Breaking the Mold with Inclusive Film Narratives

The realm of LGBTQ representation in film and media has been an ever-changing landscape marked by both significant milestones and challenging setbacks. In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the transformative power of storytelling as a tool for reflection and as an active force in sculpting cultural norms and influencing social policies.

As a gay man entrenched in the spheres of film and publishing, the podcast host brings a personal and professional perspective to the discussion of LGBTQ narratives. Virginia, his co-host, adds a poignant and intimate angle through her experiences as the mother of a trans child. Together, they navigate through personal anecdotes, industry insights, and themes from the host's book, "Language of the Soul," advocating for the impactful role that stories by LGBTQ individuals—'own voices'—play in authentically representing the community.

The episode journeys through the decades of cinematic evolution, noting the veiled subtleties of queer representation in silent films, the censorship eras that forced LGBTQ characters into the shadows or stereotyped them as villains, and the eventual emergence of more overt depictions. It celebrates the progress made while acknowledging the work that remains challenging societal stereotypes and expectations.

Our conversation focuses particularly on the importance of nuanced approaches in portraying LGBTQ characters. It highlights how contemporary films like "Single All The Way" and "Bros" have distinguished themselves from their predecessors by normalizing diverse experiences without sensationalizing them. The episode underlines the significance of multifaceted strategies in social reform and the community's endeavors to enrich the world through inclusive storytelling.

The personal and societal impacts of positive role models are also emphasized, recognizing the collective potential for greatness through embracing individual stories. This heartfelt discussion culminates in a candid exploration of how far we've come in pursuing authentic LGBTQ representation in film and media and the journey unfolding before us.

As we wrap up, it's essential to recognize the vibrant spectrum of LGBTQ2+ narratives in media. This conversation serves as both a celebration of the progress made and a reminder of the continuous need for vigilance and advocacy to ensure that LGBTQ stories are told with the depth, complexity, and respect they deserve. We invite you to join us on this journey, reflecting on our shared history and looking forward to the future of LGBTQ representation on screen.

Listen to this episode at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2267353/14609875

The Comeback of 2D Animation: Why We’re Craving Realness Again

There’s something happening in animation right now that’s worth paying attention to—not because it’s simply nostalgic, but because it’s deeply human. As someone who works in the mental health and creative storytelling space, I can’t help but see these conversations about art, AI, and hand-drawn storytelling as part of a bigger theme: our collective hunger for authenticity. We live in a time where AI-generated content is everywhere—convenient, efficient, and often soulless. It’s not surprising that artists and audiences alike are looking back toward something that feels more tactile, more imperfect, more human. That brings us to 2D animation, an art form that has shaped generations and now, it seems, might just be making a comeback. Here’s what Language of the Soul podcast host, Dominick Domingo, had to say on this trend: There’s been a lot of industry talk lately speculating about 2D/traditional ANIMATION making a comeback. Recent articles confirm that although Disney has not greenlit...

We're All Souls: The Spiritual Thread of Mental Health with Carolyn Coleridge

By Virginia Grenier I’ve long believed that healing is more than just symptom reduction. It’s not just about coping skills or cognitive restructuring—it’s about uncovering the deeper threads that shape who we are and how we move through the world. That belief is exactly why this latest episode of Language of the Soul resonated so deeply with me. Our guest, Carolyn Coleridge, is a psychotherapist, intuitive, and healer who has spent over 30 years at the intersection of traditional therapy and spiritual insight. In our conversation, Carolyn shared something that’s stuck with me since we recorded: “We’re all souls. That’s my premise.” It sounds simple, but when you really sit with it, that one sentence flips the entire clinical model on its head. What if instead of viewing our clients—or ourselves—as broken minds to be fixed, we saw each of us as whole souls navigating a very human experience? That’s the lens Carolyn brings into her work and into this conversation. And honestl...

Five Tips for a More Marketable Children’s Picture Book Manuscript by Mayra Calvani

The world of children’s picture book publishing is extremely competitive. If you’re an aspiring children’s author, you need to make sure your manuscript is in excellent shape and has all the elements editors and agents look for before you begin the submission process. Here are five tips to make your picture book manuscript more marketable: Start right with the problem. Many times beginner writers begin a picture book with back-story. It’s okay to have this back-story in the first draft, but be sure to get rid of it when you edit. Back-story is unnecessary 90% of the time and it only serves to slow down the beginning of a story, making it weaker. You want to grab the reader right from the start. So don’t be afraid to begin your story at the heart of the problem. It’s okay to set the stage with a sentence or two—but no more! Have a protagonist readers can relate to. Generally, children like to listen to stories about other children or animals with children’s characteristics. ...

VS Grenier ~ Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Podcaster

Search This Blog