Power Beyond Pride

As the founder of the Outlaw Project, Monica Jones shares her story with hosts Mattie Bynum and Shane Lukas, detailing how her lived experience and the impact of activist Sharmus Outlaw the organization's work on secure housing, harm reduction, and policy to support trans people.

Co-hosts Kenyon Farrow, Mattie Bynum, Melodie KG, and Shane Lukas explore the struggles faced in memorializing trans lives, the comfort found in chosen family for LGBTQ+ people during the holidays, and the urgent need for community vigilance and non-compliance trainings against federal enforcement actions like ICE raids. Plus, we take listener questions to the classroom!

Stephen Fletcher, Director of Victim Services for the Family Service of the Piedmont, joins hosts Mattie Bynum and Shane Lukas to discuss his career evolution from LGBTQ+ outreach specialist to his current role, emphasizing that the field "picked" him. 

Community organizer Melvy Shaw meets with Mattie Bynum and Kate d'Adamo to discuss the importance of cross-community solidarity, her work with the North Carolina's Guilford Green Foundation amidst the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community, and channeling her creativity into music and photo magic.

Artist and activist Carlo Quispe discusses his journey in using comics to explore queer and Latinx identity, challenge censorship, and advocate for social change with co-hosts Mattie Bynum and Kenyon Farrow.

LGBTQ and human rights activist Pauline Park joins co-hosts Daniel WK Lee and Kate d'Adamo as she shares about the critical need to move beyond representational politics and dismantle systemic oppressions, including capitalism and apartheid.

Your hosts Mattie Bynum, Kenyon Farrow, Melodie KG, and Shane Lukas explore the idea of rhetorical consistency and responsibility in political movements, prompted by a surprisingly inclusive statement from the NRA supporting universal gun access regardless of gender identity as well as take audience questions.

Terrell Dungee, a community organizer with the Carolina Federation and the American Friends Service Committee as well as community grassroots activist, talks with hosts Kenyon Farrow and Melodie KG to discuss his passion for social justice, his "inherently queer" agenda, and the network of care, discovery, and celebration he nurtures to keep it moving forward.

Tay and Val, founders of Modern Mind Labs, discuss their life's work with hosts Melodie KG and Shane Lukas. The conversation navigates the power of creating brave and inclusive spaces by meeting people where they are and focusing on shared humanity rather than divisions as well as the couple's balancing of work, growth, and keeping their relationship full of adventure.

Tania Jimenez, Executive Director of Asheboro Latinx Services, chats with co-hosts Mattie Bynum and Shane Lukas to discuss her work empowering the trans+ and Latine communities, advocating for transgender and immigrant rights, and building affirming spaces in North Carolina and throughout the country for translatinas.

Scientist Dr. Shuntai Zhao joins co-hosts Mattie Bynum and Shane Lukas to share the insights on the current state and possibilities of HIV research, the challenges of funding in science, and the critical role of communication between scientists and the public.

This monthly "Reply All" episode features members of the co-host team (Mattie Bynum, Kate d'Adamo, and Daniel WK Lee) discussing the political optics of Meta's new anti-woke AI advisor and a Pete Buttigieg's remarks on trans athletes, as well as the importance of community support for activists. The team also takes listener questions and invites you to submit yours!

S**worker and activist Laura LeMoon chats with hosts Mattie Bynum and Daniel W.K. Lee about her journey as a trafficking survivor, adult industry worker and advocate, and internationally recognized queer artist, highlighting the personal and systemic hurdles faced in social justice as well as what we can all use to move LGBTQ+ rights and intersections forward.

Daniel Valdez, Chief External Affairs Officer at Welcoming America and Charlotte Pride board member, shares his personal journey as a Mexican-American, nonprofit leadership, and insights about the changing dynamics of large scale pride events in 2025 with co-hosts Mattie Bynum and Shane Lukas.

Mattie, a comedian, actress, and advocate chats with co-hosts Kenyon Farrow and Hunter to share about he identity journey, the important role faith plays in her life, and how to process past experiences while encouraging others to embrace their voices and drive societal transformation.

Join Power Beyond Pride co-host team members Daniel WK Lee and Kate D'Adamo as they explore the dynamic landscape of queer liberation and activism with Shane Lukas, an award-winning designer, public speaker, and grassroots activist dedicated to fighting for bodily freedoms and bold ideas.