Leading Queer

Albert McLeod-- Indigenous Educator, Activist, and Icon

This month, the BQLP sits down with a Canadian legend, second to Céline Dion herself! "Albert McLeod is a Status Indian with ancestry from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and the Metis communities of Cross Lake and Norway House in northern Manitoba. One of the founders of the Two‐Spirited People of Manitoba, Albert began his 2Spirit advocacy in Winnipeg in 1986 and became an HIV/AIDS activist in 1987. He was the director of the Manitoba Aboriginal AIDS Task Force from 1991 to 2001. In 2018, Albert received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Winnipeg. He was also a member of the sub‐working group that produced the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan Report in 2020–21. In 2020, Albert joined Team Thunderhead, the team that won the international competition to design the 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument. Based in Winnipeg, Albert works as a consultant specializing in Indigenous peoples, 2Spirit history and identity, cultural reclamation and cross‐cultural training." Learn more at 2spiritconsultants.ca [2spiritconsultants.ca] https://humanrights.ca/author/albert-mcleod [https://humanrights.ca/author/albert-mcleod]

Rev. Wanda Floyd--R-E-S-P-E-C-T for the MCC and She

Who says religion and queer leadership don't mix? In today's episode, the BQLP chats with Revrend Wanda Floyd of the Metropolitan Community church, based in Las Vegas Nevada. "Rev. Wanda Floyd has over 20 years’ experience which reflects a balanced approach to healthy church life, coupled with a Master’s of Divinity degree. Strong and proven track record in church work through excellent performance as a lay minister, pastoral leader, associate pastor and full-time pastor. Experience working with church leaders, membership, and community organizations to promote Jesus Christ in the world, while leading the church through effective communication and engagement." ''Love MCC was founded in 1978 in Las Vegas, and have been working to reach those who are seeking to grow in their spiritual journey. For over 45 years, we have held services to experience the Holy in new and creative ways. We are not like other churches! Many of our people have come from backgrounds that say they are unloved, or even worse, hated by those around them. Some have faced rejection from their biological families, because of who they express themselves to be authentically, or because of whom they love and spend their lives in love. We know first hand that the love of Christ, can break through barriers and restore folks to a loving relationship with our Creator and with others. '' https://www.lovemcclv.org/our-team [https://www.lovemcclv.org/our-team]

Anne Thalheimer--the new standard for Local Politics

Did you miss us? Because we sure missed you! Leading Queer is happy to back and better than ever at our new location, Simon's Rock at Bard College. For our first episode of the new year, Leading Queer is joined by our guest–Simon’s Rock alum, artist, publisher, educator, personal care attendant, working-class advocate, and newly elected Holyoke Ward 3 City Councilmember, Anne Thalheimer. Anne Thalheimer is also an outspoken supporter of gun control, as a survivor of gun violence on Simon's Rock campus in 1992. https://simons-rock.edu/ [https://simons-rock.edu/]

Mark Segal-- Stonewall Pioneer, Activist, and Author

Prepare for a truly electrifying-- or should we say ZAPPING-- episode with Mark Segal. Mark is a veteran of the gay rights movement, participating in the 1969 Stonewall uprising, known traditionally as the event marking the beginning of the movement in the United States. Mark was a member of the Gay Action Group (later part of the Gay Liberation Front) and a leader of Gay Youth during his 3 years in NY. He became a Gay Raider, zapping high profile celebrities to increase the visibility of the gay community. His greatest impact has been on our hometown, Philadelphia, where he served as political chair of the Philadelphia Gay Activist Alliance, and founded as well as publishes the Philadelphia Gay News. He is also the author of And Then I Danced: Traveling the Road to LGBT Equality, a wonderful memoir detailing his experiences as a gay rights activist. As recently as June 14, 2025, Mark was one of the signatories of a statement from the Gay Liberation Front Foundation protesting egregious acts of the Trump administration against marginalized communities. https://www.marksegalstonewall.com/ [https://www.marksegalstonewall.com/]

Amber Glenn-- Your Favorite Figure Skater's, Favorite Figure Skater

Happy Pride Month, Leaders! This month we are thrilled to provide TWO episodes for your listening pleasure. Call it a Pride gift from us to you! For our first Pride episode, the BQLP sits down with two-time U.S. Figure Skating Champion Amber Glenn. In addition to her 2024 and 2025 U.S championships, Amber topped the podium at the 2024 Grand Prix Final. Amber began skating at the age of five, won the U.S. junior championship in 2014, and became the sixth U.S. woman to land the triple Axel in 2023. Whether is shattering the Ice Princesses image or advocating for mental health, Amber is a force to be reckoned with on and off the ice. https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/amber-glenn [https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/amber-glenn]