Queer Changemakers

Love and Creativity with Thee J Henry

J. Henry is changing the world through music focused on love, authenticity and knowing we are enough. 
In this conversation, we talk about his journey into hiphop and music, creativity, and self-acceptance. He discusses the transformative power of love in his music, his unique wedding experience, and his album "Love J. Henry."
Check out his album on Spotify or Apple.
You can connect with J. Henry in the following ways:
Email: hello@theejhenry.com
Instagram: @thee.jhenry
Website: theejhenry.com 
 

Purposeful Entrepreneurship and LGBTQ+ Healthcare with Justin Ayars

Justin Ayars, he/him, is changing the world through his current startup EqualityMD— a tech-enabled healthcare platform for LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, businesses, nonprofits, professional organizations, and universities. This low-cost healthcare alternative includes a network of providers who have all received cultural competency training, to understand the needs and concerns of our LGBTQ+ community, as well as mental health services and free or massively discounted prescriptions.
To learn more about what EqualityMD offers check out this short video: https://tinyurl.com/2uza8f87
To learn more about Justin, his journey, and EqualityMD visit: https://gaingels.com/justin-ayars
In this conversation, Justin A. shares the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial journey, and the importance of combining purpose and profit. We also discuss navigating life in 2025 and living intentionally. 
You can connect with Justin A. in the following ways:
Email: hello@equalitymd.com 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equalitymd/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinayarsjd/ 
Website: https://www.equalitymd.com/ 
 

Inclusive and Ethical AI with Raj Korpan

Raj Korpan is changing the world by championing inclusivity in the field of robotics and AI. 
He co-founded the Queer In Robotics organization in 2023, to uplift projects and build community for Queer people in the robotics field.
 
In this conversation, we talk about a variety of projects Raj is working on. We discuss themes of community building, ethical AI, and the necessity of human-centered research. 
 
Raj Korpan is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Hunter College of the City University of New York (CUNY) and an affiliated Doctoral Faculty in Computer Science at The Graduate Center, CUNY. He directs the Trustworthy, Intelligent, and Explainable Robotics (TIER) Lab. The TIER lab’s long-term goal is to develop intelligent robot systems for social good.
 
You can connect with Raj in the following ways:
Email: raj.korpan@hunter.cuny.edu 
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/rajkorpan
Website: https://tierlab.commons.gc.cuny.edu/
 
Learn more about Queer in AI: https://www.queerinai.com/ 
 

Transgender Empowerment and Inclusion with Magda Stega (Replay)

Magda Stegda, she/her, is changing the world by advocating for trans-inclusive workplaces. 
In this conversation, we talk about her career in HR and life journey.  We discuss themes of inclusion in business, supporting marginalized communities, and the importance of mentorship and seeing the beauty and value in others, even if people may not see it fully in themselves. 
Magda shares vulnerable stories of her personal journey and has a heart for creating safe and supportive environments for transgender individuals in personal communities as well as in professional spaces.
You can connect with Magda in the following ways:
Website:  www.mstega.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tstravelbymagda/ 
Listen to her TEDx talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyUQfS-P24o
**This is our first replay episode, in honor of Transgender Week of Visibility and Action **

Resilience and Advocacy with Josie Caballero

Josie Caballero, she/her, is changing the world through professional Trans advocacy. She performs multiple roles with a few different hats advocating for trangender rights, dignity and LGBTQ+ equality. 
 
In this conversation, Josie shares her journey from a conservative upbringing to becoming a progressive leader. We discuss themes of resilience, community support, the power of representation and also reminders of the need for self-care we continue the fight for rights. 
 
Josie's dedication to her work in voting rights, veteran services, and policy advocacy showcases her incredible impact in uplifting the trans community.
Learn about Advocates for Trans Equality - transequality.org
Learn about the Transgender American Veterans Association - transveteran.org/
 
Follow Josie’s upcoming YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@politicalforecast-jrc 
 
Connect with Josie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-caballero-2075865a/

Life is a Mosaic with Robert Michael Vanzant

Michael continues to share his story, journey and perspectives in part 2 of this conversation. 
In this conversation, we talk about themes of gratitude, resilience, and the importance of unity within the LGBTQ+ community.
We talk about diversity, the value of hard work, pride (both good and bad), and our relationships with church. We also talk about his work with the Rainbow History Project and a number of DC black LGBTQ+ pioneers who Michael has collaborated with and befriended over the years. 
It was truly an honor to have this conversation with a wise elder, and it gives me some extra hope as we continue to fight for our community, our rights to exist and live with dignity. 
You can connect with Michael (Robert Vanzant) on FaceBook.

A Life of Service: Robert Michael Vanzant's Journey in the DC LGBTQ+ Community

Robert Michael Vanzant has changed the world by dedicating himself to the service of the LGBTQ+ community through various roles and initiatives over the past 50 years.
 
In this part 1 of this conversation, he shares his story from arriving in Washington, DC his early encounters with the gay community, and his extensive involvement in LGBTQ+ group and advocacy since the 1970's.
 
We discuss some themes of resilience, community support, and the intersection of race and identity are explored, as well as his efforts in starting key organizations and helping those affected by HIV/AIDS.
 
During this Black History Month, I enjoyed looking back and hearing some of the stories, challenges and beautiful moments from our past, as we continue to build towards a brighter future. 
 

Comedy, Community, and Culture with Sampson McCormick

Sampson McCormick, He/Him, is changing the world through black queer comedy, storytelling and speaking his truth. He is a a DC native, a stand up comedian for over 20 years, and also a actor, producer and director.
In this conversation, we talk about his journey in comedy and media over the past 24 years. We discuss themes of perseverance, community activism, and creating space for black queer voices. 
The discussion also touches on the significance of media, bridging societal gaps through uncomfortable conversations, and a hopeful vision for the future renaissance of the black and LGBTQ+ communities.
You can connect with Sampson in the following ways:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sampsonmccormick/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sampsonmccormick
FaceBook:  https://www.facebook.com/samps247
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6107676/ 
You can also stream 2 of his films, Love the One You’re With and Party N Play, on Amazon Prime. 
 

Empowerment and Healing with Bishop Allyson Abrams

Bishop Allyson Abrams is changing the world by advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and fostering a sense of community and healing.
In this conversation, we talk about her journey as an openly gay bishop, her work through the Empowerment Liberation Cathedral and Empowerment Justice Center, and themes of spirituality, resilience, and healing. From founding an inclusive church in Washington D.C. to tackling issues such as hate crimes, Abrams emphasizes the importance of honesty, healing, and support within both the LGBTQ+ and Black communities.
You can connect with Bishop Abrams in the following ways: 
Instagram: @bishopallysonabrams • Instagram 
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/bishopallysonabrams 
LinkedIn: Bishop Abrams - LinkedIn
Learn more about Empowerment Liberation Cathedral their programs, and how you can attend or support here. 
 
 

Community Empowerment and Recognition with Tonio Ellison

Tonio Ellison (He / Him) is changing the world by advocating for the community and providing peer support through the HIV Prevention Trials Network, and is also a certified life coach. 
In this conversation, we talk about the Importance of community and allyship,  challenges for people of color in the queer community, and themes of resilience, being our true selves, and the value of listening to everyone’s story.
 
Tonio is creating the Tonio Inclusion Summit and Award Show, designed to recognize unsung heroes in the community and to connect grassroots individuals with elite leaders. He intends for this event to be a resource for mental health, job opportunities, and other community needs.
Connect with him to learn more and RSVP.
You can connect with Tonio in the following ways:
Email: releasewithtonio@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwtonio/
Website:  www.releasewithtonio.com 
Learn more about the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN)
https://www.instagram.com/hptn096beta/