For Our Black Gay Diaspora Episode 145, I welcome back Washington, D.C. icon Rayceen Pendarvis — renowned emcee, activist, gender-blender, and lifelong Washingtonian known as the High Priestess of Love, Queen of the Shameless Plug, Empress of Pride, and the Goddess of DC! Rayceen is a dynamic force in the LGBTQ+ community, hosting festivals, Pride celebrations, award ceremonies, and community gatherings across the nation’s capital through Team Rayceen Productions. A passionate arts advocate and champion of voter participation, Rayceen leads with love, purpose, and unapologetic positivity. I interviewed for Episode 52 (March 14, 2023). Their powerful energy has never faded. This is a conversation about community, visibility, and Black queer joy you won’t want to miss!

Rate, comment, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast, and YouTube. For more information, go to Our Black Gay Diaspora. Thank you!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 144 of Our Black Gay Diaspora, host Erick is joined by Blane Charles, founder and president of Blane Charles Design (BCD), a one-stop shop offering interior design, wardrobe styling, estate planning, and organizing services tailored to each client’s unique lifestyle needs. But Blane’s impact extends far beyond design. A pioneering figure in Black queer history and HIV/AIDS activism, Blane co-founded ACT UP Montréal alongside activist Michael Hendricks in 1989, following their attendance at the International AIDS Conference. Their fearless advocacy helped shape LGBTQ+ history in Montréal and beyond. Blane reflects on their journey in style, interior design, and queer activism, and the legacy they continue to build.

Rate, comment, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast, and YouTube. For more information, go to Our Black Gay Diaspora. Thank you!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Our Black Gay Diaspora, host Erick sits down for a conversation with Johanna Perez, founder of Reclaiming Us — an organization "born from a legacy of showing up for people, feeding families, caring for community, and helping people reclaim what life tried to take from them." Johanna shares their journey of self-advocacy and healing, and how they built confidence within Black LGBTQ+ communities by founding Vegas Black Pride and San Bernardino County Black Pride. They speak candidly about the importance of supporting and representing Black and Brown communities.

Rate, comment, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast, and YouTube. For more information, go to Our Black Gay Diaspora. Thank you!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.