PODCAST
Michelle Meow, host and producer of “The Michelle Meow Show,” is your A-Z, covering the LGBT, LMNOP, and everyone in between. She attended San Francisco State University and received a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and shortly after started her career in radio. Michelle’s show can be heard in San Francisco and nationally on the Progressive Voices Network. The local TV show can be seen on KBCW TV, Ch 44/ Cable 712 Sunday nights at 1030pm.
Interested in being a podcast contributor? We want to hear from you! Visit interpride.org/podcastcontributor to submit ideas, suggestions, and feedback!
Become a podcast partner!
InterPod, The Global Voices of Pride Podcast, powered by InterPride, where the world comes together for the LGBTQIA+ community! InterPod, powered by InterPride is hosted by Michelle Meow, who brings on guests from all over the world to broaden the audience’s understanding of queer, trans, and Pride culture and politics, to surprise and delight listeners with unexpected points of view, and to invite listeners into a vibrant conversation about the issues that are animating the global LGBTQIA+ communities.
2023 Episodes
September 2023: Florida’s Anti-Trans Legislation
Introducing InterPod: The Global Voices of Pride Podcast | Episode 41— Florida’s Anti-Trans Legislation.
Discover the power of community support with InterPod, the InterPride podcast series that unites the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide.
The LGBTQIA+ community has made remarkable strides in the ongoing battle for acceptance and visibility. At InterPod, we believe in amplifying these voices and ensuring they resonate far and wide. Join us as we shed light on the tireless efforts of LGBTQIA+ individuals who have dedicated decades to fighting for their right to be seen and heard.
About Episode 41
Legislation targeting our trans community continues in the State of Florida. Listen in as we talk with Nathan Bruemmer about the impact and ongoing efforts to fight back!
About Nathan Bruemmer (he/him/his)
Nathan Bruemmer is the former Executive Director of ALSO Youth in Sarasota, FL — a community center focusing on outreach, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth. He is a recent graduate of Stetson University College of Law where he was a member of Stetson Law’s Trial Team, Dispute Resolution Board, and Journal of Advocacy and the Law. Nathan is a Florida native, a graduate of the University of South Florida and a former teacher in Hillsborough County. He has worked as a consultant, educator and advocate on behalf of LGBTQ+ youth, the transgender community, and those impacted by food and housing insecurity.
Nathan was named one of the Tampa Bay Area’s “Most Remarkable People” in 2018 by Watermark Media. The Tampa Bay Business Journal presented him with the Business of Pride “Outstanding Voice Award” for his advocacy work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community in 2017.
Nathan currently serves as the President and acting Executive Director of St Pete Pride. He also serves on the Sarasota County Bar Association’s Council of Diversity and Inclusion, the TransAction Florida Advisory Council, and the Board of Directors for the Rainbow Housing Coalition.
July 2023: The Elephant In The Room | Part Two
The Elephant in the Room Series | Part Two with Kenita Placide
The InterPride podcast series, InterPod, The Global Voices of Pride Podcast, where the world comes together for the LGBTQIA+ community, is proud to launch our 40th episode, The Elephant in the Room Series | Part Two with Kenita Placide, with series host Richard Brethour-Bell, Vice President, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion | Co-Chair, Human Rights Committee | Coordinator, Racism & Oppression Awareness Program (ROAP) at InterPride.
The LGBTQIA+ community has come a long way in the fight for acceptance. However, our voices matter and will be heard. Many LGBTQIA+ community members have fought for decades for the right to be seen and heard.
About Episode 40
In this episode, we’re proud to feature part two of the “Elephant in the Room” series as part of our Racism & Oppression Awareness Program (ROAP). Let’s address all forms of oppression in our community, including anti-Blackness and racism.
Kenita Placide (they/them)
Kenita Placide is a nonbinary native of the island/country of Saint Lucia. They are the Founder and Executive Director of the Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality(ECADE). They are social justice and human rights advocates with a specific focus on Health and HIV, women’s rights, LGBT rights, youth, and climate change. They have advocated HIV and human rights, including women, youth, and LGBTI issues, for over 16 years and have worn many hats to bring attention and funding to the smaller islands in the eastern part of the Caribbean. ECADE is an independent umbrella organization, including organizations operating in the small islands in the eastern Caribbean from the Virgin Islands down to Grenada. They are the founder and organizer of the only Caribbean Women and Sexual Diversity Conference from 2013 to the present.
About Our Series Host
Richard Brethour-Bell (he/him)
Richard Brethour-Bell (Vice President, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion | Co-Chair, Human Rights Committee | Coordinator, Racism & Oppression Awareness Program at InterPride) was raised in South Central Los Angeles, California. At age 12, he became one of the few inner-city students chosen to attend school in the affluent West San Fernando Valley of L.A. County. After graduating high school, Richard could not afford to attend college. However, the dream of becoming a college graduate never left him. After struggling with his sexuality for decades, Richard began to live his authentic life in his 30s. He met his partner James Brethour in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 2008, and the two married in James’ native Toronto, Canada, in 2010. They now live in Los Alamos, NM. The moment Richard accepted his truth, he began to fight for equality. He spoke before the New Mexico State Senate, demanding the right to marry after witnessing friends lose their homes and financial security when a partner died. He joined the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance (HRA), the organization that produces Santa Fe Pride and became president. The organization created an LGBT+ Presidential Scholarship for the local community college.
In addition to leading the HRA, Richard has served as Region 3 director, CAPI VP, and WorldPride Co-Chair. Richard and James started a small business, and Richard completed college, earned a Master’s in Healthcare Administration, received a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Disabilities (LEND) fellowship, and is now in the process of completing a Special Education Teaching certification. He currently works for the New Mexico Corrections Department Health Services Bureau. There, Richard provides workshops for inmates and their families on Substance Use Disorders, Opioid Overdose Prevention, Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Cultural Humility, and a variety of other topics in a combined effort with the Department of Health to reduce overdose deaths, and recidivism. Richard’s public speaking extends outside of his secular position. He has given workshops on Implicit Bias Awareness, Rainbow Racism, Misandry and Misogyny, and Autism and the LGBT+ Community to multiple pride organizations, businesses, and schools, domestic and international. As V.P. of Accessibility, Diversity & Inclusion, I will continue to promote equality and equity to continue the evolution of InterPride. We’ve made strides, but now is not the time to rest on our laurels and continue striving for growth, inclusion, and accessibility. When InterPride is strong, we’re in a better position to support membership.
Want to contribute as a guest?
Visit www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor
News Contributor
Global LGBTQIA+ News Update By Michael K. Lavers, the international news editor of the Washington Blade.
June 2023: Taiwan After Marriage Equality
Introducing InterPod: The Global Voices of Pride Podcast | Episode 39 — Taiwan After Marriage Equality.
Discover the power of community support with InterPod, the InterPride podcast series that unites the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide.
The LGBTQIA+ community has made remarkable strides in the ongoing battle for acceptance and visibility. At InterPod, we believe in amplifying these voices and ensuring they resonate far and wide. Join us as we shed light on the tireless efforts of LGBTQIA+ individuals who have dedicated decades to fighting for their right to be seen and heard.
About Episode 39
Taiwan became the first Asian country to pass marriage equality back in 2019. We discuss with members of Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association 台灣同志諮詢熱線協會, the first official LGBTQIA+ organization in the country, what Taiwan is like now towards LGBTQIA+ rights.
About Sean Sih-Cheng Du (he/him)
Sean Sih-Cheng Du, Secretary-General, Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ+) Hotline Association Sean joined Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ+) Hotline Association in 2002 as a volunteer and has been since actively involved in the work on gender education and HIV prevention. He became Hotline’s Director of Policy Advocacy in 2011 and the Secretary-General in 2021. His work includes gay men’s sexual health, workplace equality, and international affairs. He was a board member of the Taiwan Equality Campaign and a member of the Taipei City Committee of Gender Equality.
About Mei-Ying Juan (she/her)
Mei-Ying Juan, Director of Marketing, Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ+) Hotline Association Mei-Ying formerly gained experience as a social worker in sexual violence and HIV/AIDS. She is the first straight employee in Hotline as the Director of Marketing since 2015, and now she is responsible for telephone consultation service, connecting social movements aiming to publicize LGBTQ+ activities and workplace equality.
Want to contribute as a guest?
Visit www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor
News Contributor
Global LGBTQIA+ News Update By Michael K. Lavers, the international news editor of the Washington Blade.
June 2023: Mpox & Pride 2023
Introducing InterPod: The Global Voices of Pride Podcast | Episode 38 — Mpox & Pride 2023 with Dr. Demetre C. Daskalakis and Dr. Nikki Romanik.
Discover the power of community support with InterPod, the InterPride podcast series that unites the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide.
The LGBTQIA+ community has made remarkable strides in the ongoing battle for acceptance and visibility. At InterPod, we believe in amplifying these voices and ensuring they resonate far and wide. Join us as we shed light on the tireless efforts of LGBTQIA+ individuals who have dedicated decades to fighting for their right to be seen and heard.
About Episode 38
Our latest episode is focused on Pride 2023, which means we’ll gather in large crowds or participate in activities in which we should have an “anti-body” plan. We speak to Dr. Demetre Daskalakis and Dr. Nikki Romanik from The White House about the current status of Mpox.
About Dr. Demetre C. Daskalakis (he/him)
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis is an infectious disease physician who serves as the Deputy Coordinator of the White House National Mpox Response. Prior to his appointment, he served locally and nationally as a leader in public health as the Director for the Division of HIV Prevention at the CDC, Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Disease Control, and Assistant Commissioner for the Bureau of HIV at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Dr. Daskalakis is recognized internationally as an expert in HIV prevention and has focused much of his career on the treatment and prevention of HIV and other STIs as an activist physician with a focus on LGBTQ+ communities. He has also served in leadership roles in several other public health emergencies.
About Dr. Nikki Romanik (she/her)
Dr. Romanik is the Senior Policy Advisor for Mpox National Coordinator & Deputy Coordinator at the White House.
Want to contribute as a guest?
Visit www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor
News Contributor
Global LGBTQIA+ News Update By Michael K. Lavers, the international news editor of the Washington Blade.
May 2023: Save A Pride Organization
The InterPride podcast series, InterPod, The Global Voices of Pride Podcast, where the world comes together for the LGBTQIA+ community, is proud to launch our 37th episode, Calling In The Community To Save A Pride Organization From Challenging Times with Fernando Zweifach Lopez, (them/them/theirs), Executive Director of San Diego Pride.
The LGBTQIA+ community has come a long way in the fight for acceptance. However, our voices matter and will be heard. Many LGBTQIA+ community members have fought for decades for the right to be seen and heard.
About Episode 37
Hear from Fernando and their journey coming out and how they transformed San Diego Pride!
About Our Guest Speaker
Fernando Zweifach Lopez (them/them/theirs)
Fernando Z. Lopez, the Executive Director for San Diego LGBT Pride, moved to San Diego in 1999 as a homeless youth and has since become a prominent LGBT community leader through their work with organizations such as Equality California and Marriage Equality USA, advocating for the rights of LGBT individuals, couples, and families.
Want to contribute as a guest?
Visit www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor
News Contributor
Global LGBTQIA+ News Update By Michael K. Lavers, the international news editor of the Washington Blade.
May 2023: The Elephant In The Room | Part One
The InterPride podcast series, InterPod, The Global Voices of Pride Podcast, where the world comes together for the LGBTQIA+ community, is proud to launch our 36th episode, The Elephant in the Room Series | Part One with Mino Likwasi, with series host Richard Brethour-Bell, Vice President, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion | Co-Chair, Human Rights Committee | Coordinator, Racism & Oppression Awareness Program (ROAP) at InterPride.
The LGBTQIA+ community has come a long way in the fight for acceptance. However, our voices matter and will be heard. Many LGBTQIA+ community members have fought for decades for the right to be seen and heard.
About Episode 36
On this IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia, and Transphobia, we’re proud to feature part one of the “Elephant in the Room” series as part of our Racism & Oppression Awareness Program (ROAP). Let’s address all forms of oppression in our community, including anti-Blackness and racism.
About Our Guest Speaker
Mino Likwasi (they/them)
Mino Likwasi is a Zambian queer activist who co-founded the Women’s Alliance for Equality (WAFE). When Mino and their colleague noticed that visibility and interventions were mostly targeted at gay men, they decided to form WAFE, which aims to create a space for LBQ voices to be amplified within the broader LGBTQIA+ movement in Zambia. Along with being the co-founder of WAFE, Mino is also a trustee of The Other Foundation.
About Our Series Host
Richard Brethour-Bell (he/him)
Richard Brethour-Bell (Vice President, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion | Co-Chair, Human Rights Committee | Coordinator, Racism & Oppression Awareness Program at InterPride) was raised in South Central Los Angeles, California. At age 12, he became one of the few inner-city students chosen to attend school in the affluent West San Fernando Valley of L.A. County. After graduating high school, Richard could not afford to attend college. However, the dream of becoming a college graduate never left him. After struggling with his sexuality for decades, Richard began to live his authentic life in his 30s. He met his partner James Brethour in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 2008, and the two married in James’ native Toronto, Canada, in 2010. They now live in Los Alamos, NM. The moment Richard accepted his truth, he began to fight for equality. He spoke before the New Mexico State Senate, demanding the right to marry after witnessing friends lose their homes and financial security when a partner died. He joined the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance (HRA), the organization that produces Santa Fe Pride and became president. The organization created an LGBT+ Presidential Scholarship for the local community college.
In addition to leading the HRA, Richard has served as Region 3 director, CAPI VP, and WorldPride Co-Chair. Richard and James started a small business, and Richard completed college, earned a Master’s in Healthcare Administration, received a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Disabilities (LEND) fellowship, and is now in the process of completing a Special Education Teaching certification. He currently works for the New Mexico Corrections Department Health Services Bureau. There, Richard provides workshops for inmates and their families on Substance Use Disorders, Opioid Overdose Prevention, Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Cultural Humility, and a variety of other topics in a combined effort with the Department of Health to reduce overdose deaths, and recidivism. Richard’s public speaking extends outside of his secular position. He has given workshops on Implicit Bias Awareness, Rainbow Racism, Misandry and Misogyny, and Autism and the LGBT+ Community to multiple pride organizations, businesses, and schools, domestic and international. As V.P. of Accessibility, Diversity & Inclusion, I will continue to promote equality and equity to continue the evolution of InterPride. We’ve made strides, but now is not the time to rest on our laurels and continue striving for growth, inclusion, and accessibility. When InterPride is strong, we’re in a better position to support membership.
Want to contribute as a guest?
Visit www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor.
News Contributor
Global LGBTQIA+ News Update By Michael K. Lavers, the international news editor of the Washington Blade.
March 2023: TDoV, with Jannat Ali
The InterPride podcast series, InterPod, The Global Voices of Pride Podcast, where the world comes together for the LGBTQIA+ community, is proud to launch our 35th episode, TDoV, with Jannat Ali.
The LGBTQIA+ community has come a long way in the fight for acceptance. However, our voices matter and will be heard. Many LGBTQIA+ community members have fought for decades for the right to be seen and heard.
About Episode 35
Guest Speaker: Jannat Ali (she/her)
We recognize Trans Day of Visibility (TDoV) by speaking to one of our own, Jannat Ali, Co-Chair, GAC Board Member, Co-Chair, Human Rights & Diversity. We talked to Jannat during Sydney WorldPride 2023 about what she wanted the community to take away from the Human Rights Conference: the success of passing a pro-LGBTQIA+ bill, especially from a country like Pakistan, and how she’s handling anti-Trans attacks.
Listen in as we hear from Jannat Ali from Pakistan!
About Jannat Ali (she/her)
Jannat Ali is an MBA Gold Medalist, Transgender Artivist (Artist + Activist), and the Executive Director of a Community-Based Organization, Track-T. She is a TEDx motivational speaker, World Economic Forum Member, Global Trainer, and Change Mentor. Her work includes community capacity development, sensitization of civil society and institutions, advocacy, and trans healthcare. She is the founder of the Trans Pride March in Pakistan and has contributed immensely to the Legislation for the Protection of Trans Rights. Currently, she hosts a show, “Journey with Jannat.” Recently serving as the first Transgender Lecturer in Punjab at UMT (University of Management and Technology). She has traveled to and represented in more than 37 countries through her performance motivational speaker, panelist, trainer, ambassador, and Co-Chair of the Human Rights & Diversity Committee with InterPride. She is also Global Advisory Board Member at Dignity Network Canada.
Want to contribute as a guest?
Visit www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor.
News Contributor
Global LGBTQIA+ News Update By Michael K. Lavers, the international news editor of the Washington Blade.
March 2023: Uganda LGBTQIA+ Community
The InterPride podcast series, InterPod, The Global Voices of Pride Podcast, where the world comes together for the LGBTQIA+ community, is proud to launch our 34th episode, Uganda LGBTQIA+ Community Fighting For Their Lives.
The LGBTQIA+ community has come a long way in the fight for acceptance. However, our voices matter and will be heard. Many LGBTQIA+ community members have fought for decades for the right to be seen and heard.
About Episode 34
Guest Speaker: Steven Muleme (he/him)
Uganda has approved some of the world’s harshest anti-gay laws, making homosexual acts punishable by death and imposing up to 20 years in prison for people identifying as LGBTQIA+.
Our guest speaker, Steven Muleme (he/him) is a gay Ugandan LGBTQIA+ advocate, founder, and director of an organization called Visual Echoes for Human Rights Advocacy (VEHRA), which he founded in 2017. The organization brings together some of Uganda’s most marginalized LGBTQIA+ community members to connect through sport, art, and economic empowerment. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Industrial art and design from Nkumba University.
Steven is also the Illustrator for UHAI EASHRI. He holds certificates in HIV/AIDS prevention and training for the LGBTQIA+ community and a certificate in project planning and management from Arrow Empirical Research & Skills Enhancement Co.Ltd Makerere University.
Listen in as we hear from Steven on the situation in Uganda.
Want to contribute as a guest
Visit www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor.
News Contributor
Global LGBTQIA+ News Update By Michael K. Lavers, the international news editor of the Washington Blade.
January 2023: Kristine Garina EPOA
The InterPride podcast series, InterPod, The Global Voices of Pride Podcast, where the world comes together for the LGBTQIA+ community, is proud to launch our 33rd episode, Russian Invasion in Ukraine, Belgrade Pride, why we have no choice but to continue the work!
The LGBTQIA+ community has come a long way in the fight for acceptance. However, our voices matter and will be heard. Many LGBTQIA+ community members have fought for decades for the right to be seen and heard.
Guest Speaker: Kristine Garina (she/her)
Kristine is a human rights activist with experience in organizing Prides in hostile and homophobic environments and has a vast experience in the security of Prides and human rights defenders in Eastern Europe and post-Soviet states. Kristine was a co-chair of EuroPride 2015 in Riga. Kristine, one of the founders of MOZAIKA, has been on the organization’s board since 2006. She has held the position of chair of Mozaika’s board for several years. She joined the Board of EPOA in 2013 and was elected President in 2015.
Want to contribute as a guest?
Visit www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor.
News Contributor
Global LGBTQIA+ News Update By Michael K. Lavers, the international news editor of the Washington Blade.
January 2023: InterPod 2022 Highlights!
The InterPride podcast series, InterPod, where the world comes together for the LGBTQIA+ community, is proud to launch our 32nd episode, InterPod 2022 Highlights!
The LGBTQIA+ community has come a long way in the fight for acceptance. However, our voices matter and will be heard. Many LGBTQIA+ community members have fought for decades for the right to be seen and heard.
About Episode 32
This episode includes a brief summary of LGBTQIA+ voices from 2022 in Ukraine, Vietnam, and Qatar and the importance of Transgender Day of Visibility.
Want to contribute as a guest?
Visit www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor.
News Contributor
Global LGBTQIA+ News Update By Michael K. Lavers, the international news editor of the Washington Blade.
InterPod, The Global Voices of Pride Podcast, powered by InterPride, where the world comes together for the LGBTQIA+ community! InterPod, powered by InterPride is hosted by Michelle Meow, who brings on guests from all over the world to broaden the audience’s understanding of queer, trans, and Pride culture and politics, to surprise and delight listeners with unexpected points of view, and to invite listeners into a vibrant conversation about the issues that are animating the global LGBTQIA+ communities.
