"I have a Queery about...Role Models & Intergenerational Queerness" ft. Tom Delbello

"Did you have a queer role model growing up?" "How can we be role models to younger queer folk?" "How do we make connections with queer people of a different generation?" "How do we create accurate representation of queer people in performance?"

On this week's episode, I interview my good Judy, collaborator, director, theatre maker, and Canadian, Tom Delbello (he/him). We discuss the importance for queer people to have role models and the impact of making intergenerational connections with other queer people. A study done by PMC Labs says that 60% of LGBTQ+ youth have healthy role models to look up to but only 33% are accessible. The numbers are even worse for BIPOC and Transgender youth. Tom and I get into growing up in two different eras where the visibility and representation was far less than it was now. We talk about the scariness and importance of being the first in our communities to come out, and how that can help others accept their own queerness. We find that being a role model means to lead the way, make space for others, and doing something before anyone else tells or asks you to. We also talk about the disconnect that sometimes exists between younger and older generations of queer people and the necessity for both to listen and learn from each other.

Also, as we are both theatre makers, we also talk about the change of queer representation in theatre over the years: how to evolve older works, queer actors playing queer roles, and much more.

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Organization of the Week: Brave Trails
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Resources for Further Learning:
"LGBT Youth Need Role Models"

Show Produced by Nick Eibler

Co-Produced/Edited by Addison McKissack

Theme Song written by Matt Gregory, Colin Egan, and Mike Hubbard 
Produced by Colin Egan and Mike Hubbard

Logo Design by David Pavón