98 LGBTQ-positive Peace, Love, and Laughs: a Pride Month episode

We recorded this episode on Fri. June 12, 2020, which marks our 92nd day of self-quarantine during the global COVID-19 pandemic, amid continuing protests in the United States and around the world against systemic racism, oppression, and police brutality. On social media this past week, author and activist Marianne Williamson posted this: “The more the protests are filled with dancing, singing, conscious conversation, serious analysis, creativity, art, peace/love and higher vibration, the more they jam the operating system of the old order. #WokeRebellion” – Marianne Williamson on Twitter (6/11/20) And we agree. So, we’re going to have a conversational version of a dancing, singing, peace and love podcast, to celebrate Pride Month, which is June, if you don’t know. Also, if you don’t know: a crucial part of sustainable conscious activism is retaining your ability to enjoy, and prioritizing time to enjoy things. For one, it renews and replenishes your spirit, allowing you to stay in the fight. And for another, it’s one of the very reasons we fight at all: ideals like equality and justice are beautiful in part because they make enjoyment of life possible. What good are civil rights without the ability to enjoy the life they make possible? Join us now for some enjoyment that celebrates LGBTQ-positive peace, love, and laughs. Let’s talk about some of our favorite, fun-loving LGBTQ-positive Pride Festival memories performing at Long Beach Pride, San Diego Pride, and attending Los Angeles and Portland Pride Festivals Movies like Fried Green Tomatoes, The Half of It, A League of Their Own, Saving Face, and the documentary A Secret Love TV shows or people with TV shows like Anderson Cooper, Rachel Maddow, Ryan Murphy, American Horror Story, Sarah Paulson, Matt Bomer, and Sinner Other celebrities and artists like Hannah Gadsby, Indigo Girls, Tig Notaro, Brandi Carlile, Ellen and Portia, and LGBTQ ally Kathy Griffin   To close out this Pride Month episode, here’s a remarkable look at the fight for LGBTQ marriage equality, compared to another, similar and salient issue. In the late 1950s, more than 90 percent of the country was against marriage between...blacks and whites. It took 40 years before a majority were OK with so-called ‘mixed-race’ marriages. By comparison, public opinion about LGBTQ marriage equality went from a majority opposed to a majority OK with it, within just ten years. What we as a society are now pushing for in 2020, is the revolutionary and rapid advancement of more equality, justice, fairness, and other beautiful things, for more of us: a more perfect Union. And that’s really something to celebrate. Happy Pride Month. The blog post for this episode is at https://sienaandtoast.com/podcast/98-lgbtq-positive-peace-love-and-laughs-a-pride-month-episode     Join the email list at https://sienaandtoast.com/emailsignup –––– Our intention has always been to uplift, entertain, and encourage people, especially fellow LGBTQers and progressive allies around the world, ever since we first started podcasting in 2007. Over the years, we’ve continued to get messages from listeners who’ve shared how it’s helped them through difficult times, like coming out, rejection from family, dealing with religion, or living in the closet, helping them feel more understood, less alone, and just kept them going, reminding them and showing them, that life is worthwhile. That’s exactly why we do it. We managed to self-finance the podcast since 2007. For 13 years! But now, we’re extending an invitation, and a way for you, the listener, to play a part in supporting it. See all kinds of ways to support the pod at https://sienaandtoast.com/contribute Thank you for your consideration. And if you do decide to contribute, thank you for that! Rate and review the pod at: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/siena-and-toast/id100577843  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sienaandtoast.substack.com