Weathering Rainbows

Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston sit down with Sydni Hampton, Host of Reely Queer Podcast and Co-Host of Love Bytes, to discuss horror films and horrible legislation. Sydni is known for Elvira impersonations, hosting horror movie nights at college campuses, and a quarterly party “Slay!” at Play Louisville. You will also find articles written by Sydni in Queer Kentucky magazine. We look forward to seeing you all again with new episodes in June! FOLLOW THE SHOW For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/ GUEST LINKS Sydni Hampton: https://www.instagram.com/thesydnihampton/ Reely Queer Network: https://www.instagram.com/reelyqueer/ GUEST PODCASTS Reely Queer Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1pb0qijWB8Ca7FPD27fjCF?si=fa16f098e89c4a7c Love Bytes Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/221LcCwSf8u98bLsX2ZgS3?si=55a4a5af28c74b7c HOSTED BY Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/ Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/ ANIMATION BY Christian Gallardo: https://www.instagram.com/drawnbychristian/

Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston sit down with Living Legend Lawanda Jackson. Lawanda Jackson is former Miss Gay USofA 2012, Miss Gay USofA Classic 2009, and has won over 20 other pageants. She is an entertainer known for her impersonations of Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Dionne Warwick, and Mary J. Blige. After a stroke changed her life at the age of 50 leaving her partially paralyzed, she decided to inspire others with disabilities by continuing to perform despite her disability. She now teaches Interview Master Classes for up and comers to the pageant world. P.S. Lawanda Jackson is Leah Halston’s Drag Mother. They have a very talented family. FOLLOW THE SHOW For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/ GUEST LINKS Lawanda Jackson: https://www.instagram.com/lawada_jackson/ HOSTED BY Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/ Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/ ANIMATION BY Christian Gallardo: https://www.instagram.com/drawnbychristian/ SPONSORED BY JustFundKY: https://www.justfundky.org WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/g2FN4I_Ifkw

Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston sit down with KC Sunshine, the current Mr. Gay America 2022, from Kansas City, Missouri. He is also known as The Midwest Michael Jackson. He has been a dancer of 29 years, and has been performing in the art of drag and competing in male pageantry for 16 years. He has even been featured 3 times on America’s Got Talent. He is a former Duke of KC Pride 2008, Mr. KC Gay Pride 2011, Mr. Iowa Captal City USofA 2018, Mr. Gay Iowa USofA 2018 and Mr. Gay Missouri America 2021. In 2017 KC placed in the top 3 at Mr. Entertainer of the Year and in 2018 he placed in the top 10 at Mr. Gay USofA. When not performing, KC teaches 4th grade in Kansas City, and works with several organizations that advocate for POC & LGBTQ+ youth visibility and inclusion. He is a co-director of The Coterie Theater’s LGBTQ youth group Project Pride, an annual production that is dedicated to providing performance spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. FOLLOW THE SHOW For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/ GUEST LINKS KC Sunshine: https://www.instagram.com/kcsunshinemj/ Mr. Gay America: https://www.instagram.com/mrgayamerica/ HOSTED BY Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/ Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/ ANIMATION BY Christian Gallardo: https://www.instagram.com/drawnbychristian/ SPONSORED BY JustFundKY: https://www.justfundky.org WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/EOhwp7VyMPc RESOURCES: Teacher Guide: https://www.headteacher-update.com/best-practice-article/lgbt-common-questions/189680 MR GAY AMERICA COVER PHOTOGRAPH: https://tiosphotagraphy.com/

With growing concern over conservative bills targeting lgbtq+ youth in schools, Kurtis Sunset sits down with Bryan Stanton, the host of Teaching While Queer Podcast, to discuss how they have provided an inclusive environment in spite of the right wing rhetoric in Texas government. Bryan has won teacher of the year for their district and now gives back by sharing the stories and experiences of LGBTQ+ Teachers on their podcast. This interview answers questions such as how to be more inclusive in the classroom, at what age is teaching youth about sexual identity appropriate, and how to overcome the fears of self-censorship. FOLLOW THE SHOW For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/ GUEST LINKS Bryan Stanton: https://www.instagram.com/thebryanstanton/ Teaching While Queer Podcast: https://www.teachingwhilequeer.com HOSTED BY Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/ Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/ ANIMATION BY Christian Gallardo: https://www.instagram.com/drawnbychristian/ SPONSORED BY JustFundKY: https://www.justfundky.org

Growing up LGBTQ in the Bible Belt has its own set of problematic situations when dealing with Fundamentalist Christian Organizations. In this episode, Kurtis Sunset interviews Josh Astor, also known as J. Steele, and discusses the fears he had before and after coming out as a gay male to a religious family. Prior to coming out, Josh was a christian school teacher and had high standing within his church, afterwards that all changed. However, Josh talks about how he found a new accepting community that propelled him into the career of his dreams. Josh is the owner of J. Steele Photography that focuses on photography for male boudoir and drag queens. For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/ GUEST LINKS J. Steele Photography: https://www.instagram.com/jsteelestudios/ HOSTED BY Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/ Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/ ANIMATION BY Christian Gallardo: https://www.instagram.com/drawnbychristian/ WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/khcHWxTeheA

Growing up LGBTQ in the Bible Belt has its own set of problematic situations when dealing with Fundamentalist Christian Organizations. In this episode, Kurtis Sunset interviews Bernadette Barton and discusses many stories of gay and lesbian individuals from the Bible Belt. They discuss the Toxic Closet, Conditions of Inarticulation, and how to start making steps towards making rural areas more accepting of LGBTQ individuals. We recommend the book, “Pray the Gay Away” by Bernadette Barton, to anyone that wants to learn about the Bible Belt effects on LGBTQ+ individuals. For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/ GUEST LINKS Bernadette Barton: https://www.instagram.com/bernbarton/ HOSTED BY Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/ Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/ LINK TO PURCHASE BOOK: https://a.co/d/gt9uO8k WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/fOu-wuiepJE

In our funniest episode yet, Kurtis and Leah interview Joe Gollahon and Daniel Hutchins, a couple from Louisville, Kentucky that have been together for over 27 years. For 19 of those years, the two have become well known for hosting a Huge Christmas Party! Each year the two shoot and edit over 15,000 photos from various events throughout Louisville. In this FABULOUS episode expect to hear all about Christmas Scams, 2x4’s, and Badonkadonks. Heck, you may even become educated on how to properly slap some booty without hurting your partner. That’s right, this is a gift like we’ve never given before, as this “Christmas Episode” takes an absolutely wild turn into stories that would make these two TikTok famous overnight. For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/ GUEST LINKS Joe Gollahon: https://www.instagram.com/joegollahon/ Daniel Hutchins: https://www.instagram.com/hutchins5104/ HOSTED BY Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/ Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/ LINK TO CHRISTMAS TREE SCAM VIDEO: https://youtu.be/b6GATfs2Jgw WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/WojDKN0ADnY

Is it ever too late to transition? Can you still find happiness by doing it later in life? In this episode, Kurtis Sunset interviews Ashley Anna Parks, author of Taking Flight, a memoir on transitioning at the age of 65. Having lived 65 years presenting as a male, being married to a woman twice, having children, serving in the military, and being a minister, Ashley reached a point where she had to set herself free. Taking Flight is all about that emotional journey of transitioning and finding happiness in her 60’s. But first, Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston chat Hunks in Pumps, Stuffing Turkeys, and even ear fetishes. For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/ GUEST LINKS Ashley Anna Parks: https://www.instagram.com/butterfly.discoveries/ Website & Book Purchases: https://www.butterflydiscoveries.com HOSTED BY Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/ Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/ SPONSORED BY JustFundKY: https://www.justfundky.org WATCH EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/XjkYFNmXr3w

Ever wonder how to be successful in the HipHop Music Industry? Or to open shows for huge musical artist? In this episode, Kurtis Sunset interviews Tori WhoDat. Tori is a HipHop artist that has performed at many pride festivals with popular songs such as, “Heather Grey”, “Thru My City” and “Love the Way”. She tells her wonderful story from Christian Artist to HipHop star. But first, Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston tell you what they’ve been up to over the lengthy break and some fun events coming this holiday season. For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/ GUEST LINKS Tori WhoDat: https://www.instagram.com/toriwhodat/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Ce9Le1hru4Me2NwIWE6S3 HOSTED BY Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/ Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/ LINK TO CHRISTMAS WISH TREE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6GATfs2Jgw

Have you ever wondered how to fight school policies that are not gender inclusive? Interested in learning about the life of a transgender student? In this episode, Kurtis Sunset interviews Marcus Macchi. Marcus is a transgender male that discusses how he managed to change the graduation gown policy at his Catholic high school. Today, many schools still have policies that force students to wear a color robe based on gender often forcing transgender students to wear the color robe that is based on their gender assigned at birth. The outdated policies should be looked into across the country and Marcus tells how he changed it at his own school. But first, Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston answer some of the questions that folks submitted at Kentuckiana Pride including questions on feelings for their best friends, favorite drinks, and early sexual experiences. For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/ GUEST LINKS Marcus Macchi: https://www.instagram.com/marcus_macchi/ HOSTED BY Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/ Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/ RESOURCES: APP Suggestion - https://www.refugerestrooms.org/

Ever wonder how to be successful on TikTok? From another country and need advice on starting life after moving to America? In this episode, Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston interview “Art” Bezrukavenko. Art is a Ukrainian immigrant that moved to America with just $500 in his pocket. He is now a well-known TikTok Star and Social Media Influencer after going viral in 2020 with his coming out video holding an LGBTQ+ flag in front of the Bank of America. Art tells his story from Ukraine to America, then answers some fun questions that his fans have likely never heard him answer. But first, Kurtis Sunset gives a bit of information on LGBTQ+ rights and fight for LGBTQ+ progress in Ukraine in the midst of war. For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/ GUEST LINKS Art Bezrukavenko: https://www.instagram.com/itsartbezrukavenko/ Art in the Park: https://www.instagram.com/artintheparkshow/ Art’s Website: https://www.onlyartiom.com HOSTED BY Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/ Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/ SUPPORT LGBTQ+ UKRAINIANS OutRight Action International: https//outrightinternational.org/ukraine YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/rGdIlCCbgxI

Have you ever wondered about the process of transitioning? How about how you should support your transgender son or daughter through their transition? In this episode, Kurtis Sunset interviews Jennifer Richardson and Caley Logsdon in our first tag team mother/daughter interview ever. Caley is a transgender woman that has vast knowledge on the health industry and how to support transgender individuals in the workforce. Jennifer discusses how she was a supportive mother through Caley’s transition and how she hopes to bring more Pride events and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community to rural areas like Owensboro, Kentucky. But first, Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston answer some of the questions that folks submitted at Kentuckiana Pride including questions on fruit and how to approach guys. For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/ GUEST LINKS Jennifer Richardson: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.richardson1974/ Caley Logsdon: https://www.instagram.com/southern_trans/ HOSTED BY Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/ Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/ Youtube: https://youtu.be/2bD2iYjBf4g

Have you ever wondered what life is like for Transgender Troops? How about an interest in working for the U.S. Space Force? In this episode, Kurtis Sunset interviews Lt. Col. Bree Fram. Lt. Col. Bree Fram is the President of SPARTA, an organization that advocates and educates about transgender military service and is dedicated to the support and professional development of over 1400 transgender service members. She is also an astronautical engineer and serves in the US Space Force. But first, Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston chat about rebooting their mental health, taking a break after the many pride events this year, and how their soul mates are clearly in other galaxies after seeing the James Webb Space Telescope images. For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/ GUEST LINKS Lt. Col Bree Fram: https://www.instagram.com/bree.fram/ Lt. Col Bree Fram: https://breefram.com HOSTED BY Kurtis Sunset: https://www.instagram.com/kurtis_sunset/ Leah Halston: https://www.instagram.com/lelehalston/ RESOURCES: SPARTA - https://www.spartapride.org SPONSORS: JUST FUND KY - https://www.justfundky.org SHOW REFERENCES: Realistic Baby Dolls - https://www.instagram.com/baby_of_mine_nursery/ YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/XHSxZoVhdlM

For the first time since Chris Stanley's My Gay Online Boyfriend Competition he spills the real tea about the competition, but it doesn't stop there! Chris then gets placed in the HOT SEAT to figure out if he's actually compatible with the ultimate winner, Kurtis Sunset, and then gets grilled by the past contestants. He answers all of the questions you've ever wanted to know! The interview with Chris starts at around the 34 min mark in this episode. But first, Kurtis Sunset discusses Weathering Rainbows One Year Anniversary and makes a couple HUGE ANNOUNCEMENTS, including the brand new comedy show, Rainbow Holler! This show also features music by Eric Zimmerman (also from MGOBF) and Tayzzy! Both of which have signed on to be a part of the Rainbow Holler Crew! MGOBF PLAYLIST GUEST LINKS: Chris Stanley Instagram Chris Stanley Youtube HOSTED BY: Kurtis Sunset Leah Halston FOLLOW THE SHOW For more information visit us at www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: @weatheringrainbows Weathering Rainbows Youtube: @Weathering Rainbows FOLLOW MUSIC ARTIST: Eric Zimmerman Tayzzy FOLLOW ANIMATOR: @drawnbychristian

Ever hear the stereotype that gays and country don't mix? Well, Chad Benefieldput that to the test when he became the morning Co-Host of WBKR (A country music radio station)! In this episode, Kurtis Sunset interviews Chad Benefield about his time at WBKR, and his time battling for an LGBTQ+ Fairness Ordinance in Owensboro, Kentucky! But Chad this show was so packed with amazing stories that Chad will clearly have to pop in again to finish up this wild life adventure. But first, Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston update you and prepare you for pride. Kurtis announces who the guest of honor this year will be for Weathering Rainbows! Then, the two discuss some country music and a bit about upcoming Pride Celebrations! FOLLOW THE SHOW For more information visit us at www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: @weatheringrainbows

Porn has become rather raunchy over the past few decades. Bernadette Barton has studied the sex industry for over 25 years and has studied how raunch culture has grown over the past few decades from the male gaze to porn with more and more violence. If you've ever been uncomfortable receiving unsolicited dick pics, or thought some porn took things a little too far then you are not alone. In her book, The Pornification of America, she helps us articulate the trends so that we can start having discussions about raunch culture and combat certain trends that are increasingly showing up in everything to the point we are becoming desensitized to it. But first, hear Leah make Kurtis increasingly uncomfortable discussing porn. GUEST Bernadette Barton HOSTED BY Kurtis Sunset Leah Halston FOLLOW THE SHOW For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com/ For the latest updates follow us on insta: https://www.instagram.com/weatheringrainbows/ BOOK LINKS The Pornification of America Pray the Gay Away

Want to have a better understanding of what life is like for a person diagnosed with HIV? Ever wonder what undetectable means or need a better understanding about safe sex practices? In this episode, Kurtis Sunset interviews Ryan Alvey, a U=U ambassador ( undetectable equals untransmittable ), who was diagnosed with HIV in 2020, and has since spent his life advocating for better understanding and awareness around being open about ones status. But first, Kurtis Sunset gives a little update about the shows delay, and his time on Chris Stanley's My Gay Online Boyfriend Competition, and congratulates Leah Halston for finishing foster care training. It's been a busy time for both of them, but the two are set to produce some amazing shows and new video content in the coming months. For more information visit us at www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: @weatheringrainbows Other Referenced Show Links: Hey Mistr - Prep Resource Social Practice Lab - Louisville Resource Music City Prep Clinic - Free Testing

Have you ever wondered about the queer influence on animation? Interested in learning about a Flamingo that has escaped the zoo and now performs as a drag queen? Then, you may be interested in this interview with the man behind the future film "Birds of Amuse." In this episode, Kurtis Sunset interviews Christian Gallardo, of Swirly Straw Studios, the animator behind the intro animation of Weathering Rainbows. Christian is an award winning animator, having won many awards for his animation Snack Attacks, about five friends that visit the Balboa Theater. But first, Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston talk about their own experience and love of animation. You'll find out which Disney Villain they most closely resemble and also who their Prince Charming would be. For more information visit us at http://www.weatheringrainbows.com/ For the latest updates follow us on insta: @weatheringrainbows

Have you ever needed strong advice on how to talk to church folk about your queerness? Are you looking for the laugh you've desperately needed when reminiscing about some past church trauma? Then, you should check out this episode! In this episode, Kurtis Sunset interviews May O'Nays (Andrew Schaftlein) about their upcoming performance of Tuba Atonement. Andrew grew up in Kokomo, Indiana, and faced the usual perils of growing up queer in a church oriented town, but Andrew has taken all of it and shaped it into a one woman show (for his drag alter ego - May O'Nays ) in a comedy that will surely have the audience laughing and wanting Andrew to write another show! But first, Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston discuss their own time in their high school bands! How was Kurtis in the band when he did not even play an instrument? Find out the instrument Leah was really good at playing! See the old pictures of Kurtis and new videos of Leah thinking she's a rockstar. For more information visit us at www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: @weatheringrainbows

Can gays sit with Jesus? Does Jesus wear rainbow on Wednesdays? What if Damian from Mean Girls had to be in high school during the pandemic? How would he pass his quarantine time? In this Season Finale Episode, Kurtis and Leah sit with Daniel Franzese, co-host of Yass, Jesus! Podcast, who played the role of Damian in Mean Girls, to discuss being a Gay Christian, as well as Danny's iconic role that still resonates with so many LGBTQ+ individuals. Find out all that Danny is doing now on his website: www.whatsupdanny.com As a special surprise, you'll see for the first time ever the brand-new Weathering Rainbows Intro Animation created by @drawnbychristian! He will be our guest to discuss animation in Season 3, and his upcoming animated film "Birds of Amuse." But first, Kurtis Sunset and Leah Halston discuss some highlights of the season, and then celebrate Valentine's day by playing "love it or hate it" where they discuss a plethora of possible Valentine's Date Ideas. For more information visit us at www.weatheringrainbows.com For the latest updates follow us on insta: @weatheringrainbows