Pride, Power & the Politics of Showing Up: A Conversation with Brad Pritchett – Equality Texas

Tired of swiping? You’re not alone. Tammy Shaklee—LGBTQ relationship expert and founder of H4M Matchmaking—is here to say what most of us already know: app fatigue is real, and no one’s finding true love buried in DMs and torso pics. In this episode, Tammy and I talk about how real, lasting connection happens offline—and how you can start being your own matchmaker (without settling or apologizing for your standards). Tammy’s introduced thousands of LGBTQ singles across the country and built a matchmaking empire focused on compatibility, not algorithms. We’re breaking down her signature method for dating success, especially for gay men who are ready to stop scrolling and start connecting. You’ll learn: Why dating apps are burning you out (and what to do instead) How to create real connection in real life Why being picky isn’t a flaw—it’s power Ready to date like a grown-ass gay man? Hit play. About Tammy Tammy Shaklee is a leading LGBTQ Relationship Expert and President of one of the country’s top LGBTQ certified matchmaking companies, H4M Matchmaking. Since founding the national offline matchmaking company in Austin, Texas in 2012, Tammy and her team have successfully paired thousands of LGBTQ clients across the country that were seeking long-term committed relationships. Utilizing skills honed in her previous career as a broadcast journalist, Shaklee’s reporter objective instincts, acute listening skills, and same-sex proprietary methodology, provide the ideal foundation for identifying true compatibility. Her unique process focuses on traditional introductions and dating for LGBTQ singles who are interested in achieving relationship success that rivals their professional success. An LGBTQ ally and advocate, Tammy understands the challenges singles face when looking for a suitable mate, as she met her husband through a matchmaking service herself. Tammy and her husband, Clif reside in Daytona, Florida where she runs her national company. When not actively pairing her clients, Tammy is a regular relationship contributor to several LGBTQ media outlets and mainstream publications. She is currently working on the completion of her first book. Connect With Tammy Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Podcast Facebook Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - <a href="https://bit.ly/40PlusFBGroup"...

Why is it still so hard to just be in your own skin when you’re a gay Latinx man? From religious guilt to macho pressure, the layers of shame and silence can run deep. In this episode, therapist and NYU instructor Lucas Saiter joins us to unpack the mental health challenges gay Latinx men face—and how we can finally stop carrying everyone else's expectations. Lucas brings powerful insight as a clinician, Latinx gay man, and community builder. From healing identity wounds to rebuilding intimate connections, he’s helping men take off the mask and find real belonging—in themselves and in their communities. If you've ever felt like you're too much or not enough, this one's for you. In this episode we: Learn how to close the gap between shame and self-lov Break the patterns of it being rude or disrespectful to discuss mental health in the Latinx world Discover how vulnerability is a superpower About Lucas Lucas Saiter is the founder and director of Manhattan Therapy NYC and Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Applied Psychology at NYU. In addition to working in a group practice in New York City, he also maintains his own private practice, supervising recent graduates obtaining hours for licensure. Clinically he has interests in many areas, including LGBTQIA+ individuals working on strengthening identity, Latinx individuals and couples, immigrants adjusting to living in NYC, adults and young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, identity concerns, trauma, and relationship and intimacy concerns. Connect With Lucas Website Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

Why is it still so hard to just be in your own skin when you’re a gay Latinx man? From religious guilt to macho pressure, the layers of shame and silence can run deep. In this episode, therapist and NYU instructor Lucas Saiter joins us to unpack the mental health challenges gay Latinx men face—and how we can finally stop carrying everyone else's expectations. &nbsp; Lucas brings powerful insight as a clinician, Latinx gay man, and community builder. From healing identity wounds to rebuilding intimate connections, he’s helping men take off the mask and find real belonging—in themselves and in their communities. &nbsp; If you've ever felt like you're too much or not enough, this one's for you. &nbsp; &nbsp; In this episode we: Learn how to close the gap between shame and self-love Break the patterns of it being rude or disrespectful to discuss mental health in the Latinx world Discover how vulnerability is a superpower About Lucas Lucas Saiter is the founder and director of Manhattan Therapy NYC and Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Applied Psychology at NYU. &nbsp; In addition to working in a group practice in New York City, he also maintains his own private practice, supervising recent graduates obtaining hours for licensure. Clinically he has interests in many areas, including LGBTQIA+ individuals working on strengthening identity, Latinx individuals and couples, immigrants adjusting to living in NYC, adults and young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, identity concerns, trauma, and relationship and intimacy concerns. &nbsp; Connect With Lucas WebsiteHey Guys, Check This Out! &nbsp; &nbsp; Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. &nbsp; Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! &nbsp; Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community &nbsp; Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

The world has become galvanized, polarized, and hell bent on not talking and seeing each other. You're either on my side or out...even in our own LGBTQ+ Community. So how do we find center, find each other, and let each other be the gay men we are, without throwing each other under the bus of hate? David Grass, journalist and television commentator joins us today to share his perspective in navigating our world and getting us all back to focusing on one fundamental right - FREEDOM! In this episode: Discover the power each of us holds to bring FREEDOM back into FOCUS Learn how to explore the flaws instead of exploiting them Focus on the purity test to get the real answers About David David Grasso is a distinguished journalist, television commentator, and serial entrepreneur with extensive experience covering startups, public policy, and technology. He has provided insights on business and politics on networks such as Fox, CBS, and The Young Turks. In addition to his nonprofit work, David previously hosted the nationally syndicated podcast "Follow the Profit," which showcased the transformational power of entrepreneurship. He also hosted a startup-focused streaming show, Bold Business, where he interviewed more than a thousand entrepreneurs. Currently, David leads a nonprofit media portfolio for a foundation. He also serves as the Executive Director of Project Amicus, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising global awareness about LGBTQ+ safety through media. He holds a Master of Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, where he serves on the Alumni Board, chairs the Pride Alumni Caucus, and is a founder of the Carr Center's Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Program. Originally from the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami, David was also one of the founding residents of Celebration, FL, a town developed by Disney. He resides in Houston, where he is an active member of the Harvard Business School Club of Houston. Connect With David Website Instagram LinkedIn &nbsp; Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

What if your anxiety wasn’t something broken—but an invitation? In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Cory Schneider (LMFT, SPHR, CDE), a queer therapist and leadership coach who brings serious depth to the conversation around identity, mental health, and healing. We talk about how we’re living in an anxiety generation—where everything from our phones to our trauma histories is working overtime on our nervous systems. Cory unpacks how slowing down, tuning in, and learning to trust your gay psyche (yes, that deep, intuitive voice inside you) is more powerful than trying to hustle your way to peace. If you’ve ever felt like your anxiety is running the show—or like you’re too “sensitive” for this world—this one’s for you. You’ll learn: Why anxiety isn’t your enemy—it’s a message How our nervous systems are in constant fight-or-flight mode Why your queer inner knowing is sacred (and how to listen to it) This isn’t about “fixing” yourself. It’s about coming home to the you that’s already whole. About Cory Cory Schneider, LMFT, SPHR, CDE (he/him) is a nationally recognized LGBTQ+ psychotherapist, leadership and career coach, and organizational consultant with over 15 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and companies explore the intersection of identity, mental health, and belonging. With a background that bridges clinical psychology, HR, and DEI strategy, Cory works at the heart of healing and human development—supporting LGBTQ+ people in reclaiming their stories, navigating trauma, deepening relationships, and creating lives rooted in authenticity. His work is grounded in evidence-based practices, queer-affirmative frameworks, and a deep commitment to social justice. Cory specializes in working with LGBTQ+ adults and couples, guiding them through the complex terrain of internalized oppression, attachment wounding, and the emotional repair work necessary for connection and wholeness. As a former Executive Director in global consulting firms, he also partners with mission-driven organizations to foster inclusive cultures and emotionally intelligent leadership. Whether he’s speaking on the psychology of identity, supporting a couple rebuilding trust, or helping an organization transform its workplace culture, Cory shows up with curiosity, clarity, and care. His goal? To help people and systems heal—from the inside out. Cory holds credentials as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and Certified Diversity Executive (CDE). He is based in Los Angeles, and is a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ mental health, emotional literacy, and human-centered change. Connect With Cory Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus:...

Shame is that pebble in the shoe that many of us as gay men just can't seem to get away from. Whether its religious shaming, masculinity shame, or simply the shame of "being gay," there is nothing sacred about owning shame. It's time to uncover the shame of our past, deal with it in our present, and not allow it to leak into our future. Sacred intimate and founder of PostShame.org, Adam MacLean brings his beautiful fierce and sacred self to the conversation today to guide us to release our shame and step intimately into our powerful light. In this episode: Learn how to connect to source to release shame Discover the power of becoming a shame warrior Embrace a masterful tool for tackling shame - past, present, and future About Adam Adam MacLean (pronounced like "Shirley MacLaine") is the founder of PostShame.org, a platform that helps people own their stories and turn them into sources of strength. He’s the host of the podcast "Find Your Light" and the former co-host of Safe Space at NeueHouse (NOY-yuh House). He has served on the board of the Paul Taylor Dance Company and currently chairs the Abzyme Research Foundation at endHIV.com, working on an HIV e-vaccine. He is also a 21/64-certified advisor, trained to facilitate unique and often difficult family conversations around money, philanthropy, and legacy—all through the lens of #PostShame. As a trained sacred intimate, he helps people tune into their bodies, uncover their fantasies, and discover what they truly want. His work lies at the intersection of shame, privilege, intimacy, and inheritance—reimagining what it means to belong, to lead, and to be set free. He’s also the emergency contact for thirteen kiddos in his extended chosen family. Connect With Adam Website Instagram Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

As Pride 2025 is upon us, what are we really celebrating—and what are we resisting? In this urgent, unflinching episode, Brad Pritchett (he/him), Interim CEO of Equality Texas, joins us to unpack how Pride must return to its roots as a community-centered movement, not a corporate spectacle. We dive deep into what the political right is really afraid of when it comes to trans rights: visibility, bodily autonomy, and the power of collective liberation. From Texas to the national stage, Brad explores why safe, affirming spaces are more critical...

What exactly is Queer Joy? How do you create it? And where can we, as gay men, unleash its power to make the biggest impact? I’m sitting down with Revry TV Co-Founder and CEO Damian Pelliccione (They/Them), who knows a thing or two about it—after all, their unapologetic Queer Joy helped land them on Goldman Sachs’ Top 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs list. You might be thinking, Why does this matter if I’m a gay man over 40? Because representation matters. How we show...

Pride season is supposed to be all glitter, joy, and celebration—but for many, it can bring up waves of anxiety, loneliness, and even depression. So how do you keep your spirit lifted when everyone else seems to be riding rainbows, and you’re just trying to stay afloat? In this powerful and heart-centered episode, we’re joined by the fabulous Will Dempsey—licensed social worker, drag queen, and fierce queer mental health advocate from Heads Held High Counseling. Together, we explore how to protect your peace and prioritize your mental health during Pride and beyond. Will dives into:• How to climb out of the emotional rabbit hole when anxiety and depression pull you down• The importance of connection and chosen family in healing and self-discovery• Ways to activate your pride—not just as a celebration, but as a tool for transformation Whether Pride fills you with sparkle or feels a little heavy this year, this episode is your permission slip to feel it all, find your people, and lift your head high. About Will Will Dempsey is a social worker, drag queen and queer rights advocate. He is the founder of Heads Held High Counseling, a LGBTQIA+ virtual group therapy practice supporting queer and trans individuals across Massachusetts and Illinois. Will's innovative approach to social work seamlessly blends his creative flair with his commitment to advocacy, making mental health care both accessible and affirming for marginalized communities. Connect With Will Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Hey Guys, Check This Out! Are you a guy who keeps struggling to do that thing? You know the thing you keep telling yourself and others you’re going to do, but never do? Then it’s time to get real and figure out why. Join the 40 Plus: Gay Men Gay Talk, monthly chats. They happen the third Monday of each month at 5:00 pm Pacific - Learn More! Also, join our Facebook Community - 40 Plus: Gay Men, Gay Talk Community Break free of fears. Make bold moves. Live life without apologies

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Rahim Thawer (he/him)—psychotherapist, educator, and queer Muslim thought leader—joins us to unpack what sets queer men apart from our straight counterparts. From anticipating rejection in dating and navigating body image pressures, to managing our sexual health with a unique blend of hypervigilance and shame, Rahim explores how systemic oppression shapes the queer male experience. Drawing from his clinical work and upcoming book The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys, Rahim reminds us that our differences are <span...