We are now producing video podcasts by InterPod. ⁠View them on YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvyGa0vUqBYrGMnLueJg5lniu4g-dZQ6g].

*This episode was recorded prior to Iran’s recent announcement (March 2026) that it would not be participating in the FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States due to the U.S./Israel war in Iran. 
Back in late 2025, a FIFA World Cup match was announced for June 26 in Seattle between Egypt and Iran. Even before the official match draw, Seattle PrideFest had planned to celebrate Pride Month by highlighting the global nature of the tournament and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community during one of the city’s World Cup matches. The announcement of the Egypt–Iran match quickly sparked conversation across the world. For some, the moment represented an opportunity to bring visibility to LGBTQIA+ communities within global sports and international dialogue. For others, it raised complex questions about culture, politics, and representation—particularly among members of Middle Eastern and diaspora communities. In this episode, we explore the reactions that followed, the broader context of hosting a global sporting event during Pride Month, and the conversations that emerged at the intersection of sports, identity, politics, and community. 
Guest Host: Dr. Nas Mohamed, Alwan Foundation 
Speakers: Soudeh, Spectrum & Dr. Mohamed Alborgi, Rainbow Egypt
Producer: Michelle Meow
Graphics: Marsha Levine

Support the show [https://givebutter.com/interpod]

Controversy Spills Over FIFA 2026 World Cup (Part 1)

We are now producing video podcasts by InterPod. View them on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvyGa0vUqBYrGMnLueJg5lniu4g-dZQ6g].

From the rise of right wing politics to transphobia, LGBTQIA+ Pride organizers discuss the changing politics that are affecting the global community and human rights. 
Speakers:
Michelle Meow, Interpod 
Julia Machiocha, Polish Prides Alliance 
Carmen Prins, Soulversity Co-Create Network (Capetown)
Koko Tiamsai, Trans Pride Thailand
Melissa Gonzalez, PanAmerican Pride 2027 
Jessica Yamamoto, Youth (Cambodia)
Video recorded, produced and provided by The Commonwealth Club World Affairs of CA. 
Executive Producer: Interpride
Producer: Michelle Meow
Graphics: Marsha Levine
Photos generously provided by Interpride members from around the world. 
Special Thanks: Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)

Support the show [https://givebutter.com/interpod]

Global Pride & Changing Politics

Introducing InterPod: The Global Voices of Pride Podcast | Episode 44 — Colorism Worldwide.

Discover the power of community support with InterPod, the InterPride podcast series that unites the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide.

The LGBTQIA+ community has made remarkable strides in the ongoing battle for acceptance and visibility. At InterPod, we believe in amplifying these voices and ensuring they resonate far and wide. Join us as we shed light on the tireless efforts of LGBTQIA+ individuals who have dedicated decades to fighting for their right to be seen and heard.

About Episode 44

Guest host and InterPride Board Vice President Accessibility, Diversity & Inclusion, Richard Brethour-Bell, and Vice President of Global Outreach and Partnership Management, Nicholas Rodriguez, discuss their experiences with colorism worldwide.

Learn more about Richard and Nicholas by visiting interpride.org/ourpeople.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/interpod/support

Colorism Worldwide

Introducing InterPod: The Global Voices of Pride Podcast | Episode 43 — Fighting For Visibility As A Trans Person.

Discover the power of community support with InterPod, the InterPride podcast series that unites the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide.

The LGBTQIA+ community has made remarkable strides in the ongoing battle for acceptance and visibility. At InterPod, we believe in amplifying these voices and ensuring they resonate far and wide. Join us as we shed light on the tireless efforts of LGBTQIA+ individuals who have dedicated decades to fighting for their right to be seen and heard.

About Episode 43

Zooey Zephyr (she/her) is the first trans woman to be elected to the Montana State Legislature, representing HD100. She shares her experience and the fight for visibility.

About Zooey

Zooey Zephyr is a progressive, bisexual trans woman, and the current state representative for Montana’s 100th House district

Zephyr has spent much of her adult life working as a public employee for the University of Montana, as well as working as a community advocate. She has worked to help university programs integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion practices into their faculty requirements, and has worked with the city of Missoula, Montana to draft human rights legislation tailored towards making justice more accessible to people who have been discriminated against.

As a representative, she fights for human rights — from voting rights to trans rights to working towards dismantling the cruelties of the prison-industrial complex. She also works to address what she sees as four of the big, interconnected areas where Montana is failing to adequately help its residents: housing inequality, health care, infrastructure, and climate change.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/interpod/support

Fighting For Visibility As A Trans Person

Introducing InterPod: The Global Voices of Pride Podcast | Episode 42 — Drag Performers Under Attack.



Discover the power of community support with InterPod, the InterPride podcast series that unites the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide.



The LGBTQIA+ community has made remarkable strides in the ongoing battle for acceptance and visibility. At InterPod, we believe in amplifying these voices and ensuring they resonate far and wide. Join us as we shed light on the tireless efforts of LGBTQIA+ individuals who have dedicated decades to fighting for their right to be seen and heard.



About Episode 42

About Todd Hotty (he/they)

Todd Hotty (he/they) is half human, half hotty. He started drag professionally as a member of the Little City Kings in 2006. He sets hearts on fire throughout various locales in Northern California and Nevada. He is the Imperial Crown Prince of San Francisco 2023 and is a proud founding Father of the Haus of Hotty.

Todd believes that you have to love the many versions of yourself so that you can love others! Catch his next performances by checking out his Instagram @Todd.Hotty [https://www.instagram.com/todd.hotty/].



About Cotton TheAct Hotty (he/they)

Cotton TheAct Hotty (he/they) is a campy comedy drag king who knows how to carry a tune! As the founding brother of the Haus of Hotty [https://www.instagram.com/hausofhotty/], Cotton comes in flaming, looking to inspire others with his smoking charm. From hosting a weekly Drag Brunch for a residency at Hard Rock Casino South Lake Tahoe to producing numerous shows, he loves philanthropy and variety.



Cotton is the fabric of our lives between his touch and his feel.



Want to contribute as a guest?

Visit www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor [https://www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor].



Follow InterPride on social media at Facebook (InterPride) [https://www.facebook.com/InterPride/] | Facebook (WorldPride) [https://www.facebook.com/WorldPride] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/interpride/] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@interpride?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] | TikTok [http://tiktok.com/@interpride] | Twitter [https://twitter.com/interpride?lang=en] | LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/interpride] | YouTube [https://youtube.com/@interprideglobal] | Twitch [https://www.twitch.tv/interprideglobal] | Eventbrite [https://interpride.eventbrite.com/]  | Mastodon.Social [https://mastodon.social/@interpride] | Universeodon.com [https://universeodon.com/@interpride]

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/interpod/support

Drag Performers Under Attack

Introducing InterPod: The Global Voices of Pride Podcast | Episode 41— Florida’s Anti-Trans Legislation.

Discover the power of community support with InterPod, the InterPride podcast series that unites the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide.

The LGBTQIA+ community has made remarkable strides in the ongoing battle for acceptance and visibility. At InterPod, we believe in amplifying these voices and ensuring they resonate far and wide. Join us as we shed light on the tireless efforts of LGBTQIA+ individuals who have dedicated decades to fighting for their right to be seen and heard.



About Episode 41

Legislation targeting our trans community continues in the State of Florida. Listen in as we talk with Nathan Bruemmer about the impact and ongoing efforts to fight back!



About Nathan Bruemmer (he/him/his)

Nathan Bruemmer is the former Executive Director of ALSO Youth in Sarasota, FL — a community center focusing on outreach, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth. He is a recent graduate of Stetson University College of Law where he was a member of Stetson Law’s Trial Team, Dispute Resolution Board, and Journal of Advocacy and the Law. Nathan is a Florida native, a graduate of the University of South Florida and a former teacher in Hillsborough County. He has worked as a consultant, educator and advocate on behalf of LGBTQ+ youth, the transgender community, and those impacted by food and housing insecurity.

Nathan was named one of the Tampa Bay Area’s “Most Remarkable People” in 2018 by Watermark Media. The Tampa Bay Business Journal presented him with the Business of Pride “Outstanding Voice Award” for his advocacy work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community in 2017.

Nathan currently serves as the President and acting Executive Director of St Pete Pride. He also serves on the Sarasota County Bar Association’s Council of Diversity and Inclusion, the TransAction Florida Advisory Council, and the Board of Directors for the Rainbow Housing Coalition.



Want to contribute as a guest?

Visit www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor [https://www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor].



Follow InterPride on social media at Facebook (InterPride) [https://www.facebook.com/InterPride/] | Facebook (WorldPride) [https://www.facebook.com/WorldPride] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/interpride/] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@interpride?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] | TikTok [http://tiktok.com/@interpride] | Twitter [https://twitter.com/interpride?lang=en] | LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/interpride] | YouTube [https://youtube.com/@interprideglobal] | Twitch [https://www.twitch.tv/interprideglobal] | Eventbrite [https://interpride.eventbrite.com/] | Mastodon.Social [https://mastodon.social/@interpride] | Universeodon.com [https://universeodon.com/@interpride]

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/ [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/interpod/support]

Florida's Anti-Trans Legislation

The InterPride [https://www.interpride.org/] podcast series, ⁠InterPod⁠ [https://www.interpride.org/podcast], The Global Voices of Pride Podcast, where the world comes together for the LGBTQIA+ community, is proud to launch our 40th episode, The Elephant in the Room Series | Part Two with Kenita Placide, with series host Richard Brethour-Bell, Vice President, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion | Co-Chair, Human Rights Committee | Coordinator, Racism & Oppression Awareness Program (ROAP) at InterPride.

The LGBTQIA+ community has come a long way in the fight for acceptance. However, our voices matter and will be heard. Many LGBTQIA+ community members have fought for decades for the right to be seen and heard.



About Episode 40

In this episode, we’re proud to feature part two of the “Elephant in the Room” series as part of our Racism & Oppression Awareness Program (ROAP) [https://www.interpride.org/roap/]. Let’s address all forms of oppression in our community, including anti-Blackness and racism.



About Our Guest Speaker

Kenita Placide (they/them)

Kenita Placide is a nonbinary native of the island/country of Saint Lucia. They are the Founder and Executive Director of the Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality(ECADE). They are social justice and human rights advocates with a specific focus on Health and HIV, women’s rights, LGBT rights, youth, and climate change. They have advocated HIV and human rights, including women, youth, and LGBTI issues, for over 16 years and have worn many hats to bring attention and funding to the smaller islands in the eastern part of the Caribbean. ECADE is an independent umbrella organization, including organizations operating in the small islands in the eastern Caribbean from the Virgin Islands down to Grenada. They are the founder and organizer of the only Caribbean Women and Sexual Diversity Conference from 2013 to the present.



About Our Series Host

Richard Brethour-Bell (he/him)

Richard Brethour-Bell (Vice President, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion | Co-Chair, Human Rights Committee | Coordinator, Racism & Oppression Awareness Program at InterPride) was raised in South Central Los Angeles, California. At age 12, he became one of the few inner-city students chosen to attend school in the affluent West San Fernando Valley of L.A. County. After graduating high school, Richard could not afford to attend college. However, the dream of becoming a college graduate never left him. After struggling with his sexuality for decades, Richard began to live his authentic life in his 30s. He met his partner James Brethour in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 2008, and the two married in James’ native Toronto, Canada, in 2010. They now live in Los Alamos, NM. The moment Richard accepted his truth, he began to fight for equality. He spoke before the New Mexico State Senate, demanding the right to marry after witnessing friends lose their homes and financial security when a partner died. He joined the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance (HRA), the organization that produces Santa Fe Pride and became president.

In addition to leading the HRA, Richard has served as Region 3 director, CAPI VP, and WorldPride Co-Chair. Richard and James started a small business, and Richard completed college, earned a Master’s in Healthcare Administration, received a Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Disabilities (LEND) fellowship, and is now in the process of completing a Special Education Teaching certification. As V.P. of Accessibility, Diversity & Inclusion, I will continue to promo

The Elephant in the Room Series | Part Two with Kenita Placide

Introducing InterPod: The Global Voices of Pride Podcast | Episode 39 — Taiwan After Marriage Equality.

Discover the power of community support with InterPod, the InterPride podcast series that unites the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide.

The LGBTQIA+ community has made remarkable strides in the ongoing battle for acceptance and visibility. At InterPod, we believe in amplifying these voices and ensuring they resonate far and wide. Join us as we shed light on the tireless efforts of LGBTQIA+ individuals who have dedicated decades to fighting for their right to be seen and heard.



About Episode 39

Taiwan became the first Asian country to pass marriage equality back in 2019. We discuss with members of Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association 台灣同志諮詢熱線協會, the first official LGBTQIA+ organization in the country, what Taiwan is like now towards LGBTQIA+ rights.



About Sean Sih-Cheng Du (he/him)

Sean Sih-Cheng Du, Secretary-General, Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ+) Hotline Association Sean joined Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ+) Hotline Association in 2002 as a volunteer and has been since actively involved in the work on gender education and HIV prevention. He became Hotline's Director of Policy Advocacy in 2011 and the Secretary-General in 2021. His work includes gay men’s sexual health, workplace equality, and international affairs. He was a board member of the Taiwan Equality Campaign and a member of the Taipei City Committee of Gender Equality. 



About Mei-Ying Juan (she/her)

Mei-Ying Juan, Director of Marketing, Taiwan Tongzhi (LGBTQ+) Hotline Association Mei-Ying formerly gained experience as a social worker in sexual violence and HIV/AIDS. She is the first straight employee in Hotline as the Director of Marketing since 2015, and now she is responsible for telephone consultation service, connecting social movements aiming to publicize LGBTQ+ activities and workplace equality.



Want to contribute as a guest?

Visit www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor [https://www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor].



News Contributor

Global LGBTQIA+ News Update By Michael K. Lavers [https://www.washingtonblade.com/author/mlavers/], the international news editor of the Washington Blade [https://www.washingtonblade.com/].



Follow InterPride on social media at Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/InterPride/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/interpride/] | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@interpride] | Twitter [https://twitter.com/interpride?lang=en] | LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/interpride] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtwEH4TyeAKxBXM9UBaDPfA] | Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interpod/id1600559359] | Google [https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjZlMzIwOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==] | Eventbrite [https://interpride.eventbrite.com/] | Medium [https://medium.com/interpod] | Twitch [https://www.twitch.tv/interprideglobal] | Mastodon.Social [https://mastodon.social/@interpride] | Universeodon.com [https://universeodon.com/@interpride]

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/interpod/support

Taiwan After Marriage Equality

Introducing InterPod: The Global Voices of Pride Podcast | Episode 38 — Mpox & Pride 2023 with Dr. Demetre C. Daskalakis and Dr. Nikki Romanik.

Discover the power of community support with InterPod, the InterPride podcast series that unites the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide. 

The LGBTQIA+ community has made remarkable strides in the ongoing battle for acceptance and visibility. At InterPod, we believe in amplifying these voices and ensuring they resonate far and wide. Join us as we shed light on the tireless efforts of LGBTQIA+ individuals who have dedicated decades to fighting for their right to be seen and heard.



About Episode 38

Our latest episode is focused on Pride 2023, which means we’ll gather in large crowds or participate in activities in which we should have an “anti-body” plan. We speak to Dr. Demetre Daskalakis and Dr. Nikki Romanik about the current status of Mpox.



Want to contribute as a guest?

Visit www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor [https://www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor].



News Contributor

Global LGBTQIA+ News Update By Michael K. Lavers [https://www.washingtonblade.com/author/mlavers/], the international news editor of the Washington Blade [https://www.washingtonblade.com/].



Follow InterPride on social media at Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/InterPride/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/interpride/] | Twitter [https://twitter.com/interpride?lang=en] | LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/interpride] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtwEH4TyeAKxBXM9UBaDPfA] | Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interpod/id1600559359] | Google [https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjZlMzIwOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==] | Eventbrite [https://interpride.eventbrite.com/] | Medium [https://medium.com/interpod] | Twitch [https://www.twitch.tv/interprideglobal] | Mastodon.Social [https://mastodon.social/@interpride] | Universeodon.com [https://universeodon.com/@interpride]

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/interpod/support

Mpox & Pride 2023

The InterPride [https://www.interpride.org/] podcast series, ⁠InterPod⁠ [https://www.interpride.org/podcast], The Global Voices of Pride Podcast, where the world comes together for the LGBTQIA+ community, is proud to launch our 37th episode, Calling In The Community To Save A Pride Organization From Challenging Times with Fernando Zweifach Lopez, (them/them/theirs), Executive Director of San Diego Pride [https://sdpride.org/fernando-lopez/].

The LGBTQIA+ community has come a long way in the fight for acceptance. However, our voices matter and will be heard. Many LGBTQIA+ community members have fought for decades for the right to be seen and heard.



About Episode 37

Hear from Fernando Lopez, their journey coming out, and how they transformed San Diego Pride! 



About Our Guest Speaker

Fernando Zweifach Lopez (them/them/theirs)

Fernando Z. Lopez, the Executive Director for San Diego LGBT Pride, moved to San Diego in 1999 as a homeless youth and has since become a prominent LGBT community leader through their work with organizations such as Equality California and Marriage Equality USA, advocating for the rights of LGBT individuals, couples, and families.



Want to contribute as a guest?

Visit www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor [https://www.interpride.org/podcastcontributor].



News Contributor

Global LGBTQIA+ News Update By Michael K. Lavers [https://www.washingtonblade.com/author/mlavers/], the international news editor of the Washington Blade [https://www.washingtonblade.com/].



Follow InterPride on social media at Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/InterPride/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/interpride/] | Twitter [https://twitter.com/interpride?lang=en] | LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/company/interpride] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtwEH4TyeAKxBXM9UBaDPfA] | Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interpod/id1600559359] | Google [https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82NjZlMzIwOC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==] | Eventbrite [https://interpride.eventbrite.com/] | Medium [https://medium.com/interpod]  | Twitch [https://www.twitch.tv/interprideglobal] | Mastodon.Social [https://mastodon.social/@interpride] | Universeodon.com [https://universeodon.com/@interpride]

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/interpod/support

Calling In The Community To Save A Pride Organization From Challenging Times

InterPride InterPod (@interpride) · Zencastr

InterPride InterPod (@interpride)

InterPod [https://www.interpride.org/podcast], The Global Voices of Pride Podcast, powered by InterPride [https://www.interpride.org], where the world comes together for the LGBTQIA+ community!


InterPod [https://www.interpride.org/podcast], powered by InterPride [https://www.interpride.org] is hosted by Michelle Meow, who brings on guests from all over the world to broaden the audience's understanding of queer, trans, and Pride culture and politics, to surprise and delight listeners with unexpected points of view, and to invite listeners into a vibrant conversation about the issues that are animating the global LGBTQIA+ communities.