A More Perfect Union

LGBTQ+ Americans. Episode 9: Stella Winter

Stella Winter is a queer nonbinary activist and independent journalist who hosts a YouTube/podcast channel called Course Correction. They have lived in Washington State their entire life, half in Western Washington and half in Eastern Washington. They were inspired to create their channel to combat the rise in misinformation and help their local community understand politics in a more grounded and humane way. Stella is the Vice President of the Wenatchee Pride board and works to create inclusive and equitable spaces within the local school district for the next queer generation.

LGBTQ+ Americans. Episode 8: Jac Archer

Jac Archer (they/their) is an activist, organizer, and educator in Spokane. As a Black bisexual, trans-masculine person, Jac has worked hard to elevate the voices and issues that are essential to their communities. In 2021, they were named Activist in Residence at Eastern Washington University. Here, Jac discuss the various vulnerabilities in social services for trans people, how laws are causing harm, and reflects on hope for the future. “I've learned to see backlash as hopeful. What it means is that progress has been made. And usually, a vocal minority is trying to roll that progress back through whatever means they have available, because they have lost some sort of legislative or systems battle.”

LGBTQ+ Americans. Episode 7: Faith Gamberty and Katherine Barry

Faith Gamberty and Katherine Barry are both trans women living in Kennewick who run a hair salon for the LGBTQ+ community in the Tri-Cities. They both feel it is essential to have places where trans youth feel safe and accepted. Their willingness to talk to people about their identities as trans women is at the heart of their activism, taking on the responsibility of community education. Katherine says, on the importance of visibility and education, “There's so many misconceptions out there about transgender people. You know, you could put a long list together. Some of them are just so horrible... it's hard to get people's minds change from some of that.”

LGBTQ+ Americans. Episode 6: Esteban Herevia

Esteban Herevia is the President and CEO of Spokane Pride. He was recently recognized in the Spokane Coeur D’Alene Living “Top 20 under 40” list for 2021.  In this episode Esteban discusses the intersection of LGBTQ identity with communities of faith, and how he finds constant motivation through love. His advice for young queer activists is simple and uplifting: “We need you. You have the desire within yourself for a reason. You're seeing something that I can't see, and you're seeing something that they can't see. And so what are the ways that we can utilize your voice, your experience, your time. Don't discount your experiences. We ain’t got time for that. Learn. Change. Shift. But remember, we need your voice. We need you.”

LGBTQ+ Americans. Episode 5: Cia Cortinas

Cia Cortinas has called Walla Walla her home since childhood. In this episode, she reflects on the challenges of growing up in this area and how her experiences as a bi-sexual Latinx woman has influenced her as an educator. This influence has led her to an inclusive spirit that seeks to uplift people of color, youth, and sober individuals within the queer community.  This focus on inclusion led Cia to lead the largest Pride event in Walla Walla’s history.   “I think that activism is bigger than a march. It's bigger than a rally or a gathering. I think true activism is being able to live your most authentic life. And it's a little bit of a shame that we don't get to move freely like that through our lived human experience. However, I think that that discomfort is just us breaking the mold.”