Shows
KQED's PerspectivesMelva Mack: More Than A Calendar DateMelva Mack shares what Black History Month means to her.
2026-02-2703 min
Black Mama BearingFinding peaceGrand risings, y’all. In this abbreviated episode of Black Mama Bearing, I’ll shares reflections for the moment we’re living in—when the world feels heavy and the headlines just keep coming. I offers a gentle reminder: sometimes, the best thing we can do is make a difference right where we are.This episode is like a spa day for the soul—an invitation to reset, reconnect, and return to what grounds you. I also offer a few resources to help you find good news when you n...
2025-07-0608 minBlack Mama BearingLet them be legendary: uplifting, black queer use with prideIn this Pride Month episode of Black Mama Bearing, l brings heart, heat, and healing to the mic with a fierce message for parents, caregivers, and anyone committed to showing up for Black queer youth. This isn’t just a celebration—it’s a call to action wrapped in love and truth.With clarity and conviction, I’ll share why simply “surviving” the margins isn’t enough for our babies—they were born to change the center. We explores the realities Black LGBTQ+ youth face, including sobering statistics on housing insecurity, suicide risk, and family rejection...
2025-06-1817 minBlack Mama BearingNavigating an Unsupportive Family With Love and BoundariesWhen family doesn’t get it, your child still needs to know you do. This episode of Black Mama Bearing is a deep dive into affirming parenting for LGBTQ+ kids—especially in Black families—when support from relatives is missing. Learn when to engage, educate, or walk away; how to build emotional safety; and how to speak truth with love and power. Includes scripts, affirmations, and real-life examples for every stage of the journey.BlackMamaBearing #ParentingQueerKids #AffirmingParenting #ChosenFamily #QueerBlackJoy #QueerJoy #LGBTQSupport #CycleBreakers #ParentsOfLGBTQ #BlackParentsOfLGBTQ #EmotionalSafetyMatters
2025-05-3020 minBlack Mama BearingRepresentation Is Resistance: Visibility and Healing for Queer FamiliesIn this heartfelt episode of *Black Mama Bearing*, host Mel Mack explores the profound importance of representation for queer children and their families. From childhood memories to modern media, I share how seeing yourself reflected in the world isn't just affirming—it's essential, lifesaving. Learn how books, art, and intentional parenting can be tools of healing, joy, and visibility. This episode is a powerful reminder that representation isn’t just about inclusion—survival, restoration, and love.
2025-05-1622 minBlack Mama BearingRaising Resilient, Not Hardened Queer KidsIn this episode of Black Mama Bearing, I unpack what it truly means to raise resilient—not hardened—queer children. Through powerful stories, affirming tools, and deep reflection, I explores how emotional strength is rooted in softness, not silence. Learn how to break generational cycles, build healthy boundaries, and re-parent yourself while showing up fully for your child. This episode is for every parent committed to healing, growth, and radical love.
2025-05-0215 minBlack Mama BearingHow we found our village/chosen family 101In this tender episode, I will be sharing the heartbreaking loss of my best friend to suicide and reflecting on the importance of chosen family. I’ll explore it what it means to build the village that holds you, sees you, shows up, especially when things get heavy. Through personal stories, hard truths, I offer a message of love, grief, connection, and loss. This episode is a reminder that support is not optional. It’s life saving. I f you or someone you love is in crisis call or text 988 for free confidential help.
2025-04-2117 minBlack Mama BearingRaising Queer Kids who are Free to be ThemselvesWelcome back to Black Mama Bearing! In this powerful season opener, I kick off Season 2 with a deep dive into what it truly means to raise free queer children, and by raising free children, we free ourselves in the process. This episode explores how freedom goes beyond safety and includes affirmation, joy, and the ability to live authentically. I unpack how race, gender, and identity intersect in parenting and offer five heartfelt, practical ways parents can support their queer kids.Whether rethinking old beliefs or looking to build a more substantial...
2025-04-0417 minBlack Mama BearingSingle parenthood and raising a queer childGrand Risings, family!Welcome to Episode 10 of the Black Mama Bearing Podcast! Can y'all believe we've made it through 10 episodes together? What a journey this has been! Whether you've been rocking with me since day one or you're just joining our family—I'm so glad you're here.This podcast is all about supporting your brilliant, beautiful, queer child with love, grace, and intention—especially as Black parents navigating this journey. Today, we're talking about single parenting—the myths, the truths, and the power we hold when we show up for ou...
2025-02-2827 minBlack Mama BearingBlack History Month 2025The Black Mama Bearing Podcast, hosted by Mel Mack, empowers parents to celebrate and support their queer Black children. Episode nine honors Black History Month by highlighting Bayard Rustin, a queer Civil Rights icon, and shares insights into the resilience and needs of Black LGBTQ+ youth, fostering intersectional love and advocacy.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_History_Monthhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayard_Rustinhttps://nbjc.org/https://pflag.org/https://alp.org/https://www.marieclaire.com/politics/a32827051/black-lgbtq-organizations-groups/...
2025-02-1624 minBlack Mama BearingRadical Self Love, saves our sanity and allows us to loveHow can we serve fierce allyship when we’re running on empty ourselves? Let’s get real about self-care—because showing up for our queer youth means showing up for ourselves first. Let’s give them the blueprint for radical self-love, resilience, and thriving, not just surviving. 🌈✨https://www.tginetwork.org/what-is-tgihttps://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/first-aid-for-seizures/index.html#BlackMamaBearing #gay #queer #Parentsofqueerkids #parents of gay kids #lgbtparents #lgbtq #lgbt #lgbtfamily #samesexparents #loveislove #gaydads #gayswithkids #pride #gayfamily #twomoms #gayparents #twodads #rainbowfamily #family #lgbtqfamily #dadlife #dadsofinstagram #love #gay #queer #s...
2025-01-3114 minBlack Mama BearingGender Affirming Care + 1.20.25Gender-affirming care isn’t the intimidating concept it’s often made out to be. In this episode, I guide parents and caregivers through the essential terms, options, and steps to help them better understand the journey of their LGBTQIA2S+ young person.If you plan to skip the inauguration, I share five creative and queer-friendly ways to stay engaged and entertained. Whether you’re here to learn, support, or find community, this episode offers insight, compassion, and a delightful dose of queer joy.Tune in and feel supported every step o...
2025-01-1720 minBlack Mama BearingChurches that get it🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️Searching for an affirming LGBTQIA2S+ church in your area can be like looking for a needle in a knitting basket. You know it’s there, but you cannot see it! There are quite a few resources out there, and I look forward to sharing them with you. Look for inclusive language in mission statements and visit the organization. Talk to your friends. Ask local LGBTQ+ groups for recommendations. Prioritize spaces that celebrate diversity and provide supportFaith Resources in HRC: https://ww...
2025-01-0413 minBlack Mama BearingEnjoy your holiday. Talk to you on January 3, 2025I’m taking a longer break than expected. Everything is good and I’m looking forward to enjoying time with family and friends. Please remember to breathe and do something amazing for yourself. 🌈🏳️⚧️⚧️ #gayfamilies#supportgaykids #supportgaychildren #supportgayyoungpeople #loveislove #supportfamilieswithgaykids #transgender #gaystagram #gayinsta #a #gayespa #gayteenagers #lgbtqia #gayfitness #gayfrance #gaytravel #gayUSA #gayparents #supportgaypodcasters #gaydaddy #gayeurope #gaymexico #lovewins #gayinstagram #love #gaymexican #gayuk #nonbinary #gayhot #follow #gaybears #gaycub #gaythailand #gaytwinks #lesbiantiktok #pansexual #asexual
2024-12-2301 minBlack Mama BearingNonbinary people, let’s talk about what that meansNonbinary individuals—those whose gender identity doesn’t fit strictly within the traditional categories of “male” or “female”—represent a growing part of the LGBTQIA2S community, and their experiences reflect broader questions about gender, identity, and societal expectations. This episode discusses what it means to be nonbinary and how you can support yourself and your nonbinary child.#pridemonth #pride #lgtbq #intersectional #gayrights #ally #history #gayhistory#gaytiktok #gay #gayboy #lgbtq #gaypride #lgbt #gayman #instagay #tiktok #gaymen #loveislove #gaylove #pride #queer #gaycouple #gaylife #gayteen #gayfollow #bisexual #gayguy #gayusa #viral #gayteens #lesbian #gaylatino #gaybrasil #gaysingle #gay...
2024-12-0714 minBlack Mama BearingGraditudeYour queer child’s identity is something to be proud of and grateful for. In addition, supporting your queer child is also something you should be proud of. Gratitude is finding something to be grateful for in a world that is not or cannot be a grateful place . Mr. Rogers always said that when you are afraid look for the helpers. Maybe become one of the helpers. As parents we see further than our children do. We have to show them that there is so much to be grateful for and that this is only the start.
2024-11-2209 minBlack Mama BearingHELP! There must be a resource that can support me and mine…When you need help, where can you turn to? This episode offers some suggestions, websites and other resources that you can use to help encourage understanding and tolerance. Supporting our children takes a lot of work. Let’s make it easier on ourselves and our young people.Links mentioned in podcast:MatthewShepard.orgParentingpath.orgPflag.orgTheTrevorproject.orgTheokraproject.comALP.orgHRC.orgACLU.orgGlad.orgParentsoftransyouth.org
2024-11-0814 minBlack Mama BearingLet’s talk about the alphabet (LGBTQIA2Spirit +🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️)What do all of those letters stand for? (LGBTQIA2S+)The acronym LGBTQIA2S+ represents a diverse range of sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions. Each letter captures a unique aspect of the queer community, highlighting its diversity and complexity. If you have questions about any specific terms, feel free to ask.❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤
2024-10-2617 minBlack Mama BearingLet’s get started…Brief introductions of why I am doing this and just how important it is to support our queer children.
2024-10-1116 min