Forged in Fire: LGBTQ+ Leadership

Forged In Fire

Meet LGBTQ+ superheroes! Explore the nexus of LGBTQ+ identity and leadership development through interviews with leaders in business, government, academia, advocacy, entertainment and more! We'll dive into crucible moments in LGBTQ+ lives, such as stigmatization, coming out, or transition. Understand how leaders transformed what we often view as negative experiences into moments that accelerated their growth into leadership superheroes. read less
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Episodes

Go Vote! Featuring Zaneford Alvarez, Paulo Batista, and Emily Starbuck Gerson
Nov 3 2024
Go Vote! Featuring Zaneford Alvarez, Paulo Batista, and Emily Starbuck Gerson
This is a special "almost live" episode, recorded on the Sunday before the 2024 election in the United States. Joining Bree for the conversation are Zane Alvarez and Paulo Batista, transgender service members, and Emily Starbuck Gerson, a writer and communications specialist who is also the spouse of a transgender service member. This community has been demonized in the runup to the election and the stakes are incredibly high. In this episode we discuss what voting means to each of the guests, why it is important, and cover the connection between voting and leadership. If you haven't yet done so, please go vote! Guest Biographies Emily Starbuck Gerson is a native Texan, creative maker, award-winning journalist, and passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ and military communities. She splits her time between working as a freelance writer/editor and serving as the magazine editor and communications & advocacy specialist for Modern Military Association of America. She currently lives in the DC area with her wife, an active duty transgender airman. Staff Sergeant Zaneford Alvarez is a 30-year-old Transgender Man, originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is an Active Duty Soldier who educates on the importance of Transgender Healthcare with a focus of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Petty Officer Paulo Batista is a 40 year old transgender man from Lakeland, Florida. He is an active duty sailor who advocates for military diversity and inclusivity while serving with Honor, Courage and and Commitment.