionals specifically can navigate corporate and other organizations for job searches without compromising their values. And while looking at remote work or hybrid at office/remote work. We discuss the origin story of Black Remote She specifically from Jasmine's experience and how they created the organization from a real need for themselves, their YouTube followers, and eventually their clients to take back control of their careers, opportunities, wellness, and their image. We speak about Black representation and some about brown representation and how Black Remote She is putting queer Black folks, darker-skinned, gender non-conforming, trans Black folks, and those with disabilities in the forefront. Because we often don't see these representations within professional platforms. This was such a delightful conversation about representation, how to find agency within the working world, and how to find wellness and life-work balance. Because career alignment isn't just about who you are when you're at the job. It's also about how one's treated, regarded as a Black employee or manager, and how one is able to be a whole person. This episode is being released on Black Women's Equal Pay Day! Enjoy! Jasmine Jacobs (they/she) is the Founder of Black Remote She and can be found at: https://www.blackremoteshe.com @blackremoteshe Email: info@blackremoteshe.com Support BRS: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/blackremoteshe Check out Black Remote She's website for their email job preparation campaign to receive one email a day for a week to support your job search! Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner (she/they) is a cross-continental scholar, thought leader, keynote speaker, and DEI & communication skills trainer whose work spans across the United States, Europe, and Asia. They are the host of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse, programming made by and for QPoC and GNC individuals and Communication for Diverse People. https://drshannonwl.com @dr_shannon_wl The Intersection is a not-for-profit project made by and for queer people of color and gender non-conforming and trans people that relies on donations. Currently for this year, we have only reached $540 out of our $8,000 goal! If you like what you hear, please consider donating. Even $10 would be great to add to our production fees. See our GoFundMe here: https://gofund.me/9476c47f Theme Music created by: L’envol Du Papillon by Patchworker f.k.a. [friendzoned] | https://soundcloud.com/patchworker Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Feb 10, 202453:48
Intersection: Season 2, Ep 8–Everyone is Neuroqueer: Opening Our Minds to New Ways of Becoming

Intersection: Season 2, Ep 8–Everyone is Neuroqueer: Opening Our Minds to New Ways of Becoming

Have you ever felt intimidated in the therapist chair or classroom? Joshua Schwartz (they/them) therapist and Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner (she/they) who was a long-time professor break down any hint of authority or power from these positions. And instead, they share their own experiences of mental health, self-care, and getting through the most harrowing times within graduate school. We made this podcast for anyone interested in the intersections between neurodivergence and queerness AKA neuroqueer! And we hope it might be helpful for anyone else in a social service or education role to better serve their communities! Joshua Schwartz (they/them) currently works as a therapist. They have a BA from San Francisco State University and MSW UC Berkeley, having received their baccalaureate in psychology and human sexuality studies with the highest distinction. Work experience in caregiving; Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA); case management; crisis assessment, intervention, and triage in clinical and community settings; and individual and group counseling and psychotherapy. Joshua can be found at their blog: https://starvingautist.com Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner (she/they) is a cross-continental scholar, thought leader, keynote speaker, and DEI & communication skills trainer whose work spans across the United States, Europe, and Asia. They are the host of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse, programming made by and for QPoC and GNC individuals and Communication for Diverse People. https://drshannonwl.com @dr_shannon_wl The Intersection is a not-for-profit project made by and for queer people of color and gender non-conforming and trans people that relies on donations. Currently for this year, we have only reached $540 out of our $8,000 goal! If you like what you hear, please consider donating. Even $10 would be great to add to our production fees. See our GoFundMe here: https://gofund.me/9476c47f Theme Music created by: L’envol Du Papillon by Patchworker f.k.a. [friendzoned] | https://soundcloud.com/patchworker Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Feb 10, 202456:24
The Intersection S2 E7 P2 Threat to Roe with Evonnia Woods Phd from Reproaction PRIDE edition

The Intersection S2 E7 P2 Threat to Roe with Evonnia Woods Phd from Reproaction PRIDE edition

We invite you to attend PRIDE EDITION 🏳️‍🌈❤️🏳️‍⚧️ Season 2, Episode 7 of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse. Reproductive Justice, Bodily Autonomy, and Agency During the Threat of Overturning Roe vs. Wade with Special Guest Evonnia Woods, Ph.D. from Reproaction.

In this 2-part series, Dr. Shannon speaks with reproductive justice expert, Evonnia Woods about the threat of the Supreme Court taking away Roe vs Wade specifically impacting the LGBTQIA+, trans, and GNC community.

Reproductive rights are sexual rights and gender identity rights too!

In Part I, we discussed the history and backdrop of State bans on abortion and restrictions leading up to recently to the Supreme Court official decision set in June.

Part two for PRIDE in June focuses on the repercussions of Roe vs. Wade being overturned for LGBTQ, GNC, and Trans people and includes other marginalized folx.

👉🏽👉🏽👉🏽This was a recorded in late-April and we've been having this discussion together since last year. Attend to hear a thoughtful, well-informed conversation about Roe v Wade and what led up to what's happening now with the Supreme Court's official decision in June.

2 15-min podcasts packed with vital information and experience.

*The episode premiere link is up! Set your reminder on YouTube!

For episode #1, also visit Dr. Shannon's YouTube channel from the link on this page where you can see the episode that came before the PRIDE special.
Feb 10, 202416:17
Season 2, Ep 7: The Threat of Overturning Roe v Wade with Evonnia Woods, Ph.D. from Reproaction

Season 2, Ep 7: The Threat of Overturning Roe v Wade with Evonnia Woods, Ph.D. from Reproaction

We invite you to attend Season 2, Episode 7 of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse. Reproductive Justice, Bodily Autonomy, and Agency During the Threat of Overturning Roe vs. Wade with Special Guest Evonnia Woods, Ph.D. from Reproaction.  In this 2-part series, Dr. Shannon speaks with Evonnia Woods about the threat of the Supreme Court taking away Roe vs Wade. We discuss the history and backdrop of State bans on abortion and restrictions leading up to recently to the Supreme Court official decision set in June.  Our conversation is personal, relatable, and accessible to anyone who doesn't know policy. Evonnia talks about how reproductive justice is intersectional and always includes BIPoC, WoC, immigrants, the unhoused, GNC and trans people, etc.  Part two for PRIDE in June focuses on the repercussions of Roe vs. Wade being overturned for LGBTQ, GNC, and Trans people and includes other marginalized folx. 👉🏽👉🏽👉🏽This was a recorded in late-April and we've been having this discussion together since last year. Attend to hear a thoughtful, well-informed conversation about Roe v Wade and what led up to what's happening now with the Supreme Court's official decision in June.  2 15-min podcasts packed with vital information and experience.  ******* Evonnia Woods, PhD Movement Building & Research Manager | Reproaction Evonnia has spent the last five years employing principles of intersectionality as a reproductive justice organizer and movement builder with Reproaction, where she has worked on increasing birth control and abortion access, addressing racial health disparities, and ending HIV criminalization. Her advocacy has prioritized relationship building with health experts and social justice leaders which, amongst other things, have enabled her to launch and lead a maternal and infant mortality campaign, co-organize a feminist consciousness-raising group, and join a feminist community radio show as a host discussing reproductive justice issues. You can learn more about Evonnia's role at Reproaction and their projects and mission: https://reproaction.org @reproaction Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner:  Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner (she/they) is a cross-continental scholar, thought leader, keynote speaker, and DEI & communication skills trainer whose work spans across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Since 2016, she’s brought together academic, wellness, and communication coaching and consulting expertise for a cross-cultural and cross-continental integration of innovative ideas, healthy practices, and creativity. She is the host of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse, programming made by and for QPoC and GNC individuals and Communication for Diverse People.  https://drshannonwl.com @dr_shannon_wl  The Intersection is a not-for-profit project that relies on donations. Currently for this year, we have only reached $540 out of our $8,000 goal! If you like what you hear, please consider donating. Even $10 would be great to add to our production fees. See our GoFundMe here: https://gofund.me/9476c47f Theme Music created by: L’envol Du Papillon by Patchworker f.k.a. [friendzoned] | https://soundcloud.com/patchworker  Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com  Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.
Feb 10, 202416:48
Season 2, Episode 6: Your Body Can Feel Amazing Things with Andy Duran

Season 2, Episode 6: Your Body Can Feel Amazing Things with Andy Duran

The Intersection is proud to present Andy Duran, founder of Chub Rollz Fat Skate Sesh and Sex Educator of Good Vibrations for Season 2 Episode 6: Your Body Can Feel Amazing Things! I've been excited about the intersection Andy creates for this episode for a long time: body positivity, sex positivity, fat positivity, Blackness and BIPoC folx, transness, and queer-positive spaces to feel safe being both empowered and vulnerable. Andy and I created this episode together to bridge the gap between embodiment from activities like skating and that ripple effect to intimacy. Join us! Andy's Bio: Andy Duran (he/him) is a Good Vibrations sex educator and the founder of Chub Rollz. He is a fat, Blaxican, queer, trans community organizer from Oakland, California. As an educator for 20 years, this California bear cub loves providing accessible resources and support that empowers his community. When not working, Andy can usually be found singing George Michael, blushing, and skateboarding around town. Check out what Andy does in his community! Chub Rollz: https://www.instagram.com/chubrollz/  Good Vibrations: IG @ / goodvibestoys (can't direct link for obvious reasons), goodvibes.com Dr. SWL's Bio: Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner (she/they) is the host of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse, programming made by and for QPoC and GNC people. She is a bi-racial androgynous Asian American who has worked as a community-oriented artist-scholar and cultural storyteller across 3 continents. For 20+ years, she has worked professionally as a Communication Coach & Consultant, Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, DEI & Communication Skills Trainer.  See Dr. Shannon's website here: https://drshannonwl.com OUR MISSION: The Intersection is a not-for-profit project that tells the stories of QPoC and GNC people. I started The Intersection because I didn’t see anyone open a platform to represent us accurately. And to take the time to ask, “What do you want to talk about?” And whatever that was, to make that happen! SUBSCRIBE and PARTICIPATE: please subscribe to our YouTube and Apple Podcast or Spotify channels. See these links on our IG Bio and leave comments, likes, and Tell Your Friends! The more visibility, the more people we will reach! MAKING a DONATION (can be small, $1, $5, $10) to our GoFundMe page HERE 💰👩🏼‍🎤👨🏽‍🎤🦄 These are for production costs ONLY. https://gofund.me/05aa6a24 Intro/Outro music: L’envol Du Papillon by Patchworker f.k.a. [friendzoned] | https://soundcloud.com/patchworker Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US
Feb 10, 202423:41
GenderCool Helps Transgender and Non-Binary Youth Tell Their Own Stories P2

GenderCool Helps Transgender and Non-Binary Youth Tell Their Own Stories P2

Join us for The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse Season 2, Episode 5, Part 1 "BE YOU & Unapologetically Out Loud: GenderCool Helps TG and NB Youth Tell Their Own Stories." With Gearah Goldstein, She is the Founder of GenderCool and Diversity Equity and Inclusion Expert, wife, parent, and proud transgender person. In this beautifully spoken episode, Gearah Goldstein universalizes the youth experience and explains to us how trans and non-binary kids and teens are youth just like any others. She also helps us better understand WHO trans kids and non-binary kids are. And the importance of the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation. Gearah explains the recent trans bans especially when pertaining to trans kids and teens is the age-old practice of scapegoating onto those whom you don't understand. And turning that into fear and hate. As well as the saddest aspects that this is being done to children. Getting beyond the trauma scripts many of us carry as marginalized people and groups, Gearah speaks in these episodes about how children deserve and need consistency, positivity, and stability. And she teaches us how to learn the best ways to become more present, and to become allies and advocates to trans and non-binary kids and teens. Let's think of ourselves not only as LGBTQ siblings to one another. But also how we can be the mentors, supporters, and caregivers to our trans and non-binary youth out there. This episode is important for ALL of us but especially for parents or caregivers or family of trans and NB kids and teens. And for anyone in education or who works with kids! Listen to these lovely stories told by GenderCool's founder and she-ro! This episode includes Part 1 & Part 2. Both are equally amazing and distinctly educational for those of us in the LGBTQIA+ community as well as allies, co-conspirators, and advocates. ******* Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner is the host of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse, programming made by and for QPoC and GNC people. She is also a Communication Coach & Consultant, Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, DEI & Communication Skills Trainer. See Dr. Shannon's website here: https://drshannonwl.com ******* OUR MISSION: The Intersection is a not-for-profit project that tells the stories of QPoC and GNC people. I started The Intersection because I didn’t see anyone open a platform to represent us accurately. And to take the time to ask, “What do you want to talk about?” And whatever that was, to make that happen! SUBSCRIBE and PARTICIPATE: please subscribe to our YouTube and Apple Podcast or Spotify channels. See these links on our IG Bio and leave comments, likes, and Tell Your Friends! The more visibility, the more people we will reach! ******* MAKING a DONATION (can be small, $1, $5, $10) to our GoFundMe page HERE 💰👩🏼‍🎤👨🏽‍🎤🦄 we have $870 left to go for our quarterly goals! These are for production costs ONLY. https://gofund.me/05aa6a24 Love, Dr. Shannon 👩���‍🎤🎙and the Intersection Community 👨🏻‍🎤🦄🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ I'm going live using StreamYard! Before leaving a comment, please grant StreamYard permission to see your name at streamyard.com/facebook
Feb 10, 202443:33
GenderCool Helps Transgender and Non-Binary Youth Tell Their Own Stories P1

GenderCool Helps Transgender and Non-Binary Youth Tell Their Own Stories P1

Join us for The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse Season 2, Episode 5, Part 1 "BE YOU & Unapologetically Out Loud: GenderCool Helps TG and NB Youth Tell Their Own Stories." With Gearah Goldstein, She is the Founder of GenderCool and Diversity Equity and Inclusion Expert, wife, parent, and proud transgender person. In this beautifully spoken episode, Gearah Goldstein universalizes the youth experience and explains to us how trans and non-binary kids and teens are youth just like any others. She also helps us better understand WHO trans kids and non-binary kids are. And the importance of the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation. Gearah explains the recent trans bans especially when pertaining to trans kids and teens is the age-old practice of scapegoating onto those whom you don't understand. And turning that into fear and hate. As well as the saddest aspects that this is being done to children. Getting beyond the trauma scripts many of us carry as marginalized people and groups, Gearah speaks in these episodes about how children deserve and need consistency, positivity, and stability. And she teaches us how to learn the best ways to become more present, and to become allies and advocates to trans and non-binary kids and teens. Let's think of ourselves not only as LGBTQ siblings to one another. But also how we can be the mentors, supporters, and caregivers to our trans and non-binary youth out there. This episode is important for ALL of us but especially for parents or caregivers or family of trans and NB kids and teens. And for anyone in education or who works with kids! Listen to these lovely stories told by GenderCool's founder and she-ro! This episode includes Part 1 & Part 2. Both are equally amazing and distinctly educational for those of us in the LGBTQIA+ community as well as allies, co-conspirators, and advocates. ******* Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner is the host of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse, programming made by and for QPoC and GNC people. She is also a Communication Coach & Consultant, Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, DEI & Communication Skills Trainer. See Dr. Shannon's website here: https://drshannonwl.com ******* OUR MISSION: The Intersection is a not-for-profit project that tells the stories of QPoC and GNC people. I started The Intersection because I didn’t see anyone open a platform to represent us accurately. And to take the time to ask, “What do you want to talk about?” And whatever that was, to make that happen! SUBSCRIBE and PARTICIPATE: please subscribe to our YouTube and Apple Podcast or Spotify channels. See these links on our IG Bio and leave comments, likes, and Tell Your Friends! The more visibility, the more people we will reach! ******* MAKING a DONATION (can be small, $1, $5, $10) to our GoFundMe page HERE 💰👩🏼‍🎤👨🏽‍🎤🦄 we have $870 left to go for our quarterly goals! These are for production costs ONLY. https://gofund.me/05aa6a24 Love, Dr. Shannon 👩���‍🎤🎙and the Intersection Community 👨🏻‍🎤🦄🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ I'm going live using StreamYard! Before leaving a comment, please grant StreamYard permission to see your name at streamyard.com/facebook
Feb 10, 202450:17
Season 2, Episode 4, P2: Growing Up In the Trans Spotlight: Transcending Expectations with Ryan Cassata

Season 2, Episode 4, P2: Growing Up In the Trans Spotlight: Transcending Expectations with Ryan Cassata

In this special episode, I sat down with Ryan Cassata to talk about what it means to be so publicly visible while feeling like you have to hide parts of who you are. Season 2, Episode 4, “Growing Up In the Trans Spotlight: Transcending Expectations with Ryan Cassata” is specifically Ryan’s story but it is also many of ours too. Of taking on the pressure of what society has put on us for far too long, confronting that, and making our lives unapologetically our own. Both our public and personal lives. Ryan Cassata came into the trans spotlight at 15 when he was interviewed on Larry King and since then has made his dreams come true with multiple acclaimed albums, as a leading actor in independent film, and as an award-winning LGBTQ activist, speaker, and writer. This first part of his podcast, he discusses more what it’s been like to be seen and expected to present himself as if he were perpetually that same 15-year old when he’s been an adult legally for the last 10 years. As a 28 year old trans celebrity 28, Ryan speaks freely about what his life is like now. And his departure from his older image. He explains the kink and BDSM culture in his recently-released music video “Coffin.” And we both talk about how other celebrities who have a primarily youthful fan base such as Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X have dealt with their own fame and their responsibility to their fans. In this section “Kink / BDSM Culture” we discuss body positivity and staying grounded and feeling safe and healthy in a queer / trans body, sex positivity, and the historical lineage and importance of kink and BDSM in LGBTQ culture. The second section of Part 1 “Creating Alternatives to Transnormativity and Transmedicalism” describes how heteronormativity, homonormativity has effected the trans community and trans youth by confronting transnormativity and the harmful beliefs of transmedicalists. Ryan offers healthy alternatives to this perspective for trans and gender non-conforming youth which is loving yourself and being around people whom you trust. As well as being unapologetically yourself in whatever gender identity and expression and orientation feels right to you! ******* Ryan Cassata is an Accomplished Singer-Songwriter, Award-Winning LGBTQ Activist, Speaker, Writer, and Actor. You can find info on Ryan’s music, events, and appearances here: https://ryancassata.com ******* Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner is the host of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse, programming made by and for QPoC and GNC people. She is also a Communication Coach & Consultant, Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, DEI & Communication Skills Trainer. See Dr. Shannon's website here: https://drshannonwl.com ******* OUR MISSION: The Intersection is a not-for-profit project that tells the stories of QPoC and GNC people. SUBSCRIBE and PARTICIPATE: please subscribe to our YouTube and Apple Podcast or Spotify channels. ******* MAKING a DONATION (can be small, $1, $5, $10) to our GoFundMe page HERE 💰👩🏼‍🎤👨🏽‍🎤🦄 we have $870 left to go for our quarterly goals! These are for production costs ONLY. https://gofund.me/05aa6a24 Love, Dr. Shannon 👩🏼‍🎤🎙and the Intersection Community 👨🏻‍🎤🦄🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
Feb 10, 202442:46
Season 2, Episode 4: Growing Up In the Trans Spotlight: Transcending Expectations with Ryan Cassata

Season 2, Episode 4: Growing Up In the Trans Spotlight: Transcending Expectations with Ryan Cassata

In this special episode, I sat down with Ryan Cassata to talk about what it means to be so publicly visible while feeling like you have to hide parts of who you are. Season 2, Episode 4, “Growing Up In the Trans Spotlight: Transcending Expectations with Ryan Cassata” is specifically Ryan’s story but it is also many of ours too. Of taking on the pressure of what society has put on us for far too long, confronting that, and making our lives unapologetically our own. Both our public and personal lives. Ryan Cassata came into the trans spotlight at 15 when he was interviewed on Larry King and since then has made his dreams come true with multiple acclaimed albums, as a leading actor in independent film, and as an award-winning LGBTQ activist, speaker, and writer. This first part of his podcast, he discusses more what it’s been like to be seen and expected to present himself as if he were perpetually that same 15-year old when he’s been an adult legally for the last 10 years. As a 28 year old trans celebrity 28, Ryan speaks freely about what his life is like now. And his departure from his older image. He explains the kink and BDSM culture in his recently-released music video “Coffin.” And we both talk about how other celebrities who have a primarily youthful fan base such as Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X have dealt with their own fame and their responsibility to their fans. In this section “Kink / BDSM Culture” we discuss body positivity and staying grounded and feeling safe and healthy in a queer / trans body, sex positivity, and the historical lineage and importance of kink and BDSM in LGBTQ culture. The second section of Part 1 “Creating Alternatives to Transnormativity and Transmedicalism” describes how heteronormativity, homonormativity has effected the trans community and trans youth by confronting transnormativity and the harmful beliefs of transmedicalists. Ryan offers healthy alternatives to this perspective for trans and gender non-conforming youth which is loving yourself and being around people whom you trust. As well as being unapologetically yourself in whatever gender identity and expression and orientation feels right to you! ******* Ryan Cassata is an Accomplished Singer-Songwriter, Award-Winning LGBTQ Activist, Speaker, Writer, and Actor. You can find info on Ryan’s music, events, and appearances here: https://ryancassata.com ******* Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner is the host of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse, programming made by and for QPoC and GNC people. She is also a Communication Coach & Consultant, Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, DEI & Communication Skills Trainer. See Dr. Shannon's website here: https://drshannonwl.com ******* OUR MISSION: The Intersection is a not-for-profit project that tells the stories of QPoC and GNC people. SUBSCRIBE and PARTICIPATE: please subscribe to our YouTube and Apple Podcast or Spotify channels. ******* MAKING a DONATION (can be small, $1, $5, $10) to our GoFundMe page HERE 💰👩🏼‍🎤👨🏽‍🎤🦄 we have $870 left to go for our quarterly goals! These are for production costs ONLY. https://gofund.me/05aa6a24 Love, Dr. Shannon 👩🏼‍🎤🎙and the Intersection Community 👨🏻‍🎤🦄🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
Feb 10, 202435:30
Intersection Season 2, Ep 3, Part 2 with Steve Peterson

Intersection Season 2, Ep 3, Part 2 with Steve Peterson

Season 2, Episode 3, Why I Won’t Give Up on Anyone: How to Create Unlikely Queer–Straight Coalitions During the Holidays, with Special Guest Steve Petersen Part 1 & Part 2 "There are bursting through members that would self identify everywhere from redneck to woke and everything in between. And that is, you know, that is awesome. And that's amazing to me and I am nothing but honored about that." –Steve Petersen, Founder of Bursting Through The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse prides itself on its programming made by and for QPoC and GNC individuals. And we have a particular set of topics we cover that are a part of our everyday lives. So when I met Steve Petersen, I knew his work with Bursting Through filled a gap in our narrative that has to do with allyship. And the kinds of people with whom we have access and those whom we don't. Recently, I had a terrible exchange with someone who seemed to be so compatible with my identification and political views. And quickly realized (because they admitted it too) that this person being in a "closely knitted bubble" had distanced me from them more than helped us relate. The Intersection is all about supporting and validating QPoC's and GNC people's experiences, perspectives, struggles, and trauma. But also it's about uplifting us by exploring all areas of our lived social worlds and truths. Steve's episode helps us because he as the title says "Won't Give Up on Anyone." As a white gay man in his 50's who has commanded areas of the corporate world, he has access to a different set of potential allies than we do. And his commitment to ALL of them intrigues me. What can we learn about how unlikely allyship works or the ways in which as queer people, we can benefit from queer–straight coalitions? I explore all of this and more in this conversation. Including the ways in which we can engage our straight family members during difficult times, such as holidays. Here are the topics we cover in Part 1 and Part 2: *PART 1: December 3rd, 4PM PST --Looking Like the Enemy: Becoming an Ally --It's Past Time for Straight People to Come Out (as Allies) *PART 2: December 17, 4PM PST, FRIDAY --Interrogating Discourses of LOVE --Queer Christmas and Queer Holidays *This month we will continue with the schedule of 1st and 3rd Fridays at 4PM PST for Diverse Folx Converse, and 2nd and 4th Fridays at 12PM PST. January we will switch to 2nd and 3rd weeks for our conversations, and 1st and 4th weeks for tutorials.
Feb 10, 202425:14
Intersection Season 2, Ep 3, Part 1 with Steve Peterson

Intersection Season 2, Ep 3, Part 1 with Steve Peterson

Season 2, Episode 3, Why I Won’t Give Up on Anyone: How to Create Unlikely Queer–Straight Coalitions During the Holidays, with Special Guest Steve Petersen Part 1 & Part 2 "There are bursting through members that would self identify everywhere from redneck to woke and everything in between. And that is, you know, that is awesome. And that's amazing to me and I am nothing but honored about that." –Steve Petersen, Founder of Bursting Through The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse prides itself on its programming made by and for QPoC and GNC individuals. And we have a particular set of topics we cover that are a part of our everyday lives. So when I met Steve Petersen, I knew his work with Bursting Through filled a gap in our narrative that has to do with allyship. And the kinds of people with whom we have access and those whom we don't. Recently, I had a terrible exchange with someone who seemed to be so compatible with my identification and political views. And quickly realized (because they admitted it too) that this person being in a "closely knitted bubble" had distanced me from them more than helped us relate. The Intersection is all about supporting and validating QPoC's and GNC people's experiences, perspectives, struggles, and trauma. But also it's about uplifting us by exploring all areas of our lived social worlds and truths. Steve's episode helps us because he as the title says "Won't Give Up on Anyone." As a white gay man in his 50's who has commanded areas of the corporate world, he has access to a different set of potential allies than we do. And his commitment to ALL of them intrigues me. What can we learn about how unlikely allyship works or the ways in which as queer people, we can benefit from queer–straight coalitions? I explore all of this and more in this conversation. Including the ways in which we can engage our straight family members during difficult times, such as holidays. Here are the topics we cover in Part 1 and Part 2: *PART 1: December 3rd, 4PM PST --Looking Like the Enemy: Becoming an Ally --It's Past Time for Straight People to Come Out (as Allies) *PART 2: December 17, 4PM PST, FRIDAY --Interrogating Discourses of LOVE --Queer Christmas and Queer Holidays *This month we will continue with the schedule of 1st and 3rd Fridays at 4PM PST for Diverse Folx Converse, and 2nd and 4th Fridays at 12PM PST. January we will switch to 2nd and 3rd weeks for our conversations, and 1st and 4th weeks for tutorials.
Feb 10, 202441:03
The Intersection, S2, Ep2, Part 2, Mentorship, Tokenism, & Intersectionally Queering Our Workspaces.

The Intersection, S2, Ep2, Part 2, Mentorship, Tokenism, & Intersectionally Queering Our Workspaces.

Season 2, Episode 2, PART 2: “I'm Bulletproof, and I Don't Give a F_ck": Queer Women of Color Scholar, Dr. Karma Chávez Talks, Mentorship, Tokenism, and Intersectionally Queering Our Workspaces. The podcast will be delivered this month as a PART 1, and a PART 2. Always released 1st and 3rd Friday of each month: PART 1 premieres Friday, November 5, 2021 at 4PM PST and includes the following topics covered: --Tokenism & Adrian Piper's "Cornered" (1988) --QWoC Swagger & Desire of Speech --Some QPoC and PoC mentorship advice PART 2 premieres Friday November 19, 2021 at 4PM PST and includes the following topics covered: --Borders of AIDS: Race, Quarantine, and Resistance --QWoC and PoC Mentorship SUMMARY: Part 2: In the second installment of this podcast, Karma and I discuss QWoC and PoC mentorship and her new book just released earlier this year: The Borders of AIDS: Race, Quarantine, and Resistance. In this podcast, we discuss some of what we have been through as lighter-skinned QWoC and what others like us, and different from us have experienced. We also talk about migration in the US and how more marginalized migrants, such as Black, queer, and trans migrants have been unfairly treated in the US. Her most recent book, The Border of Aids: Race, Quarantine, and Resistance (published by University of Washington Press) tells the story of how disease becomes an opportunity for the nation state or the tells the story of how disease becomes an opportunity for the nation state or US violation of human rights. Such as using prisons or concentration camps or internment camps or hospitals or deportation or bans that we're seeing right now with Haitians and COVID-19 bans. Dr. Karma Chávez is University of Texas-Austin, Department Chair and Associate Professor of Department of Mexican American & Latino Studies. See Dr. Karma's full biography here: https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/mals/faculty/kc32638 Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner is the host of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse, programming made by and for QPoC and GNC people. She is also a Communication Coach & Consultant, Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, DEI & Communication Skills Trainer. See Dr. Shannon's website here: https://drshannonwl.com
Feb 10, 202432:16
The Intersection, S2, Ep2, P1, Mentorship, Tokenism, and Intersectionally Queering Our Workspaces.

The Intersection, S2, Ep2, P1, Mentorship, Tokenism, and Intersectionally Queering Our Workspaces.

Season 2, Episode 2, PART 1: “I'm Bulletproof, and I Don't Give a F_ck": Queer Women of Color Scholar, Dr. Karma Chávez Talks, Mentorship, Tokenism, and Intersectionally Queering Our Workspaces. When I first saw her publication list and the lengths to which she went to tell marginalized people's stories globally, I realized that Dr. Karma Chávez is a force to be reckoned with! I was so pleased when she said YES to The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse. I knew it would be such an important resource for other QWoC and PoC in academia as well as the workplace. With QWoC swagger, Karma spoke the first part of her podcast title “I'm Bulletproof, and I Don't Give a F_ck" when I asked her, "How are you writing about these topics?" Karma is a leading voice and liberatory voice in migration studies focusing many times on the story that hasn't been told of Black migrants, queer migrants, and trans migrants. The podcast will be delivered this month as a PART 1, and a PART 2. Always released 1st and 3rd Friday of each month: PART 1 premieres Friday, November 5, 2021 at 4PM PST and includes the following topics covered: --Tokenism & Adrian Piper's "Cornered" (1988) --QWoC Swagger & Desire of Speech PART 2 premieres Friday November 11, 2021 at 4PM PST and includes the following topics covered: --Alienating Logics–The Border of Aids: Race, Quarantine, and Resistance --QWoC and PoC Mentorship Podcast episode summaries: PART 1: We begin this story from a personal angle to talk about identity and what it was like for both of us to navigate academic and professional work spaces as lighter-skinned queer women of color. We talk about tokenism and the institutions of anti-Black white supremacy, and the particular form of racism we have endured and the ones we have been spared from. We also feature Adrian Piper's art installation "Cornered" (1988) that addresses miscegenation and racism beyond otherness. And brings white viewers into accountability of the possibility of their own Blackness. We end this episode talking about our own desire of speech as bi-racial and mixed-race queer women of color, and discuss QWoC swagger a bit. Part 2: In the second installment of this podcast, Karma and I discuss QWoC and PoC mentorship and her new book just released earlier this year: The Border of Aids: Race, Quarantine, and Resistance. In this podcast, we discuss some of what we have been through as lighter-skinned QWoC and what others like us, and different from us have experienced. We also talk about migration in the US and how more marginalized migrants, such as Black, queer, and trans migrants have been unfairly treated in the US. Her most recent book, The Border of Aids: Race, Quarantine, and Resistance (published by University of Washington Press) tells the story of how disease becomes an opportunity for the nation state or the tells the story of how disease becomes an opportunity for the nation state or US violation of human rights. Such as using prisons or concentration camps or internment camps or hospitals or deportation or bans that we're seeing right now with Haitians and COVID-19 bans. Dr. Karma Chávez is University of Texas-Austin, Department Chair and Associate Professor of Department of Mexican American & Latino Studies.
Feb 10, 202449:42
The Intersection S2, Ep1, Part II, Black Queer/Trans Recognition, Embodiment, and Agency

The Intersection S2, Ep1, Part II, Black Queer/Trans Recognition, Embodiment, and Agency

Come join us for The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse not-for-profit programming made by and for QPoC and GNC individuals.

In this second part of Season 2, Episode 1, A Personal Liberation Journey of Relationships, Dr. Daniel and I talk about their 6-part course specifically created for trans students and BIPoC trans students. By taking away the formalities of dance, rhythm, athleticism, and aesthetics, Daniel's students can take back ownership of their bodies, desires, and regain their own patterns of movement in the personal and public sphere.

In this episode, we talk about how as queer BIPoC we might take back all aspects of embodiment, leadership, and learning by calling out the white supremacy that has set in our bodies and minds. Come join us and be immersed in a personal liberation journey of ours and your own.

Dr. Daniel Coleman is Assistant Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at UNC-G, and a Community-Focused Artist / Scholar. We are so grateful to have had Dr. Daniel as our special guest for this 2-part episode to kick off Season 2 of The Intersection Podcast.
Feb 10, 202429:38
The Intersection S2 Ep1–A Personal Liberation Journey of Relationships, I: Black Queer/Trans Loving

The Intersection S2 Ep1–A Personal Liberation Journey of Relationships, I: Black Queer/Trans Loving

We start Season 2 of The Intersection Podcast: Diverse Folx Converse with Special Guest, Dr. Daniel Coleman, “A Personal Liberation Journey of Relationships, Part 1: Black Queer / Trans Loving.”

In this episode Dr. Daniel and I discuss how he laid the groundwork for his personal liberation journey, intergenerational loving, and how he sustained his personal liberation journey!

We cover so many juicy topics in this episode such as intergenerational love, and Afro-diasporic spiritual and intersectional support of polyamory, and non-monogamous love as a way to de-center the toxic idea of "chemical" accidental romantic love that we see so often in white supremacist narratives or heteronormative or homonormative narratives.

This podcast was so good, I had to split it into two parts! This first part focuses on intersectional Black queer / trans polyamory and non-monogamous love. The second part focuses on Black queer / trans recognition, embodiment, and agency!

Dr. Daniel talks all about his personal liberation journey as a Black queer / trans person and we converse with my limited knowledge of polyamory and non-monogamy as someone who is more newly out as queer / gay.

Dr. Daniel Coleman is Assistant Professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at UNC-G, and a Community-Focused Artist / Scholar.

This is a wonderful episode that I'm so pleased to host and present to all of you. It makes us question how subliminally we might be reenacting white supremacist, anti-Black, and heteronormative and homonormative patterns in the most intimate of situations and relationships.

This episode is central to our September campaign: QUEER LOVE IS NOT JUST SEX

To think about the social, political, personal, libratory, and agentive aspects of queer love. Especially with those of us who have been most stigmatized or excluded.
Feb 10, 202401:03:22
The Intersection Episode #12–De-Centering Black Queer Self-Censorship with Eboné Bell

The Intersection Episode #12–De-Centering Black Queer Self-Censorship with Eboné Bell

The Intersection Episode #12–De-Centering Black Queer Self-Censorship with Eboné Bell

We invite you to Episode 12 of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse Podcast, featuring Eboné Bell, editor-in-chief of Tagg Magazine to learn more about Black queer self-censorship

Titled: De-Centering Black Queer Self-Censorship in the Face of Public Shaming, Racial Profiling, and Violence with Queer Women of Color Media and Programs

Eboné and I curated this episode together after she came to me with the horrible incident of a young Black woman being dragged by her hair down stairs of a LGBTQ establishment, Nellies Sports Bar in Washington DC during PRIDE 2021.

Keisha Young was a victim of racial profiling, underwent extreme violence and public humiliation, and we spoke together about how such incidents are some of the culprits of Black queer self-censorship.

Eboné brings up multiple points on how to ally and co-conspire with Black queer people to stop incidents like this from occurring but also how to validate Black queer people's and women's experiences, as well as that of QPoC and QWoC.

She then discusses her rise to fame with Tagg Magazine, her plans for the future, and what it's like to see representation for Black queer women, QWoC, and trans individuals missing in public culture.

And then to become at the forefront of this representation! Not only as editor-in-chief but as a speaker, thought leader, and social leader.

Listen to this important conversation that is vital to understand our past of intersectional racism, our present events, and Eboné's plans for the future to continue to uplift QPoC and "everyone under the rainbow."

*******

Eboné Bell's offerings can be found on her website,
www.ebonebell.com Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner's info and Intersection GOFUNDME page: linktr.ee/DrWongLerner
Feb 10, 202401:06:10
Intersection # 11–Black Queerness in Media: They Ain't Ready, But Here We Are....

Intersection # 11–Black Queerness in Media: They Ain't Ready, But Here We Are....

So delighted to present the important episode of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse:
Episode 11: Black Queerness in Media: They Ain't Ready, But Here We Are…

Special Guest, Dr. Kenneth Bryant Jr., Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Texas at Tyler, and Director of EDEN Film Series.

In this 1-hour episode Dr. Bryant and I discuss Lil' Nas X, Black Queer Masculinity in Public Culture, and Marlon Riggs, and more!

If you're familiar with Black cinema and culture as well as the topic of Black queerness in media--GREAT! If not, that's okay! You're welcome to join us to learn more about Black representation and the ways in which misrepresentations have taken their toll on what Marlon Riggs called the "internalized imaginations" of Black people. Dr. Kenneth Bryant Jr offers many different ways to de-center tropes of the Black queer male asexual "side kick" and other harmful representations.

We then turn the conversation to ways films in the EDEN Film Series and unapologetically bold art like Lil' Nas X's "Montero" work to curb Black queer alienation, especially with Black queer youth. EDEN stands for Exploring Diverse Experiences and Narratives.

Join us for this deep dive and a conversation I've never had with anyone before about representation and Black culture. Join us in The Intersection where Diverse Folk Converse to hear this unedited talk here first!

I believe podcasts are an extension of DIY punk culture where zines were photo-copied, unedited, and urgent voices from the front lines of culture, art, intellect, oppression, and social struggles. Just like these zines were beautiful and authentic, The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse strives to provide original content made by and for QPoC and GNC people. Whether you're within our community or allied or just curious, you're welcome to be a part of our conversation or listen in. You'll hear topics not discussed anywhere else. In ways you're never thought about before!

We look forward to seeing you there!
Dr. Shannon, Host of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse
Feb 10, 202401:11:21
The Intersection #10, The Q in T and the T in Q: Queering Coming Out Mid-Life as Trans

The Intersection #10, The Q in T and the T in Q: Queering Coming Out Mid-Life as Trans

Maeve DuVally and I had a conversation this week all about what it means to come to terms with who you are and to love yourself

We queered this narrative to focus on the process of her coming to know herself as trans mid-life in all stages — she describes it as REBIRTH

And the thought, spirit, and emotion that came from different stages of her self-acceptance and eventual outreach

I remembered gratitude with Maeve, from this interview

That both of our coming out experiences were gifts

Starting with Maeve's becoming to who she is, by coming out to herself first

And continuing with her commitment to being present and awake when she came out with her sobriety

So much so, that she had enough energy and heart to become a mentor to others like her, a speaker, and aspiring author

In this show, we follow up on what Scott Turner Schofield mentioned in his episode

That trans narratives and experience do not stop at transition

In fact that is just the start or adolescence of transness

But trans stories should include more on #INTEGRATION and Scott and I had discussed, being trans is also about #selflove for who you are today and who you were before

Rather than focusing on only her transition, which is so common in mainstream trans stories of coming out or coming to be

Just like I shared in the last show with the PRIDE 2021 Special with the cycle of healing many queer people take

With forgiving ourselves and others

And being open to making changes so we can come to our authentic selves

Hear all about how Maeve came out mid-life within her community

Their acceptance of her and how she's thrived as a leader

And listen to the intersections between queerness and transness “or the Q in T and the T in Q”

As well mid-life coming out and being sober

Join Us for EPISODE 10: The Q in T and the T in Q: Queering Coming Out Mid-Life as Trans

Maeve DuVally, speaker, activist, aspiring author, and managing director of corporate communications, Goldman Sachs

Here is our ANCHOR page to get connected to all of your favorite podcast platforms: https://anchor.fm/diversefolxconverse...

OUR MISSION: The Intersection is a not-for-profit project that tells the stories of QPoC and GNC people. If you like what you hear please consider...

MAKING a DONATION (can be small, $1, $5, $10) to our GoFundMe page HERE 💰👩🏼‍🎤👨🏽‍🎤🦄 we have $870 left to go for our quarterly goals! These are for production costs ONLY. Host and guests don't receive funds.
gofund.me/05aa6a24

Here is Maeve's contact info: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maeve-duv...

Here is Dr. Shannon's contact info: www.drshannonwl.com

We will see you next time!

Love, Dr. Shannon 👩🏼‍🎤🎙and the Intersection Community 👨🏻‍🎤🦄🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️
Feb 10, 202446:52
The Intersection #9 PRIDE Special w/ Lily Zheng, Scott Turner Schofield, Cheryl Leong, & Renée Santos

The Intersection #9 PRIDE Special w/ Lily Zheng, Scott Turner Schofield, Cheryl Leong, & Renée Santos

Join Us For Our Star-Studded PRIDE 🏳️‍🌈 Special of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse June 15, 2021!    Who is starring in our cast of this special? 🥰🤩🥳    DEI Strategist and Author of The Ethical Sellout, Lily Zheng    Emmy-nominated actor, activist, & lead of Becoming a Man in 127 Easy Steps, Scott Turner Schofield  Founder of  Leading with Consciousness, licensed therapist, & DEI consultant, Cheryl (Yi Mei) Leong    And Actor, Writer, and Lead of Album and Tour, Outside the Box (Touring NOW) Renee Santos    This Special follows up with The Intersection's deep dive conversations into topics that not only matter to our guests    But also are on our minds in our communities as QPoC and GNC people    This past year has been one of horrendous fear, pain, and trauma    And just because we are celebrating PRIDE, doesn't mean we have to forget that   🤬 It's also been a year of getting sh*t out in the open!   🎙🙋🏻‍♀️Discovering our voice and speaking our minds!   🥰👩🏼‍🎤💕 And individual and communal healing.    Join us for The Intersection's PRIDE 2021 Special and explore your own path of being heard, showing up, and coming out!    Love, Dr. Shannon and the Intersection Community   Please SUBSCRIBE to our podcast, like it, and make comments to increase visibility   Watch The Intersection on our YouTube channel and catch as a premiere HERE: https://youtu.be/bKFFmoqJ0Es  SUPPORTING THE INTERSECTION 🌈 If you like what you heard, you may help us in two ways:    1.) SUBSCRIBE and leave REVIEWS for The Intersection on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, 📝 or Dr. SWL's YouTube channel.   2.) CONSIDER DONATING a small amount. The Intersection is a not-for-profit project. But we still have production costs. 🙏🏼🎙  MAKING a DONATION (can be small, $1, $5, $10) to our GoFundMe page HERE 💰👩🏼‍🎤👨🏽‍🎤🦄 https://gofund.me/05aa6a24 🌈The Intersection is a not-for-profit labor of love project. The GoFundMe is for production costs only. The host and special guests are not paid.   🌈So far we have only raised $15 and we need $1,200 for our quarterly costs. TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT!   See Guest Info Below:   Lily Zheng:   For more information on our Special Guest Lily Zheng and their offerings visit:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilyzheng308/ OR https://theethicalsellout.com    Cheryl Leong:   For more information on our Special Guest Cheryl Leong and her DEI offerings visit: www.leadingwithconsciousness.com  Scott Turner Schofield:  For more information on Scott Turner Schofield and His Film Becoming a Man in 127 Easy Steps and His Other Projects:  https://patreon.com/127steps  Renée Santos:   Correction: Renée Santos just found out that she will tour  Outside the Box starting June 1, 2021!  See the links below for her tour dates and locations.  For more information on our Renée visit:  https://reneesantos.com OR https://www.neon-entertainment.com/renee-santos-comedy-album-outside-the-box/  Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner:  For more information on Host Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner and her Speak Your Way to Success program and Talks visit: www.drshannonwl.com Or catch her on LinkedIn or IG @dr_shannon_wl
Feb 10, 202401:17:09
Intersection #8 Seriously Laughing About Imposter Syndrome: A Conversation with Renée Santos

Intersection #8 Seriously Laughing About Imposter Syndrome: A Conversation with Renée Santos

The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse,
#8 Seriously Laughing About Imposter Syndrome, A Conversation with Renée Santos About Identity, Comedy, and Performance

In this 45-minute episode of The Intersection, Renée Santos laughs her way through painful experiences derived from imposter syndrome.

If imposter syndrome is high-profile people feeling as if they don't deserve success.

Then for QPoC, GNC, and diverse people, it is grappling with being told we couldn't and can't do the very thing we're doing!

Renée speaks about how she took up making others laugh to come out of the other side of imposter syndrome.

Join us in this premiere to rejoice in the conversation with Renée, a supremely funny girl! Who takes herself, her work, and her community seriously.

But shows up as her authentic self on the stage in her becoming and evolution. So we can walk through the world with the same vulnerability and sense of truth.
Feb 10, 202457:22
#7 The Tactics & Boundaries of the Ethical Sellout: Avoiding Purity Politics & Cancel Culture in DEI

#7 The Tactics & Boundaries of the Ethical Sellout: Avoiding Purity Politics & Cancel Culture in DEI

Episode #7 with Lily Zheng: The Tactics and Boundaries of the Ethical Sellout: Avoiding Purity Politics and Cancel Culture in DEI-Focused Work Would you like to attend? The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse with Special Guest, Lily Zheng, DEI Strategist and Consultant and Author of The Ethical Sellout and Gender Ambiguity in the Workplace In this Episode, Lily talks all about their book project The Ethical Sellout While tackling the complexities and need for greater collaboration with DEI practitioner discourses. And discussing these questions: • How do we have conversations around the issues that matter most to us as marginalized people and work to support one another rather than tear each other down? • Why does purity politics and cancel culture even happen within DEI? • What is Manichaeism and how does it affect our outlook when hearing something that doesn’t land well on us? • And how can we have compassion when we or others make mistakes and the tools to allow for one another to be human. And to grow and change. To better our DEI efforts and communities? —We discuss these questions and so many more.
Feb 10, 202401:10:39
Episode #6 Countering the Fundamentalist Ripple With Trans Stories, Culture, and Media W/Scott Turner Schofield

Episode #6 Countering the Fundamentalist Ripple With Trans Stories, Culture, and Media W/Scott Turner Schofield

In this episode, Scott Turner Schofield, Emmy Nominated Actor, Activist, and Lead of Becoming a Man in 127 Easy Steps

Discusses transmasculine representation and experience,

His personal story and career trajectory as a professional actor,

How feminism makes him a better man,

And everyday things we can all do to support trans artists and culture makers.

The Intersection gave Scott the unique opportunity to co-curate this episode with Dr. Shannon so he could tell his story as he experienced it

And going far beyond how heterosexual and cis-gendered hosts and audiences expect him to tell his narrative

We talked some about how being trans begins with transition that leads to integration and love of self,

How his film Becoming a Man in 127 Easy Steps allows for his audience to experience his process and life with him,

And the ways in which confronting toxic masculinity plays a part in how we should question and abolish the gender binary as fundamentalist.

Come join us for The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse

Programming made by and for Queer People of Color and Gender Non-Conforming People

Episode # 6 Countering the Fundamentalist Ripple With Trans Stories, Culture, and Media

*This episode will be released March 31, 2021 5:30 PM PST as a YouTube Premiere, and audio podcast with Anchor

#scottturnerschofield #transmasculine #trans #theintersection #diversefolxconverse #podcasting #podcastshow #lgbtqiaplus #fundamentalism #genderbinary
Feb 10, 202401:03:38
#5 How do we reconcile our ancestry? Understanding Epigenetics & Intergenerational Trauma Narratives

#5 How do we reconcile our ancestry? Understanding Epigenetics & Intergenerational Trauma Narratives

With special guest, Cheryl Leong, Founder of Leading with consciousness, licensed therapist, & DEI consultant. ***Episode #5 of The Intersection's interview series covers an age-old concern for PoC and QPoC–A sense of self, individuality and sovereignty, but also keeping or forming ties with our ancestral roots. After learning all about epigenetics and intergenerational trauma narratives. We might gain access to the trauma narratives of our elders and ancestors. So we can understand more about the triggers that exist for us now. For our self-healing. And to have a positive impact on the suffering of our ancestors. To heal them too. And, in turn, for us to revise a narrative that says we can only have access to our queerness or our gayness if we separate from our culture. The best part of learning about epigenetics or intergenerational trauma. Is to connect the past to the present. The ancient and pre-modern to the modern. It's to know our ancestors would have been proud of us for our courage to be out as queer or gay. And to be doing this work to be back in conversation with our ancestors. And not to just erase their stories. And leave them behind. Cheryl and I also discuss somatics and embodied narratives. And how as PoC and QPoC we carry stories around with us. In our bodies. And these narratives can effect the way we respond to the world around us today. In our professional, entrepreneurial, and personal lives. **** How do we reconcile our ancestry?: Understanding Epigenetics and Intergenerational Trauma Narratives Special Guest, Cheryl Leong, CEO of Leading with Consciousness, Leadership coach, therapist, DEI consultant, and Podcaster Appears on The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse Radio Premiering on YouTube, Sunday, February 28, 2021, 3:00 PM PT
Feb 10, 202451:43
The Intersection: Episode 4-Rage2Rainbows, Transforming Cyberbullying into Agentive Social Change

The Intersection: Episode 4-Rage2Rainbows, Transforming Cyberbullying into Agentive Social Change

Premiered Jan 4, 2021 Join the Co-founders of Rage2Rainbows, The Blue Haired Rainbow & HR Expert, Madison Butler, CoFlowCo Founder & Business Strategist, Emily O. Weltman, M.ED. And Your Host, Founder of Wong Lerner Coaching, Shannon Wong Lerner, Ph.D. For The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse Podcast Episode 4: An Interview with the Co-Founders of Rage2Rainbows, Transforming Cyberbullying into Agentive Social Change January 4, 2021, 5:00 PM PT, as a YouTube Premiere, on the Wong Lerner Coaching channel In this episode we talk about the following and then some: 🌈 As influencers who speak out about anti-racism, describing everyday to extreme events of cyberbullying 🌈 How Madison and Emily created Rage2Rainbows to open up corporate spaces to Everyone 🌈 How to cultivate safe, respectful workspaces for PoC and others from marginalized groups 🌈 How to create this shift by changing online culture and prioritizing online safety for workplace safely 🌈 How to deal with the FEAR of receiving hate messages from trolls 🌈 How to access your empowered voice from your own truth & your pride as a professional/industry leader 🌈 How to hold others accountable by speaking up about intersectionally racist actions/words online and offline 🌈 How to give back to the organizations such as ACLU, NAACP, Planned Parenthood, etc. that help keep us safe by collaborating with Rage2Rainbows! 🌈 More TOOLS to stay safe when facing cyberbullying! Contact info: Madison: @corprteUnicorn Rage2Rainbows website: https://www.rage2rainbows.com Email: info@rage2rainbows.com SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Page and Facebook page, REVIEW our podcast, SHARE the podcast with friends and community: >>> https://youtu.be/-1B2XzEGz6c >>> https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheIntersectionDiverseFolxConverse/?ref=share See blog post for bios and all info on guests and podcast episode: https://www.wonglernercoaching.com/post/an-interview-w-madison-butler-emily-o-weltman-co-founders-of-rage2rainbows-mon-jan-4-5pm-pt
Feb 10, 202441:22
Soundbites from Politics of Filth: Memes, Britney, Divine and Election 2020 with Gentry McShane

Soundbites from Politics of Filth: Memes, Britney, Divine and Election 2020 with Gentry McShane

Not sure if you’re ready to listen to our entire podcast? Check out some highlights from our podcast - all about 1-2 minutes long: Consuming Media, The Loudest Voice (Doesn’t) Win & Trolling on Social Media, Twitter is Real Life Now
Feb 10, 202405:45
Politics of Filth: Memes, Britney, Divine and Election 2020 with Special Guest Gentry McShane

Politics of Filth: Memes, Britney, Divine and Election 2020 with Special Guest Gentry McShane

Politics of Filth: Memes, Britney, Divine and Election 2020 with Special Guest Gentry McShane And your host, Shannon Wong Lerner, Ph.D. WHAT: Join us for Episode 3 of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse This was released October 31st, 2020, as a Halloween 🎃 YouTube Premiere. FLR VIDEO: JOIN our YouTube Page https://lnkd.in/gJARMin A few days before this monumental election, airing 👻 Halloween 🎃 morning, Special Guest, Content Producer @CATPOWERMAN5000 Meme Dealer, Gentry McShane, joins The Intersection Podcast 🧔🏻 With your host, Shannon Wong Lerner, Ph.D. 👩🏼‍🎤 Career and Communication Coach & Consultant | Cultural and Digital Storyteller I sat down with Gentry McShane to talk about the Big Issues! Memes, The History of Censorship in the US, Lenny Bruce, Election 2020, & How to Form Community with an Online Presence #podcastshow #memes #lennybruce #election2020 #communicationcoach #thoughtleadership #theintersectionpodcast #diversefolxconverse #intersectionality #bipoc #LGBTQIA #allies
Feb 10, 202401:35:24
The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse #2: Staples for DEI: Steps for Non-Hierarchical Leadership

The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse #2: Staples for DEI: Steps for Non-Hierarchical Leadership

The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse Podcast with Patrice M. Palmer Episode #2: Staples of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Steps for Non-Hierarchical Leadership 🌈 The Intersection: hear a conversation all about institutional change, DEI, and BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ advocacy. This episode of The Intersection features guest, Patrice M. Palmer and focuses on Non-Hierarchical Leadership! In this episode we talk about the following and then some: 🌈 Visibility, authenticity, collectivity of BIPOC/API LGBTQIA+ voices, 🌈 Reframing DEI, and give practical tools on how to confront difficult DEI situations such as verbal assault against you as a diverse person, 🌈 How to pause and reflect in a conflict to bring about change, love, and healing 🌈 Accountability and responsibility for people to listen to one another and to recognize their actions/words, 🌈 More TOOLS to facilitate difficult conversations around race and queerness! 🌈 And we discuss mentoring of younger diverse people as non-hierarchical such as co-mentoring with your students. 🌈 Edifying, growing, cultivating, and mirroring diverse people to create a chosen family of change-makers and DEI activists. Join us at The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse podcast when I have a talk with the Director of Social & Cultural Inclusion of Colorado State University, College of Business and D&I Specialist with New Belgium Brewing Company, Special Guest, Patrice M. Palmer (they/them/theirs).
Feb 10, 202401:02:38
The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse.
Episode 1: The Busiest Room in the House is the Kitchen
Feb 10, 202401:06:14
The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse; Introduction-Why & How We Help Diverse Professionals

The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse; Introduction-Why & How We Help Diverse Professionals

In this first episode of The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse, The Hub for Diversity-Produced Leadership & Communication, Dr. Shannon Wong Lerner, communication specialist, asks you important questions about your experiences as diverse professionals in the working world. She then explains the format of the podcast for future episodes. The Intersection will air 2x per month to share short classes and activities so you can succeed as communicators in the workplace. And we will interview and have conversations with up-and-coming and mature diverse professionals. She ends with a meditation breathing exercise to help calm your nerves before a speech or presentation. Please tune in to our Facebook page for the video: www.facebook.com/groups/theintersectiondiversefolxconverse/
Feb 10, 202426:01
The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse Podcast Trailer

The Intersection: Diverse Folx Converse Podcast Trailer

This week Friday Jan 15th I will be releasing the first of many monthly Communication Tutorial Intersection podcasts

To help BIPoC and Queer PoC with your speaking and communication

Now more than ever, BIPoC and Queer PoC need safe spaces to practice their speaking skills, to discover, and exercise their voice!

Supportive of gender non-conforming trans, non-binary, and genderqueer individuals always!

Let me support you as someone who has worked as a queer BIPoC and API and worked with these communities for over 2 decades

I want to see all of you succeed, to thrive, and spread your wings!
Jan 12, 202100:60