In this encore of the powerful Stonewall edition of Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage, host Rick Koonce sits down with David Bermudez, a firsthand witness to the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. David shares a vivid, deeply personal account of what it was like to be inside the Stonewall Inn when police raided the bar, igniting a rebellion that would change the course of LGBTQ+ history.

Through David's memories, listeners are taken back to a time when being gay meant living under constant threat—of arrest, public exposure, violence, and loss of livelihood. He describes the fear, the brutality, and ultimately the collective refusal to remain silent any longer. David also reflects on the long arc of progress since Stonewall, including marriage equality, the AIDS crisis, and the importance of remembering history without erasing the humanity of those who lived it.

Now in his 80s, David offers wisdom for younger generations, urging unity, vigilance, and compassion across the LGBTQ+ community. His story is not just history — it is a reminder of why visibility, courage, and solidarity still matter today.

Key takeaways:

• Stonewall was born from lived fear, resistance, and survival
• Progress came at a profound personal cost
• LGBTQ+ history must be remembered through the voices of those who lived it
• Unity across generations remains essential

Listeners are encouraged to reach out, reflect, and continue the work of honoring and protecting hard-won freedoms.

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For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html

© 2020 - 2026 PFLAG Cape Cod

In this deeply moving encore episode of Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage, host Rick Koonce sits down with author Felice Cohen to explore love, secrecy, identity, and healing through storytelling. Felice shares the story behind her memoir Half In, which chronicles her nine-year, deeply intimate relationship with a woman 34 years older—her first experience of true love—at a time when she was still discovering her sexuality and sense of self.

What began as a secret May-December affair became a formative coming-of-age experience that shaped Felice's understanding of intimacy, fear, and emotional risk. In conversation with Rick, she reflects on the power of writing as a tool for grief, self-acceptance, and liberation, and how bringing her story out of the shadows allowed her to finally be "all in" with life and love. Felice also speaks candidly about bisexual identity, family acceptance, and the long-term impact of loving while closeted.

This episode is a powerful testament to the courage it takes to examine our past honestly and to release shame in order to make room for love again.

Key takeaways:

• Why secrecy can shape — and limit — emotional intimacy
• How writing can become a form of healing and self-reclamation
• What it means to move from being "half in" to fully open to love

More About Felice Cohen:

• Website: https://www.felicecohen.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/felicecohenauthor
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/felicecohen90/
• Substack: https://felicecohen.substack.com/
• Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0045EEHMO/allbooks

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own journeys and reach out for connection, support, or conversation sparked by this episode.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html

© 2020 - 2026 PFLAG Cape Cod

In this encore episode of Profiles in LGBTQ Courage, host Rick Koonce sits down with author and advocate Lori Duron, creator of the widely read blog Raising My Rainbow and author of the book of the same name. In the interview, originally released in February 2021, Lori shares the deeply personal and courageous journey of raising her gender-creative son, CJ, in a world that often struggles to understand difference. From CJ's early love of Barbie dolls and princess dresses to navigating schools, healthcare systems, and public judgment, Lori reflects on how parenting a gender-nonconforming child reshaped her understanding of love, fear, advocacy, and authenticity.

Throughout the conversation, Lori explains what it means to be gender nonconforming, how CJ identifies as male while expressing himself in feminine ways, and why her family chose affirmation over "fixing." She also opens up about the impact on her older son, Chase, the importance of education and legal protections, and the critical role PFLAG played in supporting their family. This episode is an honest, hopeful exploration of parenting with courage and compassion.

Key takeaways include:

• What gender nonconformity really means
• Why affirmation is more powerful than redirection
• How parents can advocate effectively for their children
• The importance of community, education, and support

Listeners are encouraged to reach out, ask questions, and seek support as they navigate their own journeys with love and intention.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html

© 2020 - 2025 PFLAG Cape Cod

In this powerful episode of Profiles in LGBTQ Courage, host Rick Koonce sits down with trailblazing Irish leader and LGBTQ advocate Katherine Zappone to explore her extraordinary journey through love, loss, politics, and social change. Born in Seattle and later becoming an Irish citizen through her marriage to Ann Louise Gilligan, Katherine reflects on how their partnership sparked one of Ireland's most transformative human rights movements. Together, they helped catalyze the landmark 2015 referendum that legalized same-sex marriage by popular vote—an unprecedented achievement in a deeply Catholic country.

Katherine also discusses her groundbreaking tenure as Ireland's Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, where she confronted the devastating legacy of mother-and-baby homes and brought her concerns directly to Pope Francis. She shares profound insights on courage, leadership, activism, and grief—including the loss of her wife and soulmate in 2017.

Her new memoir, Love in a Time of Politics, weaves together personal and political history, demonstrating how hope and determination shape social progress.

Takeaways:

• How personal love became a catalyst for national transformation
• What Ireland teaches us about democracy and moral courage
• Insights on leadership, advocacy, and resilience
• How grief reshaped Katherine's public and private life

Listeners who feel inspired by Katherine's story are encouraged to reach out, share their reflections, and continue conversations that drive LGBTQ equality forward.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html

© 2020 - 2025 PFLAG Cape Cod

In this episode, host Rick Koonce interviews award-winning photojournalist Julia Cumes, whose work shines a light on marginalized communities around the world. Born and raised in apartheid-era South Africa, Julia witnessed the power of images to expose truth and inspire change. Her career has been shaped by a commitment to social justice and storytelling through the lens of her camera.

Julia shares how her projects—from documenting Cape Cod's transgender community to capturing the stories of immigrants, women in India's Devadasi system, and Hawaii's cowboys—help challenge stereotypes and humanize those often unseen. Her portraits not only celebrate individuality but also foster empathy and understanding in divided times.

Listeners will gain insight into how photography can serve as both art and activism—connecting people across boundaries and transforming hearts one story at a time.

Key Takeaways:

• How photography can drive social change and human connection
• The importance of visibility for marginalized communities
• Storytelling as a path to understanding and inclusion

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html

© 2020 - 2025 PFLAG Cape Cod

Child abuse remains one of the most urgent and under-recognized crises facing families today. In this powerful episode of Profiles in LGBTQ Courage, host Rick Koonce speaks with Jacob Stapledon, Community Engagement and Education Manager at Children s Cove, a child advocacy center on Cape Cod. Together, they shed light on the staggering reality of abuse, why LGBTQ youth are disproportionately affected, and the critical role that community members can play in protecting children.

Jacob shares sobering statistics, including the fact that 90% of children are abused by someone they know, and that LGBTQ youth often face the unique challenge of double disclosure revealing both their abuse and their identity. He explains how Children s Cove provides coordinated, trauma-informed care to help children tell their stories once, rather than reliving trauma repeatedly.

Listeners will also hear practical guidance on recognizing warning signs, safeguarding children online, and taking action when something feels wrong.

Key Takeaways:

• LGBTQ youth face unique risks and barriers to disclosure
• 90% of abuse comes from someone the child knows
• Online exploitation is rising rapidly post-COVID
• Parents and communities must stay engaged and speak up

Learn more and access resources at childrenscove.org.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html

2020 - 2025 PFLAG Cape Cod

In this episode of Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage, host Rick Koonce sits down with 16-year-old activist and student Bradley Forcier, whose story is both inspiring and timely. Bradley, a rising junior at Falmouth Academy, shares how coming out at age 12 sparked his passion for advocacy, community involvement, and political engagement.

From leading in his school's Gender and Sexuality Alliance to starting the process of launching a local chapter of the ACLU, Bradley is already creating meaningful change. He opens up about navigating high school as a young gay man, supporting transgender friends, and his vision for a more inclusive future. Bradley also talks about his deep interest in American politics, his science fair project on bias in public opinion polls, and his dream of becoming a civil rights attorney or elected official.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience and optimism of LGBTQ+ youth, and the difference they are making every day.

Takeaways:

• How Bradley's activism began at a young age
• The importance of safe, supportive school communities
• Insights on LGBTQ+ acceptance among Gen Z
• Why optimism matters in today's political climate

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of tomorrow's changemakers.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability.

For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html

© 2020 - 2025 PFLAG Cape Cod

Have you ever wondered what courage looks like in the LGBTQ+ community? In my podcast series, Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage, I share the powerful, authentic stories of individuals and families navigating the complex issues of sexual orientation, gender identity, self acceptance, and human love. From coming out journeys and gender transitions to parents learning how to support their children, these intimate conversations reveal the strength it takes for all of us to live and love authentically.

I'm your host, Rick Koonce. With decades of experience as a journalist and interviewer, I'm here to share stories that will educate, inspire, and remind you that none of us walks this path of life alone.

So today, I'm asking you to subscribe to Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage wherever you listen to podcasts and and join us in celebrating the bravery it takes to live your truth and life authentically.