Episode 2: “Sense of Possibility” with Jewelle Gomez
Episode Description
In this week’s episode of Youspeak Radio 2024, Charlotte (she/they) speaks to Jewelle Gomez about the transformative power of imaginative storytelling and embracing life at the intersection of many identities. Gomez reflects on the inspirational storytelling of her grandmothers, the influence of James Baldwin and her friend Audre Lorde on her writing and activism, her contributions to intersectional feminism, and her advice to LGBTQ+ youth today.
Trailblazer – Jewelle Gomez
Jewelle Gomez (she/her) is a novelist, poet, playwright, and cultural worker of Cape Verdean, Wampanoag, and Ioway heritage. She has authored eight books, including The Gilda Stories– the first work of speculative fiction about Black lesbian vampires– earning Gomez two Lambda Awards, since adapted for stage. A founding board member of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), her writings have been featured in publications that include The San Francisco Chronicle, The New York Times, The Village Voice, Ms Magazine, ESSENCE, The Advocate, Callaloo, and Black Scholar. Among several playwriting credits, Gomez has produced Waiting for Giovanni about the inner life of James Baldwin; she is currently Playwright in Residence at New Conservatory Theatre Center. In addition to her literary success, Gomez is an accomplished philanthropic director. She and her wife, Diane Sabin, were litigants in the legal battle for same-sex marriage in California. Born in 1948, she was raised in Boston by her great grandmother, attending Northeastern University and Columbia University for her undergraduate and master’s degrees, respectively.
Youspeak Fellow – Charlotte
Charlotte (she/they), 17, is a rising high school senior from La Verne, California; they are a leader in their school’s Queer Ally Alliance and school newspaper. Proudly of Chinese and Cambodian heritage, she identifies as bisexual and asexual. An aspiring journalist, Charlotte finds joy in dance, music, art, reading, and writing.
This Youspeak Radio project is made possible with generous support from the Dwight Stuart Youth Fund.
Music: “Living Life” and “Think BIG” by Scott Holmes, Creative Commons licensed (CC BY-NC 4.0) on FreeMusicArchives.
