How the Tampa Bay Chamber Is Building Stronger LGBTQ+ Communities & Businesses in Flordia

How the Tampa Bay Chamber Is Building Stronger LGBTQ+ Communities & Businesses in Flordia

This week, we sit down with Rene Cantu, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber, to discuss how the Chamber is helping LGBTQ+ businesses thrive, why community connections matter more than ever, and how local organizations are creating opportunities for businesses, professionals, and allies across the Tampa Bay area. Renee shares how the Chamber supports LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs through networking, education, advocacy, and community events while also discussing the importance of allyship, business partnerships, and staying engaged during challenging times. We also talk about the impact of corporate support, the value of belonging, and why building strong relationships is essential for creating a more inclusive future. Plus, we kick off the episode from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with plenty of laughs about casino games, workplace Zoom etiquette, awkward virtual meetings, out-of-office messages, and those embarrassing work-from-home moments we've all experienced. In This Episode: - Slots, blackjack & casino stories - Zoom meetings, work-from-home etiquette & awkward video call moments - Embarrassing workplace stories and virtual meeting mishaps - Meet Rene Cantu, President & CEO of the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber - How the Chamber supports LGBTQ+ businesses and professionals - Why networking and community connections are so important - The role of allies and corporate partnerships in creating change - Inside the Chamber's networking events and Belonging in Business Breakfasts - Resources available for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and business owners - The importance of supporting local LGBTQ+ organizations and businesses - How you can get involved with the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, ally, or simply looking to connect with your local LGBTQ+ community, this episode offers valuable insight into the power of networking, advocacy, and building meaningful relationships that strengthen our community.

From Patient to Advocate: Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community Through HIV Care

This week, we sit down with Mark Myrick, Medical Peer Navigator at CAN Community Health, to discuss HIV awareness, breaking stigma, and how education, support, and compassion are changing lives in the LGBTQ+ community. Mark shares his own journey of living with HIV for nearly 30 years and explains how he now helps individuals who are newly diagnosed navigate their diagnosis with hope, education, and real-life experience. We also dive into the importance of HIV prevention, safe sex, U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), and the life-changing work being done by CAN Community Health. Plus, we kick off the episode with plenty of laughs as David & Paul swap stories about Disney, roller coasters, airboat adventures in the Everglades, boat mishaps, and the infamous "regular people" comment that got David into trouble at Disney! In This Episode: - Disney adventures, roller coasters & theme park debates - David's terrifying Everglades alligator encounter - Boat rescues, charcuterie boards & summer adventures - The hilarious Disney "regular people" story - Meet Mark Myrick from CAN Community Health - What a Medical Peer Navigator does for newly diagnosed patients - Living with HIV for nearly 30 years and helping others thrive - Understanding U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) - Why HIV education and reducing stigma still matter - The importance of regular testing, prevention & practicing safe sex - How peer support helps people navigate an HIV diagnosis - Why hope, compassion, and community can change lives Whether you're looking to learn more about HIV prevention, understand the meaning behind U=U, or hear an inspiring story of resilience and service, this episode is an honest and informative conversation that reminds us how education, empathy, and community support continue to make a lasting impact.

The Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights in Florida: The Economic Power of Pride and Inclusion

This week, we sit down with Jon Harris Maurer, Public Policy Director at Equality Florida, to discuss the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Florida, the challenges facing the community, and how advocacy, visibility, and collective action can create meaningful change. Jon shares insights into Florida’s current legislative landscape, how Equality Florida works to protect LGBTQ+ rights, and why community engagement, storytelling, and economic impact are powerful tools in the fight for equality. From Pride celebrations to public policy battles, this conversation highlights the importance of showing up and supporting one another. Plus, we kick off the episode with David & Paul discussing current hot topics, new fitness segment, personal updates, and the conversations happening within the community before diving into a powerful discussion on activism and resilience. In This Episode: - David & Paul discuss hot topics and what's happening in the community - The current state of LGBTQ+ legislation in Florida - How Equality Florida advocates for LGBTQ+ rights - Why getting involved can make a real difference - The role businesses play in supporting diversity, equity & inclusion - How Pride events positively impact local economies - Using personal stories and advocacy to drive social change - Finding strength and resilience during challenging times - John’s advice on staying engaged and continuing the fight for equality Whether you’re looking to become more involved in advocacy, understand the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community, or learn how allies and businesses can help create change, this episode is an inspiring reminder that progress happens when communities come together and refuse to be silent.

From the 70s to Today: A Lifetime of LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Pride Progress

This week, we sit down with Michael Tomor, a retired art museum director, LGBTQ+ advocate, and longtime community leader, to reflect on his journey through decades of LGBTQ+ history—from the challenges and activism of the 1970s and 1980s to the progress, visibility, and new challenges facing the community today. Michael shares powerful stories of resilience, the importance of finding and building community, and why events like Pride continue to play a vital role in creating acceptance, connection, and change. We also discuss the current political climate, the work being done by organizations like the LGBT Chamber, and why staying visible and engaged is more important than ever. Plus, we kick off the episode with conversations about the Skittle Squad Podcast, the importance of representation, networking with community leaders, and the inspiring individuals working to make a difference every day. In This Episode: - David & Paul talk everything from plastic surgery, reality TV & getting older - What life was like for the LGBTQ+ community in the 70s and 80s - From leading art museums to becoming a community advocate - The power of visibility, connection, and chosen family - Why Pride events are still essential for social change - The role of the LGBT Chamber and inclusive workplaces - How current political challenges impact LGBTQ+ rights - Personal stories of resilience, authenticity, and growth - Michael’s advice for living your truth and embracing your journey Whether you’ve experienced the history of the LGBTQ+ movement firsthand or are learning about the struggles and victories that shaped the community today, this conversation is a powerful reminder that progress happens when people show up, support one another, and continue to live authentically.

Building Resilience: How Visibility Strengthens the LGBTQ+ Community

This week, we sit down with Saint Petersburg activist, drag artist, and producer Lilith Black to discuss the power of visibility, community resilience, and why staying engaged is more important than ever for the LGBTQ+ community. Lilith shares insights into their activism work, the projects and events they're currently producing, and how local communities can come together to create lasting support systems during challenging times. From The Fool's Cabaret to conversations about hope, spirituality, and advocacy, this episode explores the importance of showing up, staying visible, and building stronger communities together. Plus, we kick off the episode with discussions about Disney, horror movies, jump scares, and plenty of laughs before diving into a meaningful conversation about activism, art, and community impact. In This Episode: - Disney adventures and theme park discussions - Horror movies, jump scares & spooky favorites - Meet activist, drag artist & producer Lilith Black - Why visibility matters in the LGBTQ+ community - Building resilience through community support - Behind the scenes of The Fool's Cabaret - Spirituality, intuition & personal growth - The importance of activism and advocacy - Finding hope during challenging times - How local communities can support LGBTQ+ organizations - Lilith's message for staying visible and making a difference Whether you're passionate about activism, interested in drag and performance art, or looking for ways to support your local LGBTQ+ community, this conversation is packed with inspiration, insight, and practical ways to get involved.