What does queer advocacy look like beyond Western contexts—and what can the global movement learn from it?

In this episode of Living Queer, Erwin de Leon welcomes Enkhmaa Enkbold, Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Mongolia, the country’s first LGBTQ+ human rights organization, for a powerful conversation on global queer advocacy, safety, and solidarity

Enkhmaa reflects on Mongolia’s legal progress around LGBTQ+ rights, while naming the persistent violence and discrimination faced by young queer and trans people. Drawing from years of frontline advocacy, she discusses building trans-led leadership, defending safe spaces, and engaging international human rights systems to push for accountability.

The episode also explores cultural specificity, the meaning of community cohesion, and the responsibility of global allies to understand how anti-LGBTQ+ movements circulate across borders.

Grounded, instructive, and deeply human, this conversation expands how we think about queer life and resistance worldwide.

What does it mean to create art in a world shaped by social media, capitalism, and increasing attacks on trans life?

In this episode of Living Queer, host Erwin de Leon is joined by writer, dancer, and creative producer Benedict Nguyen, author of the bestselling novel Hot Girls with Balls.

Benedict discusses the idea of “freelance flailing,” the realities of creative labor under capitalism, and how satire can both entertain and unsettle. Drawing from their novel and artistic practice, they explore trans visibility, online hate and affirmation, and the ways social media shapes identity, politics, and belonging.

Together, Erwin and Benedict discuss trans visibility, social media as both survival tool and site of harm, the role of humor in dark times, and how queer artists continue to build joy and connection amid uncertainty.

This episode offers a candid, thoughtful look at art-making, resilience, and finding joy in the fight.

What role do the arts play in shaping a more just and truthful society?

In this episode of Living Queer, host Erwin de Leon is joined by arts leader, composer, dramaturg, and advocate Lee Bynum for a wide-ranging conversation on equity, representation, and queer leadership in the arts.

Lee reflects on decades of work across theater, classical music, and academia, examining why diversity onstage must be matched by equity behind the scenes. The conversation explores Maestra Music’s mission, the role of storytelling in humanizing marginalized communities, and how cultural institutions can either reinforce or challenge dominant narratives.

The episode also addresses the current political moment, the vulnerability of trans and non-binary communities, and the importance of building affirming spaces where queer people—especially queer people of color—can thrive.

Clear-eyed, expansive, and deeply human, this episode invites listeners to consider how art and education shape who is seen, heard, and valued.

What if the experiences that made growing up queer difficult are also the source of our greatest strengths?

In this episode of Living Queer, Erwin de Leon welcomes Andrew Gelwicks—celebrity fashion stylist, writer, and author of The Queer Advantage—for a thoughtful conversation on identity, resilience, and growth.

Andrew reflects on growing up in Ohio, finding his way to New York’s fashion world, and realizing that the skills he developed to survive as a queer kid now help him thrive professionally. The conversation also examines queer community, allyship, self-care, and how to hold both fear and hope in today’s political climate.

This episode offers an affirming, grounded conversation about identity as a source of insight, connection, and strength.