OutCasting: Recent Episodes
Media for the Public Good
Uniting LGBTQ youth, straight allies, and the power of media in advocacy for a less unjust world. LGBTQ issues seen from the rarely heard perspectives of LGBTQ youth and straight allies -- not by and for LGBTQ youth, but by LGBTQ youth and straight allies and for anyone who wants to better understand LGBTQ issues -- parents, grandparents, kids, relatives, straight, LGBTQ, or whatever! Updated on or about the 1st, 11th, and 21st of each month.
The anti-gay Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), declared unconstitutional in 2013 and 2015, required many same-sex couples to either break up or leave the country. Originally presented in 2014.
For many gay teens, it’s easier to come out than it was for earlier generations. But OutCasting youth broadcaster Adam disagrees with friends who say that being gay has no more effect on people than having brown eyes. Originally presented in 2016.
Youth broadcaster Juliana talks with a California state senator and LGBTQ youth advocates in Tennessee in this edition that was originally presented in 2012.
OutCasters Andrew and Amalee consider why some people think that showing anything about gay people is inappropriate for children to see. Originally presented in 2019.
Youth broadcaster Travis talks with Christopher Z. Hobson, a gay elder, about the gap that LGBTQ youth experience when their people’s history is suppressed. Originally presented in 2017.
What happens when a boy bunny wants to marry another boy bunny? Originally presented in May 2018.
January 2023 - OutCasting youth broadcaster Amalee talks about about her experiences with her medical transition. Originally presented in 2018.
Following yet another American mass shooting, OutCasting youth broadcaster Brianna reflects on the Pulse massacre in 2016.
December 2022 - What are the factors to consider when young transgender people want to medically transition? Guests Dr. John Steever and Dr. Matthew Oransky.
Brianna, an OutCasting youth broadcaster, talks about the worst lie she ever had to tell. Originally presented in June 2016.
November 2022 - What are the factors to consider when young transgender people want to medically transition? Guests Dr. John Steever and Dr. Matthew Oransky.
Declan was born and raised as a girl, but he’s trans masculine. What has he found out from living on both sides of the gender "fence"?
October 2022 - Trans people can face enormous discrimination. What happens when it affects their medical care?
Statistics show that LGBTQ youth are at much higher risk of self-harm than non-LGBTQ youth. But sometimes, as Isha says, bad things can happen even when things seem to be OK.
September 2022 - Trans people can face enormous discrimination. What happens when it affects their medical care?
It can be an unfair burden when LGBTQ teenagers are asked by friends and family to be “the authority” about LGBTQ issues. But what happens if they prefer not to be?
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? This month, OutCasting youth broadcaster Isah concludes her conversation with our guest, the eminent civil rights attorney Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal, about religious liberty and how it can conflict with another constitutional guarantee, equality. In this episode: How is the ongoing fight for LGBTQ equality affected when the courts impose religious beliefs on the public? In the wake of the Supreme Court reversal of Roe v. Wade, are settled rights like marriage equality really safe? Where does freedom of religious belief cross the line into harming other people? How can young people make a difference in the fight for equality? And most foundationally: Should the constitutional right of LGBTQ people to be equal under the law be denied in order to avoid offending some people’s religious beliefs?In this final part of this extensive series, which features OutCaster Isha’s interview with civil rights lawyer Jennifer C. Pizer, we consider one of the most foundational questions we've raised: Should the constitutional right of LGBTQ people to be equal under the law be denied in order not to offend some people’s religious beliefs?
Youth broadcaster Carys talks about the hellish life of her friend Darwin, whose trans identity is rejected by his family. The emptiness left behind can be devastating.
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? This month, our guest, the eminent civil rights attorney Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal, continues her conversation with OutCaster Isha about religious liberty and how it can conflict with another constitutional guarantee, equality. In this episode: Is it "indoctrination" when schools teach kids about LGBTQ issues? How do we respond when parents and schools seek to censor what's discussed in schools in the name of "protecting" children? In this edition, we explore the myths pushed by right-wing politicians -- the people who are actually abusing children through their anti-LGBTQ policies. We also talk about what to do when the courts undermine equality and the separation of church and state.
Shoshana first attended Pride march at 12. What has she learned since then, and how has it affected her understanding of why we celebrate Pride?
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? This month, our guest, the eminent civil rights attorney Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal, continues her conversation with OutCaster Isha about religious liberty and how it can conflict with another constitutional guarantee, equality. In this episode: The constitution is supposed to guarantee equality for all. But is the movement to advance equality for LGBTQ people endangered as the wall of separation between church and state is being eroded? Is the movement trying to dictate what religions can do, and can people embrace LGBTQ equality without giving up their religious beliefs?
What does a straight teenager do when he sees a lesbian schoolmate being taunted - and why?
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? This month, our guest, the eminent civil rights attorney Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal, continues her conversation with OutCaster Isha about religious liberty and how it can conflict with another constitutional guarantee, equality. In this episode: Martin Luther King said that the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice. But does it bend toward justice all by itself? On this edition of OutCasting, youth broadcaster Isha continues her conversation with civil rights attorney Jennifer C. Pizer about the ongoing work to decrease the inequality imposed on LGBTQ people by religiously-based discrimination.
Are schools actually "grooming centers of gender identity radicals"? And what does that mean, anyway — pedophilia?
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? This month, our guest, the eminent civil rights attorney Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal, continues her conversation with OutCaster Isha about religious liberty and how it can conflict with another constitutional guarantee, equality. In this episode: The Biden administration’s work to undo the anti-LGBTQ policies of the Trump administration; current status of the Equality Act; growth in inclusivity in the LGBTQ rights movement and how the movement advances.
Should you have to be very visibly gay, or undergo medical transition if you're trans, to “earn your place”
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? This month, our guest, the eminent civil rights attorney Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal, continues her conversation with OutCaster Isha about religious liberty and how it can conflict with another constitutional guarantee, equality. In this episode: Does it violate the separation between church and state if the Supreme Court requires a state to pay for religious education? How are religious rights being expanded to allow people to disregard the law? How do laws that target LGBTQ people for unequal treatment increase the risk of violence?
The towering activist's death inspires Tim, a young straight ally, to consider his own place in activism.
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? This month, our guest, the eminent civil rights attorney Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal, continues her conversation with OutCaster Isha about religious liberty and how it can conflict with another constitutional guarantee, equality. In this episode: The Supreme Court may overrule Roe v. Wade, which could limit or even eliminate women’s constitutional rights to choose abortion. What could this mean for LGBTQ rights that have been recognized by the Court? Also: the public perception of the Court’s legitimacy; the difference between discrimination and mere different treatment; and a case in Maine that could further erode the separation between church and state by requiring taxpayers to fund religious education.
OutCaster Tim considers why many LGBTQ conservatives don’t feel at home in the LGBTQ community.
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? This month, our guest, the eminent civil rights attorney Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal, continues her conversation with OutCaster Isha about religious liberty and how it can conflict with another constitutional guarantee, equality. In this episode: religious belief, religiously motivated behavior, and the golden rule; Supreme Court Justice Alito's fiery and controversial speech about religious liberty to the Federalist Society; the claiming of victimhood by religious people when civil rights laws don't allow them to discriminate; and considering the expansion of the Supreme Court and the lower federal courts to restore balance.
Biden campaign promise; rapper Da Baby gratuitously slams gay people; NJ reckons with past harassment of gay bars. Sarah returns after a couple of years off during middle school. She talks with Justin about her interest in the ancient Greek poet Sappho — and more.
The OutCasting team reflects on how the holidays can be stressful and even excruciating for LGBTQ teenagers.
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? This month, our guest, the eminent civil rights attorney Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal, continues her conversation with OutCaster Isha about religious liberty and how it can conflict with another constitutional guarantee, equality. In this episode: rebuilding the eroded wall between church and state; envisioning the legal approach of the newest Supreme Court justice, Amy Coney Barrett, on religious liberty and LGBTQ issues; examining the Court’s approaches to abortion and Covid through the lens of religious liberty; and the gap between reality and the ideals that the United States is supposed to represent.
Biden campaign promise; rapper Da Baby gratuitously slams gay people; NJ reckons with past harassment of gay bars.
People get outraged by the idea, but what if the LGBTQ kids are the ones who actually feel threatened?
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? This month, our guest, the eminent civil rights attorney Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal, continues her conversation with OutCaster Isha about religious liberty and how it can conflict with another constitutional guarantee, equality. In this episode: rebuilding the eroded wall between church and state; envisioning the legal approach of the newest Supreme Court justice, Amy Coney Barrett, on religious liberty and LGBTQ issues; examining the Court’s approaches to abortion and Covid through the lens of religious liberty; and the gap between reality and the ideals that the United States is supposed to represent.
What's it like for a teenager to have two moms, and how do you react when your friends have odd or even strange reactions?
Sex ed is controversial enough, but what happens when it doesn’t meet the needs of LGBTQ students?
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? This month, our guest, the eminent civil rights attorney Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal, continues her conversation with OutCaster Isha about a June 2021 Supreme Court case that affirmed a Catholic adoption agency's religious liberty to discriminate.
Rose’s favorite things to read, her interest in music, and her discovery of new communities within LGBTQ+.
Where did these slurs come from, what do young people think about them, and is it OK for people to use them today?
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? This month, our guest, the eminent civil rights attorney Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal, continues her conversation with OutCaster Isha about a June 2021 Supreme Court case that affirmed a Catholic adoption agency's religious liberty to discriminate.
OutCasters Isha and Rose quiz each other on current topics: 14 year old, kicked out of his home for being gay, is adopted by two dads and testifies before Congress; Covid's effect on LGBTQ people; anti-LGBTQ Florida governor.
The media objectify women - nothing new there. But there are real-world consequences for women, particularly for LGBTQ women.
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? This month, our guest, the eminent civil rights attorney Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal, continues her conversation with OutCaster Isha about a June 2021 Supreme Court case that affirmed a Catholic adoption agency's religious liberty to discriminate.
OutCasters Isha and Rose quiz each other on current topics: cures for homosexuality when it was still a mental illness and trans drama from Tennessee lawmakers.
We observe a dark anniversary: forty years ago this month, The New York Times published the first mainstream press article about the pandemic now known as HIV/AIDS. Today, kids learn about it merely as another STI. OutCaster Lil considers what's lost when the homophobic context in which the pandemic unfolded is excluded from students' education.
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? Conversation between OutCaster Isha and Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal.
OutCasters Justin and Isha quiz each other on current topics: correlation between legality of homosexuality and HIV infection; the gay and trans panic defense; and the latest LGBTQ news from Arkansas and South Dakota.
It's June and time to celebrate LGBTQ Pride. But exactly what do we celebrate, and is the LGBTQ community one big happy family?
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? Conversation between OutCasters Lucas II and Isha and Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal. Part 10 of an in-depth series.
Isha comments on a Vatican statement seemingly at odds with Francis's past statements on LGBTQ people.
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? Conversation between OutCaster Lucas and Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal. Part 9 of an in-depth series.
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? Conversation between OutCaster Lucas and Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal. Part 8 of an in-depth series.
Abhiram and Vivian talk about the overturning of former President Trump's trans military ban and conversion therapy.
OutCaster Vivian recounts her feelings when a store wanted her to buy a generic rainbow T-shirt – for $40.00.
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? Conversation between OutCaster Lucas and Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal. Part 7 of an in-depth series.
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? Conversation between OutCaster Lucas and Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal. Part 6 of an in-depth series.
OutCasters Chris and Justin. This month: Trans actors playing trans roles; a new statement from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; LGBTQ controversy at a Starbucks location.
OutCaster Vivian talks about how LGBTQ teens who are dating can get the support and validation they need from friends, teachers, and -- hopefully -- family.
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? Conversation between OutCaster Lucas and Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal. Part 5 of an in-depth series.
OutCasters Justin and Lil. This month: President-elect Joe Biden’s campaign promise to LGBTQ people; LGBTQ reactions to changes on the Supreme Court.
OutCaster Justin talks about what it means to LGBTQ youth -- especially struggling youth -- to see LGBTQ people elected to public office.
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? Conversation between OutCaster Lucas and Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal. Part 4 of a series.
OutCasters Chris and Justin test each other's knowledge of how Swedes protested against defining homosexuality as an illness and the origin of the word lesbian.
OutCaster Lil presents the OutCasting team's views on the statement from Justices Thomas and Alito.
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? Conversation between OutCaster Lucas and Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal. Part 3 of a series.
OutCaster Chris considers the legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg for LGBTQ youth.
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? Conversation between OutCaster Lucas and Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal. Part 2 of a series.
OutCasters Sarah and Chris meet on the fields of war, testing each other's knowledge of a creative response to Poland's anti-LGBTQ problems, a country that has banned same-sex marriage until at least 2036, and more.
OutCaster Lucas talks about a positive experience that came out of his Covid quarantine.
Equality for everyone is a core American value, enshrined in the constitution. So is freedom of religion. What happens when they come into conflict with each other? Conversation between OutCaster Lucas and Jennifer C. Pizer of Lambda Legal. Part 1 of a series.
OutCasters Lucas and Brian battle it out over pro-LGBTQ action precipitated by the Covid pandemic, a new LGBTQ-inclusive school curriculum in New Jersey, and more.
OutCasters Justin and Lucas attended a Black Lives Matter protest. Here's their report.
Activist Jay Blotcher joins OutCaster Lucas to talk about how the Covid-19 and AIDS pandemics were similar — and different. Part 4 of 4. And Lucas comments on why people should follow advice from medical professionals, not necessarily elected officials.
OutCaster Chris considers the significance to LGBTQ youth of the Supreme Court's anti-discrimination ruling in June.
OutCaster Justin, who is black and gay, considers recent police killings of black citizens and the nationwide protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Activist Jay Blotcher joins OutCaster Lucas to talk about how the Covid-19 and AIDS pandemics were similar — and different. Part 3 of 4.
Lucas and Chris play this month's OutCasting Ga[y]me Show: First openly lesbian Miss Universe contestant, world cities with best LGBTQ acceptance, more.
OutCaster Sarah reflects on the life of Larry Kramer, a towering and controversial figure in AIDS activism, who died on May 27, 2020.
Activist Jay Blotcher joins OutCaster Lucas to talk about how the Covid-19 and AIDS pandemics were similar — and different. Part 2.
Covid-19 has forced us to produce OutCasting content at home. OutCaster Sarah describes how we're doing it.
OutCaster Amalee talks about her experience with voice dysphoria — the sense that her voice is not her own.
Activist Jay Blotcher joins OutCaster Lucas to talk about how the Covid-19 and AIDS pandemics were similar — and different. Part 1.
Lucas and Sarah play this month's OutCasting Ga[y]me Show. On this edition: NY Knicks host Pride celebration; good news from Utah; black lesbian hero; bigotry against Sesame Street.
OutCaster Chris disagrees with people who say that what we're experiencing now with the COVID-19 outbreak is similar to the outbreak of AIDS in the 1980s.
In a continuation of our exploration of conversion therapy, OutCaster Andrew turns to Sam Brinton, who was subjected to conversion therapy as a child and survived to tell about it. Also, Lucas talks about assumptions about LGBTQ identity that fuel the perceived need to turn gay people straight.
New OutCasters Lil and Chris team up for this month’s Ga[y]me Show. On this edition: first openly LGBTQ coach for major sporting event; new anti-LGBTQ bills in Tennessee and South Dakota.
OutCaster Amalee considers the superficial representation of LGBTQ people in recent Disney movies. Chris reads.
In a continuation of our exploration of conversion therapy, OutCaster Andrew turns to Sam Brinton, who was subjected to conversion therapy as a child and survived to tell about it.
OutCasters Lucas and Chris play the Ga[y]me Show this month: marriage equality elsewhere in the world; word of the year.
OutCaster Sarah talks about what it means for LGBTQ students when LGBTQ history is erased from school curricula.
OutCaster Andrew continues a conversation with Dr. Jack Drescher, a gay psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, about conversion therapy, the discredited and often harmful practice of trying to change gay to straight.
OutCasting alumni Sydney and Jamie visit: noted anti-LGBTQ former Alabama Chief Justice is back in the news; anti-LGBTQ fast food chain Chick-fil-A.
OutCaster Andrew begins a conversation with Dr. Jack Drescher, a gay psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, about conversion therapy, the discredited and often harmful practice of trying to change gay to straight.
OutCasting alumna Sarah comes back for a visit and joins Alex for this month’s edition of the Ga[y]me Show. Noted Arizona homophobe sponsors state senate bill to erase marriage equality there; more.
OutCasters Andrew and Kaspar, who are transgender, talk about gender dysphoria, whether it's proper to classify it as a mental illness, and whether trans people need to undergo medical transition, including hormone therapy, surgery, or both, to be considered truly trans. Second of a two part series.
OutCaster Lucas continues his conversation with Bruce Knotts, the Director of the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office in NYC. Bruce, a former US diplomat, now focuses on helping LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers resettle. Second part of a three part series.
OutCasters Dhruv and Andrew do this month’s edition of the Ga[y]me Show. NJ mayor objects to new state law ending exclusion of LGBTQ history in schools; more.
OutCasters Andrew and Kaspar, who are transgender, talk about gender dysphoria, whether it's proper to classify it as a mental illness, and whether trans people need to undergo medical transition, including hormone therapy, surgery, or both, to be considered truly trans. First of a two part series.
OutCaster Lucas continues his conversation with Bruce Knotts, the Director of the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office in NYC. Bruce, a former US diplomat, now focuses on helping LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers resettle. Second part of a three part series.
Alex and Addie take a lighthearted look at the news and LGBTQ issues. This month: Christian Orthodox Bishop claims to have discovered the "why" of homosexuality.
OutCasters Andrew and Amalee consider why some people think that showing anything about gay people is inappropriate for children to see.
OutCaster Lucas talks with Bruce Knotts, the Director of the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office in NYC. Bruce, a former US diplomat, now focuses on helping LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers resettle. First part of a three part series.
Alex and Kaspar take a lighthearted look at the news and LGBTQ issues. This month: company says it doesn't "do gay" and is promptly dropped by its ad agency.
OutCaster OutCaster Alex talks with the longtime transgender activist Juli Grey-Owens about GENDA, which was finally enacted in January after almost two decades of work.
Lucas and Alex take a lighthearted look at the news and LGBTQ issues. This month: hypocrisy of some rainbow capitalism.
Dhruv and Lucas take a lighthearted look at the news and LGBTQ issues - LGBTQ superheroes, homophobic mayors, genetic traits, more.
Amalee and Alex take a lighthearted look at the news and LGBTQ issues - GOP LGBTQ representation at Coachella, children at Pride Matches, more.
OutCaster Andrew talks about why it's important for everyone -- not just LGBTQ people -- to know about LGBTQ history.
Lucas and Alex take a lighthearted look at the news and LGBTQ issues - giraffes, airlines, and presidential candidates.
OutCaster Andrew talks about why trans people should be able to choose the public bathrooms that are safest for them.
OutCaster Andrew continues exploration of Title IX and sex discrimination in schools in a conversation with Drew Adams, a Florida teenager who sued his school, and Tara Borelli, one of his lawyers from Lambda Legal.
OutCaster Amalee talks about why it's important to use proper pronouns for trans people.
OutCaster Andrew continues his talk with Paul D. Castillo of Lambda Legal about a federal law that bars sex discrimination in education and its applicability to trans students.
OutCaster Andrew talks with Paul D. Castillo of Lambda Legal about a federal law that bars sex discrimination in education and its applicability to trans students.
OutCaster Alex talks with Mimi and Jerry Goodman about how having two gay children has affected their lives and outlook on the world.
OutCaster Dante comments on increasingly specific labels within the LGBTQ community. Do they help more than they hurt?
OutCaster Alex talks with Mimi and Jerry Goodman about how having two gay children has affected their lives and outlook on the world.
OutCaster Alex talks about the rarity, and importance, of having LGBTQ elected officials.
Amalee, a transgender OutCasting youth participant, talks with fellow OutCaster Alex about her medical transition and coming out.
Dr. John Steever, physician, and Dr. Matthew Oransky, psychologist, talk with OutCaster Lauren about trans youth who want to medically transition. Part 2.
Dr. John Steever, physician, and Dr. Matthew Oransky, psychologist, talk with OutCaster Lauren about trans youth who want to medically transition. Part 1.
Alex talks about how we have reclaimed a slur and why it may be a better label for him.
OutCaster Lauren talks with Ann Northrop, longtime journalist and activist, and comments on how the lack of context in her school HIV education has left her generation a bit adrift, out of touch with a major part of LGBTQ history. Part 2 of 2.
OutCaster Lauren talks with Ann Northrop, longtime journalist and activist. Part 1 of 2.
Algorithms tag trans videos as unsuitable, lowering search results and potentially pairing the videos with anti-LGBTQ ads.
OutCaster Andrea talks with Professors Cary Gabriel Costello and Georgiann Davis about people whose bodies at birth have a combination of male and female traits. Part 2 of a series.
OutCaster Andrea talks with Professors Cary Gabriel Costello and Georgiann Davis about people whose bodies at birth have a combination of male and female traits. Part 1 of a series.
OutCaster Lucas explores the changing meaning and social significance of homosexuality.
On this edition of OutCasting, we take a look at the necessity for safe spaces for LGBTQ people, especially youth.
OutCaster Lucy is interviewed by Samantha; both participate in our bureau at Michigan State University.
Outcaster Jamie and their friend Tori dive into Tori’s experiences being agender. They both share stories about coming out and being misgendered, and they talk about how the world perceives agender identity. This is the second part of a two part series..
OutCaster Samantha, a youth participant in our bureau at Michigan State University, ponders on what it means to be bisexual and whether the LGBTQ community really accepts her identity
Outcaster Jamie and their friend Tori dive into Tori’s experiences being agender. They both share stories about coming out and being misgendered, and they talk about how the world perceives agender identity. This is part one of a two part series..
OutCaster Lauren shares her experience using labels for her sexuality. She describes the journey from identifying as“straight” to “not-straight” to “queer” and eventually “bisexual.” Lauren then discusses whether labels really matter at all.
On this edition, we explore gender non-conformity. Jamie, a long time member of OutCasting, who identifies as non-binary and pansexual, tells us about their experiences growing up as an LGBTQ person with gay parents.
On this edition: If you're young, being LGBTQ can be a secret you guard carefully. But what happens when friends out you, either on purpose or inadvertently? Two LGBTQ teenagers talk about it on this edition of OutCasting Overtime.
On this edition, OutCaster Callie talks with Larry Gross about how LGBTQ people are portrayed in the media and why it matters. Larry Gross is a professor of communication at USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and the author of several books in the field of gay and lesbian studies.
On this edition, we feature OutCaster Quinn essay about Trump's proposed ban of trans people from the military and his reaction to it. Quinn didn't want his voice heard, to Max tells the story.
On this edition of OutCasting, we examine the concept of minority stress in LGBTQ people resulting from stigma, prejudice, and discrimination. Our guest is an eminent scholar on the phenomenon, Dr. Ilan Meyer of the UCLA School of Law.
On this edition of OutCasting Overtime, OutCaster Dante reflects on the unchecked violence against gay and bisexual men in Chechya, the US government's lack of an effective response, and the mainstream media's failure to cover the atrociticies adequately.
On this edition of OutCasting, we look back at the Stonewall uprising, the 1969 riots at the Stonewall Inn that marked a turning point in LGBTQ activism. Our guest for this two-part series is Karla Jay, an author, activist, and retired Distinguished Professor of Queer Studies and Women's Studies. This is Part 2.
On this edition of OutCasting Overtime, OutCaster Brianna remembers the Pulse massacre in Orlando in June 2016 and reflects on the changes the LGBTQ community has seen in the 14 months since then.
On this edition of OutCasting, we look back at the Stonewall uprising, the 1969 riots at the Stonewall Inn that marked a turning point in LGBTQ activism. Our guest for this two-part series is Karla Jay, an author, activist, and retired Distinguished Professor of Queer Studies and Women's Studies. This is Part 1.
On this edition of OutCasting Overtime, OutCaster Alex shares his experience of the balance between trying to sound heterosexual and trying to sound gay, and the internalized homophobia that comes with this.
On this edition of OutCasting, youth participant Alex talks with Gilbert Baker, longtime gay activist and creator of the rainbow flag. This is one of Gilbert's last interviews: we recorded it on March 1, 2017; he died unexpectedly in his sleep on March 31. This is part 2 of a 2 part interview.
On this edition of OutCasting Overtime, On this edition of OutCasting Overtime, OutCaster Emma talks about coming out as bisexual to their* mother, who quickly went through all of the stages of grief except acceptance, called a psychiatrist, and told them "it's just a phase." For five years now, Emma has been forced back into the closet, and sadly, the thought of dating another girl is unthinkable to them as long as they're living at home. * Emma uses they/them pronouns
On this edition of OutCasting, youth participant Alex talks with Gilbert Baker, longtime gay activist and creator of the rainbow flag. This is one of Gilbert's last interviews: we recorded it on March 1, 2017; he died unexpectedly in his sleep on March 31. This is part 1 of a 2 part interview.
On this edition of OutCasting Overtime, OutCaster Alex of our main studio in Westchester County, NY, remembers Gilbert Baker, the creator of the rainbow flag. Gilbert died unexpectedly at 65 on March 31, 2017. Just a month earlier, he came into our studio for what was one of his last interviews. Part 1 of the interview is being released May 1; Part 2 will be released June 1.
On this edition of OutCasting OffAir, OutCaster Lucy of our bureau at Michigan State University talks about queerbaiting, a tactic used in some TV shows to hint that certain characters may be LGBTQ, and thus baiting LGBTQ viewers, only to subsequently pull the rug out, putting those characters into opposite-gender relationships, tossing in LGBTQ jokes, or denying in interviews that they ever intended the characters to be anything but straight. This can be a problem for LGBTQ youth who need to see actual LGBTQ characters.
In this program, LGBTQ youth are connected to gay history through a discussion with Christopher Z. Hobson, a gay elder. On this edition, our guest is Christopher Z. Hobson, a gay elder, talking about what it was like to be a gay teenager in the 1950s, surviving psychotherapy, joining the movement, becoming an activist, and passing down gay history. Chris's mother was the author Laura Z. Hobson, who wrote the novel Gentleman's Agreement (about antisemitism in the years following World War II and made into an Oscar-winning film in the late 1940s). She later wrote the novel Consenting Adult, about a son coming out to his parents, told mainly from the mother's point of view. Laura loosely based the character of the son in the novel on her real son -- Chris.
On this edition of OutCasting OffAir, OutCaster Lauren talks about recent political protests and how it's important, especially now, to stand up and fight for LGBTQ rights.
OutCasters Callie and Alex bring you the ABCs of being a straight ally to the LGBTQ community..
On this edition of OutCasting OffAir, Sarah, a youth participant in OutCasting's main studio in Westchester County, NY, talks about her early crushes on boys, how they never felt natural, and the role of "compulsory heterosexuality" in her life.
On this edition of OutCasting OffAir, OutCasters Dhruv, Callie, Alex, and Emma discuss their reactions to the 2016 election.
Mark, a new OutCaster in our main studio in Westchester County, NY, talks about his identity as a bisexual man in Ireland and about bisexual erasure, the mistaken belief held by some that there's no such thing as bisexuality, that it's merely a temporary self-identification before someone comes out as gay.
Adam, an OutCasting youth participant in our main studio in Westchester County, NY, talks about how being gay is more difficult for gay people than being straight is for straight people.
Jamie, an OutCasting youth participant for three years, is working this summer as a music instructor at a day camp for children. (Jamie prefers they/them pronouns.) During the summer, Jamie got an upcut -- a haircut a bit longer on top and with buzzed sides and back. One day, an eight-year-old girl said something insulting to Jamie about their upcut. On this edition of OutCasting OffAir, Jamie explores the gender norms that seem to have prompted the comment and talks about how they use these opportunities to talk about hair and gender norms with other children.
During their convention in July 2016, the Republican Party adopted a platform that includes anti-LGBTQ provisions. The New York Times, in an editorial, called it "The Most Extreme Republican Platform in Memory." In this OutCasting OffAir piece, Sydney, a youth participant in OutCasting's main studio in Westchester County, New York, decodes the message being sent and talks about its impact on LGBTQ youth.
OutCaster Sydney discusses the anti-LGBTQ backlash against marriage equality with the author, journalist, and LGBTQ activist Michelangelo Signorile. Part 3 of a 3 part series.
OutCaster Sydney discusses the anti-LGBTQ backlash against marriage equality with the author, journalist, and LGBTQ activist Michelangelo Signorile. Part 2 of a 3 part series.
OutCaster Sydney discusses the anti-LGBTQ backlash against marriage equality with the author, journalist, and LGBTQ activist Michelangelo Signorile. Part 1 of a 3 part series.
Brianna, a youth participant in our home studio in Westchester County, NY, reacts to the June 2016 massacre at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, and reflects on the different realities that straight people and LGBTQ people occupy.
Brianna, a youth participant in our home studio in Westchester County, NY, talks about the worst lie she ever had to tell. The opening and closing announcements are voiced by Jay, a participant in our bureau at Michigan State University, with production assistance from Impact89FM, WDBM at MSU.
16-year-old Elliot talks about growing up bisexual and transgender. He is a participant in OutCasting's NYC Bureau, a collaboration with the Hetrick-Martin Institute.
Elliot and Jay, youth participants in our NYC Bureau, talk about gender dysphoria. Our NYC Bureau is a collaboration between OutCasting and the Hetrick-Martin Institute. The opening and closing announcements are voiced by Naina, a participant in our bureau at Michigan State University, with production assistance from Impact89FM, WDBM at MSU.
Asexuality - OutCaster Dante interviews Professor Anthony Bogaert, an expert on asexuality. This episode is linked to OutCasting 29.
Transgender identity and the issues faced by transgender people in sports; interview with Chris Mosier, transgender triathlete, inducted in 2014 into the National Lesbian and Gay Sports Hall of Fame and named as one of The Advocate's 40 Under 40 in the Fall 2014 issue. This is the last part of a four part series.
Transgender identity and the issues faced by transgender people in sports; interview with Chris Mosier, transgender triathlete, inducted in 2014 into the National Lesbian and Gay Sports Hall of Fame and named as one of The Advocate's 40 Under 40 in the Fall 2014 issue. This is the third part of a four part series.
Transgender identity and the issues faced by transgender people in sports; interview with Chris Mosier, transgender triathlete, inducted in 2014 into the National Lesbian and Gay Sports Hall of Fame and named as one of The Advocate's 40 Under 40 in the Fall 2014 issue. This is the second part of a four part series.
Transgender identity and the issues faced by transgender people in sports; interview with Chris Mosier, transgender triathlete, inducted in 2014 into the National Lesbian and Gay Sports Hall of Fame and named as one of The Advocate's 40 Under 40 in the Fall 2014 issue. This is the first part of a four part series.
"Queering History" is a play illustrating the effects on students of LGBTQ history not being taught in school. The play was written by Maggie Keenan-Bolger in collaboration with homeless LGBTQ youth, and was recorded in OutCasting's studio. It was featured in OutCasting 23. In this episode, OutCaster Travis talks with Maggie about the creation of the play.
"Queering History" is a play illustrating the effects on students of LGBTQ history not being taught in school. The play was written by Maggie Keenan-Bolger in collaboration with homeless LGBTQ youth, and was recorded in OutCasting's studio. The actors are Maggie Keenan-Bolger, Ria Cooper, Liz Parker, Tim Connell, J'nelle Chelune, Nathan Gregory, Kirsten Benjamin, and Cheo Bourne.
Marriage equality as it applies to bi-national couples. Guests Mimi Goodman's son Jesse is in a bi-national relationship and they were forced by the Defense of Marriage Act to leave the United States to stay together with Max; guest Lavi Soloway is a civil rights lawyer whose work focuses on bi-national couples and immigration issues.
The climate for LGBTQ people in Russia is terrible. In 2013, the Russian government passed a law banning so-called gay propaganda aimed at minors. LGBTQ demonstrators are routinely arrested. There have been violent attacks. Russia is a country with a bad record on human rights. Yet the 2014 Winter Olympics are being held there. What should the United States's response be? A boycott of the games? Of NBC and the commercial sponsors? With marriage equality a reality in a minority of states and with discrimination against LGBTQ people continuing in much of our country, can the United States claim a moral high ground from which to criticize Russia's anti-LGBTQ environment? Joining us to discuss these issues are the diving champion Greg Louganis, who has won multiple Olympic gold medals, and Brian Healey, the Programming and Social Media Coordinator for Athlete Ally, a nonprofit working to end homophobia and transphobia in sports.
In this episode, the state of marriage equality following the Supreme Court's historic rulings in June. Guest Evan Wolfson, longtime civil rights attorney and founder and president of Freedom to Marry. Part 2 of a 2 part interview. Visit outcasting.mfpg.org to hear Part 1.
The state of marriage equality following the Supreme Court's historic rulings in June. Guest Evan Wolfson, longtime civil rights attorney and founder and president of Freedom to Marry. Part 1 of a 2 part interview. Visit outcasting.mfpg.org to hear Part 2
New York's Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, or GENDA, has been proposed in the NY State Assembly but has not yet passed - so transgender people are not yet protected by the state's non-discrimination laws. We continue our discussion of transgender issues with Assembly Member Richard Gottfried, who is sponsoring the bill.
Transgender identity, issues, and activism, an interview with trans activist Juli Grey Owens. Visit outcasting.mfpg.org to hear Part 1
Transgender identity, issues, and activism, an interview with trans activist Juli Grey Owens. Visit outcasting.mfpg.org to hear Part 2
On this first national edition of OutCasting for the Pacifica program Sprouts, we talk with Dan Savage about LGBTQ bullying and suicide prevention; we also talk with California State Senator Mark Leno about a law he sponsored to require the teaching of LGBTQ history in California schools
Interview with Gene Robinson, the first openly gay man elected as an Episcopal Bishop. His consecration was followed by a split in the church over homosexuality. OutCaster David talks with Bishop Robinson about how he was elected, the split in the church, marriage equality, the increasing visibility and acceptance of transgender people in the church, and Mr. Robinson's new book on marriage equality.
We Are the Youth — a photographic journalism project countering the lack of visibility of LGBT young people; guests Diana Scholl and Laurel Golio.
LGBT people and issues in religion; guest Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum of Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, an LGBT-inclusive synagogue in NYC. Also an audio essay by Mady on how appearances can be misleading.
Queens Legal Services, serving LGBT families and people living with HIV; guest Richard Saenz, staff attorney.
Two very different ways of dealing with LGBTQ issues in public schools; guests California State Senator Mark Leno, Brad Palmertree and Callie Wise of GLSEN-Middle Tennessee.
Healthy LGBTQ teen relationships; guests Kristine Poplawski, Rebecca Drago, and Honor Adams of My Sister's Place.
Singer/songwriter and trans activist Ryan Cassata talks with Travis and performs some of his original songs
A look back at Prideworks 2011; interview with Dr. Jallen Rix, who spoke at Prideworks about his experiences with the often religious-based and sometimes damaging "reparative therapy," which purports to "cure"; homosexuality.
World AIDS Day; guests Twanna Hines of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic and Santo Barbagiovanni of AIDS-Related Community Services.
Interview with Alex Sanchez, author of novels focusing on LGBTQ youth; portrayals of LGBTQ people in the media and literature; new media.
Interview with David Diamond, a volunteer with PFLAG; discussion about online comments made in response to the October 6 article about OutCasting in The Journal News.
On this second edition of OutCasting, we talk with Dan Savage, the nationally-syndicated columnist, author, activist, and co-founder of the It Gets Better Project. We also discuss the teen suicides that led to the naming of October 20 as Gay Spirit Day.