A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life

In this solo episode of A Queer POV, David Begor takes apart what Meta has done to the queer community, with receipts.It starts with a thought experiment. A friend who notices everything you do, knows everything you watch, and one day leans in and whispers that if you keep posting about being queer, they'll make you invisible. That friend is the Instagram algorithm.David walks through what's actually happened: Instagram quietly blocking #gay, #lesbian, and #trans for teens for months in 2024. More than 50 LGBTQ+ organizations shadow banned or shut down across the globe in 2025. Mark Zuckerberg's January 2025 announcement that gutted hate speech protections, written in plain English, that now allows users to call us mentally ill, abnormal, and "it." A $1 million donation to Trump's inaugural fund. The end of Meta's DEI team three days later.He covers the free speech lie, the legal precedent that says private companies are not the First Amendment, and the data the Trevor Project has been begging us to look at: anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among LGBTQ+ youth all climbing. The Los Angeles jury that just found Meta liable for $4.2 million in damages. The 2,000 more lawsuits waiting.This one names names, cites sources, and ends where every solo episode ends. With a choice.All links and full source list are in the episode's blog post at davidbegor.substack.com.#AQueerPOV #FriendsLovesAndLife #QueerPodcast #LivingOutLoud #ShadowBanned #MetaCensorship #LGBTQYouth #TrevorProject #DeleteMeta #QueerCommunity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

Kenny Patrick and David go way back to 1983. Life separated them, but reconnecting a few years ago gave David a front-row seat to someone living with extraordinary depth, honesty, and humor.In this conversation, Kenny opens up about living with HIV since the age of 21, nearly 28 years of sobriety, a relapse in 2025, and getting sober again. They talk about identifying as non-binary after more than five decades, what community actually means and what it cost to lose it, and the surprising places where grace shows up, like a lesbian named Cosmic Carla who didn't let Kenny keep the lie, and a former Marine named Jer in a halter top and a huge smile.This one covers a lot of ground: the AIDS crisis as a 21-year-old, a doctor who said four months, trauma and the two paths survivors tend to take, forgiveness that has nothing to do with the other person, and a God who looks like a Black woman in a Chanel suit saying "welcome home" to a man no one else would touch.It's one of the most honest conversations David has had on this show. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

Mark Tammaro didn't plan to start over at 62. After a 16-year marriage, a career he set aside to support his husband, and an HIV diagnosis that's followed him for 35 years, Mark found himself single, starting fresh, and, for the first time in a long time, building a life that's entirely his own.In this episode, Mark talks about what it means to reinvent yourself after 60. He shares the story of losing his first partner to AIDS in 1992, surviving a diagnosis that was supposed to be a death sentence, and the slow realization that the comfortable life he'd built wasn't making him happy. He opens up about going back to school to become a certified personal trainer, the freedom and fear of being on his own, what dating looks like at this age, and why he's more excited about the future than he's ever been.This is a conversation about loss, resilience, faith, and the stubborn refusal to stop growing.In this episode:Reinventing yourself after divorce at 60Living with HIV for 35 years and what survival really looks likeLosing a partner to AIDS in 1992Going back to school and becoming a certified personal trainer at 62What dating, intimacy, and relationships look like as a single older gay manThe courage to give up safety and comfort for something realFaith, gratitude, and why humor mattersConnect with A Queer POV: Substack: davidbegor.substack.com YouTube | BlueSky | All @davidbegor This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

We’ve Always Marched: Why We Protest, Why It Matters, and Why March 28thIn this solo episode of A Queer POV: Friends, Loves & Life, host David Begor traces the full arc of LGBTQ protest, from the first Annual Reminder Day pickets in 1965, through Stonewall, Harvey Milk, ACT UP, and the fight for marriage equality, to the No Kings movement happening right now.David has attended Pride marches for forty years. In this episode, he makes the case that every single one of those was a protest, and connects that personal history to the largest nonviolent demonstrations in modern American history.This one is personal. It’s also a call to action.In this episode:→  Why Pride has always been protest, even when we didn’t call it that→  Pre-Stonewall heroes: Annual Reminder Day and the Mattachine Society sip-in→  Stonewall, Harvey Milk, and the White Night riots→  ACT UP, the AIDS crisis, and what happens when the government looks away→  The 1993 March on Washington, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and DOMA→  The fight for marriage equality: Prop 8 to Obergefell→  The No Kings movement: from five million to a projected eleven million→  Why anger matters, and how to aim it→  March 28th: how to show up safe and smart→  Harvey Milk’s Hope Speech and why it’s still the assignmentSources & Show Notes:Full sources, links, and show notes at davidbegor.substack.comConnect With the Show:If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. That’s how we take care of each other.Find David:Substack, YouTube, and Bluesky — all @davidbegor This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

They're Coming for the Ring: The Fight to Overturn Marriage EqualityIn this solo episode of A QueerPOV: Friends, Loves & Life, host David Begor takes on one of the most urgent threats facing LGBTQ Americans right now: the coordinated effort to overturn marriage equality.From a Waco judge who handed same-sex couples handwritten refusals, to Jonathan Mitchell — the architect of Texas' abortion ban — now filing federal lawsuits against Obergefell, David traces the full strategy: who's behind it, what they're building, and what it could mean for your marriage.This one is personal. David got married in 2016, and he's not willing to look away.In this episode:→  The Hensley case and her December 2025 federal lawsuit to overturn Obergefell→  Justice Clarence Thomas's written call to reconsider marriage equality→  Project 2025's specific language targeting the Respect for Marriage Act→  The Idaho House committee's 2026 attempt to overturn Obergefell→  What the Respect for Marriage Act actually protects — and what it doesn't→  What you can do right nowSources & Show Notes:Full sources, links, and show notes at davidbegor.substack.comResources:Lambda Legal — free legal resources for LGBTQ rights: lambdalegal.orgACLU — LGBTQ rights resources: aclu.org/lgbtq-rightsGLAAD — advocacy and news: glaad.orgConnect With the Show:If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. That's how we take care of each other.Find David:Substack, YouTube, and Bluesky — all @davidbegor This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

Randy and I met in 1989 while doing laundry at the Chateau des Fleurs in Los Angeles. I had just moved to LA to work at Bullocks Wilshire in visual merchandising. Randy was working as a graphic designer at Exposure Magazine—the same publication where a young Ryan Murphy was working as an editor. Through Randy, I discovered the world of graphic design, typography, and the creative possibilities that would shape my career.In this episode, Randy and I reconnect again to talk about creativity, loss, and what it means to sustain an artistic life across time. His career spans art direction roles at The Advocate, Genre, Hero, Home Magazine, and YM, plus 18 years teaching graphic design at FIDM. But more than credentials, Randy brings wisdom about the creative process—particularly his mantra that mistakes aren’t just acceptable, they’re essential.Our conversation moves through the excitement of 1980s New York, where Randy worked alongside brilliant designers and editors, many of whom were lost to AIDS. We discuss his philosophy, and obsession, on typography (he once took type specimen books to lunch), his experiments with AI in music creation, the invisible burden of aging as a creative person, and why he wishes he’d gotten a business degree instead of relying solely on talent.Randy is candid about regret, honest about ego, and generous with the lessons he’s learned. He talks about being fired for arrogance, the magazines that died around him, and why he still believes in doing things differently, even when it’s uncomfortable.This is a conversation about craft, survival, and what it takes to keep creating.I hope you enjoy my conversation with Randy. -DavidRandyDunbar.com#AQueerPOV #RandyDunbar #GraphicDesign #QueerPodcast #Typography #AIDSCrisis #CreativeLife #LGBTQHistory #DesignPodcast #QueerCreativesA Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.Connect with me on BlueSkyPS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

We don’t talk about aging in the gay community nearly enough. We’re great at celebrating youth and reinvention and whatever’s shiny and new, but we don’t slow down enough to actually listen to the people who lived through the experiences that made our community possible in the first place.This week I’m talking with 81-year-old Sean McCormick. He’s funny, he’s honest, and he’s got this huge heart that comes through in everything he says. I met Sean about three years ago, and we’ve become friends. When I started thinking about doing an episode on aging in the gay community, he felt like the perfect person to talk to.Sean came out in the 1950s and 60s, way before being gay was something you could just say out loud. He remembers the coded looks, the piano bars like Kitty Sheehan’s in Chicago where he’d sing after a couple gin and tonics, the police raids, and the constant need to stay careful: to protect yourself and the people around you. He navigated being gay in the military during Vietnam, built a career as a deputy clerk in the appellate court, and found community in spaces that existed mostly in the margins.He and his late husband Kent were together for 35 years: a relationship full of loyalty, adventure, travel, and deep companionship. After Kent died in 2019, Sean didn’t think he’d find that again. But then he met Arturo, and here he is at 81, still pursuing love. Still showing up. Still trying.We talk about what it actually feels like to get older in a community that worships youth. Sean doesn’t sugarcoat it. He talks about feeling invisible at mixers, about the “cheerleader tables” that form even among older gay men, about how hard it is to put yourself out there when you’ve been rejected. But he also talks about the stuff that surprised him about aging: the confidence that comes with it, the clarity, the freedom of finally just being comfortable as yourself. “I’ve never felt so comfortable with myself,” he tells me. “Be me. Very simple. Be me.”At the end, I ask Sean what he’d tell his younger self: that kid in the Army, or the guy just figuring out who he was. His answer comes fast: “It only gets better.”This conversation reminded me that we’re strongest when we actually see each other across generations. When we listen. When we make room. Sean’s story is about perseverance and joy and the fact that becoming yourself doesn’t stop at any particular age. It just keeps going.I’m really glad I got to share this one with you.-David#GayAging, #LGBTQElders, #QueerPOV #QueerStories #AgingWithPrideA Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.Connect with me on BlueSkyPS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

In this episode of A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life, I trace the journey of the rainbow flag, from a small sewing studio in 1978 San Francisco to a global symbol of pride, protest, and belonging.We meet Gilbert Baker, the artist and activist who stitched color into our collective soul, and explore how his friendship with Harvey Milk turned a simple idea into a lasting emblem of queer identity.Along the way, I share stories of AIDS-era activism, the meaning of visibility, and what the flag has come to represent in my own life, especially as a gay parent raising a child in today’s world.This isn’t just queer history.It is a reminder that Pride began as protest, and that our strength has always come from showing up together.🎧 Listen now and rediscover the beauty, defiance, and hope sewn into every color of the rainbow.Hope to see you out in the streets this weekend at Palm Springs Pride!-DavidResources:Clip 1 - soundcloud.com/brainpickerClip 2 - cbc.ca/radioClip 3 - Outcast MediaClip 4 - cbc.ca/radioArtPalm Springs Pride Monument, Created by jimisermann.comArenas District Landmark FlagpoleMentioned at the top of show:Out of the Blue by Robert TregoningFletcher’s Ice Cream and CafeHailey Bieber Unbothered This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

Today, I’m talking with someone whose name you might already know if you love beautiful spaces, Dann Foley.Dann’s been designing for almost four decades, and his work has this incredible mix of style, warmth, and personality. He’s an award-winning interior designer, a TV personality you might’ve seen on NBC’s American Dream Builders or Showtime’s The Real L Word, and the author of It’s All in the Mix: Designs for Living Well — which, honestly, sums up his whole approach to life.From his early days surrounded by travel and creativity to now leading major design brands and creating hundreds of products, Dann has stayed grounded in one simple belief: that great design should feel personal, welcoming, and accessible, not intimidating.He’s been named to Designers Today’s Power List and recently stepped into a new role as president of Harp & Finial, all while continuing to grow his own lifestyle brand. But what I love most about Dann is his energy, he just loves what he does, and that passion shows in everything he touches.So today, we’re diving into his journey, how it all started, what keeps him inspired, and why “living well” is something we can all design for ourselves.I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dann Foley.-Daviddannfoleylifestyle.comBook: It’s All in the Mix: Designs for Living Well••••••••••#DesignInspiration, #LivingWell, #DannFoley, #InteriorDesign, #LGBTQCreatives••••••••••A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.Connect with me on BlueSky @davidbegorPS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the ETSY shop: Taylor Street Favors This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

Coming out isn’t just one moment. It’s a lifetime of learning to live honestly, of choosing truth again and again, even when it’s hard, even when the world doesn’t make it easy.As October 11th, National Coming Out Day, approaches, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what coming out really means, not only for those of us who’ve done it, but for those who are still waiting for the right time, or the right safety, or the right words.In this episode, I look back on conversations I’ve had through Friends, Loves, & Life and revisit stories from people who opened their hearts and trusted me with their truth, people like Gregg, Alex, Mike, Rich, Stephen, and James. Each one reminds me that while coming out can be scary, it’s also powerful. It builds bridges. It saves lives. It connects us to our chosen family, the people who see us, love us, and remind us that we belong.For some, family is where the story begins. For others, it’s what we build along the way. Either way, the act of coming out, whether whispered, shouted, or simply lived, is a kind of rebirth.I share a bit of my own story, too, and the relief that came when my father hugged me and told me he loved me after I said the words, “Yes, I’m gay.” That moment changed everything.Because when we live as ourselves, we not only free our own hearts, we light the way for others to do the same.-David••••••••••#comingOut #ComingOutDay, #NationalComingOutDay, #LoveIsLove, and #Pride••••••••••A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.Connect with me on BlueSkyPS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors | taylorstreetfavors.etsy.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

This week on A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life, I sit down with someone who has had a remarkable influence on how we think and talk about health, sexuality, and technology: Deb Levine.Back in the early 1990s, while working as a health educator at Columbia University, Deb co-created Go Ask Alice, one of the very first online spaces where young people could ask their most personal questions about sex, drugs, and relationships, and get real, thoughtful answers. Long before the rest of the world caught up, Deb understood that people needed safe, honest, and judgment-free access to information.Her work didn’t stop there. She went on to found ISIS (Internet Sexuality Information Services), later known as YTH—Youth Tech Health—an organization that broke new ground by connecting technology, public health, and community voices. Deb has always seen that sexuality and health don’t exist in isolation, they’re deeply tied to our relationships, mental health, and the way we care for one another.What I admire most about Deb is her humanity. She has always approached her work with courage, humor, and compassion. She’s been a fierce ally to the LGBTQ community, helping to create spaces where our stories and health truly matter. And I’m lucky enough to call her not only a mentor, but also a friend.In our conversation, Deb shares stories about her early days as a Deadhead, her nonlinear way of thinking, the battles she fought to get institutions to listen, and her commitment to making sure people have the knowledge they need to live healthier, freer lives.Deb has such a unique way of looking at the world, and I can’t wait for you to hear her perspective.🎙️ I hope you enjoy my conversation with Deb Levine.-DavidDeb Levine, MA. www.linkedin.com/in/deblevine/A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.Connect with me on BlueSkyPS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

As I approach my 62nd birthday, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about retirement. Not the kind where you buy an RV and start glamping in national parks (though I’ll admit, that does sound tempting). No, I mean the kind where you sit down with your Social Security statement and suddenly feel overwhelmed, anxious, and a little exhausted from all the questions swirling around in your head. Should I take it at 62? Wait until full retirement age? Hold out until 70? The more I asked, the more overwhelming it all felt.In this episode, I sit down with my husband, Derek Lenington. You might remember Derek from my very first episode, so it feels especially fitting to have him back as the season one finale. Derek is a financial coach who recently launched his own business, and he’s the perfect person to help me untangle these questions.We talk about Social Security, Medicare, spousal benefits, working while retired, and how to think about the “break-even” point. Derek also shares why retirement planning is about so much more than numbers—it’s about identity, navigating transitions, and preparing for the future.If you’ve ever wondered about your own retirement or just felt confused by all the options, this conversation will help clear things up. Derek reminds us that retirement isn’t just about math—it’s about life, identity, and what comes next.Listen in and learn with me.—DavidIf you would like to work with Derek you can find him here: www.dereklenington.comA Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.Connect with me on BlueSkyPS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

Some kids dream of hitting the winning home run. Gregg dreamed of getting through Little League without having to actually touch the bat. His father was the coach, which made quitting more complicated—because it’s one thing to strike out, but another to let your dad down while doing it. Still, Gregg knew early on that he belonged more in the world of spotlights and scripts than dugouts and scoreboards.Like so many of us, Gregg carried an “original hurt” from childhood—the kind of moment that lodges itself in your memory and whispers doubts into every friendship and relationship that follows. But what makes his story special is not the hurt, but how he kept showing up for joy anyway. College brought him clarity: a simple newspaper article gave him the language for what he already knew—that he was gay. From there, his life unfolded in unexpected ways, from building community in Tucson and Los Angeles to raising a son with a circle of parents who figured things out as they went.And then, of course, there’s love. Gregg talks about meeting Steven, the man who would become his husband and co-creator of daily rituals. (Five kisses before bed. Not four. Not six. Exactly five. Non-negotiable.) It’s the small things—cuddle alarms, grocery store trips, quiet moments on the couch—that became the glue of their 25 years together.Listening to Gregg is like being reminded that life doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful. It can be messy, funny, and sometimes awkward, but the best parts sneak in through little rituals, trusted friends, and the courage to keep choosing love—even when your brain still plays the old tapes of doubt.As Gregg puts it, we’re here to experience life—fully, freely, and yes, even joyfully. And maybe that’s the point: you don’t have to hit the home run. You just have to keep stepping up to the plate.-David#LGBTQPodcast #QueerVoices #LGBTQCommunity #PrideEveryday #LGBTQAllies #QueerStoriesA Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.Connect with me on BlueSkyPS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

Join us in this heartfelt episode as we dive into the life and journey of Stephen Crouse. From his early days in very religious Colorado Springs to the decadence of San Francisco, Stephen shares his path from self-doubt to unapologetic self-acceptance. Along the way, he reveals unexpected passions, from the leather bars of the Bay Area to jaw-dropping LEGO MOC creations built during COVID, and how he rebuilt his life brick by brick, just like his intricate builds. Stephen’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to like yourself, reinvent your narrative, and embrace your authentic path. Whether you’re facing challenges or looking for inspiration to build the life you want, this episode offers humor, honesty, and hope. Tune in and be inspired to keep building—one brick, one choice, one leap at a time. -David#StephenCrouse #BuildingALifeOneBrickAtATime #LEGOJourney #SelfAcceptance #AuthenticLiving #CreativeJourney #PodcastEpisode #PersonalGrowth #Inspiration #LifeTransformation #PodcastLife #NewEpisode #MindsetPodcast #IdentityJourney #PodcastCommunity #KeepBuildingA Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.Connect with me on BlueSkyPS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

Meet Brett Klein. If you haven’t crossed paths with him yet, get ready ‘cause here we go. Brett’s journey is a vivid tapestry woven with courage, humor, and the unapologetic pursuit of living life on his own terms.At 32, Brett faced two life-altering truths at once: coming out and receiving an HIV diagnosis. In many stories, that might sound like a crossroads of despair. But for Brett, it was more like a clarion call, a message to live loud, live full, and live real. There’s a certain spirit in Brett’s story, where hardships and heartaches mingle effortlessly with laughter, openness, and a community that feels like chosen family.Picture this: a guy showing up at LAX in nothing but a trench coat and boots, not for a stunt, but because that’s Brett’s playful way of saying, “Here I am!” It’s moments like these that illuminate the colorful, raw, and honest life he’s built. Brett doesn’t just talk about love and loss; he embodies the hard-won, messy beauty of aging in the queer community with a wink and a smile.Throughout the conversation, Brett weaves stories of mentorship, community, and personal transformation with an authenticity that’s both comforting and electric. He’s seen friends lost and found, faced stigma head-on, and embraced the complexities of dating, intimacy, and identity in his 60. All while staying rooted in laughter and radical self-acceptance.Whether he’s cheering on friends at Pride events or sharing quiet reflections on caregiving and grief, Brett’s presence is a testament to what it means to be truly alive, boldly, vulnerably, and with a generous heart. His reflections don’t shy away from the difficult or the profound, but like any great character writing his own story, they’re delivered with a lightness that invites you in.So take a seat, pour your favorite drink, and tune in to a conversation that’s as real as it is radiant. Brett Klein’s story is not just one of surviving; it’s about thriving with joy, sass, and an open heart in the desert sun.Listen to Friends, Loves, and Life with Brett Klein—where every moment is a chance to live out loud and love without apology.-David••••••••••••••••••••🎙️ Don’t miss this unforgettable conversation.••••••••••••••••••••#QueerVoices #LGBTQStories #HIVAwareness #LivingOutLoud #PalmSpringsPride #ResilientAF #PodcastLife #ComingOutJourney #AuthenticLiving #ChosenFamily #HIVPositiveAndProud #FriendsLovesAndLife #QueerJoy #ListenNow••••••••••••••••••••A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube. And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.Connect with me on BlueSkyPS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) They’re heartfelt, handmade, and meant to be kept long after the last bite of cake.Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors•••••••••••••••••••• This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

Every June, riders gather at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, helmets on, hearts full, and begin a 545-mile journey to Los Angeles as part of the AIDS/LifeCycle ride. But this year was different. This year was the last ride.I sat down with two friends, Sean Rhodes and Mike Chandler, who trained for months and rode side by side (well, most of the time) on the final AIDS/LifeCycle. What they shared with me was more than a recap. It was a reminder of what it means to persevere, and proof that sometimes the road can heal you.Mike had never done it before. Sean had, but it had been a long time. They trained together with the Desert Roadrunners in Palm Springs, and something clicked. They weren’t just riders. They were a team. The kind that texts “Where are you?” at rest stops and understands the rhythm of what someone needs. Quiet sometimes. Jokes other times. Space. Encouragement. Snacks.What made this conversation special is that it wasn’t about the glamour of finishing a big ride. It was about what happens in the middle. The breakdowns. The moments of doubt. The feeling when someone chooses to stay with you, mile after mile. That’s the part that stuck with me.Sean talked about coming back to the ride as a way to reclaim a part of himself. It had been a hard few years. He was ready to draw a line in the sand and say, “This is the start of something new.” Mike showed up for the first time with names in his heart—people he’d lost to HIV and AIDS. And along the way, he picked up new names, new stories, people riding for someone, people who are someone.There’s a point in the conversation where Sean says something like, “It’s not about the ride. It’s about the people.” And that’s exactly it. The ride is a structure. A container. But what fills it is love, and community, and the kind of quiet courage it takes to keep pedaling when you’re not sure you can.It all ends in Santa Monica, riding down into the roar of a crowd. The ocean’s on your left. People are cheering. Some are crying. And you realize this isn’t just about finishing a ride. It’s about remembering. And holding space for those who didn’t get to cross the line.Even though this was the last official AIDS/LifeCycle, the spirit of it doesn’t end here. Smaller rides are already forming. The community is still rolling forward. The love doesn’t stop just because the event does.You don’t ride alone. You never did.You can listen to the full conversation with Sean and Mike on Friends, Loves, & Life. It’s about bikes. But it’s also not about bikes at all. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.-David••••••••••#AIDSLifeCycle #LGBTQStories #GriefAndHealing #RideForLove #CommunityMatters #FriendsLovesLife #GayMenOnBikes #HIVAwareness #KeepPedaling••••••••••A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube. New episodes Wednesday. And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.Connect with me on BlueSkyPS: When I’m not podcasting, I also make wedding, birthday, and anniversary cake toppers. (Yes, really.) They’re heartfelt, handmade, and meant to be kept long after the last bite of cake.Take a peek at the shop: Taylor Street Favors This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

Some stories don’t shout. They hum. They make you want to sit down with a glass of wine in a crystal goblet and a cookie someone’s grandmother taught them to bake.This week on The Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life, I talked with Kevin Chiodini, who pronounces it Key-oh-dee-nee thank you very much, because it’s Italian and he’s earned the right to say it like they do back in Lombardy. Kevin’s the kind of person you notice not because he’s loud, but because he’s so completely himself. You get the sense that he knows who he is, and he’s okay if you’re still figuring that out for yourself.Kevin grew up in Rockford, Illinois. A place with good schools and a lot of churches. Being out wasn’t exactly on the syllabus. He didn’t come out until his early thirties, and even then, he didn’t make a big announcement. No rainbow confetti moment. More like, “If you ask, I’ll tell you.” And most people didn’t need to ask. They already knew. They were just waiting for him to catch up.And maybe that’s the most Kevin thing of all. No drama, just grace.He’s got a thing for tradition, especially the kind that comes with china cabinets and family stories. The crystal in his home isn’t just pretty. It belonged to his grandmothers. It lived through weddings and birthdays and probably a lot of coffee after Mass. Kevin doesn’t hoard these things. He honors them. And when he sets a table, he really sets it. Cloth napkins. Flatware. Champagne flutes that you’re allowed to break once, but only if you’re very sorry.Health matters to him too. He’s a regular at the gym, mostly for his heart. His dad had a hard go of it, and Kevin decided a long time ago he’d do everything he could not to follow that path. He lifts weights, does spin class, and eats pretty healthy unless there’s biscotti involved. Then all bets are off.He moved to Palm Springs in 2018. Left his old life behind, sold a house he loved, and started over. It wasn’t easy. But it was time. And now? He’s content. Single. Open to dating. Not desperate for it. He likes his life. And that’s not nothing.We talked about queer history too. He mentioned Harvey Milk. Said we should still be talking about him. Still learning from him. Still reminding each other that visibility matters, even now. Maybe especially now.I agree!Kevin’s story isn’t one of wild reinvention. It’s quieter than that. It’s about learning to trust yourself. To let go of what people expect and live the way you want. It’s about routine, and crystal, and knowing what time the gym in the morning. 5am. And sharing your family biscotti recipe with friends.It’s about doing the thing that scared you. Then doing it again. And then one day realizing you’ve built a life that fits you just right.Thanks for listening! Until next time, be bold, be free, be you.-David#FriendsLovesAndLife, #KevinChiodini, #QueerStories, #ComingOutLaterInLife, #LGBTQVoices, #FamilyTraditions, #CrystalCollector, #BiscottiBaking, #PalmSpringsLife, #QueerHistory, #AuthenticLiving, #ChosenFamily, #GayMenOver30, #DavidBegorPodcastA Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube. New episodes Wednesday. And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.Connect with me on BlueSky This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

Some people live out loud. Jeff Heinkel lives with just enough humor and mischief to keep you on your toes.In this week’s episode of Friends, Loves, & Life, Jeff shares the kind of life story that reminds you we’re all just figuring it out as we go. He came out in his 30s, got sober after a meth addiction nearly stole his eyesight, and walked away from a long career in television to become a personal trainer in Palm Springs. What he found here surprised even him.We talk about all of it. The gym flirtations. The fear of rejection. The joy of finally living in a body he worked hard to feel good in. The regret of not giving his mother a chance to fully love him as he was. And the kind of friendships that form when you sit by someone’s side during chemo and stay long after.There’s so much laughter in this conversation, but it’s the tenderness underneath that sticks with me. Jeff doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. What he does have is perspective, a lot of heart, and the willingness to keep showing up.He says, “Sometimes it feels like my life is better because I was a drug addict.” Not because it was easy. But because it forced him to rebuild, to choose joy, to become someone he’s proud of.This episode is for anyone who’s made a mess, survived it, and found something beautiful on the other side. It’s for anyone trying to become more of themselves.I hope you enjoy this conversation with my friend Jeff.And my notes from the show intro…👉🏻 Link to Jeff’s Website for Personal Training: www.fitnesscoachps.comThis weekend, I sat in a dark theater with my husband, our son, and a few friends to watch the new Superman. It was good,more comic book than brooding epic, and while I’ll always have a soft spot for Henry Cavill walking out of the ocean shirtless (I mean, come on!), I found myself excited about what’s ahead, especially Supergirl with Milly Alcock. A new take. A new voice.This last week I was also introduced to Andrea Gibson work. They were a poet, an artist, and a light. And even though Andrea passed away, their words are new to me — arriving in my life right on time. Sometimes art shows up exactly when you’re ready to receive it.Until next time, be bold, be free, be you.-David#ComingOutLater, #QueerResilience, #GayAndSober, #LGBTQHealing, #QueerStrength, #GayFitnessJourney, #OpenRelationships, #SoberLife, #RecoveryJourney, #SoberAndProud, #StartingOver, #FromAddictionToRecovery, #HealingThroughMovementA Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube. New episodes Wednesday. And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.Connect with me on BlueSky This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

In this week’s episode of A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life, I sit down with James Lindquist, a community leader, a survivor, and one of those rare people who manages to make you laugh and tear up in the same breath.James grew up in a group home, came out as gay when that still came with consequences, and spent years navigating addiction, shame, and a healthcare system that wasn’t built with people like him in mind. In 2004, after years of drug use, he was diagnosed HIV positive, and that moment, instead of breaking him, cracked him open.What followed was a slow and powerful transformation. James got sober, found his voice, and began doing the kind of work that actually changes lives. Today, as Director of Development at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, he’s focused on food security, community connection, and making sure people feel seen, especially our elders, our youth, and anyone who’s ever felt pushed to the margins.Our conversation covers everything from HIV stigma and recovery, to open relationships, aging in the gay community, and the power of being honest about who you are. James doesn’t romanticize his journey. He doesn’t brand himself as a savior. He simply tells the truth. And in doing so, he reminds us that we are not the only ones. We are not the only ones who have felt unloved, unwanted, or unworthy. And we are not the only ones who have come through it, sometimes scarred, sometimes sparkling, still here.Give it a listen.-DavidAs mentioned in my intro check out The Cheech.👉🏻 riversideartmuseum.org/visit/the-cheech/A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube. New episodes Wednesday. And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.Connect with me on BlueSky #LGBTQVoices #LivingOutLoud #GayAndSober #HIVAwareness #QueerCommunity #ChosenFamily #PrideAllYear #LGBTQPodcast #JamesLindquist #FriendsLovesLife #PalmSpringsPride #FromShameToStrength #SobrietyJourney #AgingWithPride #QueerStoriesMatter This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

Every once in a while, you meet someone whose presence reminds you that joy, resilience, and purpose are not just ideals — they’re choices. They’re the product of hard-won experience and deep personal growth. My guest today, Ted Guice, is exactly that kind of person. His life and work reflect a quiet strength and generosity that leave a mark on everyone he meets. He’s one of those people in the LGBTQ+ community who uses his own challenges, even the darkest ones, as fuel to uplift others. Through honesty, vulnerability, and service, Ted has turned personal setbacks into powerful tools of connection and healing.Ted speaks openly about addiction, self-worth, aging, and the need to keep moving — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He believes in staying connected, making people feel seen, and embracing this chapter of life as the most meaningful yet.In this episode, we explore Ted’s incredible journey, his love of community, his belief in transformation, and the lasting impact of just showing up — for yourself and for others.I hope you enjoy my conversation with my friend, the inspiring Ted Guice.Thanks for listening. If you are interested in connecting with Ted you can find him on his website at TedGuice.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tedguicefitness.Be Bold, Be Free, Be You!-David•••••••••••••••••••••A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with David You can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube. New episodes Wednesday. And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.Connect with me on BlueSky @davidbegor#QueerCommunity  #LGBTQVoices  #AgingWithPride  #HealthyAging  #SeniorFitness  #RecoveryJourney  #FitnessAfter50  #KeepMoving  #QueerPodcast  #SoberLife  #StorytellingMatters  #LGBTQSupport  #MovementMatters  #PodcastEpisode This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

What does real allyship look like? Sometimes, it’s not loud or showy. Sometimes, it’s simply showing up—over and over again. That’s the kind of love and friendship I’ve been lucky enough to have with my guest this week: my high school friend and first true ally, Julie Arie.In this episode of Friends, Loves, and Life, we catch up like no time has passed—from algebra class in 10th grade to cruising the Vegas strip in a Galaxy 500, to growing older, wiser (mostly), and a little softer.Julie has always had a gift for holding space for both love and pain—something she’s done for her parents, her friends, and for me, even when I didn’t make it easy. That’s allyship. It’s showing up when it’s not convenient. It’s saying, “I’ve got you,” when the world says otherwise.We talk about growing up in the 80s, our wild and fearless younger years, the loss of her best friend Margie, what it’s like to be an aunt who loves deeply, and how she honored her mother in her final days—even after a complicated relationship.There’s so much laughter in this episode, but also a lot of heart. Julie reminded me what it means to be truly seen by someone—and how powerful that can be, especially for LGBTQ+ folks navigating their identity in a world that doesn’t always make room.If someone has been that anchor for you—reach out. And if you’ve been that for someone else—thank you. We need more of you.🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and join the conversation.🌈 Be bold. Be free. Be you.-David#QueerVoices #LGBTQ #LGBTQAlly #QueerFriendship #AllyshipInAction #ComingOutStories #ChosenFamily #SupportIsLoveA Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with David You can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube. New episodes Wednesday. And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.Connect with me on BlueSky This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

This week on Friends, Loves, & Life, I sit down with my dear friend Ed Moreno, a man whose life has been full of adventure, transformation, heartbreak, and healing.Ed and I first met at Gold’s Gym in San Francisco back in the day. What started as a flirt turned into a decades-long friendship. In this episode, we talk about everything from wild trips across Europe to the years he spent living fast, after being diagnosed with HIV in 1990 and told he had five years to live. Spoiler alert: he lived, and he lived well.But this conversation isn’t just about surviving. It’s about what came next. It’s about love, growing up, learning to take care of others, and stepping into a different version of yourself. Ed talks about finding the kind of relationship in his 50s that he never thought he’d have, with a partner who grounds him and helps him stay open to joy.We also talk about his parents, Alicia and Eduardo Moreno, who are nothing short of heroes. After Ed came out and shared his HIV status, they became fierce advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in Santa Fe. As founding members of the local PFLAG chapter, their home phone became the official number for anyone in need of support. They were love in action.This episode is filled with humor, vulnerability, and heart. It’s about what we carry, what we outgrow, and the people who help us become more fully ourselves.Listen wherever you get your podcasts. And check the show notes for a link to this beautiful article about Ed’s parents and their legacy.👉🏻 https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/santa-fe-woman-worked-to-support-lgbtq-community/article_9e3d77fc-7cd4-11ee-8ee9-7b75defa7fe8.htmlUntil next time be bold, be free, be you.-David This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

In this episode of Friends, Loves, & Life, I sit down with my dear friend Rich Hajjar for a conversation that’s as vulnerable as it is hilarious. Rich and I go way back—to the early 2000s when we were launching Sex4HotMen, dreaming big, and laughing even bigger. But beyond the shared memories, our friendship has weathered some of life’s most defining chapters. From the wild days of marketing parties in LA to the moment I adopted my son Leo—with Rich riding shotgun—our bond has always run deep.Please note: this episode contains discussion of childhood sexual abuse and suicide. Please skip ahead if needed.In this conversation, Rich opens up in a way that’s rare and powerful. He shares the story of surviving childhood sexual abuse, and the complicated path of healing that followed. From confronting his abuser to supporting his nieces and nephews through loss, Rich brings honesty, compassion, and his signature sharp wit to a subject too often shrouded in silence.We talk about what it means to age as gay men in a world that often overlooks our stories. Rich reflects on living with HIV, facing multiple health challenges, and the strange blessing of getting older when so many of our generation didn’t get the chance. He also talks about the life he’s built with his husband Mike—the laughter, the bickering, and the deep, unwavering love that’s carried them through.And yes, we laugh—a lot. About pool parties in the desert, about being “daddies” in Palm Springs, and about the strange freedom that comes with turning 60 and realizing you no longer need to prove anything to anyone.This conversation is raw, real, and full of heart. Rich reminds us that healing is never linear, that joy and pain often live side by side, and that showing up fully—as messy and imperfect as we are—is the most powerful thing we can do.If this conversation brings anything up for you, please take care. You are not alone. If you’re looking for someone to talk to, resources like:* The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386) 24/7 – thetrevorproject.org* RAINN (1-800-656-HOPE) - Rainn.org* 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call or Text 988 - 988lifeline.orgWatch the full episode now, and if it resonates, share it with someone who needs to hear it.Until next time, Be Bold, Be Free, Be You!– David This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

In this week’s episode of Friends, Loves, & Life, I sit down with my longtime friend Mike Ryan — a creative force, a sharp wit, and someone I once shared an office with above Akbar in Silverlake. We talk about how we met, the business we built together (a gay men’s hook-up site, back before apps ruled the world), and yes — our daily lunches at El Pollo Loco that somehow never got old.But this episode goes deeper.Mike shares, with honesty and clarity, what it was like to come out, and how his relationship with his father — a deeply painful and complicated one — shaped that journey. What struck me most is how he’s now taking those experiences and turning them into fiction: a novel that reimagines the story with heart, creativity, and what-if healing. It’s powerful, and it’s brave.We also reflect on what happens when friendships shift. After years of working side by side, our lives pulled us in different directions. We lost touch. And yet here we are, reconnecting — laughing, remembering, and talking about the things we maybe couldn’t say back then.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to return to a friendship that shaped you, or how people carry trauma and turn it into something beautiful, this episode is for you.Give it a listen. And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.— David This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

In this week’s episode of Friends, Loves, & Life, I sit down with someone I’ve known for nearly 25 years—Dr. Alex del Rosario. He’s an HIV specialist, a leather man, a deeply thoughtful gay doctor, and one of the most open, generous people I know. Talking with Alex always feels like pulling up a chair with someone who just gets it—and this conversation is no exception.We cover a lot of ground. We talk about sex (a lot of it), aging, HIV, self-acceptance, and what it means to love someone for over two decades. Alex shares how becoming HIV positive gave his life and career direction. We talk about how he met his husband on, a now long-defunct hook-up site, pig sex party, and what it’s like doing sexual health outreach in full leather gear. Yes—leather pants, harness, the whole deal.There are serious moments, too. Alex opens up about the impact of recent political decisions on HIV funding, what it’s like for his trans patients to navigate care right now, and how the medical system—still—can make people feel ashamed just for being themselves. His insight into all of this is sharp, compassionate, and really important.And then there’s the joy. We laugh a lot—about gym run-ins, naked hikes, pheromone attraction, and how growing older sometimes just means leaning harder into your kinks and your truth. Alex reminds me (and maybe you, too) that being out and open isn’t just an act of resistance—it’s also a celebration.One of my favorite parts of this episode is when we reflect on how our friendship has evolved, and how he and his husband supported me during my first year of fatherhood. Honestly, without friends like them, I don’t know how I would’ve made it through those early months.Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or just someone who appreciates a raw, funny, and deeply honest conversation about life, love, and the messiness in between—this episode is worth your time.Just a gentle reminder: this one’s not for young ears. We talk openly about sex, kink, gay culture, and medical realities—so maybe save it for after bedtime or that solo drive you’ve been meaning to take.Join me and Dr. Alex as we get to the heart of it.Until next time, be bold, be free, be you. DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube. New episodes Wednesday. And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

In this episode of Friends, Loves, and Life, I sit down with my longtime friend Sean Rhodes for a moving, funny, and deeply honest conversation about identity, reinvention at 60, and the messy beauty of starting over. Sean opens up about being adopted, finding his birth mother, ending a relationship in midlife, and what it really means to evolve. We also talk about his final AIDS Lifecycle Ride—a powerful tribute to resilience and community. It’s a raw, heartfelt episode full of reflection, humor, and hope.This episode is a full, messy, beautiful portrait of what it means to live authentically and imperfectly. It’s a reminder that even through loss, change, and aging, there’s joy in becoming who we’re meant to be.If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s too late to change your life, this episode is for you. If you’ve ever felt the ache of loss, or the thrill of rediscovering your strength, you’ll find something here that resonates.You can support Sean’s final AIDS Lifecycle Ride by visiting aidslifecycle.org and searching for participant Sean Rhodes (#45616). The ride takes place the first week of June.You can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube. New episodes Wednesday. And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

Welcome to the very first episode of Friends, Loves, & Life! I’m so excited to finally share this project with you—and it felt only right to start this journey with the person who’s been beside me for nearly two decades: my husband, Derek.This episode is more than just an interview. It’s a conversation between two people who met in the most ordinary (yet hilarious) way and built an extraordinary life together. We talk about how we met—yes, it started with a gym, a trainer, and a compliment I blurted out without thinking—and what it’s been like to grow as individuals and as a couple through twenty years of love, parenting, major moves, and all the chaos and beauty that come with that.One of the things I’ve always appreciated about Derek is how thoughtful he is, and in this episode, you’ll hear that. We dive into parenting—especially what it meant for him to step into raising another child after already raising one. We touch on how we’ve navigated big decisions like where to live, how to support each other’s careers, and what commitment looks like when it’s rooted in mutual respect rather than rigid expectations.We also explore the emotional layers of our relationship—what it means to be monogamous when you’ve never actually sat down and made that decision consciously, and how our past experiences, fears, and growth shaped the partnership we have today. For both of us, love and family didn’t follow a straight line. We came together with history, with wounds, and with lessons—and we made something out of that. Something real. Something imperfect. Something lasting.I hope this episode feels like sitting down with two people who’ve loved deeply, made mistakes, laughed a lot, and are still figuring it out together. Because that’s what this show is about—real conversations, shared experiences, and getting to the heart of it all.If you’re in a relationship, have been in one, want to be in one, or are just curious about how two queer men built a life together, I think you’ll find something in here that resonates. Maybe you’ll laugh at our awkward gym meet-cute. Maybe you’ll nod along when we talk about moving and longing for “home.” Maybe you’ll feel seen when we get vulnerable about insecurity and self-worth.However it lands for you, I hope you take something from it—and if you do, please share it with someone who might need it too.You can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube. New episodes Wednesday. And if you enjoy it, leave a review—it helps more than you know.Thanks for being here at the beginning of this journey. There’s more to come. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be a guest one day.Until next time,David#FriendsLovesLife #LGBTQPodcast #QueerLove #RelationshipGoals #GayDads #PodcastLaunch #DavidBegor This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com

Join me, David Begor, each week as I sit down with old and new friends to explore love, identity, growth, and the messy beauty of being human. New episodes drop every Wednesday.A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life launches May 14, 2025 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube.To kick things off, my first guest is my husband, Derek.We talk about what it means to grow together, what we’ve learned after 18 years, and how we keep choosing each other through it all.I hope you’ll give it a listen—and come along for the conversations.Together, we’ll get to the heart of it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com