Falling Out LGBTQ

Pride Frisco

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Jon Culpepper, Brian Kennedy) — Thu, 1 Jun 2023 05:00:00 +0000

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod, @pridefrisco

www.fallingoutlgbtq.com

Thriving Thru Transition - Naomi Green

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Naomi Green, Brian Kennedy) — Thu, 4 May 2023 05:00:00 +0000

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod

twitter: @fallinglgbtq

www.fallingoutlgbtq.com

twitter, instagram: @Nay2The

A Story of Love and Laughter - Kerry Day

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Kerry Day, Brian Kennedy) — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0000

www.fallingoutlgbtq.com

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtq

twitter: @fallinglgbtq

instagram: @kerrylaughs

facebook: kerry day

youtube: kerrylaughs

Drag Is Not A Crime - Raquel Blake

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Raquel Blake, Brian Kennedy) — Thu, 6 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0000

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtq

twitter: @fallinglgbtq

www.fallingoutlgbtq.com

LGBTQ Journalism Is Key To Our Democracy - Leo Cusimano

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Leo Cusimano, Brian Kennedy) — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 05:00:00 +0000

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtq

twitter: @fallinglgbtq

www.fallingoutlgbtq.com

https://dallasvoice.com/

Using My Platform to Change the World - Laganja Estranja

Thu, 2 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000

websites: www.fallingoutlgbtq.com; https://laganjaestranja.com/

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtq; @laganjaestranja; @kennetron

twitter: @fallinglgbtq; @laganjaestanja

produced by Brian Kennedy

The Art of Matchmaking in the LGBTQ Community

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles) — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

https://www.fernconnections.com/

https://fallingoutlgbtq.com/

Queer Actors Have Stories to Tell - Daniel Franzese

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Daniel Franzese, Colman Charles, Brian Kennedy) — Thu, 8 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Hosts: Brian Kennedy and Colman Charles

website: www.fallingoutlgbtq.com

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod; @kennetron; @whatsupdanny

twitter: @fallinglgbtq

What is Non-Binary? - Don Mamone

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Don Mamone, Colman Charles, Brian Kennedy) — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

https://donmamone.com/

thegenderguide.com

website: fallingoutlgbtq.com; instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod; twitter @fallinglgbtq

Don Mamone’s decade-long career in hospitality culminated with their role as the Director of Events at the prestigious Beverly Hilton. Determined to embrace their creativity and pursue the dream of entrepreneurship, Don and their wife Emily opened a photography studio and have exceeded the expectations of their loyal clients from Dallas to Destinations around the world for over fifteen years.

As a speaker and coach Don teaches audiences and clients how to reach their maximum potential and impact by discovering and embracing their true identity. Having recently come out as non-binary, Don is a committed advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and consults with companies and organizations dedicated to diversity, inclusivity and representation as well as creating safe spaces that support and encourage unapologetic authenticity.

When they are not traveling the world for creative projects and speeches, Don lives happily outside the gender binary in Dallas with their talented spouse Emily and their creative child Frankie.

It's Okay To Not Be Okay - Shane Allen

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Shane Allen, Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles) — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Shane Allen is a 2-time EMMY Award-Winning TV Producer, creative consultant, and futurist. He's helped create television and digital brands in Southeast Texas, Austin, Dallas, and a nationally syndicated show on the CW Network. He is currently a Senior Producer in the Marketing Department of a Fortune 40 company and sits on the executive board of DIFFA Dallas as the chair of public relations and communications. Since the mid-80's, DIFFA (the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) has granted over $50 million to organizations on the front line of creating the first AIDS-free generation. And, if that wasn't enough, he is also the CEO of BestDragShows.com, which produces the largest drag brunch in Texas.

BestDragShows.com

www.fallingoutlgbtq.com

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod

twitter: @fallinglogbtq

If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help. Use these resources to find help for you, a friend, or a family member.

Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or go to the nearest emergency room.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988; Llame al 988 (para ayuda en español)
Use Lifeline Chat on the web
The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Support is also available in English via live chat.

Surviving the Holidays - Jimmy Owen, LPC

Thu, 3 Nov 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Jimmy Owen has over 35 years of experience working as a psychotherapist, administrator, educator/trainer, and supervisor in Dallas, TX, Chicago IL, and Madison, WI. In addition, he has worked with the Dane County District Attorney's Office, Crime Response Team, helping victims and witnesses of violent and traumatic crimes.

He was the first clinical supervisor of Legacy Counseling Center in the 1990s.

He specializes in conflict resolution, mindfulness and is a Certified Daring Way Facilitator, focusing on the curriculum of Brene Brown and served as the Texas Regional Chair for Daring Way clinicians.

Jimmy has been active in the LGBTQ community over the years serving on the Governing Board of the DFW Federal Club, longtime member of Razzle Dazzle Dallas, Contributing Writer for Our Lives Magazine and goodtherapy.com, Advisor for Mentor Development and Training, Walt Whitman Community School, longtime past member of the Dallas Independent Volleyball Association and Pegasus Slow-Pitch Softball Association and was once appoint by Dallas City Council to the Board of Trustees for Cable Access of Dallas.

He met his husband, Jim Sherrill, in 2003 and was married in 2006. He has a son, Canyon, who is currently serving in the Navy. Jimmy has two beagles, Tatum Marie and Chandler Wayne.

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod

twitter: @fallinglgbtq

www.fallingoutlgbtq

Music is My Healer - Alex Kautz

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Alex Kautz, Brian Kennedy) — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 05:00:00 +0000

ALEX KAUTZ is an American singer/songwriter with two albums to date - “Alex in Wonderland” & “We’re All Gonna Die”. In 2020, KAUTZ featured by Taco Bell’s "Artist To Watch" FEED THE BEAT campaign. After moving to Nashville the same year, ALEX was on American Idol - where Lionel Richie compared him to David Bowie. You can catch KAUTZ on the Investigation Discovery Channel (In Pursuit with John Walsh : Twisted Mysteries). Alex's sophomore album, “We’re All Gonna Die”

Instagram/Twitter - alexkautzmusic

www.fallingoutlgbtq.com

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod

twitter: @fallinglgbtq

Why the Church Needs To Talk About Sexuality - Sally Gary

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Sally Gary, Colman Charles, Brian Kennedy) — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Sally Gary is founder and director of CenterPeace, a 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry dedicated to creating space for conversation about faith and sexuality. Growing up in Churches of Christ in the ‘60s & ‘70s, Sally has a great love for the spiritual heritage that first introduced her to Jesus and instilled in her a strong faith. But as a gay Christian, she knows firsthand the pain of wrestling with her own faith and sexuality, and how difficult it can be to stay connected to church, to Christianity, to God with no support from your faith community. This is what drives Sally’s passion for CenterPeace, the ministry she founded in 2006 to create a place of belonging for LGBTQ+ Christians, encouraging them to hold onto faith and stay connected to God.

For over 16 years, CenterPeace has been building community for sexual minorities, hosting online and in-person retreats and other resources for nurturing the faith of LGBTQ+ individuals. CenterPeace also hosts retreats for families of LGBTQ+ youth, and workshops for churches and schools, and other organizations to foster greater inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. Since 2009, CenterPeace has hosted a national conference featuring keynote speakers such as Justin Lee and Matthew Vines. The conference has attracted thousands over the years – LGBTQ+ Christians, church leaders, parents, and allies – from across the globe, for the purpose of learning how to love and embrace the LGBTQ+ community in our midst and beyond.

This year’s CenterPeace Conference is in Dallas, Texas, at Wilshire Baptist – a fully open and affirming Baptist church – November 3 – 5. Jeff Chu of “Evolving Faith” is the featured keynote speaker, along with Justin and Matthew, Joel Hollier from Australia and Staci Frenes, singer/songwriter from Los Angeles. AND Rocky Roggio, director and creative genius behind the new film 1946, a documentary about mistranslation in Scripture.

Sally holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication from Abilene Christian University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Texas Tech University School of Law. A former high school speech and debate coach, trial lawyer and communication professor, Sally is a teacher at heart. Most of all, Sally is dedicated to serving queer youth, helping them know they are loved by God and that they always belong. Everywhere.

The author of Affirming: A Memoir of Faith, Sexuality, and Staying in the Church, Sally currently resides in Dallas, Texas, with her wife, Karen, and their miniature dapple dachshund, Rudy.

For more information about CenterPeace, visit centerpeace.net and follow on social media:

Facebook – facebook.com/centerpeaceinc

Instagram - @centerpeaceinc

Birth of A Drag Queen - Aria Rey

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Hunter Sabin, Aria Rey, Brian Kennedy) — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Hunter Sabin has been performing drag for the past five years as his alter ego Aria Rey, known as the “Dom Top Barbie of Texas.” Her drag style is like a dominatrix barbie doll, mixing classic drag glamour with a fetish twist. Hunter is a trained opera singer graduating from Texas State with a degree in vocal performance. Hunter is the winner of “The Serve” season 1 (an Instagram drag competition during lockdown in 2020), Drag Me to Fame in San Antonio, and college drag competition “So You Think you can drag”. This is definitely a queen to watch and Stan.

instagram:@ theariarey

twitter: @ariareyqueen

youtube: aria rey

fallingoutlgbtq.com

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod

twitter: @fallinglgbtq

Dr. Kim Hunter and the Apparition - Chaselyn Wade Vance

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, Chaselyn Wade Vance) — Thu, 6 Oct 2022 05:00:00 +0000

tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-kim-hunter-and-the-apparition-premiere-tickets-413123021077

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod

twitter: @fallinglgbtq

website: www.fallingoutlgbtq.com

Rainbow Roundup: A Resource for LGBTQIA Families - Kimberly Kantor

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Kimberly Kantor, Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles) — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 05:00:00 +0000

www.rrup.org

https://www.facebook.com/rainbowroundup

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod

twitter: @fallinglgbtq

www.fallingoutlgbtq.com

From Booker T. to Black Tie Dinner - Terry Loftis

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Terry Loftis, Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles) — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Terry D. Loftis is the Donna Wilhelm Family President and Executive Director of TACA (The Arts Community Alliance). TACA’s mission is to support excellence and impact the arts in North Texas through grant making, capacity building and thought leadership. Under his leadership, TACA launched the TACA Resiliency Initiative (TRI) to reframe vital support for Dallas cultural arts organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. TACA has distributed $2.1M since March 2020 to nearly 100 cultural arts organizations in Dallas County. He is a Tony nominated Broadway producer of Bandstand on Broadway in 2017 which received the Tony for Best Choreography and Orchestration. He received his first Tony nomination in 2015 for The Visit starring the legendary Chita Rivera. Prior to TACA, Loftis was Vice President of the Broadway Strategic Return Fund (BSRF) in New York. He was responsible for investor development for BSRF throughout the United States. BSRF was a co-producer of the hit Broadway Musical Hadestown, which received the Best Musical Tony in 2019.

Loftis spent the bulk of his career in marketing/advertising beginning with a subsidiary of Leo Burnett in Chicago – TFA Communications and later operated his own agency for 14-years Verve Communications Group. He served as President of Dallas based, Eisenberg And Associates until his departure from advertising in 2018.

Loftis is a Dallas native and a graduate of the Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual and Performing Arts. He has been actively engaged in the Dallas arts and non-profit community for many years and serves on the board of directors of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Black Tie Dinner (Co-Chair), Dallas Arts District and Texans for the Arts. Additionally, Loftis serves on the President’s Council of the Advisory Board of Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual & Performing Arts and is a member of the Dallas Assembly. His former board service includes Resource Center, Resource Center Foundation, The Dallas Way, the Friends of the Katy Trail, USA Film Festival and TITAS. Loftis grew up in Oak Cliff near the Dallas Zoo and currently resides in the Winnetka Heights neighborhood of Oak Cliff. When time permits, Loftis returns to his passion as a jazz singer for private events and occasionally the Balcony Club in Lakewood and Alexandre’s.

https://taca-arts.org/

https://blacktie.org/

https://www.dallasisd.org/bookert

fallingoutlgbtq.com

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpd

twitter: @fallinglgbtq

Surviving My 600 lbs. Life - Lonnie Hambrick

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Lonnie Hambrick, Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles) — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Instagram @fallingoutlbgtqpod

Twitter @fallinglgbtq

www.fallingoutlgbtq.com

@lonniehambrick on all the socials

Queer Storytelling: The creation of Open To It - Frank Arthur Smith

Wed, 7 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0000

www.opentoitseries.com

Frank Arthur Smith, who plays "GREG", is a here, queer writer and actor originally from Boston, Massachusetts. He previously worked in the writers’ room on RAVEN’S HOME, the sequel to the hit series THAT’S SO RAVEN, for Disney Channel. Prior to that, he wrote an animated pilot with Tornante TV (BOJACK HORSEMAN), developed a live-action series with Vice Studios (FYRE), and rewrote a horror movie with Fangoria / Cinestate (THE STANDOFF AT SPARROW CREEK). He is currently in production on episodes 4 - 6 of OPEN TO IT, an LGBTQIA+ comedy series that he stars in, writes, directs, and executive produces, featuring Laganja Estranja of RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE. Episode 1 premiered in April in the Comedy Shorts program of Wicked Queer: Boston's LGBTQ+ Film Festival.

Before moving to California, Frank managed an organic chemistry lab, and planned to attend medical school. A few years ago, he starred in Episode 5 of the Emmy Award-nominated TIDYING UP WITH MARIE KONDO on Netflix.

fallingoutlgbtq.com

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod

twitter: @fallinglgbtq

instagram - @frank.arthur.smith

Sex Work Is Work - Kevin Chadwin Davis

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +0000

www.fallingoutlgbtq.com

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtq

twitter: fallinglgbtq

Spilling the PositiviTEA - LeeAnne Locken

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (LeeAnne Locken, Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles) — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +0000

www.fallingoutlgbtq.com

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod

twitter: @fallinglgbtq

legacycares.org

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/positivitea-2022-a-legacy-brunch-tickets-384032931837

LeeAnne has an international television career as a tv host, actress and reality tv star. She has been featured in numerous national magazines, such as People, US Weekly, OK Magazine and Page Six and on several national & international tv shows, including TMZ, Extra, E! News & UK Daily Mail TV. She has a huge US, UK and AU following having been the breakout star of Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Dallas” and TV Land’s “She’s Got The Look”.

LeeAnne shares her love for travel, fashion and a healthy lifestyle to her over 1 million followers on her Instagram. She is huge advocate for Mental Health, Animals, Child Abuse & Domestic Violence and the LGBTQ+ community. Her audience loves what she stands for and how she lives her life as an example for good!

A Legacy of Care - Melissa Grove

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Melissa Grove, Colman Charles, Brian Kennedy) — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 05:00:00 +0000

legacycares.org

fallingoutlgbtq.com

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod

twitter: @fallinglgbtq

Melissa Grove M.S., LPC has served as Executive Director of Legacy Counseling Center, Inc. since 1999, transforming the agency into the largest provider of mental health services for HIV+ people in the South. The Grace Project National Conference for Women Living with HIV she founded hosts 200 HIV+ women annually. Other projects include founding Legacy Founders Cottage, an AIDS care facility, and creating the centralized housing solution, Homebaseforhousing.org website. Her newest program, Legacy Master Leasing, sublets apartments to homeless people living with HIV. Ms. Grove speaks around the nation on issues pertaining to mental health, relationships, muscular dystrophy, HIV and chronic illness She additionally has a private therapy practice in Dallas, TX.

She was named the 2014 Public Citizen of the Year through the North Central Texas National Association of Social Workers, and received the 2015 Black Tie Dinner Kuchling Humanitarian Award. Currently Ms. Grove has served on the National Consumer Advisory Committee for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and consults on the STS4HIV Project, a project of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Called to Hope: My Vision for Homeless Youth: Jason Vallejo

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Jason Vallejo, Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles) — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Jason Vallejo is the Founder & Executive Director of Elevate North Texas - Youth Emergency Shelter. Elevate North Texas’ mission is to fill in the gap of youth homelessness with emergency shelter. They provide a safe, affirming environment through access to immediate shelter and reunification with family, when possible. Jason founded Elevate North Texas in 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic that we know as COVID-19. He saw a gap in the homeless system when it came to youth who were between the ages 18 to 24. While North Texas had transitional living programs for youth in this age range, he knew that there was still no emergency shelter for these youth that would meet the immediate need of youth experiencing homelessness.

Jason created three core programs that will allow Elevate North Texas to provide emergency shelter for youth, 18 to 24, experiencing homelessness:

1. Hotel Voucher Program: They partner with several hotels here in North Texas to provide hotel vouchers for those youth in immediate need of shelter.

2. Host Home Program: They work with trusted families that have a spare room to host a pre-screened youth for up to four months. During this time, youth are provided case management, counseling, and life skills training.

3.Reunification Program: They work to reunite youth with family members, when possible, to avoid them entering the homeless system. They also understand that many youth are fleeing abusive and toxic home environments, which is why they emphasize the "when possible."

Prior to the founding of Elevate North Texas, Jason was Executive Director of Dallas Hope Charities from November 2017 to January 2020. He led the organization in the creation of the first LGBTQ+ focused transitional living program called Dallas Hope Center. It started with two beds and when he left in 2020 it had grown to six beds.

Jason is active in the community serving on the Metro Dallas Youth Committee, LULAC of Dallas, North Texas Human Trafficking Coalition and Dallas LGBTQ Chamber. Prior to moving to Dallas in 2017 Jason was the Outreach Director at a mega church in South Texas. He led the efforts in feeding the homeless and providing back to school supplies for over 3,000 youth.

Jason and his husband now live in Plano, Texas and have a dog named Sophie. They enjoy going to movies, Broadway shows, playing golf and working on projects around the house.

Living Without Labels - Regina Lyn

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Regina Lyn, Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles) — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Regina Lyn joined the Black Tie Dinner board in Dec of 2019, first serving on the Community Relations Committee. She chaired the committee in 2021 and is now the Jr. co-chair of Black Tie Dinner. In addition to her volunteer role with Black Tie Dinner, Regina works full-time in Sports Entertainment, having cut her teeth in Minor League Baseball as an on-field host, eventually becoming the VP of Game Entertainment, and is currently the Director of Strategic Accounts for Versus Systems. She is also a brand ambassador, freelance producer, and on-camera talent. Regina hosted Riders Insider on FSSW, has been on the Dallas Cowboys Production team for 10 years, is the in-house show Producer for the brand new Major League Rugby team, the Dallas Jackals, and is the Senior Correspondent for the Dallas Voice.

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod

twitter: fallinglgbtq

www.fallingoutlgbtq.com

www.blacktie.org

Can I Be Gay and a Christian? - Reverend Dr. Neil G. Thomas

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000

The Reverend Dr. Neil G. Thomas is the Senior Pastor of Cathedral of Hope of Dallas, called and elected by the 4,500-member congregation on April 12, 2015, following a year-long search. He began his tenure on June 3, 2015. In 2015 he has been granted Privilege of Call in the United Church of Christ. Prior to his arrival at Cathedral of Hope, Rev. Neil served as Senior Pastor of two Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC); MCC Bournemouth, England (1989-2002) and Founders Metropolitan Community Church, Los Angeles (2002-2015), the founding church of Metropolitan Community Churches, an international movement of churches reaching in and beyond the gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, and inter- sex community.

A member of Metropolitan Community Churches since 1981, Rev. Neil has served in numerous denominational positions including Chair, Board of Ordained Ministries (European District); Member, Elder’s Task Force on Education; Member, European District Committee; Member, Board of Samaritan College in Europe; Supervising Pastor, and Ecumenical Officer. He has served on the Moderator’s Advising Team and consultant to the Office of Formation and Leadership Development. As a native of Bournemouth, England, Rev. Neil was born into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His family left the Mormon Church in his early years. In his 20’s, he served as Chaplain to those dying from HIV/AIDS in the Bournemouth area, which led to being an advocate which continues to this day. Rev. Neil is a sought-after speaker and contributor to local, national and international conversations around the intersectionality of faith, color, gender, gender-identity and sexual orientation.

Rev. Neil has been a leader with Faith Forward Dallas, which is a diverse coalition of Dallas’ faith leaders dedicated to service, hope and a shared vision of peace and justice and serves as a moral compass for the North Texas Community. Rev. Neil is currently co-authoring a book about faith struggles during a pandemic and is highly regarded in the LGBTQIA community not only locally but also throughout the country.

On a personal note, Rev. Neil is the father of a young daughter whom he adores.

www.fallingoutlgbtq.com

https://cathedralofhope.com/

twitter: @fallinglgbtq

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod

Son of A Preacher Man - Dillon Bartel

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Dillon Bartel, Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles) — Thu, 7 Jul 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Dillon Bartel was born in raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He went to a Christian private school, where he was involved in sports and theater and made many lasting friendships. As an adult, he moved to Dallas where he met his husband and they moved to Seattle in 2015. He is now a gymnastics coach who spends his free time producing music, dancing and cooking.

Instagram: @fallingoutlgbtq

twitter: @fallinglgbtq

email: patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com

PRIDE: Facing My Demons - Chris Chism

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Chris Chism, Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles) — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Dallas-based artist Chris Chism is a talented singer/songwriter who has a natural way of crossing cultural and generational barriers to reach people through his music. Chris is also the Founder/Lead Pastor of The House Dallas, a contemporary church in the DFW Metroplex. He has been named Dallas’ Best Musician and Best Local Singer by the Dallas Voice and was chosen as the winner of the Michael Terry Singer/Songwriter People’s Choice Award at the 2019 Wildflower Arts & Music Festival.

As a diversely talented musician, Chris has performed for audiences around the country. He has been a featured entertainer at the Capital Pride Festival in Washington DC, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, Wildflower Arts & Music Festival, Dallas Arts District Block Parties and House of Blues Dallas to name a few. He can often be found performing at numerous charity and fundraising events, and has shared the stage with the likes of artists such as Debbie Gibson, Tiffany, and Yolanda Adams.

Over the last few years, Chris has used his gospel upbringing, along with his own personal life experiences, to compose and perform uplifting and inspirational music, as well as original praise and worship songs. His popular "Don't Stay There" continues to be a favorite of audiences. The song was also featured in the documentary "2nd Chances." Chris's other original songs include "Deadbolt", “Visible”, “Love Me” and “Into the Wild”

At the end of 2020, Chris added “Pastor” to his list of responsibilities when he formed a new church, The House Dallas. He and a devoted group of devoted volunteers felt there was a need for a more contemporary church service to reach those that were looking for a less traditional church. The House Dallas welcomes those from all walks of life, and seeks to be a congregation where all are “Beloved, Believed In, and Belong”. Despite starting a new church service during the pandemic, the church continues to grow. Currently The House Dallas holds weekly services at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday afternoons at VariSpace in Las Colinas.

When Chris is not busy with performing, writing new music and his duties as pastor of The House Dallas, he enjoys spending time with his husband Thomas and their two daughters.

Instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod

PRIDE: The Importance of Allyship - Denise Lee

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles, Denise Lee) — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Denise Lee is an award winning actress and singer whose powerful voice, warm and friendly demeanor and her brassy performance style has charmed theater, nightclub and television audiences for more than three decades. She is the founder and Executive Producer of the Denise Lee Onstage Cabaret Series and the Dallas Cabaret Festival featuring the best in Dallas based and National Cabaret Artists. She just recently brought her show ‘Pressure Makes Diamonds’ home to Circle Theater after premiering it to rave reviews at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. For her one woman shows ‘Divas of American Music’ and ‘Too Old, Too Fat, Too Black – Songs I’ll Never Sing On Broadway” she was awarded Broadway World Awards for Best Cabaret Performer. She is also the recipient of the Sammons Center for the Arts Cabaret Artist of the Year and multiple Dallas Theater Critic Forum and Dallas Readers Voice Awards. Lee has recently added ‘playwright’ to her list of accomplishments. Her first play ‘Funny, You Don’t Act Like A Negro’ had it’s World Premiere at Historic Theatre Three in February 2020. In addition to her career as an Artist, Denise Lee is a fierce Social Justice activist. She established 'Community Conversation' through her non-profit organization Visions For Change. Since 2016, these monthly gatherings have brought people together for respectful, open, honest dialogue in order to heal racial and community tension. For these efforts, she has received several awards including the 2019 Cathedral of Hope’s Hero of Hope Award. She also serves as the Social Justice Strategist for the Dallas Children’s Theater and is Board President for the Dallas Street Choir.

She has 2 talented, beautiful daughters, Janelle & Traci- independent artists in their own right, of whom she is incredibly proud! You can keep up with her at www.deniseleeonstage.com and www.visionsforchange.org

@fallingoutlgbtqpod

@deniseonstage

PRIDE: Dallas is A Gay Destination - Gary Sanchez

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, Gary Sanchez, Colman Charles) — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Gary is currently serving as the Senior Director of Community Impact, Equity, and Public Affairs at VisitDallas. In this role, Gary is responsible for developing and fostering relationships with community partners, stakeholders, elected officials, chambers of commerce, state and national associations as they relate to hospitality and the travel/tourism industry. Additionally, he leads the organization’s government affairs, and works with local, state, and national associations to protect and advocate for policy directly related to keeping Texas a welcoming destination for all. His experience includes more than twelve years at the City of Dallas, including the Dallas Zoo, Office of Arts and Culture, and the office of the Mayor and City Council. Gary is currently the Chair of the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce and serves on the board of directors at the Dallas Regional Chamber and 24HourDallas. In September 2021, he was appointed as Co-Chair of the Dallas Mayor’s Anti-Hate Advisory Council.

visitdallas.org

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod

Website: fallingoutlgbtq.com

twitter: fallinglgbtq

PRIDE: At The Crossroads of History - William Waybourn

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, William Waybourn, Colman Charles) — Thu, 9 Jun 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Today's "activism" is essentially a process of expressing collective community grievances and disgust, feeling there's either no control over situations or even how to react. Or hope that someone else will do it. Well, there's no someone else. Nor is there a blueprint for creating change. It's simple: "get out" and make sure every voter is informed on our issues and registered to vote. If there's a message that we believe, it is "Don't worry about rocking the boat because you are not in the boat, so rock it as hard and as often as you can." If you don't feel the wall at your back now, you should.

instagram: @waybourn

instagram: @fallingoutlgbtqpod

twitter: @fallinglgbtq

PRIDE: Finding A Sense of Belonging - Cassie Nova

Thu, 2 Jun 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Cassie Nova aka James Love grew up in Dallas. Graduated from the High School for the Health Professions, then went to school at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

Then as an art school dropout, found drag. She started performing as Cassie Nova nearly 30 years ago. She has been a cast member in the world renowned Rose Room for most of that 30 years.

She is now not only a life long show girl but is also the manager and show director of the Rose Room. She lives in Midlothian, Texas with her husband of 19 years, Jamie. They have 4 dogs and a 130 pound tortoise named Ruby.

https://www.roseroomdallas.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CassiesFreakShow

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follow our show at: @fallingoutlgbtqpod

The Impact of Overturning Roe - Caleb Patterson

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles, Caleb Patterson) — Thu, 26 May 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Caleb is currently an attorney with his own law practice in Dallas, Texas. He was born and raised in a small town in northwest Arkansas and grew up as an anxious, overachieving, closeted gay child in a conservative Christian environment. He attended the University of Arkansas where he earned his undergraduate degree and law degree as well as had his first experience with the power of therapy and coming out. Upon graduation in 2007, Caleb "officially" came out to his friends and family and moved to Dallas, Texas. Over the past 15 years, he's continued his mental health journey through traditional talk therapy, meditation, and yoga and has continued to build his professional career. Today, Caleb practices law in Dallas with a focus on estate planning, probate, and small business transactions. He's been with his husband David since 2015 and they have been married for two years. They currently live in the Oaklawn area with their two dogs, a cat, and too many plants to count. Both are small business owners and are active volunteers with Black Tie Dinner. In his hypothetical free time, Caleb prefers to spend his time outdoors, reading a good book, or watching anything superhero or science-fiction-related.

Unmasking Sister Helen Holy - Paul J. Williams

Thu, 19 May 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Paul J. Williams is a gifted comedian, actor and singer based in Dallas. As a comedian, he has appeared on countless cruises, multiple comedy clubs across the U.S. and on the MTV/LOGO Network comedy special, ONE NIGHT STAND UP. But, he is most well-known for his “altar ego”, Sister Helen Holy. As a classically trained tenor, Paul J. has performed with the New York Choral Artists, Orpheus Chamber Singers and Turtle Creek Chorale. As a hobby, Paul is a classic car buff and currently owns a 1970 Buick Riviera which has won multiple awards.

Tackling LGBTQ Homelessness - Roscoe Compton-Kelly

Thu, 12 May 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Roscoe Compton-Kelly serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dallas Hope Charities. He is also a board member with LGBTQ Outdoors and is also as singing member of the world-renowned Turtle Creek Chorale. Roscoe works in the nonprofit sector as the Senior Director of External Affairs at Education Opens Doors, where he leads the cultivation, relationship management and strategy around EOD partners and donors. Roscoe is a Texas native, and currently lives in the Dallas area, with his husband Brian, who is a Dyslexia Interventionist with Dallas ISD.

Let's Talk Yoga - Danny Vanegas

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles, Danny Vanegas) — Thu, 5 May 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Danny Vanegas is a DFW based actor, singer, and dancer turned yogi. After studying dance and theatre, he graduated from Black Swan Yoga’s 200 hour YTT program in the fall of 2021. Following that, he received his 100 hour registered meditation teacher certification through Yogamu and started teaching at several studios in Dallas such as Corepower yoga and Art of VIII school of dance. Danny’s main intention as a yoga teacher is to be able to provide yoga and a mental health outlet to communities that otherwise would not have yoga available to them. In the Fall of 2022 Danny will begin his Yoga therapy certification to further his education !

Adventures in Gay Parenting - Cooper Koch

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles, Cooper Koch) — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 05:00:00 +0000

For as long as he can remember, Cooper Koch has been a storyteller. Usually making people laugh, typically as the butt of most of his own jokes. Professionally, Cooper is also a storyteller. As the founder of PR Firm Cooper Smith Agency, he is trusted with developing and telling the stories of his clients. He is also the Founder and Publisher of He Said Dallas, an online source of things to do, see, buy, enjoy, etc. in Dallas…all from a witty gay perspective, and storyteller on his blog CoopedUp.com and his daily Facebook Live show (weekdays, 4:30 on Facebook). He previously contributed regularly to Huffington Post’s Queer Voices section.

In 2012, Cooper and his family were featured in a national Father's Day marketing campaign for JCPenney that triggered a boycott from the "Million Moms" and worldwide news coverage of the first-of-its-kind ad. It was the first ever mainstream American ad featuring a real life gay family.

My Reason to Sing - Sean Baugh

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, Sean Mikel Baugh, Colman Charles) — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Now in his eight season, Sean Mikel Baugh is the Artistic Director of the Turtle Creek Chorale.

Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sean studied music at Oklahoma Baptist University and the University of Central Oklahoma and was awarded a Master of Music in Conducting degree from the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University where he was named outstanding graduate conductor. At the Meadows School, Sean served as assistant conductor of the world-renowned Meadows Wind Ensemble. He has studied with Nancy Hill Cobb, Jack Delaney, Paul Phillips and many others.

Sean has been called “expressive and incredibly dynamic, a consummate musician with a side of showman. He exhilarates audience members and singers alike.” He is regularly praised for his innovative programming and expressive technique. His choirs have enjoyed positive reviews and have been lauded for their musicality and emotional performances. An active advocate for male choral music, Sean regularly commissions new works from established composers.

Sean also serves as Conductor and Associate Director of Music and Worship for Dallas-based Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ where he leads the choir and orchestra for Sunday worship services. Cathedral of Hope is the world’s largest congregation with a primary outreach to the LGBT community.

Under his direction, the Turtle Creek Chorale has performed for the national conference of the American Choral Director’s Association, and the Southwest division of ACDA. Sean was recently invited to conduct at Carnegie Hall, and will take the TCC there in 2022. Sean is in demand nationwide as speaker, guest-conductor and clinician. He has served on the music faculty of the University of Dallas and is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, Gay & Lesbian Association of Choruses, Texas Choral Directors Association, and Chorus America.

Sean has been twice named “Outstanding LGBT Role Model” by the Dallas Voice.

Gay In The Great Outdoors - Justin Yoder

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles, Justin Yoder) — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Justin founded LGBT Outdoors from his love for the outdoors and his genuine compassion and care for people. He previously ran a humanitarian NPO and is a successful published professional photographer in North Texas. Justin loves sharing his passion for the outdoors and the LGBTQ+ community.

Finding My Voice - Nic Hawk

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles, NIc Hawk) — Thu, 7 Apr 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Nic describes himself as just an outrageous gay from Iowa whose mental psyche is questionable at best but can sure deliver some belly laughs. A failed top 20 contestant on The Voice, Nic moves to comedy to prove to the patrons that he promises he's ok by making them laugh. Nic produces and stars in two Original comedy concepts at Dallas Comedy Club. You may have seen him at one of his MANY ridiculous performing jobs... From Disney, Universal Studios, to NBC and Universal Music Group.

Overcoming Trauma As A Survivor - Wil Turner

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles, WiL Turner) — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Wil is the founder of Living Well With WiL Health and Wellness, Vice President and Executive Administrator of Community Outreach and Development at Bob's House of Hope and Ranch Hand Rescue. His purpose, priority and occupation is to promote awareness, educate empower and support those whose lives are impacted by social marginalization, emotional, social and sexual trauma.

Wil's end goal is to nurture healthy and happy people and relationships, and to erase social stigmas by holding each and every individual accountable for taking care of themselves and being mindful of the manner in which they treat others.

Conversion Therapy Is Abuse - Jessica Ritter

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles, Jessica Ritter) — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Jessica Ritter is the Texas Ambassador for Born Perfect and a Conversion Therapy survivor. After three years of Conversion Therapy Jessica came out to her friends and family for a second time.

Since coming out, Jessica has been forced to sever her relationship with her immediate family. However, with the help of a real therapist, she has been able to create a strongly knit chosen family made up of extended family, her girlfriend, and friends. Today, Jessica is a successful professional and surrounded by more love and acceptance than she ever thought possible.

Laughing My Way To Health - Madeline Teig

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles, Madeline Teig) — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Madeline Teig is a Dallas area native. You can usually find Madeline working in the lab by day, testing various bodily fluids, and cracking jokes in the comedy clubs by night.

Black Gay Trans Lives Still Matter - Lee Walter

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles, Lee Walter) — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Lee Walter is a familiar face in both the Dallas LGBTQ and theatre communities as one of the top actors, vocalist and artists in both scenes. Since 2004, she’s performed drag under the name Jada Pinkett Fox at clubs around North Texas, including the world renown Rose Room, the Statler Hilton, Rainbow Lounge, and both Alexandre's and Woody's. Lee was named Best Local Dramatic Actor/Actress of the Year in 2019 by the Dallas Voice, most recently appearing as Audra in Little Shop of Horrors.

Getting the Most Out of Therapy - Lauren Bayer

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles, Lauren Bayer) — Thu, 3 Mar 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Lauren Bayer is a Licensed Professional Counselor working at Apple Counseling and Consulting. She is passionate about helping people access mental health support and providing education about the therapeutic process.

After graduating from Texas A&M University-Commerce with an masters of science in Community Counseling, Lauren spent a year working with families affected by domestic violence, in order to dedicate more time to working with the LGBTQIA+ community she switching to private practice four years ago. She works with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, life transitions, gender identity, sexual orientation, career/education choices, family of origin issues, domestic violence, and relationship issues. She believes in working with her clients as an entire person and not as a diagnosis.

As a young adult Lauren began attending counseling for the first time and the support from that counselor and others afterwards, were one of the big reasons she decided to become a counselor. Her experience coming to terms with her own identity as a queer woman, developed a passion for providing affirming care for the LGBTQIA+ community. When she isn’t working Lauren enjoys board games, reading, crafting and bakes an awesome snickerdoodle. She lives with her wife, two dogs and a cat.

The Fallout of Coming Out - Brad Pritchett

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles, Brad Pritchett) — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 06:05:00 +0000

Featured in Dallas’ Regional Chamber Magazine, D Magazine and Passport Magazine as THE Dallas arts and non-profit Enthusiast and LGBTQ Advocate, Brad Pritchett is a Tony Award-wining marketing and communications executive and community activist. Brad is the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer in the Dallas Art District, where he oversees all marketing, PR, advertising and earned revenue strategies for the Museum. With 20 years of marketing, communications and brand equity experience, he is a hands-on strategist with a proven ability to streamline business operations and increase efficiencies to enhance internal/external communications, brand relevance and increased revenue. Brad has an award-winning track record of defining and directing integrated and multifaceted marketing and public relations campaigns with a focus on advertising, public relations, digital and traditional marketing, event execution and strategic leadership. Brad led the marcom efforts for Dallas Theater Center and the American Heart Association prior to his current role. He has professionally entertained audiences all over the world singing, acting and dancing for Disney, Six Flags, Radisson Cruise Lines, The Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and theaters throughout Branson, Missouri. Brad has also hosted and emceed countless high-profile charity events all over the country and was the face of Dallas Voice Television – DVTV. He has also worked as an Arts Host and Contributor for WFAA Channel 8, On-Air Media and hosted his own LGBTQ podcast, the good, the Brad & the ugly, on Yea Network. He was recently featured in Culture Map as one of their top 5 fashion influencers for the Style Maker Awards and is one of the faces of Express for Men and the Dallas Mavericks. In his spare time, Brad is actively involved in the community serving on the Advisory Board and former chairman of Black Tie Dinner Board of Directors, the nation’s largest LGBTQ charity event of its kind and sits on several Steering and Host Committees for the North Texas LGBTQ community. Brad’s journey is copiloted by his husband, David Chadd, and their three rescue fur babies: Charlie, Chester and Chase.

Why LGBTQ+ Mental Health Matters - Sarah Stillwell

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy, Colman Charles, Sarah Stillwell) — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 07:02:29 +0000

Sarah has a specialization in Affirmative Therapy for sexual orientation and gender identity minorities (SOGI) from Southern Methodist University and is currently a PhD student at Texas A&M University-Commerce where her research focuses on Non-Monosexual Erasure.

She, also, works full time as the Clinical Coordinator of Affirmative therapy at a large private counseling practice with 4 locations in the DFW area where she educates and supervises other clinicians on how to be an affirmative therapist. Sarah is also a gender-affirming mental health provider who provides one-time assessments for letters of clearance for medical and legal gender transitions. She is also knowledgeable of pagan practices, polyam-affirmative, and kink-aware so she also works with counseling clients in these populations to provide a safe space to promote good mental health and healthy relationships.

Due to her passion for the SOGI community, she is also a volunteer leader with multiple divisions of the Texas Counseling Association (TCA), primarily the Texas Counselors for Social Justice (TxCSJ) and the Texas branch of the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (TxSAIGE). With her connection to TCA, she has completed advocacy work in Texas for issues that impact counseling clients identifying as SOGI and the mental health field.

Coming soon: Falling Out LGBTQ

patrickbriankennedy@gmail.com (Brian Kennedy) — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 17:00:16 +0000