This week, I'm blessed to be joined by my long-time friend and queer community powerhouse activist Ross Murray, Senior Director of Education & Training at The GLAAD Media Institute. Ross is also a founder and director of The Naming Project, a faith-based camp for LGBTQ youth and their allies. The Naming Project has also been the subject of much media, including the award-winning film Camp Out, as well as the controversial episode "Pray the Gay Away?" of Our America with Lisa Ling. Ross has secured national media interest in stories that bring examples of LGBTQ equality across diverse communities in America. He specializes in relationship between religion and LGBTQ people. Ross contributed to two books focused on LGBTQ Christian youth: Queerfully and Wonderfully Made and Welcoming and Affirming. His forthcoming book, Made, Known, Loved: Developing LGBTQ-Inclusive Youth Ministry comes out in April 2021. He has written and appeared on numerous media outlets, including CNN, MSNBC, Al Jazeera, The Washington Post, Huffington Post, and Religion News Service. 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. Hosts, Daniel Franzese (Actor, Mean Girls, Looking) and Azariah Southworth (former host, The Remix on TBN) meet each week in this hilarious take on a Sunday service to explore big questions and find out what it means to be a Christ-loving member of the LGBTQ community during these divided times. Ross is a consecrated 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. He currently preaches at Advent Lutheran Church in New York City. In 2014, he was named one of Mashable's "10 LGBT-Rights Activists to Follow on Twitter." In this episode, we talk about youth ministry, politics, conversion therapy, social justice, and what LGBTQIA+ youth need right now. Regardless of your spiritual and/or religious beliefs, this conversation is one that helps to build the bridge between faith and queer identity. You can find Ross on Instagram and Twitter with his handle @inlayterms and check out his Facebook page here. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theunitedoutsiders/support

In this episode, I speak with the one and only Tamara Powell, LMHC, therapist and coach at Arya Therapy Services. Tamara has been one of my personal spiritual role models and soul mentors for quite some time. Tamara's work with her clients within the realms of non-conformity, gender, sexuality, and spirituality has transformed the way thousands of people learn to love and accept their true selves - and begin living with complete authenticity. Join us as we talk about everything from open relationships to coming out, the soul, neuroscience, social connections, finding our tribes, and what Tamara (@trapezoidtales on Instagram) defines as "radical autonomy." You won't want to miss this! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theunitedoutsiders/support

In this episode, I discuss how our mental health and well-being is connected to everything in the world around us. All things from family and friendships to social media and news to climate change and politics have a direct connection to how we feel about ourselves and how we move about in this world. Listen to uncover key steps that you can begin taking today to begin identifying how your mental well-being is impacted by the world you engage with. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theunitedoutsiders/support

In this episode, I'm joined by financial consultant Tiehesha Taylor to discuss the intersectionalities between being within the LGBTQIA+ and Black communities and financial planning. During this conversation, we review specific challenges and barriers facing minority communities when it comes to finances, including financial discrimination, and how vital financial planning is at this very moment in time given the current state of the nation. To learn more about Tiehesha and her groundbreaking work, visit www.taylorelite.net. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theunitedoutsiders/support

Being queer is the greatest honor of my life. Here in this episode, find out why. Learn about the power of the LGBTQIA+ community, how we all have a home in one another, and how our lived experiences are forms of activism. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theunitedoutsiders/support

On World Suicide Prevention Day, I remind you that you are loved. Living our truths is one of the scariest things we can do, but it's where we find our freedom, our power, and our community. Being authentic, brave, courageous, and vulnerable is hard, but in the process, you are never alone. Listen to find encouragement in facing your fears. If you or someone you know is facing an immediate mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Listen here to Brené Brown's Podcast "Unlocking Us" with Glennon Doyle as mentioned in this episode. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theunitedoutsiders/support

Learn all about the BRAKING AIDS Ride 2020, a 280-mile bike ride to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS treatment services. Here, we talk about the facts about HIV/AIDS, including how it's spread, why the LGBTQIA+ community is so disproportionately impacted by the virus, and the role homophobia plays in seeking help. To make a donation to Housing Works and to support my fundraiser, click here. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theunitedoutsiders/support

Opening up the discussion for what culture taught me about "masculinity" and how gender-based expectations are not only harmful but are neglecting of an authentic human experience. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theunitedoutsiders/support

In this episode, I share a bit about my “coming out” process and how realizing my identity as a gay man shaped my perspective of being on the “outside.” --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theunitedoutsiders/support

Join me as we connect and hold meaningful, inspirational discussions for those of us who feel like we’ve always been on the “outside.” --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theunitedoutsiders/support