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Profiles in LGBTQ+ Courage: Real Stories of Identity & AcceptanceAuthor: Rick Koonce
Profiles in LGBTQ Courage shines a light on the powerful, real-life stories of LGBTQ individuals, their families, and allies as they navigate identity, acceptance, and love. Produced by Huntington Northstar Productions in partnership with PFLAG Cape Cod, this podcast features moving conversations about coming out, gender transition, and the search for belonging. Each episode shares intimate portraits of couragewhether its an LGBTQ person finding self-acceptance, or a parent learning to support their child with compassion. Hosted by Rick Koonce, a seasoned journalist and PFLAG Cape Cod board member, the show blends decades of interviewing experience with heartfelt storytelling. Together, these conversations educate, inspire, and provide hope to anyone on their own journey toward authenticity and acceptance. If youre looking for connection, encouragement, and stories that spark change, this podcast is for you. Language: en Genres: Kids & Family, Parenting, Personal Journals, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Katherine Zappone on Love, Loss, and Ireland's LGBTQ Transformation
Episode 50
Friday, 5 December, 2025
In this powerful episode of Profiles in LGBTQ Courage, host Rick Koonce sits down with trailblazing Irish leader and LGBTQ advocate Katherine Zappone to explore her extraordinary journey through love, loss, politics, and social change. Born in Seattle and later becoming an Irish citizen through her marriage to Ann Louise Gilligan, Katherine reflects on how their partnership sparked one of Ireland's most transformative human rights movements. Together, they helped catalyze the landmark 2015 referendum that legalized same-sex marriage by popular vote—an unprecedented achievement in a deeply Catholic country. Katherine also discusses her groundbreaking tenure as Ireland's Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, where she confronted the devastating legacy of mother-and-baby homes and brought her concerns directly to Pope Francis. She shares profound insights on courage, leadership, activism, and grief—including the loss of her wife and soulmate in 2017. Her new memoir, Love in a Time of Politics, weaves together personal and political history, demonstrating how hope and determination shape social progress. Takeaways: How personal love became a catalyst for national transformation What Ireland teaches us about democracy and moral courage Insights on leadership, advocacy, and resilience How grief reshaped Katherine's public and private life Listeners who feel inspired by Katherine's story are encouraged to reach out, share their reflections, and continue conversations that drive LGBTQ equality forward. Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. For more information, visit the PFLAG Cape Cod website: https://www.pflagcapecod.org/podcasts.html © 2020 - 2025 PFLAG Cape Cod
