Shows
VolunqueersEpisode 13: Syd Merz (RPCV Armenia & Philippines)In this episode, we are joined by Syd Merz, a double-tour RPCV who served in both Armenia and the Philippines.Syd’s journey began with a thick envelope and a country she couldn’t place on a map, landing in a Soviet-era airport that felt more like a scene from Star Trek than a welcome gate. But one service wasn’t enough. With only a whirlwind 11-day break, Syd swapped the snowy mountains of Armenia for the tropical heat of the Philippines, facing a whole new spectrum of challenges!Tune i...
2026-02-0137 minVolunqueersEpisode 12: Bea Russo (RPCV Ecuador)In this episode, we are joined by Bea, who served as a Youth and Families Development Volunteer in Ecuador.Bea had her bags packed for the remote island nation of Timor-Leste, but a sudden notification in her Peace Corps portal rerouted her. She faced a new set of hurdles: navigating "machismo" culture as a queer woman, fielding blunt questions from students about her gender, and balancing a new romance in uncharted territory.Tune in to hear how she navigated the local chisme (gossip) and why a simple question from a 10-year-old became her most profound...
2026-01-0145 minVolunqueersEpisode 11: Edward van Luinen (RPCV Republic of Guinea)In this episode, we are joined by Edward van Luinen, who served as a TEFL Volunteer in the Republic of Guinea.Edward had his life meticulously mapped out: he was going to finish his Master's in French and become a diplomat. But a chance encounter with a recruiter in a dark college library late one night derailed everything.He found himself in West Africa instead, navigating two intense journeys simultaneously: one as a terrified teacher finding his professional voice, and the other as a closeted man silently finding his truth. Tune in to hear how...
2025-12-0148 minVolunqueersThe Hiatus is Over: New Episodes & We Need YouIn this update:Life Update: Why I’ve been away (Med school is no joke!)The New Schedule: We are locking in consistency. New episodes will drop on the 1st of every month, starting December 1st.Call for Guests: We need your stories. Whether you are ready to be public or want to remain anonymous (Jane Doe/John Doe/Doe), your safety is our priority, but your experience is invaluable.📅 Mark Your Calendars:Dec 1: Edward’s story from GuineaJan 1: New Year, New EpisodeFeb 1: Continu...
2025-11-2903 minVolunqueersEpisode 10: Michael Del Rio (RPCV Ethiopia)In this episode, we are joined by RPCV Michael Del Rio, who served as an Agriculture Volunteer in Ethiopia.Michael set out to Ethiopia with a passion for the land—but he didn’t know that the soil there would plant the seeds of his life’s work. Tune in to hear how those roots grew into an unexpected mission back home in Massachusetts…------A recording with transcript of this episode is available via Apple Podcasts. You can also download a written transcript from https://lgbtqirpcv.org/stories/.If you enjoy thi...
2025-09-2941 minVolunqueersEpisode 9: Jeremiah Johnson (RPCV Ukraine)In this episode, we are joined by RPCV Jeremiah Johnson, who served as an Education Volunteer in Ukraine from 2006-2008.Jeremiah joined the Peace Corps to serve in Ukraine—then a routine check derailed everything. Tune in to hear how what happened next reshaped his life—and the program itself…Some fun news clips of Jeremiah becoming an advocate for the next generation. https://www.aclu.org/cases/hiv-advocacy-behalf-peace-corps-volunteerhttps://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/peace-corps-public-health-school-continuing-aids-conversationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEaaWagTuUQhttps://abcnews.go.com/Health...
2025-08-2153 minVolunqueersEpisode 8: Ralph Cherry (RPCV Ghana)In this episode, we are joined by RPCV Ralph Cherry, who served as an Education Volunteer in Ghana in the early 1970s.Ralph shares his compelling journey to the Peace Corps—initially driven by a desire to avoid the Vietnam War draft—and how it evolved into a life-changing experience marked by both profound love and personal struggle. As a gay man serving during a time when his identity had to remain hidden, Ralph opens up about falling in love with one of his students, the emotional toll it took...
2025-07-2145 minVolunqueersEpisode 7: Charly Stoever (RPCV Nicaragua)In this episode we are joined by RPCV Charly Stoever, who served as an Education Volunteer in Nicaragua from 2014–2016—but like many Peace Corps Volunteers, wore many hats along the way.Charly (they/he/papi) is a nonbinary Latinx money coach, speaker, and host of the Unicorn Millionaire Podcast. They're helping LGBTQ+/BIPOC/first gens make $30k+ in passive income a year so they can twerk their way to early retirement.A formerly undocumented Mexican American and ex-stock broker, Charly has traveled solo to 38 countries and is now a full...
2025-06-2254 minVolunqueersEpisode 6: Nicky and Danny (RPCVs Ecuador)It's Justin's last episode, but the pod lives on!In this special episode we are joined by Nicky and Danny who served as a couple in Ecuador as Education volunteers. During the recording they were technically still PCVs, but by the time you hear this they are back in the states and part of our RPCV community. They share stories from Peace Corps' post-pandemic serice as some of the first people back in Ecuador. We talk negotiating Peace Corps service with a partner, host families and PST drama, and...
2025-05-171h 11VolunqueersEpisode 5: Jeffrey Blagg (RPCV Malawi and Botswana)In this special episode we are joined by Jeffrey Blagg who is an RPCV twice over AND a current RPCV. Apologies for the less than stellar audio quality on this one, but we were working with uncooperative internet connections in Zambia. Its giving meta for a Peace Corps podcast to face internet connection and technology difficulties-- so just lean into the experience today and reminisce about those crappy Skypes back home from your service.This veteran Peace Corps Volunteer recounts stories from their multiple services in multiple countries. We also discuss how Peace Corps...
2025-04-051h 28VolunqueersEpisode 4: Westen Thomas (RPCV Cambodia)In this episode, RPCV Westen Thomas recounts his adventures of service Cambodia. We discuss coming out in the early 2000s, nonbinary interpretations of gender, and how Peace Corps can lead you to places you'd never consider otherwise. A recording with transcript of this episode is available via Apple Podcasts. You can also download a written transcript from https://lgbtqirpcv.org/stories/. ---If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at www.lgbtqirpcv.org. If you have questions about our community please contact us at...
2025-03-021h 08VolunqueersEpisode 3: Lex Ajello (RPCV Ghana)In this episode, RPCV Lex Ajello shares how Peace Corps service in Ghana sparked their powerful journey of self-discovery and gender exploration. From experiencing queer culture across borders to navigating COVID-19 evacuations and regional unrest, Lex transformed challenges into resilience and authenticity—finding their true self and their wife along the way.
Now a first-year medical student, Lex is boldly pursuing a career in gender-affirming care, advocating for marginalized and queer communities in the face of ongoing legal battles.
A record with transcrip is available on Apple Podcasts or yo...
2025-01-251h 28VolunqueersEpisode 2: Bill Sweigart (RPCV Liberia)In this episode we are joined by RPCV Bill Sweigart to learn about what service was like in the early days of Peace Corps. Bill is a fabulous storyteller who mixes his love for service with harrowing tales of life as a closeted gay man in Liberia. We talk about the ideas of secrecy in the 1970s, mustaches, bombshell letters, and Peace Corps' future in this wonderful episode.
If you enjoy Bill's stories you can listen to his interview as part of the RPCV Oral History Project here. If you would like to read more of Bill's...
2024-12-081h 04VolunqueersEpisode 1: Nick Denson (RPCV Rwanda)In our kickoff episdoe join your host Justin Tabor (RPCV Philippines) for an interview with Nick Denson. They discuss Nick's service in Rwanda, evacuations, failed animal husbandry, and secret condoms!If you enjoy this LGBTQI+ RPCV content please consider joining our growing community at www.lgbtqirpcv.org. If you have any questions about our group please contact us at podcast@lgbtqirpcv.org for any questions or queries. All opinions presented in this podcast are those of the individual and do not represent official positions or statements by the US...
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