What I Hear When You Say

Take a closer look at the words used to describe LGBTQA communities through storytelling, analysis, and humor. This episode explores sexuality, gender fluidity, and the language used to describe LGBTQA communities from 3 unique perspectives: an activist (Kristin Russo), a professor (Moya Bailey), and a media personality (Tyler Ford).

What does it mean to be a “feminist?” Explore different interpretations of feminism, and why the topic is still considered controversial. Comic and author Phoebe Robinson, “Slutist” founder Kristen (Sollee) Korvette and filmmaker Jasmine Rivera break down the issues.

Examine the current function and long history of American’s use of “code words.” Artist Bayeté Ross Smith looks at how media shapes our perceptions. Comedian Hari Kondabolu thinks the media knows exactly what they are doing. Professor Pedro Noguera studies the history of coded language and its effects on all of us to this day.

Journalist Soledad O’Brien, comedian Kate Rigg and professor Ann Morning have all been asked “What are you?” This episode examines their reactions and what the question really means to them. Examine the history and context of how we perceive and count who belongs to which race. The U.S. may be 2% mixed race, or well over 40%; it all depends on how we choose to count.

Explore the use of this term “Model Minority” to describe Asian American communities from three unique points of view: Comedian Helen Hong, Filmmaker/activist Pearl J. Park, and Advocate Christopher Punongbayan.

What do you hear when someone says... “white pride?” What about “Black Pride” or “Gay Pride?” Is there a difference? Three unique perspectives discuss: Filmmaker Whitney Dow, Comedian Jess Tom and Musician Daryl Davis.

Explore the assumptions and misgivings of pejorative phrases like “Welfare queen” from three unique points of view. Comic Jordan Temple sees the irony of pairing words like “welfare” and “queen.” Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw breaks down the history of welfare by race and income. Author Tracie McMillan discusses how the cycle of poverty keeps nutrition off the table.

What does it mean to appreciate vs. appropriate culture? Explore this question from three unique points of view: Comic Franchesca Ramsey, Kill Screen founder Jamin Warren and the “Godfather of Streetwear” designer Alyasha Owerka-Moore.

Explore the challenges, the benefits and consequences of Gentrification from 3 unique points of view. Filmmaker Shukree Tilghman explores how better access to services may mean losing the historic character of a city like Harlem. Author Desiree Cooper explains Detroit's in-progress gentrification, seeing the potential for good but trying to prepare for what often comes next.

What exactly does it mean to play a “race card?” Professor Derald Wing Sue, Comedian Hadiyah Robinson and Artist Kiyun Kim explore the topic from three unique points of view.