Forged in Fire: LGBTQ+ Leadership (Forged In Fire)

In our very first episode we speak with Raffi Freedman-Gurspan about her leadership and allyship in service of others. With Raffi, we begin to explore many of the themes we're going to dive into with Forged in Fire.  Raffi's story includes coming out and fighting for civil rights at a young age, understanding a complex set of intersectional identities, self-care in advocacy, shattering stereotypes, her life of service, and so much more!

Guest Biography
Raffi Freedman-Gurspan is the Deputy Director of Public Engagement at the United States Department of Transportation, appointed by President Joe Biden, where she works on behalf of Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

A dedicated champion of human rights as well as an LGBTQ and gender equality policy expert, Raffi has worked in non-profit and government sectors for over a decade. Prior to joining USDOT, she was a Deputy States Director for the All On The Line campaign of the National Redistricting Action Fund, an affiliate of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee chaired by former US Attorney General Eric Holder, where she oversaw community organizing work in the Midwest and East Coast. Between 2017 and 2019, Raffi was the Director of External Relations at the National Center for Transgender Equality, where she managed public education and field organizing operations.

Raffi also served in President Barack Obama's administration between 2015 and 2017, working at the White House as a Senior Associate Director for Public Engagement responsible for LGBTQ community affairs, and as an Outreach and Recruitment Director for Presidential Personnel recruiting talent to work in the executive branch of government. Raffi was the first openly transgender staffer to work at the White House in history and, before leaving office, President Obama appointed Raffi to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, which she served on between 2017-2022.

Before moving to Washington, DC, Raffi's experience included working in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as a Legislative Director; for the City of Somerville, Massachusetts as the Mayor's LGBTQ Liaison; at the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition as a Legislative and Policy Staffer; and as a Course and Research Assistant at Boston University's Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies Program.

A graduate of St. Olaf College in Minnesota, Raffi was adopted from Honduras and grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts.

An inspiring conversation with Geoffrey Winder, a dedicated activist who has spent over two decades empowering LGBTQ youth and developing a model of co-leadership. In this episode, Geoffrey shares his journey from high school activism to leading transformative movements within the LGBTQ community. He discusses the importance of queer magic, the evolving identities of LGBTQ youth, and the necessity of building inclusive systems that support future generations. Geoffrey's insights highlight the ongoing need for solidarity and the power of community-driven change and his vision for a more inclusive world offers hope and inspiration for listeners.​

When asked to explain the benefits and the challenges of LGBTQ+ leadership, we're often stuck relying on anecdotes because data gathering is difficult in a world where we often remain hidden. Dr. Luke Fletcher and Dr. Shaun Pichler, authors of the new journal article Songs of the Self: The Importance of Authentic Leadership and Core Self Evaluations for LGBT Managers, join us for a discussion about developing the academic underpinning and gathering the data on what makes LGBTQ+ leadership so powerful. We also cover their personal journeys, how they developed into leaders and researchers, and where we go from here to continue building the case about the value of LGBTQ+ leadership.

From rural West Virginia, Brad Hoylman-Sigal was encouraged to read widely by his mother. In his local library he found a dream, a place that exudes freedom and where he could be accepted, New York City. Determined to wind up where he belonged, he embarked on a path of academic excellence and service in government. Beginning his term in the State Senate as the only out LGBTQ+ Senator, he developed and expansive view of how to lead, served as an ally inside and outside the queer community, and passed over 200 bills pushing New York to the #1 spot on several lists for LGBTQ+ equality. His dream is still a work in progress as he pushes to ensure greater representation in politics.

No spoilers, but the path to authenticity and her gender identity taken by Executive Director of Film and Television for Hearst Magazines Jude Harris, is not one you might expect. She's using her uniqueness and perspective to help tell queer stories in a difficult market and paving the way for trans and queer executives to follow her trail. Along the way, there were a lot of difficult things to let go of, but empowered her to own her narrative. In addition to leadership insights, Jude penned a story, with advice that is "excellent for any dark day when all you can do is hope for a better future and start walking in that general direction," which is the epilogue to Forging Queer Leaders: How the LGBTQIA+ Community Creates Impact from Adversity.

What does leadership development look like to those at the beginning of their journey? We thought we'd understand by talking to Ashton Mota, 19 and Kai Farr, 21 but they've already been on a leadership path for a long time. Ashton and Kai share their inspiring and transformative journeys as advocates and as GenderCool Project Champions. From introducing the President at the White House to navigating the challenges of coming out at a young age, they discuss the pivotal moments that shaped their identities and reflect on the ongoing need for education and acceptance. Join us for an enlightening conversation that underscores the significance of love, support, and the relentless pursuit of self-discovery.

Athlete. Teammate. Friend. Mentor. Cybersecurity Expert. Workforce Developer. Dr. Safi Mojidi has excelled in a huge variety of roles. He is a community leader creating a future where cybersecurity is sound, respect of privacy is inherent, and technology is leveraged equitably for all. Importantly, he's using his experiences and challenges as a black man of trans experience to build the talented, technologically savvy, workforce of the future. His mentorship and skill-building passion help create a workforce where people from underrepresented communities are ready to deliver value on day 1 across a wide range of technical disciplines.

Erin Uritus, CEO of Out & Equal, shares her journey of overcoming societal and personal barriers as a bisexual leader. Growing up in a conservative environment and later navigating international spaces where her identity had to be hidden, Erin reflects on the challenges of embracing her authentic self. She also explores how biphobia within the LGBTQ+ community fueled her determination to create more inclusive workplaces. Her story is a powerful example of how self-awareness and resilience forge effective leadership. ​This episode dives deep into the importance of authenticity, the power of storytelling, and the evolving role of queer leadership.

Before becoming a Senator in Aruba, Miguel Mansur considered himself a citizen of the world. Leaving the island at 14, and living in multiple countries, it felt like an escape from homophobia and stigmatization. Yet, he still faced struggles with depression and substance abuse even in more accepting places. Even then, there was still a draw to return home and an economic article he wrote during the COVID pandemic was the spur for a dramatic return. Miguel founded a political party, ​Accion 21, and won his first election to the Aruban Parliament. Listen to his inspirational journey to authenticity where he rises to meet 21st century challenges in order to build the world he hopes to see.

Featuring returning guest Blake Dremann as our host for this episode, the Forged in Fire team looks back at our first season. There we so many insightful guests, amazing storytellers, and heroes on the show this season. Learn what surprised us, what we learned about making a podcast, and what our light-bulb moments were! We also ask for your feedback as we look to make Season 2 even better than the first.

Jim Fielding, author of All Pride, No Ego, former CEO, retail and media veteran, and current partner at Archer Gray, contains multitudes. Jim, Jimmy, James, and JD are just some of the names he's been called and all are a part of who he is as a successful executive who has faced personal and professional challenges on the way to finding his authentic self. In our conversation we cover how Jim integrated his many aspects, the advice he'd give to his younger self, how to test for critical leadership skills, found family at work, queer aging, and so much more. Jim may be a complicated unicorn, but that's given him a lot of wisdom to share!

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.

Explore the power of story as a leadership tool with Ross Murray, Vice President of the GLAAD Media Institute. Ross walks us through building powerful narratives for connection. In essence, Ross helps us understand how to use story as a change management tool. We also dive into moments where he faced discrimination, embraced his identity, and turned it all into a panoply of opportunities to help LGBTQ+ people locally, nationally, and internationally.

Guest Biography
Ross Murray is a Vice President at the GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media Institute and provides activist, spokesperson, and media engagement training and education for LGBTQ and allied community members, the media industry and advocacy organizations.

Ross is also a founder and director of The Naming Project, a faith-based camp for LGBTQ youth and their allies. He’s an author and his book, Made, Known, Loved: Developing LGBTQ-Inclusive Youth Ministry is available from Fortress Press. Ross is a producer for the "Yass, Jesus!" podcast, a faith and sexuality affirming podcast that believes you don't have to pick between gay and God.

Ross is an ordained Deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, with a specific calling to advocate for LGBTQ people and to bridge the LGBTQ and faith communities.

In our most wide-ranging interview yet, we speak with Jennifer Brown, a DEI thought leader, author, and entrepreneur who explores the boundaries of where we can go to ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Classically trained in performance, she harnessed the courage it took to perform on stage and dance in the fire of the spotlight and cultivated that into standing for others and creating cultures of inclusion. She's spent years finding ways to elevate voices that need to be heard, shine a light on those that need to be seen, and create institutions that pull people to success. For more, visit https://jenniferbrownconsulting.com/ and https://jenniferbrownspeaks.com/

Guest Biography Jennifer Brown (she/her) is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, author, and diversity, equity, and inclusion expert who is deeply passionate about building more inclusive workplaces where all of us can thrive. As the Founder and CEO of Jennifer Brown Consulting (JBC), a 20-year-old certified woman- and LGBT-owned firm, Jennifer and her team design and execute inclusion strategies that have been implemented by some of the biggest companies and nonprofits in the world. She is also the bestselling author of four books on inclusive leadership, including her most recent, a second edition of How to Be an Inclusive Leader, which addresses some of the most pressing challenges of our times and how identity, privilege and equity can drive opportunity for all. Her keynoting has taken her from everywhere from Google to IBM to the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center to leading business schools around the world, and her podcast, The Will to Change, is in its fifth year, and recognized as one of the top DEI podcasts ever.

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.

Non-Commissioned Officers are the heart of the United States military. Their skill, leadership, and ability to seize the initiative is what creates such a dynamic force. Master Sergeant Sabrina Bruce (Space Force), Technical Sergeant Alexandria Holder (Air Force), and Sergeant Zaneford Alvarez (Army), are shining examples that junior service members can aspire to take after and they just happen to be transgender. They serve and excel as their authentic selves, having transitioned while serving, despite shifting winds that could see a future administration attempt to throw them out. Their example of dedicated service is changing hearts and minds every day as to why transgender people belong in all places, in all jobs, and wherever their hearts can take them.

No Person is an Island - LGBTQ+ Leaders are everywhere! We speak with Tamara Adrián, a Venezuelan lawyer, professor, author and polyglot advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Tamara was the second transgender person elected to a national legislature in the Western Hemisphere and has been involved in basically all strategic litigation concerning LGBTQ+ rights in Venezuela and Latin America. She knows that no one does this work alone and stresses collaboration among people, respect, and fighting for our common humanity. Find out how Tamara came to "cherish this idea that everyone is able to contribute to the common good."

Guest Biography

Tamara Adrián is a lawyer and law professor, and has been a Lawmaker in the National Assembly of Venezuela where she was elected in 2015. Tamara was the first transgender person elected to office in Venezuela, and only the second transgender member of a national legislature in the Western Hemisphere.

She is a retired professor for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs at the Andrés Bello Catholic University and a professor at the Central University and the Metropolitan University of Venezuela. She is a prolific author of articles and books relating to matters she teaches, as well as LGTTTBI law.

In addition, Tamara is the President for the Committee of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO-T) and is the President of the Board of Directors of GATE: Global Action for Trans Equality. Tamara served as the Co-Secretary General Alternate from 2013 to 2015 and the World Trans Secretary of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) from 2010 to 2013. She is a member of the Scientific Committee for the Chair Human Rights and Sexuality of the UNESCO and a member of the Board of Directors of WPATH.

When invited on our show, Kai and Jackal, hosts of Stealth: a Transmasculine Podcast, both asked "Are you sure you have the right people?" We can assure you we do! Kai and Jackal discuss what they've learned from interviewing transgender men who transitioned more than twenty years ago and the implications of doing so in a time where trans people did not have the visibility they do in the 2020s. We also share the wisdom they've gleaned from their personal journeys, how non-binary thinking has evolved, and how leadership is about influence. By elevating the stories of others, and providing hope and inspiration to future leaders, Kai and Jackal have proven again and again that they're very much leaders themselves.

As the first Executive Director of the Human Rights Campaign Fund, Vic Basile led a significant coalescence of the LGBTQ+ rights lobbying community during the AIDS crisis and fought prejudice and bigotry on Capitol Hill. In his new memoir, Bending Toward Justice: A Memoir of Two Decades of LGBT Leadership and the Founding of the Human Rights Campaign​, he tells the story of those challenging years and sets the stage for the continued growth of the organization into today's Human Rights Campaign. We dive into his lessons learned and how he grew into the roles he needed to fill in order to create an effective organization that addressed both the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and the legal voids that drove those needs.

Welcome to Forged In Fire: LGBTQ+ Leadership! In this second promotional clip we introduce our Guest Manager, Trey Wirth. We'll hear him tell us more about his story and how it intersects with the creation of Forged in Fire.   

We hope you'll join us as we explore how incredible LGBTQ+ leaders developed into the people they are today. Stay tuned for our first full episode of Forged in Fire on January 10th, 2023!

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.

An award-winning writer, director and producer of film & television, Scottie Jeanette Madden has done it all in entertainment. For most of her life she fought to live up to and even surpass the expectations of those around her, venturing through many incredible adventures. Yet everything changed in her second act. Now she's creating a plethora of queer content and lifting voices that need to be heard. Discover how Scottie Jeanette's leadership grew, expanded, and shined when she decided to write, direct, and produce her own life. Scottie’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/scottie_jeannette_madden_what_would_my_father_say

Welcome to Forged In Fire: LGBTQ+ Leadership! In this third promotional clip we introduce our Producer, Frieda Garcia Castellanos. We'll hear her tell us more about her story and how it intersects with the creation of Forged in Fire.   

We hope you'll join us as we explore how incredible LGBTQ+ leaders developed into the people they are today. Stay tuned for our first full episode of Forged in Fire on January 10th, 2023!

What happens when the darkest parts of your past can fuel your brightest future? Brian Wenke’s life story is a testament to the power of perseverance. Brian, the executive director of It Gets Better, reflects on growing up as a gay teen during the AIDS epidemic, grappling with self-acceptance, and how those early battles led him to champion LGBTQ+ youth. He reveals the magic of storytelling, the thrill of connecting with community, and the lessons learned from a life lived authentically. It’s a conversation that proves that even in our darkest times, there’s always a path to something better.

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.

For Transgender Day of Visibility, Queen Victoria Ortega explains how transgender people are contouring the American Dream into a more expansive and inclusive dream. Keys to her work are empowerment, community connections, skill development, and a sense of service. We explore how she set shame aside at an early age and used her family's penchant for critical thinking to become a celebrated multi-talented leader in her Los Angeles community and around the world. Believing in the power of storytelling developed within the community, she leverages her intersectionality to guide organizations and systems toward transformational change that is both meaningful and effective. Don't miss this one!

​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.

In his new book, The Souls of Queer Folk: How Understanding LGBTQ+ Culture Can Transform Your Leadership Practice, Dr. Joel A Davis Brown uncovers the cultural values and leadership dimensions of the queer community. He also examines what we can all learn from LGBTQ+ leadership wisdom and how to avoid critical missteps. Sound a lot like what we're all about on this show? It is! Join us as we explore how Joel developed into the leader, researcher, and storyteller he is today and as we get to 'nerd out' about LGBTQ+ leadership development! ​ To learn more about Joel and his work, check out his company at pneumos.com

Welcome to Forged In Fire: LGBTQ+ Leadership! In this first promotional clip we introduce our hosts, Liz Cavallaro and Bree Fram, and hear what this podcast will be about. You'll also hear how and why they came together to create Forged in Fire.   

We hope you'll join us as we explore how incredible LGBTQ+ leaders developed into the people they are today. Stay tuned for our first full episode of Forged in Fire on January 10th, 2023!

A few years ago, we found a dearth of information about LGBTQ+ leaders in print. So did Layla McCay, psychiatrist, founder of the Centre for Urban Design and Mental Health, and author of Breaking The Rainbow Ceiling. Layla captured the experiences of LGBTQ+ leaders in the workplace to examine what was holding them back from making it to the top. Not only did she uncover hidden barriers, but also some surprising leadership strengths that came from the journeys of her contributors. In this episode we glimpse into Layla's personal journey and explore the LGBTQ+ leadership discoveries in her book.   

Puerto Rican? Gay? Female? Left-Handed? (Sometimes this one matters to surgeons!) Which one of these is the reason you hate me? Surgeon, Professor, and Vice Chair of Faculty Development at City of Hope, Dr. Lorna Rodriguez has navigated them all, often many or all of them at one. With all the challenges, Lorna knows exactly what it is to be forged in fire, to navigate adversity and come out stronger on the other side. She's used her experiences to build collaborative environments where everyone's perspective contributes to better patient outcomes. She's even consciously re-coded the algorithms in her brain to address biases, enhance her safety, and support those around her.

In a life of many acts, Joanne Carroll knew she was one of the little girls from an early age, but didn't share it with the world until her late 50's. Once out, she discovered a passion for helping others; she was the one throwing starfish that had washed ashore back into the sea. It was a later realization that something must be wrong for so many starfish (trans people) to keep turning up in distress that pushed her advocacy work into another gear. Now in her mid 80's, Joanne continues tirelessly to work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community in Pennsylvania, being named two years running as one of the 100 most influential LGBTQ leaders in the state. Note: This was our first live episode with audience questions, but we had some technical difficulties.

There's a fire burning deep within Becky Burke, head coach of the University at Buffalo women's basketball team. From an appearance in the NCAA final four as a player, through a wild rise up the coaching ranks, and now as an authentic leader, you can feel the heat within her. But this is no out of control blaze, Burke channels that fire into developing her players, creating positive environments, and using her platform to inform and inspire. Join our conversation and find some sparks to ignite your inner passion for leadership, be it on the hard court or wherever your journey takes you.

Guest Biography

Becky Burke is the head women’s basketball coach of the University at Buffalo. Prior to that, Burke was head coach at USC Upstate and was the 2022 Big South Coach of the Year, In just her second year, Burke engineered one of the best turnarounds in the country, leading an Upstate team picked 10th in the preseason to the No. 3 overall seed and a first-round bye in the 2022 Big South Championship. In 2019, Burke earned a spot on the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association 30-Under-30 list as the only head coach to appear on the exclusive list.

She was also the head coach at the University of Charleston in West Virginia for two seasons and started the women’s basketball program at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ.

Burke had a standout playing career at the University of Louisville where she graduated with a degree in sports management in 2012. In four years as a Cardinal, she helped lead her team to three NCAA Tournament appearances including the championship game in 2009 and the Sweet Sixteen in 2011.
A native of Clarks Summit, PA, Burke starred at her hometown high school, Abington Heights. She was named the Pennsylvania Class 4A Player of the Year her senior year by the Associated Press and scored over 2,100 points in her four-year high school career.

Storytelling is an art and Ron Oden has mastered the craft in a way that draws you in. Ron was the first gay African American to be elected Mayor of an American city when he won in Palm Springs in 2003. He has many identities: professor, administrator, pastor, public servant. There's no doubt service to others is a theme in everything he does. You might not expect a story about an enormous chicken to be in the midst of a grand sweep of history, with Ron weaving a tale more than 150 years long in the interview, but it connects so many elements of racial injustice, speaking out, and creating a better future. Ron was recently elected to the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s Hall of Fame for his long history of activism and service. Don't miss this conversation!

As someone with multiple minority statuses, Dr. A.C. Fowlkes, puts the onus on himself to create space for other individuals with multiple minority status. Having broken through a lot of glass ceilings, he's had a number of different times where he just wanted to throw in the towel. But understanding that if he didn't do something, people in the future, perhaps even his own child, would face the same barriers he's kept fighting to remove those challenges. Dr. Fowlkes has challenged stereotypes and false beliefs across industries, worked to help many of society's most stigmatized individuals, and is the author of the new book, Transgender Inclusion: All the Things You Want To Ask Your Transgender Coworker But Shouldn't.

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

Everyone has a story. Danica Roem's advice, "Don't let other people define your story for you." Her book, ​Burn the Page, talks about setting fire to the stories that don't define you in a way that we believe lights the way to a brighter future. Danica's journey, and the hurdles she overcame along the way to become the first openly transgender state legislator in the United States, put her in a place where she was primed to tear down barriers for others. Her example opened a door for many others to walk through and lights the way towards a more inclusive future for all of us. Danica is currently running for the Virginia Senate, you can learn more at www.danicaforstatesenate.com

From the family dinner table to his current role as Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, no topic has been taboo for Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen. When he emerged from the fog that separated him from others by coming out as trans, one of the first challenges was telling his family, including his mother, a long-time Republican Congresswoman. His ability to not make assumptions about what's in a person's heart and a desire to build bridges has enabled him to lead in a way that builds momentum towards persistent, pervasive, positive change. Learn how he took the 'third option' to take action and get involved as we discuss issues of leadership in the face of backlash to bend the moral arc of the universe towards justice.

A Naval Officer, Nurse, Lawyer, Educator, Leader. Paula Neira's career spans an incredible set of experiences and professions. She wanted nothing more than to command a ship at sea, but her Naval career was cut short by the need to live authentically well before transgender people could do both. Find out how she developed that still-burning desire to serve into a career in medicine, law, and education that knocked down barriers for others to reach their full potential.

Guest Biography
Paula M. Neira is originally from Jersey City, New Jersey, and graduated from Regis High School in New York City. A member of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1985, she graduated with distinction from Annapolis in May 1985. A Surface Warfare Officer, she served as a regular and reserve officer including serving in mine warfare combat during Operation Desert Storm. Her military decorations include three Navy Commendation Medals, the Navy Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon, as well as numerous unit, campaign, and service awards. After leaving the Navy in 1991, she began her career as a registered nurse. She is certified in emergency nursing and focused her career on adult emergency care and trauma resuscitation. From 2008-2016, Paula served as the Nurse Educator in Emergency Medicine at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. She also served as the co-chair of the Johns Hopkins Transgender Medicine Executive Taskforce. In November 2016, she became the founding Clinical Program Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender Health and served in this role 2016-2022. In March of 2022, she was named as the Johns Hopkins Medicine Program Director of LGBTQ+ Equity and Education in the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity.

An attorney and member of the Maryland bar since 2001, Paula was a leader in the repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy and in the change of military regulations to allow for transgender military service. As part of her role at Hopkins, she lectures nationally on the need for improved transgender cultural awareness and health equity.  In 2015, she made naval history by becoming the first transgender Navy veteran to have her discharge documentation updated to reflect her correct name by order of the Navy. In 2016, the Secretary of the Navy named her to be the co-sponsor of the USNS HARVEY MILK (T-AO-206) and in November 2021, she christened the ship in San Diego. In 2018, she was awarded the GLMA Achievement Award and in 2020, she was inducted as a Fellow into the American Academy of Nursing in recognition of her leadership in advancing diversity and inclusion both in the United States Armed Forces and in healthcare. She is the first United States service academy graduate to achieve this honor in American nursing. Paula and her partner reside in Bowie, Maryland.

Engineer, test pilot, public servant, and CEO only begins to describe Amanda Simpson's career and leadership flight path. She's flown over 60 different types of aircraft, but the most perilous takeoff may have been the one to finding her authentic self. Amanda's journey is filled with moments where she kicked open doors for other transgender people to follow her and was simultaneously recognized for her many professional accomplishments. Amanda's passion is evident in everything she pursues. Her commitment to technical excellence, developing strong teams, and building a trajectory to the future is an inspiration to all leaders.

Colorado's first transgender state legislator, Brianna Titone, is now in her third term. Recently, in a moment that blended her leadership and personal journey, Brianna's authenticity and the power of her representation shown through in a moment where she dared some house colleagues to look at her as they advocated for anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Her presence, and her ability to listen, build bridges, and get results, has led her to be the first transgender legislator elected by peers to a leadership position. Brianna's story is one of an inspirational leader who serves as a link in the chain, building off the accomplishments of other leaders and creating the conditions for future LGBTQ+ leaders to be far more commonplace and to reach far greater heights.

What do you do when you see a void in an organization, a community, or a nation? If you're Melissa Gumbs, you find a way to fill that gap with ideas and programs that can benefit everyone. In Sint Maarten, she saw an opportunity to build a community for LGBTQ+ folks and a political party for everyone. Now, as a Member of Parliament, her ideas about inclusion seek to reduce the brain drain caused by some Sint Maarteners not feeling welcome. Her authenticity and visibility provide hope to people who thought they might not have a place on the island.   Melissa Gumbs is a member of Parliament in Sint Maarten, a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, winning her seat in 2020 as part of a new political party. Born and raised on Sint Maarten she moved to Miami to attend St. Thomas University earneing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in International Business. She spent seven years in The Hague, The Netherlands, where she worked as a Market Research Analyst at TMF Netherlands B.V, providing her a front-row seat to understand the impact mergers of global corporations have on small economies. In 2011, she co-founded Unified Sint Maarten Connection with Cyriel Pfennings, which kicked off a long tenure of serving as board member or volunteer for various non-profits related to affecting social change. She served as board member of Foresee Foundation, as advisory board member for SAFE SXM, the island’s primary LGBT-focused foundation. In 2016, Melissa returned home to St. Maarten where she joined United Telecommunication Services as a Section Manager. She was instrumental in returning communication to the island after the devastating Hurricane Irma in 2017. Outside of her work at UTS, Melissa continued her volunteer work and established a new political party. In January 2020, along with seven other candidates, Melissa contested the 2020 St. Maarten Parliamentary elections on the Party for Progress slate, which won two seats. Outside of her work, Melissa enjoys video games, movies, reading, writing short stories, and travel.

In our first opportunity to speak with a fellow scholar and practitioner of LGBTQ+ development, we welcome Dominic Longo. Dominic is the founder of Flourishing Gays where he helps people move beyond just getting by in the world top open up a world of flourishing. We get to know some of Dominic's personal story and explore some of the tropes of LGBTQ+ leadership from being the 'best little boy in the world' to building bridges across cultures. Listen in as we examine how LGBTQ+ folks develop their leadership superpowers!

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.

Totally, eminently qualified was how Senator John McCain describe our guest, Eric Fanning, during his confirmation to be Secretary of the Army. In a career that weaves in and out of senior roles in government and industry, currently as CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association, Fanning was often the first gay person to occupy those heights. Yet that rarely comes up publicly, the focus is on his qualifications. Still, his sexual orientation played an important role in the way he developed as a leader. Being gay gave him perspective on himself and those he served that helped shape him into a leader of teams capable of incredible things and thriving through change.

In a storied career across many fields, Jamison Green has impacted countless lives, particularly those of transgender men. His 2004 memoir, Becoming a Visible Man, became the publisher's bestselling book of all time and was updated to a second edition in 2019. Jamison has successfully led nonprofit organizations, changed anti-discrimination laws, reformed insurance exclusions and diagnostic protocols, and published articles and books on many aspects of transgender health and rights. His indefatigable energy motivates his writing and speaking engagements and spills into his storytelling. The sum of all that work is Jamison delivering hope for a better and more just existence to the lives of so many.

As a Senior Advisor to the U.S. Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons, it's no surprise that Reggie Greer thinks big. Learning from an early age to be empathetic to those around him, despite his challenges existing at the intersection of being a black, queer, disabled man from a religious household, Reggie moved rapidly to positions where he could drive positive change. His work to bring people into the process, prevent disillusionment in government, and move folks from apathy to allyship is inspiring. Always one to find the silver lining despite the color of the clouds, Reggie's visibility as a public servant and beacon of optimism brings light to dark places.

US Navy Commander Blake Dremann epitomizes the Navy core values. His career has had so many shocking turns that it deserves a full length feature film. Brought up in a faith environment and attending bible school, Blake found the military. He was in the first group of (perceived) women to integrate submarines and then became instrumental in opening up the military to transgender service. He led SPARTA, a non-profit advocacy organization, when President Trump attempted to fire all trans service members via tweet. Through it all, Blake won performance awards, changed perceptions, and fought to be the best version of himself. His journey is an inspiration. This is Blake's Official Navy Biography - COMMANDER BLAKE M. DREMANN SUPPLY CORPS UNITED STATES NAVY Commander Blake Dremann is assigned as the Ammunition Supply Chain Strategy Deputy and the Ordnance Audit Program Manager, NAVSUP Ammunition Logistics Center at Navy Supply Systems Command Headquarters, Mechanicsburg, PA. Commander Dremann is a native of St. Louis, MO and is a 2003 graduate of Ozark Christian College, earning his Bachelor of Biblical Literature. He received his commission through Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL in 2006 and after commissioning attended Navy Supply Corps School in Athens, GA. He earned his Master of Business Administration from Norwich University in 2019. Dremann’s operational assignments include: division officer afloat as Food Service Officer, Disbursing Officer and Assistant Supply Officer, USS DENVER (LPD 9); and Supply Officer, USS MAINE (SSBN 741), earning MAINE’s second Logistics Excellence Award and recipient of the 2015 Vice Admiral Robert F. Batchelder Award.  His most recent shore assignment was as Readiness Officer, Nuclear Enterprise Support Office at Defense Logistics Agency Headquarters in Fort Belvoir, VA.  Previously he was a Navy Intern, Joint Staff, Logistics Directorate, Washington, DC; where he became the Deputy Branch Chief for Capabilities, was co-lead for the biennial logistics war game and Combatant Command Integrated Priority Lists and Issue Nominations; served an Individual Augmentation tour as Assistant Coordinator, Commander’s Emergency Response Program; Combined Joint Task Force - 101, Bagram, Afghanistan; and division officer ashore as Food Service Officer, Billeting Officer, and Sales Officer for Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia. Dremann’s personal decorations include two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. He is qualified as a Submarine Warfare Supply officer, a Surface Warfare Supply officer and is a member of the Acquisition Corps.  Commander Dremann has also received the 2018 Department of Defense Pride Military Leadership Award, Modern Military Association of America’s “Outstanding Advocate” Honoree for their 25th Anniversary, named a 2019 Out in National Security Next Generation Leader in National Security.

She's not yet on a Starfleet recruiting poster, but Leah Lauderback's journey to the stars has not been without hardship either. As the first out LGBTQ+ person to achieve the three-star rank of Lieutenant General and having been instrumental in the stand-up of the United States Space Force, Leah has boldly led teams into new frontiers and shattered barriers everywhere she's been. Getting there wasn't easy as she had to hide a major part of her identity for years under Don't Ask, Don't Tell and risked everything whenever she confided in someone she thought was a friend or ally. Listen in to find out how she became the humble leader she is and how she's pushing for continuing change and a brighter future.

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.

This episode is completely profound, occasionally profane, and filled with phrases you won't soon forget!  Though Nebraska State Senator Megan Hunt described herself in the episode as "the Diet Coke of LGBTQ Community," she's so much more. She is the woman in the arena that Teddy Roosevelt would have thrilled over. She overcame internalized stigma, to live her life and advocate for others in a way that envisions a world where everyone can be free to live without having to justify who they are. And she's willing to fight for it. In the interview we discuss the challenges of self-discovery, the complexities of coming out, and how these experiences have shaped Senator Hunt's confident approach to both personal and political life.
​"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt in 1910

​Bianca Sprague, Executive Director of Trans Pride DC, shares her incredible journey from hiding her true identity to becoming a powerful advocate for transgender rights. In this episode, Bianca discusses the importance of creating spaces where all identities are celebrated and how her intersectional experiences as a trans woman, Filipina, and immigrant shape her leadership. Bianca describes feeling almost embarrassed to share her mostly positive story, as it seemed to differ from the common narratives of struggle and hardship even though she too faced adversity that honed her leadership skills. Her message of hope and authenticity will resonate with anyone working toward inclusion and equality.

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!

Learn how Matthew Rose moved from investigating conspiracy theories about health disparities to leading HIV and vaccine policy education and advocacy efforts around the world. Matt developed powerful communication skills that allow him to translate between different communities of stakeholders, including those representing the most vulnerable and in-need communities. We explore code-switching, inclusive language, cultural competency and much more in this episode.

Guest Biography
Matthew Rose is a longstanding HIV and social justice advocate. He brings over a decade of experience in community engagement, health policy, and HIV science, focusing on health equity.

He currently serves as a Director at a global health communications and advocacy consulting firm. Supporting clients across some of the world's most dynamic regions to enable policy innovations, mobilize resources, and build political will, engaging global and local audiences to drive change.

Matthew most recently served as Health GAP’s lead on U.S. government policy, focusing on issues including annual appropriations for global AIDS programs, access to essential medicines, and rights-based approaches to end the AIDS pandemic. He also focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccine development and deployment, science policy, and aid for frontline workers.

Before Health GAP, Matthew served as policy and advocacy manager for the National Minority AIDS Council. He worked on federal legislation related to HIV and health disparities affecting people of color and played a leadership role in the National HIV Biomedical Prevention Summit.

Matthew is currently a member of the Vaccine Advocacy Resource Group, an independent, advocate-led, global team of AIDS prevention research advocates that plays a critical role as a liaison in the highly complex field of HIV vaccine research. He also serves on the Board of Directors for HIPS, which advances the health, rights, and dignity of people and communities impacted by sex work and drug use.