If you haven't heard this episode yet, I thought it was an important one coming so close to the election.

The conversation features Chris Hartman, the executive director of Kentucky's Fairness Campaign, discussing his journey of coming out, the importance of LGBTQ+ advocacy, and the impact of community support in small towns.

Hartman shares personal anecdotes and highlights the significance of storytelling in advancing non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. The conversation focuses on the importance of inclusivity in sports and the broader LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the challenges faced by transgender youth and the need for support and advocacy.

Chris Hartman discusses the progress being made in Kentucky regarding LGBTQ+ rights and the significance of community involvement in fostering change.

Website: The Fairness Campaign

YouTube: The Fairness Campaign

Takeaways

• Importance of community support
• Storytelling in advocacy Inclusivity in sports is vital
• Community support drives progress

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Chris Hartman
• 02:49 Coming Out Journey
• 09:15 Building Community in High School
• 12:58 The Robust LGBTQ+ Community in Louisville
• 13:07 Moments of Affirmation in Advocacy
• 17:20 Path to Nonprofit Leadership
• 22:07 Humanizing LGBTQ+ Advocacy
• 25:41 The Importance of Inclusivity in Sports
• 27:56 The Movement for Fairness and Progress
• 30:18 Navigating Challenges and Building Resilience
• 32:55 Trans Rights and Community Support
• 36:31 The Role of Advocacy and Personal Growth
• 40:27 Living Authentically and Finding Fulfillment

What does it take to be fully yourself in your relationships, your family, and the rooms where your voice matters?

In this episode of Living OUT Loud, I’m joined by Dr. Lorri Sulpizio, leadership educator, coach, former college basketball coach, and queer mom, for a heartfelt conversation about identity, belonging, and the courage to show up honestly.

Together, we explore finding our voices without shrinking ourselves, building connection through difficult conversations, and what parenting can teach us about listening, love, and letting go of having all the answers.

Lorri brings wisdom, warmth, and a queer perspective to the ways we lead, love, and make room for one another.

For anyone who has ever held back a part of themselves to feel accepted, this conversation is an invitation to consider what becomes possible when we feel safe enough to be seen.

Learn more about Lorri at lorrisulpizio.com.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorrisulpizio/

Your Dating Life Is Not Someone Else's Entertainment | Living OUT Loud

When did trying to find love become something people should be embarrassed about?

We've gotten pretty comfortable sharing screenshots of dating profiles, awkward introductions, and private messages in Facebook groups and online communities. Sometimes it's about protecting one another. But other times? It's simply entertainment at someone else's expense.

And I think we need to talk about that.

In this week's Living OUT Loud solocast, I'm exploring something that's been weighing on my heart, especially within our lesbian and LGBTQ+ dating communities.

Behind every dating profile is a real person. Someone who may be coming out later in life, dating after heartbreak, or finding the courage to put themselves out there again.

There's a difference between accountability and cruelty. And kindness doesn't mean lowering your standards.

We can recognize red flags, protect ourselves, establish healthy boundaries, and still treat people with dignity.

So here's my question: Are we creating dating spaces where vulnerability feels safe, or are we making people afraid to show up as themselves?

Because finding love is hard enough without becoming someone else's punchline.

Let's have this conversation. I'd genuinely love to hear where you believe the line should be drawn.

🎙️ Living OUT Loud with Michele Flamer

#LivingOUTLoud #LesbianDating #QueerDating #LGBTQCommunity #DatingWithIntention #KindnessMatters