Radio Pride – Set the record straight

As I sit in my office with little more than two hours till the debut of Radio Pride.. the only LGBTQ issue oriented radio talk show we know of in New England… I think about the path leading to this.  And I can’t help to think why there wasn’t one earlier?

Their have been LGBTQ radio shows.. and there are some on now playing music that someone obviously thinks is what Gay men listen to.  Funny how a small percentage of gays seem to represent all of us.

Their is a monthly TV show on the cable systems throughout New England and I have been on that from day one.  From the conception meeting to the debut show and over the last year and half.  At first it was bringing the Out With Joe Dining and Entertainment Review I do on the radio to a TV version.  But we eventually changed it to profiling LGBTQ events, groups and causes.

I knew before the launch of New England Pride TV that I would eventually be doing a radio show.  But unlike the TV show, where it needs to be recorded a month or more in advance, radio gives us the immediacy, portability and the ability to address the issues, political and social, that really matter.

I’ve received a lot of unwarranted criticism for starting a LGBTQ radio show from members, supposedly those looking out for the community, for daring to call it Pride Radio.. and having the audacity to put our region  (New England) in the name.  Funny how Worcester Business Journal, Worcester Magazine and Worcester Telegram all seem to get it.

But I refrained from responding to online attacks, not just on the show but to me personally.  My character and motives were called into question.  Lowering to this level would have deterred from both shows and would have embarrassed the community.  I’ve been supporting and doing the work week after week for years.  I’m interested in real discussions on the issues and moving past the stereo typical image of people in the LGBTQ community.

I’ve been in radio for 31 years now and everyone who truly knows me would have expected no less of me than to eventually get around to this type of show.  After years of creating, producing and hosting RE, Financial, Home Improvement and Dining shows… as well as political and issue oriented shows.. I only regret not doing it sooner.

I sit on the Executive Board of Worcester Pride (an elected position) and the Advisory Committee at Safe Homes and I’m at the fund raisers and awareness events, and not just for the photo op and then gone.  But doing the work week in and week out.  This radio show is not about ego or what can it do for me… I’ve been a public figure for over thirty years, I’m good… its about a voice for the community!

I’d like to see and hear going forward only positive energy that will benefit and further the cause.  Any negative, self centered noise can be kept to ones self.  We are about to start a fantastic journey today, lets leave the name calling, attacks and bruised egos where they belong.

I’ve received so many private messages and calls in support of the show.  Many of them apprehensive about making their support public or posting it for fear of being targeted or perceived of taking sides.  There are no “sides” to take.. just one cause, one purpose and its all for the community at large.  The only question we should be concerned with, is it good for the LGBTQ community, will it further our fight?

Thank you again to all those that have voiced their support and for all the hard work everyone has done so far, we have only begun.

All the best.. with Love and Hope

Joe