LGBTQ+ Americans. Episode 9: Stella Winter
A More Perfect Union
Stella Winter is a queer nonbinary activist and independent journalist who hosts a YouTube/podcast channel called Course Correction. They have lived in Washington State their entire life, half in Western Washington and half in Eastern Washington. They were inspired to create their channel to combat the rise in misinformation and help their local community understand politics in a more grounded and humane way. Stella is the Vice President of the Wenatchee Pride board and works to create inclusive and equitable spaces within the local school district for the next queer generation.
info_outline
LGBTQ+ Americans. Episode 8: Jac Archer
A More Perfect Union
Jac Archer (they/their) is an activist, organizer, and educator in Spokane. As a Black bisexual, trans-masculine person, Jac has worked hard to elevate the voices and issues that are essential to their communities. In 2021, they were named Activist in Residence at Eastern Washington University. Here, Jac discuss the various vulnerabilities in social services for trans people, how laws are causing harm, and reflects on hope for the future. “I've learned to see backlash as hopeful. What it means is that progress has been made. And usually, a vocal minority is trying to roll that progress back...
info_outline
LGBTQ+ Americans. Episode 7: Faith Gamberty and Katherine Barry
A More Perfect Union
Faith Gamberty and Katherine Barry are both trans women living in Kennewick who run a hair salon for the LGBTQ+ community in the Tri-Cities. They both feel it is essential to have places where trans youth feel safe and accepted. Their willingness to talk to people about their identities as trans women is at the heart of their activism, taking on the responsibility of community education. Katherine says, on the importance of visibility and education, “There's so many misconceptions out there about transgender people. You know, you could put a long list together. Some of them are just so...
info_outline
LGBTQ+ Americans. Episode 6: Esteban Herevia
A More Perfect Union
Esteban Herevia is the President and CEO of Spokane Pride. He was recently recognized in the Spokane Coeur D’Alene Living “Top 20 under 40” list for 2021. In this episode Esteban discusses the intersection of LGBTQ identity with communities of faith, and how he finds constant motivation through love. His advice for young queer activists is simple and uplifting: “We need you. You have the desire within yourself for a reason. You're seeing something that I can't see, and you're seeing something that they can't see. And so what are the ways that we can utilize your voice, your...
info_outline
LGBTQ+ Americans. Episode 5: Cia Cortinas
A More Perfect Union
Cia Cortinas has called Walla Walla her home since childhood. In this episode, she reflects on the challenges of growing up in this area and how her experiences as a bi-sexual Latinx woman has influenced her as an educator. This influence has led her to an inclusive spirit that seeks to uplift people of color, youth, and sober individuals within the queer community. This focus on inclusion led Cia to lead the largest Pride event in Walla Walla’s history. “I think that activism is bigger than a march. It's bigger than a rally or a gathering. I think true activism is...
info_outline
LGBTQ+ Americans. Episode 4: Cedar Green
A More Perfect Union
Cedar Green explores the various ways LGBTQ activism works in Walla Walla, including safe spaces, public school curriculum, and queer histories. “There's just so much grief in being a queer person,” Cedar says, “but there's also so much joy. I would really hope that queer youth would look to the past. Absolutely remember our queer elders, listen to them, ask them for their stories, watch documentaries about what started our movements, our activism. I really want them to remember moments of joy, I want them to remember times of celebration.”
info_outline
LGBTQ+ Americans. Episode 3: Carly Coburn
A More Perfect Union
Carly Coburn works at the intersection of queer rights and disability rights. In this episode, she discusses the ways activism can look different depending on the goals and the barriers. She learned the complexities of these issues while running against a gay Republican for a legislative position. She also found friction among Ddemocrats who didn’t accept other parts of Carly’s identity. “I know that the Democratic Party is called ‘big umbrella’ a lot of times, but sometimes they forget that near the edge of the umbrella people are getting wet still, and that the ones on the edges...
info_outline
LGBTQ+ Americans Episode 2: Brooke Bouchey
A More Perfect Union
Brooke Bouchey of Walla Walla discusses trying to exist and raise children in a largely non-accepting environment. While acknowledging Walla Walla isn’t the easiest place for her to live, she says, “I think if I've learned anything in this lifetime it’s to love the diversity of the people that surround me. If I just said, ‘The easier thing is for me to just be around the people that are like me,’ I think that's a cop out. I feel like that's not what I'm here to do. I'm not here to do the easy thing. I'm here to make change.”
info_outline
LGBTQ+ Americans. Episode 1: Ashely Peterson
A More Perfect Union
In the opening episode of the season featuring LGBTQ+ Americans we meet Ashley Peterson, from Cashmere—a town that calls itself the “heart of Washington.” Ashley started her activism in high school, as a member of the first Gay-Straight Alliance in Leavenworth. Throughout the years, Ashley has made it a goal to provide a safe space for the community to ask questions and have hard conversations without a fear of being judged. Ashley discusses the need for queer accepting spaces, visibility, political action, and how to normalize queerness in conservative communities.
info_outline
Latine Americans Episode 3: Art and Science as Activism
A More Perfect Union
In this episode, two community leaders describe how they have advocated for equity, social justice, and healing. Martha Flores is a poet and artist who is moved by creative endeavors, and Karina Vega-Villa is a scientist and educator who finds strength in numbers.
info_outlineCedar Green explores the various ways LGBTQ activism works in Walla Walla, including safe spaces, public school curriculum, and queer histories. “There's just so much grief in being a queer person,” Cedar says, “but there's also so much joy. I would really hope that queer youth would look to the past. Absolutely remember our queer elders, listen to them, ask them for their stories, watch documentaries about what started our movements, our activism. I really want them to remember moments of joy, I want them to remember times of celebration.”