Brave Spaces

For generations, LGBTQ+ stories have been the target of censorship efforts. Early organizing against obscenity laws to make LGBTQ+ stories accessible laid the foundation of the Queer Liberation Movement. Today, the Gray Wills Book Club, in Buffalo, New York is a brave space to examine book banning efforts and how the power of literacy can reverse the effects of oppression on Black and Queer folk.

Homophobia is rampant in sports, but that has not stopped the LGBTQ+ community from competing. For decades, the Buffalo Historical Bowling League has been a striking example of a brave space where one’s own sexual and gender identity is not a barrier. Devin-Norelle meets with the team and explores how sports can be a game-changer for LGBTQ+ mental health.

Lyla Harrod, a 36-year-old sober transgender woman, shares a video journal with Devin-Norelle of her thru-hike from the southern U.S. border to Canada. On the trail, she writes about her journeys while mentoring other Queer and trans hikers. As Lyla shares breathtaking views while on the trail, she opens us up to the idea that nature is a brave and healing space for all.

From Tumblr to TikTok, technology and the internet have revolutionized Queer liberation. But how will AI's rapid, unprecedented evolution impact LGBTQ+ folks on and offline? Join host Devin-Norelle as ze discovers Lesbians Who Tech & Allies, the largest community of LGBTQ+ technologists in the world and learns how Queer representation in the tech industry can stand up to bias in AI.

Devin-Norelle steps into the vibrant underground world of Ballroom and explores how this transformative art form has become a beacon of acceptance, providing a chosen family for Black and Latino Queer youth. Meet the people who are cultivating the resurgence of Ballroom in Buffalo, New York, building community and creating a brave space for expression, celebration, and support.

In this Brave Spaces episode, Devin-Norelle meets Rob and Rahsaan, gay fathers who feel like a sense of community is vital to their family. Through creating an online group aimed at connecting with other gay families, Rob and Rahsaan have now developed that community online and in person. It's a growing support system they rely on while navigating social and legal challenges gay dads can face.

Devin-Norelle visits Sky Dragon restaurant, where the Queens of Dim Sum host a monthly drag brunch. This episode, directed by Lulu Wei, a Toronto-based filmmaker and Co-founder of New Ho Queen, celebrates Queer Asian joy. In the face of assimilation and gentrification, these groups strive to preserve Queer culture and Asian heritage and provide a chosen family for those in search of belonging.

Set in Toronto, Ontario, this episode of Brave Spaces brings together two dynamic faith leaders to talk religion. Summeiya, the founder of the newly formed Queer Muslim Network and the Senior Pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church, which just celebrated their 50th anniversary, share space, worship, and have a radical and powerfully candid conversation about reconciling queerness and faith.