Passing The Mic
No Me Digas. Op-Ed: Keith Price
I was asked to participate in a great Black History Month event called Pass The Mic on the SiriusXM Progress Channel. Hosts on the politically progressive radio station kindly pass the host microphones of their shows to various guest hosts. The guest hosts are then allowed to produce an entire “hour” of their choosing. Being a weekly contributor on my straight radio boyfriend’s show, John Fugelsang’s TELL ME EVERYTHING (Wednesdays 11:15 pm, EST.) where he has consistently passed the mic to so many of us, makes it possible to open up the relationship just a smidge more with my former OUT Q colleague, activist/author/radio personality, Michelangelo Signorile.
Just like when a hot ex-boyfriend calls you and he knows that you cannot resist him, Signorile asked me and I said ‘yes.’ Don’t judge me. I know it was just a one-time thing, and we will always continue our very open and endless Twitter affair, while I am listening to his show. ‘Tis true that I am one of his “Yes Honey” Amen Corner choir members with a Martin Luther King, Jr. fan, but what is a black progressive gay to do? Take the mic, and present my friends. Here’s a little insight into my guests.
Giselle Byrd is a talent manager to the stars. She works for the famed talent management agency, The Katz Company, home to my imaginary ex-boyfriend, Norm Lewis, with whom I had an imagined, amicable breakup to let him go so that he could have his career, but I digress. We met at an award show/press thing briefly, and because we were probably 4 or 5 of the only people of color in the room, we started getting to know each other. When I would cover the Feinstein 54 Below Press Event, Giselle walked into the room with my imaginary next ex, SAG/Tony Award-nominated, Norm Lewis. Of course, I’ve always known that she was in her Trans realness, and I was amazed and relieved that not a person batted an eye. She was dressed to the nines. If anyone was trying to be shady, then they would have to dig deep because Giselle’s inner light was beaming and everything was en pointe. Click the pic and listen as we Kiki and get real about representation.
Dr. Demetria Rougeaux-Shabazz is not only an educator/activist, she is one of my oldest and dearest friends. Our history goes back to the days of Stephen F. Austin Middle School in Galveston, Texas. Our lives have clearly taken many turns since, but our bond is forever. We not only get to have a moment to catch up about life, but I get to introduce someone to you who is making changes on a grassroots level. Click the pic, and check out my conversation with one of my dearest friends.
Finally, in these trying times, we are all in a search for comfort. Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis of the Middle Church of New York City joins me to talk about how to find strength amidst strife and courage against catastrophe. She shares with me some of the things that help her during these hard times. Please click the pic and spend some time with Rev. Jacqui, and I hope she brings a little comfort to you. If we really want to continue to thrive as a country, then it is incumbent on all of us to have each other’s backs.
I’d like to thank my old OUT Q colleague, Michelangelo Signorile, for passing the mic to me and allowing me the opportunity to open a platform for some fabulous folks. Thank you to his amazing crew: my Papi Chulo, Sean Bertollo, Matthew McDonough, and Ms. Mo “The Lady with a Song in Her Heart” Laikowski.
Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Stay Distanced.
