A podcast by Queer people, for Queer people!
Our Hosts, Provost John Weinstein and BQLP Director Carla Stephens, chat with various leaders in the Queer community who share their strategies, stories, and struggles in leading while Queer.
New Episodes Monthly ~
By the Bard Queer Leadership Project (BQLP), a revolutionary Bachelor of Arts degree program designed for, and by, LGBTQIA+ college students to elevate LGBTQIA+ students and college graduates into leadership roles in school & across the workforce while serving as a space for actualizing educational. https://bqlp.simons-rock.edu/
Ron Buckmire; Social Justice is Radical AND Mathematical
To beat the heat, the BQLP sits down with Dr. Ron Buckmire to talk about how cool Math can truly be.
Dr. Ron Buckmire is the Dean of the School of Computer Science and Mathematics at Marist University. Ron has been a professor and Associate Dean at Occidental College as well as a Program Director at the National Science Foundation. Importantly, Ron has been a longtime advocate for the LGBTQ+ community since coming out in college at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has passionately advocated on behalf of historically excluded youth, particularly LGBTQ+ and racial/ethnic minorities, interested in participating in Math and other STEM disciplines. Ron is a Fellow of and Vice-President for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the prestigious Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM). He is also a co-founder and board member of Spectra, the association for LGBTQ+ mathematicians and their allies.
1 Apr 2026
Albert McLeod-- Indigenous Educator, Activist, and Icon
This month, the BQLP sits down with a Canadian legend, second to Céline Dion herself!
"Albert McLeod is a Status Indian with ancestry from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and the Metis communities of Cross Lake and Norway House in northern Manitoba. One of the founders of the Two‐Spirited People of Manitoba, Albert began his 2Spirit advocacy in Winnipeg in 1986 and became an HIV/AIDS activist in 1987. He was the director of the Manitoba Aboriginal AIDS Task Force from 1991 to 2001. In 2018, Albert received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Winnipeg. He was also a member of the sub‐working group that produced the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan Report in 2020–21. In 2020, Albert joined Team Thunderhead, the team that won the international competition to design the 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument. Based in Winnipeg, Albert works as a consultant specializing in Indigenous peoples, 2Spirit history and identity, cultural reclamation and cross‐cultural training."
Learn more at 2spiritconsultants.ca (2spiritconsultants.ca)
https://humanrights.ca/author/albert-mcleod (https://humanrights.ca/author/albert-mcleod)
9 Mar 2026
Rev. Wanda Floyd--R-E-S-P-E-C-T for the MCC and She
Who says religion and queer leadership don't mix? In today's episode, the BQLP chats with Revrend Wanda Floyd of the Metropolitan Community church, based in Las Vegas Nevada.
"Rev. Wanda Floyd has over 20 years’ experience which reflects a balanced approach to healthy church life, coupled with a Master’s of Divinity degree. Strong and proven track record in church work through excellent performance as a lay minister, pastoral leader, associate pastor and full-time pastor. Experience working with church leaders, membership, and community organizations to promote Jesus Christ in the world, while leading the church through effective communication and engagement."
''Love MCC was founded in 1978 in Las Vegas, and have been working to reach those who are seeking to grow in their spiritual journey. For over 45 years, we have held services to experience the Holy in new and creative ways. We are not like other churches! Many of our people have come from backgrounds that say they are unloved, or even worse, hated by those around them. Some have faced rejection from their biological families, because of who they express themselves to be authentically, or because of whom they love and spend their lives in love. We know first hand that the love of Christ, can break through barriers and restore folks to a loving relationship with our Creator and with others. ''
https://www.lovemcclv.org/our-team (https://www.lovemcclv.org/our-team)
21 Jan 2026
Anne Thalheimer--the new standard for Local Politics
Did you miss us? Because we sure missed you!
Leading Queer is happy to back and better than ever at our new location, Simon's Rock at Bard College.
For our first episode of the new year, Leading Queer is joined by our guest–Simon’s Rock alum, artist, publisher, educator, personal care attendant, working-class advocate, and newly elected Holyoke Ward 3 City Councilmember, Anne Thalheimer. Anne Thalheimer is also an outspoken supporter of gun control, as a survivor of gun violence on Simon's Rock campus in 1992.
https://simons-rock.edu/ (https://simons-rock.edu/)
22 Jul 2025
Mark Segal-- Stonewall Pioneer, Activist, and Author
Prepare for a truly electrifying-- or should we say ZAPPING-- episode with Mark Segal.
Mark is a veteran of the gay rights movement, participating in the 1969 Stonewall uprising, known traditionally as the event marking the beginning of the movement in the United States. Mark was a member of the Gay Action Group (later part of the Gay Liberation Front) and a leader of Gay Youth during his 3 years in NY. He became a Gay Raider, zapping high profile celebrities to increase the visibility of the gay community. His greatest impact has been on our hometown, Philadelphia, where he served as political chair of the Philadelphia Gay Activist Alliance, and founded as well as publishes the Philadelphia Gay News. He is also the author of And Then I Danced: Traveling the Road to LGBT Equality, a wonderful memoir detailing his experiences as a gay rights activist. As recently as June 14, 2025, Mark was one of the signatories of a statement from the Gay Liberation Front Foundation protesting egregious acts of the Trump administration against marginalized communities.
https://www.marksegalstonewall.com/ (https://www.marksegalstonewall.com/)
26 Jun 2025
Amber Glenn-- Your Favorite Figure Skater's, Favorite Figure Skater
Figure skater Amber Glenn discusses her journey to becoming a two-time U.S. champion, breaking stereotypes, and advocating for mental health in this interview episode.
28 May 2025
Schuyler Bailar-- Trans Activist, Athlete, Author--buts What's in a Title?
Schuyler Bailar, trans activist, athlete, and author, discusses trans inclusion, body acceptance, and mental health awareness in this interview with the BQLP.
7 Apr 2025
Jackson Lewis, Youngest Elected Official in Utah's History
This month, we sat down with Jackson Lewis to discuss what it means to be young and politically active.
At age 19, Jackson became the youngest elected official in Utah’s history. Note, this is youngest ever vs. simply the youngest LGBTQIA+ individual. Jackson represents District 1 on the Canyons School Board. We chatted with Jackson about his first few months on the School Board, what inspired him to run, and how to stand firm in the age of the internet.
A reminder and encouragement that it is never too early to become politically engaged!
1 Mar 2025
Bob Witeck, President and Founder of Witeck Communications, Inc.
Can you feel the love? We certainly can! This month, the Leading Queer team has the pleasure of chatting with Bob Witceck. Bob is a seasoned communicator, public speaker, counselor, public affairs professional, speechwriter as well as a trusted crisis communications expert. Bob authored Business Inside Out: Tapping Millions of Brand-Loyal Gay Consumers, recognized as the first book advising marketers and business leaders on building successful bridges with LGBT stakeholders. He also worked with the Human Rights Campaign to develop the prototype for its Corporate Equality Index, a benchmarking tool that rates businesses based on social responsibility, internal policies and employee benefits with a specific focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Bob served five appointed terms on the board of directors for the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association. He has also served on the boards of directors of such prestigious LGBTQ+ organizations as GLAAD, GLSEN and Virginia’s LGBT Tourism Task Force. He currently serves on the Board of Visitors of George Mason University and Board of Directors of the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
13 Feb 2025
Representative Becca Balint, 1st woman & LGBTQ+ person elected to Congress from Vermont
New Year, Same Queer! To kick off the new year, the Leading Queer team presents a special episode to inspire hope in these challenging times. This is an audio recording of a speech done on our campus by Representative Becca Balint, the first woman and LGBTQ+ person elected to the U.S Congress from Vermont.
Becca's career from the beginning, has been rooted in empathy and justice - first as an educator who taught middle school for fourteen years, then as an activist and State Senator and, ultimately, as the President Pro Tempore of the Vermont State Senate in 2021, before moving on to the national stage in U.S. House of Representatives. While times are hard, we invite our fellow Leading Queers to listen to this speech and know you are not alone. We are with you, and we will persevere. Joy and love win!
3 Jan 2025
Colonel Bree Fram, Space Force Astronautical Engineer and Co-Leader of the Air Force LGBTQIA+ Initiatives Team
Happy Holidays, Leading Queers! In this month's episode, we are talking all things Space: The Final Frontier with Colonel Bree Fram. Bree Fram is an author, podcaster, keynote speaker, and active-duty colonel and astronautical engineer in the United States Space Force. Bree also co-leads the Department of the Air Force LGBTQ+ Initiatives Team, dedicated to eliminating barriers to LGBTQ+ military service in the Air and Space Force.
Bree came out publicly as transgender on the day the transgender ban in the military was dropped in 2016. She transitioned while in a command position and served through the re-imposition of a transgender ban from 2019-2021. She is currently one of the highest ranking out transgender officers in the United States military.
Bree has appeared on national and international media. She hosts the “Forged in Fire” podcast. Her books include: With Honor and Integrity: Transgender Troops in Their Own Words (its sequel, Valor and Visibility: The Next Chapter of Transgender Service, is scheduled for publication next month), and Forging Queer Leaders: How the LGBTQIA+ Community Creates Impact from Adversity.
30 Nov 2024
Chad Topaz, Data Scientist and Co-Founder of the Institute for the Quantitative Study of Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (QSIDE)
Award-winning researcher and educator Chad Topaz shares insights on harnessing data science for social justice, empowering a more equitable future through informed decision-making.
30 Oct 2024
Nadine Smith, Acclaimed Activist & LGBTQIA+ Advocate from Florida
Boo! Did we scare you? This Hallows eve episode, the BQLP chats with Florida activist and icon, Nadine Smith. Nadine is the Executive Director of Equality Florida, the state's largest organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In 2022, she was named to the Time100 (https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2022/6177748/nadine-smith/), TIME Magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. An award-winning journalist turned organizer, Nadine was one of four national co-chairs of the 1993 March on Washington. She served on the founding board of the International Gay and Lesbian Youth Organization. Nadine was part of a historic meeting with then-President Bill Clinton, the first Oval Office meeting between a sitting President and LGBTQ community leaders. She also served on President Obama's National Finance Committee.
Nadine has been named one of the state's "Most Powerful and Influential Women" by the Florida Diversity Council. She has received the League of Women Voters' Woman of Distinction Award, and in 2018 was named one of the 100 Most Influential Floridians by Influence Magazine. She is a Florida Chamber Foundation Trustee and currently serves as chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Florida Advisory Committee.
https://www.eqfl.org/team (https://www.eqfl.org/team)
28 Sept 2024
Jim Fielding, CEO and Author of All Pride, No Ego
Happy 1st Birthday to the BQLP! This episode, we reflect on 1 year of the BQLP and Jim Fielding's book All Pride, No Ego. As one of the first openly gay CEOs of a Fortune 500 company, Jim has paved the way for Queer leaders in the corporate world and beyond. Some of the companies he's headed you might have heard of! Do Disney Stores Worldwide, Claire's, and 20th Century Fox ring some bells? Fielding now shares his philosophies on how to lead with pride while dismantling one's ego for the betterment of both the self and the collective, whether that be a company, program, or individual. He was also the inaugural guest for the BQLP Queer Leaders Vision Forums, a quarterly talk series on Simon's Rock campus for invited Queer Leaders.
Grab your copy of 'All Pride, No Ego' HERE (https://www.amazon.com/Moments-Truth-Lessons-Leading-Authentically/dp/1394165285)
30 Aug 2024
Clark Wolff Hamel, Director of Education Programs-PFLAG-NYC
Back to school with the BQLP! In this month's episode, we chat with educator and Director of Education Programs for New York City's PFLAG, Clark Wolff Hamel. An alum of Bard College, Clark shares his philosophies on advocating for inclusive education, LGBTQIA+ classroom resources, and how to navigate what can be an increasingly hostile environment for Queer individuals--as both an educator and lifelong learner
https://www.pflagnyc.org/ (https://www.pflagnyc.org/)
31 Jul 2024
Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, Candidate for Pennsylvania Auditor General
Did you just fall out of a coconut tree? This guest certainly didn't! This month the BQLP is happy to chat with Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, Philly native, and candidate for Pennsylvania Auditor General. Please, check your registration and VOTE! For more information:
https://www.vote.org/ (https://www.vote.org/)
More information on Representative Kenyatta from
https://malcolmkenyatta.com/about/ (https://malcolmkenyatta.com/about/)
"In the legislature, he holds multiple leadership roles, including as a member of the Philadelphia Delegation leadership team. He serves on several committees: State Government, where he chairs the subcommittee on Government Operations; Commerce, where he chairs the subcommittee on Financial Services and Banking; and as a member of the Finance, Liquor Control, and Judiciary committees.
Breaking barriers, Kenyatta became the first openly LGBTQ+ person of color and one of the youngest members of the PA General Assembly in 2018. In 2022, he made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ person of color to seek a U.S. Senate seat. In April 2024, he became the Democratic nominee for Auditor General, marking the first time an openly LGBTQ+ person was nominated for statewide office by a political party in Pennsylvania. In 2020, he was chosen to give the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention as part of a group of ‘Rising Stars.’
In 2023, President Joe Biden appointed Kenyatta to chair the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans."
His legislative career and life have been the subject of two award-winning documentaries: “Going Forward” and the Today Show-produced feature-length film, “Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn.”
26 Jun 2024
Andrea Barrica, Sex Educator & Tech Entrepreneur
Happy Pride Month! For your pleasure, this month we are in conversation with Andrea Barrica, the founder of O.School, a sex education platform. Andrea has also co-founded financial services companies, worked as a venture capital investment advisor, and is a managing partner at Mahway which provides a unique model for business creation.
https://www.o.school/ (https://www.o.school/)
29 May 2024
Joy Redmond, Trans Composer & Pianist
On this week's episode, the BQLP chats with Ms. Joy Redmond (she/her), a composer and musician based in New York City. Joy holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from The Juilliard School, where she studied composition with Matthias Pintscher. Currently, Joy’s musical pursuits include composing for concert, stage, and media works, collaborating with other artists as a producer and arranger, and performing on keyboards in a variety of genres. In January, Joy’s one-act opera “Hairpiece,” exploring the power of authentic gender expression, debuted as part of the American Opera Initiative at the Kennedy Center.
https://www.kennedy-center.org/video/digital-stage/opera/2024/american-opera-initiative-hairpiece/ (https://www.kennedy-center.org/video/digital-stage/opera/2024/american-opera-initiative-hairpiece/)
25 Apr 2024
Dr. Joel Davis Brown, The Souls of Queer Folk
The Bard Queer Leadership Project (BQLP) kicks off our inaugural episode in conversation with Dr. Joel Davis Brown, the founder and Visionary Leader of Pneumos, a global management & consulting firm. Dr. Brown is also the author of The Souls of Queer Folk: How Understanding LGBTQ+ Culture Can Transform Your Leadership Practice, required reading for the revolutionary new BQLP.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
51
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact Leading Queer
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Leading Queer?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
