In this week’s episode of A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life, I sit down with James Lindquist, a community leader, a survivor, and one of those rare people who manages to make you laugh and tear up in the same breath.
James grew up in a group home, came out as gay when that still came with consequences, and spent years navigating addiction, shame, and a healthcare system that wasn’t built with people like him in mind. In 2004, after years of drug use, he was diagnosed HIV positive, and that moment, instead of breaking him, cracked him open.
What followed was a slow and powerful transformation. James got sober, found his voice, and began doing the kind of work that actually changes lives. Today, as Director of Development at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, he’s focused on food security, community connection, and making sure people feel seen, especially our elders, our youth, and anyone who’s ever felt pushed to the margins.
Our conversation covers everything from HIV stigma and recovery, to open relationships, aging in the gay community, and the power of being honest about who you are. James doesn’t romanticize his journey. He doesn’t brand himself as a savior. He simply tells the truth. And in doing so, he reminds us that we are not the only ones. We are not the only ones who have felt unloved, unwanted, or unworthy. And we are not the only ones who have come through it, sometimes scarred, sometimes sparkling, still here.
Give it a listen.
-David
As mentioned in my intro check out The Cheech.
👉🏻 riversideartmuseum.org/visit/the-cheech/
A Queer POV: Friends, Loves, & Life with DavidYou can listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, and YouTube. New episodes Wednesday. And if you enjoy it, please leave a review—it helps more than you know.
Connect with me on BlueSky
#LGBTQVoices #LivingOutLoud #GayAndSober #HIVAwareness #QueerCommunity #ChosenFamily #PrideAllYear #LGBTQPodcast #JamesLindquist #FriendsLovesLife #PalmSpringsPride #FromShameToStrength #SobrietyJourney #AgingWithPride #QueerStoriesMatter
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidbegor.substack.com
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