The Berksqueers: Recent Episodes
The Berksqueers
This podcast is dedicated to LGBTQ+ life in The Berkshires of Western Massachusetts and the surrounding areas with hosts, Berkshire County native and photographer, Sam Backhaus and recent NYC transplant and comedian, Shawn Hollenbach. We focus on queer-owned businesses and events for the queer community living and visiting in The Berkshires.
Sam and Shawn discover all of the LGBTQIA+ Pride Month happenings in Berkshire County in 2023 including Berkshire Pride (with their newly launched Berkshire Pride Week), Sheffield Pride and North Adams Pride. You'll also hear from the volunteers of Berkshire Pride to hear about what to expect with this year's festivities and the theme of "Every Day is Pride."
We chat with Andrew Fitch (he/him) from North Adams Pride to discuss the upcoming Northern Lights Ball, the efforts of North Adams Pride and the future hopes of the LGBTQIA+ community in northern Berkshire County.
We chatted with Ana Seiler (she/her) from The Venture Out Project. We love their mission! TVOP leads backpacking and wilderness trips for the queer and transgender community. They also conduct transgender inclusion workshops for educators, adventure professionals, summer camps and more!
Learn more about The Venture Out Project and support them: https://www.ventureoutproject.com/
Join Sam and Shawn for a conversation with Shaun Mosley (he/him) and Josh Williams (he/him) of Santarella Gardens in Tyringham, Massachusetts. Listen to their plans as recent owners of this Berkshire iconic landmark and what they plan do to with the many magical spaces. You'll also hear about Josh's alter ego, drag queen Bella Santarella and her upcoming appearances in The Berkshires.
Sam and Shawn interview Cass Santos-China (she/her) and Michael Taylor (he/him) from Berkshire Pride to discuss the process behind mounting the wonderful pride event in Berkshire County this year, how it started, their dream pride headliners and what they hope for the future for the LGBTQ+ community in Western Massachusetts and the surrounding areas.
Get more information and learn how you can help Berkshire Pride at https://berkshirepride.org/
Follow them on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/berkshirepride
https://www.instagram.com/berkshirepride
Sam Backhaus (she/they/Sam) and Shawn Hollenbach (he/they/Shawn) discuss Berkshire Pride - especially Sam being born and raised in The Berkshires, their first time at LGBTQ+ Pride and key memories of Pride in years past.
Meet the hosts of The Berksqueers, Sam Backhaus and Shawn Hollenbach. They are both residents of Berkshire County in Western Massachusetts and also, you've guessed it... they're queer. Learn a little more about them and a bit more about the LGBTQ+ mission of BRQ!