This is part two of the the ever famous and popular TNC Email Interview that Genia Stevens that presenter and producer from ‘SistersTalk Radio’ very kindly filled out for us.  I think the last question is a pretty key insight into what I had called the ‘issues facing the LGBT Community and I think Genia’s answer is pretty on the money.

-What has been your most heated discussion?

Anytime we discuss transgender issues, we get a lot of backlash from members of the transgender community. One common complaint is: “You need to learn more about trans issues before you open your mouth.” We often ask those who are complaining to educate us, and they reply with things like “Read a book!” We decided we wouldn’t address transgender issues anymore unless we had a transgender person on the show to join the discussion. Since then, the complaints have lessened – even though a lot of our transgender guests haven’t said anything that we didn’t already say ourselves.

-Worst Guest?

This is a tough question. I will say that some of the erotica authors we’ve had on the show were the least entertaining of all our guests. We’ve given up on the idea that a person who writes sex books will automatically be fun to talk to and listen to. Some of them make better writers than speakers.

-What was your coming out experience? Was it hard?

My coming out experience was uneventful. No one in my family disowned me. No one in my family lectured me. My ex mother-in-law tried telling me I was going to Hell, but I never listened to her before so I certainly didn’t take that as an opportunity to start listening to her. My family loves my partner Andrea. They’ve welcomed her to the family with open arms.

-What advice had you sought or been given?

We get a lot of requests for advice from listeners. Most of the advice people ask us for relates to coming out, dating, and maintaining a healthy sexual relationship with their partner.

-If there was any advice you could give someone who might be ready to come out, what would it be?

Make sure you’re ready for the worst case scenario. If you’re a teenager, figure out – before you come out – where you will go if your parents decide to kick you out. Establish a community of support – via the internet or in person – before you come out; you’ll need these people and resources if things don’t go well. Also, try to remember that your parents want the best for you and that everything they do – no matter how insulting or warped it may seem – is done with your best interest in mind.

-How important for the LGBT community as a whole in the US is same sex marriage?

I can’t speak for everyone in the US gay community but, from what I know so far, the majority opinion in the gay community is that same-sex marriage rights are extremely important. There are 1138 rights that heterosexual couples receive that are denied to same-sex couples. But, just as there are heterosexuals who could care less about getting married, there are homosexuals who feel the same way.

-Have people attitudes changed much since you came out or do the LGBT community still face homophobia?

While we see more and more gay characters on American television, we’re still hearing stories about teenagers being told they can’t bring their same-sex partner to the prom. We’re also still hearing stories about young transgender people being physically assaulted. We’re still hearing stories about young gay men being beaten and killed after leaving a gay bar. LGBT visibility has increased, however, I think the US has a long way to go before we abolish homophobic attitudes and behaviors.

-What challenges does the LGBT community face today?

The biggest challenge the LGBT community in the US faces is the LGBT community itself. Our community is still divided on race issues. We still have lesbian feminists who refuse to open their “women’s space” to transwomen. We still have gay men who turn their nose up at women’s issues and transgender issues. We still have transgender people who refuse to allow anyone who is not transgender to participate in open and frank dialogue about transgender issues without the fear of being called a transphobe. The LGBT community’s biggest problem is the LGBT community. Until we learn to set our differences aside, we’ll never be able to become a force to be reckoned with.

Our thoughts are with the family of WW1 hero Henry Allingham was was 113. As well as bing one of the worlds oldest people he was also the Oldest WW1 servicemen. Having served at the Royal Naval Air Service in ww1 he would later move to the Royal Air Force when I was first set up.

Last month Mr Allingham became the worlds oldest man, he was born in 1896.  Queen Elizabeth said ‘he was one of the generation who sacrificed so much for us all’.

Mr Allingham was a member of a gerneration we should never forget.  Men and women, boys and girls gave up so much for the freedoms and life that we enjoy today.  The Prime Minister and The Prince of Wales have described Mr Allingham as a war hero and a true character.  We must never forget the debt we owe the likes of Mr Allingham.

Mr Allingham, whose life has spanned three centuries and six monarchs, has five grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchildren and one great-great-great grandchild.

The UK has lost a true hero, a man of character, heart, and a bravery and dedication that we here all wish one day to be able to aquire, God Bless Henry Allingham.

It’s taken some doing but we get to support one of our local bands and have even included them in our local heros section of our site! Love them and respect them these guys are the real deal and we are proud to bring you their upcoming dates and an interview is to follow.