Forged in Fire: LGBTQ+ Leadership

With humor and candor (yes, including gardening victories and “how the meat is made”), Ray reflects on identity—nonbinary pronouns, breaking gender norms—and on the power of digital spaces where people “just get you.” They share hard-won lessons from building Queerty Gamers through COVID, boosting talent like Twitch partners from 17 followers to thousands, and holding the line as censorship pressures rise. The leadership takeaway is simple and tough: protect your energy, invest in people, and build communities resilient enough to outlast the backlash.

Licensed professional counselor Blakely Hunze-Austin joins to explore why purposeful discomfort can be a path to authenticity—and better leadership. Blakely traces a journey from tamped-down identity in the Tennessee church pews to building affirming community in Colorado Springs—and what those different contexts teach about safety, vulnerability, and leadership. We discuss tools for lowering defenses and integrating hard truths, plus the power of consultation among leaders to fight isolation. Blakely’s charge: find your huddle, have the uncomfortable conversations, and “get up and feel brave.” Leadership, she reminds us, is just advanced relationship work.Guest BiographyBlakely Hunze-Austin is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Colorado and Tennessee who specializes in sex therapy, eating disorders, OCD, and trauma. She enjoys working with LGBTQIA, kink, and polyamorous or ethically non-monogamous clients. She is a trained psychedelic assisted therapist. She now owns her own private practice and is a clinical director for a treatment center. Blakely volunteers for the Academy for Eating Disorders and is currently pursuing her certified sex therapist designation. 

To paraphrase Lynn: Leadership isn’t a role—it’s a thing you do when the challenge is too big to face alone.What happens when a former ballet dancer, West Point professor, and nonbinary academic challenges the way we think about leadership? In this episode, Lynn Vidler discusses the failures of higher education’s leadership pipeline, the transformative power of authenticity, and what it means to lead with empathy in a world shaped by systemic expectations. With humor and insight, Lynn reflects on the harm of abusive leadership, the healing found in self-awareness, and their mission to reshape leadership culture in academia.Notes:Photography website is https://lynnvidler.photography/Lynn is on Instagram handle at @profefotogThey can be reached at  lynn@bloomingbranchgroup.com for executive leadership/performance coaching.To schedule a 30-min exploratory coaching session with them: https://scheduler.zoom.us/lynn-vidler/hello-i-am-an-event-card-ifkpb2he

Chris Douglas has worn many labels—veteran, businessman, activist—but the throughline of his story is moral seriousness. Seriously. Listen to find out what that means!In this episode, Chris unpacks what it means to live with integrity in business and life, to come out publicly when silence would be safer, and to keep working toward justice even when the tide turns. His philosophy of "we do what we can" is both a call to arms and a balm for those feeling overwhelmed by today's politics. You’ll walk away challenged, heartened, and renewed.

What does it mean to lead with love on horseback, in life, and through decades of change? Robert Dover’s life is a testament to what happens when queer leadership meets purpose. In this episode, Robert recounts his trailblazing role in Olympic history, the mentors who shaped him, and the community he continues to build through advocacy, storytelling, and care. As he navigates love, sport, and identity, Dover reminds us that the greatest legacies are built with compassion."You just have to go in with an open heart, coming from a place of love for the sport, for the people in it, and for the animals above all else. That’s how you lead." -Robert Dover

Talk about an unexpected journey! We run quite a bit longer than usual in this one because there was just so much ground to cover. Mercury Stardust's recent fame as the Trans Handy Ma'am, with a unique brand of compassionate education in the Home Repair world, is only the tip of the iceberg. From a career in burlesque through several encounters that radically changed her views of the world, listen in to find out how she developed her unique style.

We're joined by Mason Funk, founder of The Outwords Archive, whose mission captures the wisdom and struggles of LGBTQ+ elders before their stories are lost to time. Mason shares his own path through silence, faith, family, and identity to becoming a documentarian of queer history, preserving voices that have shaped the fight for equality. As the conversation unfolds, Mason offers powerful reflections on resilience, joy, and the vital importance of bridge-building across divides in a time of renewed cultural backlash. This is an episode about memory, courage, and the ongoing work to ensure no voice is left unheard.

Todd Ross shares his journey from growing up as a closeted queer youth in rural New Brunswick to becoming a leading voice for 2SLGBTQIA+ veterans in Canada. After being forced out of the Canadian Navy during the discriminatory LGBT purge, Todd transformed his trauma into activism—becoming a lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit that resulted in a national apology and the establishment of the LGBT Purge Fund. The conversation explores his intersecting identities as a Two-Spirit Métis person, the resilience forged through adversity, and the ongoing work of reconciliation, memorialization, and representation. Todd’s story is a testament to healing, leadership, and the quiet strength of returning home.

In this powerful episode, activist and author Raquel Willis shares an intimate and wide-ranging conversation on fear, identity, and the transformative power of storytelling. Raquel reflects on her childhood fears, the complexities of coming out in a traditional Southern Black family, and how her father's expectations shaped—and ultimately catalyzed—her path toward liberation. From founding the Gender Liberation Movement to creating humanizing media like Afterlives and Queer Chronicles, Raquel speaks candidly about ego, empathy, collective leadership, and the intersectional strategies we need to build a freer world. This episode is a testament to the quiet strength required to live authentically—and the bold voice required to make systemic change... to fight the boss battles ahead.

In this episode, we talk with Fuchsia—choreographer, drag artist, and founder of Una Productions—as they share deeply personal reflections on identity, leadership, and creative expression. From the dual worlds of Michigan farmland and San Francisco’s queer community to navigating authenticity, safety, and self-discovery, Fuchsia provides a moving exploration of what it means to lead with openness and heart.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Steve Yacovelli—author, educator, and founder of Top Dog Learning Group—about what it takes to lead with authenticity and courage, especially as a queer professional navigating today's shifting cultural and political climate. Steve shares stories from his leadership journey, from being “the invisible other” to proudly claiming his space as the “Gay Leadership Dude.” We dig into how identity shapes leadership, how resilience is built through hard-earned experience, and why now is the time to lean into inclusion—not away from it.

In this episode, Day Al-Mohamed, an accomplished disability policy expert, filmmaker, and advocate, joins hosts to explore the intersections of cultural identity, leadership development, and LGBTQ+ experiences. Day provides unique insights into how cultural backgrounds—from Bahrain to the Midwestern United States—influence personal growth and leadership styles. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling, visibility, and authenticity in leadership, advocating for creating inclusive spaces that enable individuals to thrive and influence meaningful societal change.

Dr. Mitchell Lunn, a physician-scientist and co-director of the PRIDE Study, discusses the challenges of gathering meaningful data on LGBTQ health and leadership, the systemic barriers to visibility, and the importance of research-driven advocacy all in the context of how he developed his leadership capacities. Dr. Lunn shares his personal journey of resilience, his passion for research, and the necessity of ensuring that LGBTQ individuals are seen, heard, and supported. Learn how data can drive meaningful change, promote equity, and empower the next generation of LGBTQ leaders!

Technology strategist E.C. Pizarro III explores how his intersecting identities as a Black trans man and corporate professional shaped his leadership style and commitment to community. E.C. revisits pivotal mentorship moments—like encouraging a young trans student in his earliest days of transition—and explains how visibility can spark a ripple effect for others looking to enter tech. He also delves into the power of strategic pivots, the importance of self-belief, and how harnessing transferrable “project management” skills from everyday life can transform one’s career. Through his own journey from volunteer at TransTech Social to executive director, E.C. highlights what it looks like to build new tables rather than waiting for a seat at old ones, ultimately reminding us that each of us can lead, uplift others, and redefine success on our own terms.

Nashville Council Member Olivia Hill—a U.S. Navy veteran and the first openly transgender person elected in Tennessee—discusses her lifelong journey of hiding, self-discovery, and ultimately embracing her true identity. She recounts brutal “blanket parties” in the military while overcompensating with a hyper-masculine persona, only to break free decades later and run for public office. Drawing on 40 years of utilities experience, she explains how her unique background helps her tackle infrastructure issues for all Nashvillians. Olivia highlights the power of everyday visibility, sharing stories of young trans kids finding hope in her leadership and reminding us that simply being oneself can foster real change.

Game designer and USC professor Gordon Bellamy shares how embracing his intersecting identities—from queer mathlete to Madden NFL innovator—shaped his leadership philosophy. He describes trusting his team enough to take a bold risk (shipping the game with unconfirmed NFL player rights) and highlights how champion mindsets spark breakthroughs in creativity. Throughout, Gordon underscores the importance of communal care, empathy, and authenticity, explaining how simple acts of safety-building empower people to do their best work. By weaving his personal journey with insights on resilience and hope, Gordon invites listeners to cultivate spaces where everyone can show up fully—and flourish together.

Brian Sims—civil rights advocate, former Pennsylvania state legislator, and current CEO of Agenda PAC—to discuss how adversity shapes extraordinary leadership. Brian traces his roots as the son of two Army Officers, recalling a childhood shaped by frequent moves and a powerful mother figure who taught him the value of service, resilience, and challenging inequity. As he shares his coming-out journey, Brian highlights how his closeted years—though not always traumatic—helped him cultivate empathy, a skill he later carried into both sports and politics.

As transgender military service is likely to take center stage in early 2025, we wrap up Season 2 with Captain Trey Wirth of the U.S. Coast Guard. Trey takes us on an extraordinary journey of leadership forged through adversity. From responding to major disasters to breaking barriers as an openly transgender officer, Captain Wirth reveals the strength and determination it takes to thrive in high-stakes environments while staying true to oneself. This episode is a powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and the unique value of diverse leadership. Be inspired by Captain Wirth's story of forging new paths, uplifting others along the way, and living up to the Coast Guard Motto to be Always Ready.​Note: This episode was recorded prior to the presidential election of 2024

​Anthony Shop and Thomas Sanchez are the dynamic couple behind Social Driver, a trailblazing digital agency. Anthony, Chair of the National Digital Roundtable and an acclaimed strategist, and Thomas, a celebrated CEO and advocate for inclusion, share their journey from humble beginnings to leading change in technology, diversity, and LGBTQ advocacy. They reveal how their people-centered approach has driven success for top brands and advanced inclusion in business. From lessons learned on a Missouri farm to the boardroom of The Trevor Project, they discuss the power of authenticity in leadership, the impact of fostering trust, and their vision for a brighter, more inclusive future.

This is a special "almost live" episode, recorded on the Sunday before the 2024 election in the United States. Joining Bree for the conversation are Zane Alvarez and Paulo Batista, transgender service members, and Emily Starbuck Gerson, a writer and communications specialist who is also the spouse of a transgender service member. This community has been demonized in the runup to the election and the stakes are incredibly high. In this episode we discuss what voting means to each of the guests, why it is important, and cover the connection between voting and leadership. If you haven't yet done so, please go vote! Guest Biographies Emily Starbuck Gerson is a native Texan, creative maker, award-winning journalist, and passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ and military communities. She splits her time between working as a freelance writer/editor and serving as the magazine editor and communications & advocacy specialist for Modern Military Association of America. She currently lives in the DC area with her wife, an active duty transgender airman. Staff Sergeant Zaneford Alvarez is a 30-year-old Transgender Man, originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is an Active Duty Soldier who educates on the importance of Transgender Healthcare with a focus of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Petty Officer Paulo Batista is a 40 year old transgender man from Lakeland, Florida. He is an active duty sailor who advocates for military diversity and inclusivity while serving with Honor, Courage and and Commitment.