Originally released: April 27, 2009

Episode 1 of Nathan OUTloud is a brief introduction to the host of Nathan OUTloud, Nathan Treanor. Nathan shares part of his coming out story, including the first time he ever told anyone he is gay. Nathan also shares when he came out to his mother.

In the news: Nathan talks about the tragic news of two 11 year-old boys who, after being bullied and tormented in school, needlessly took their lives. The heartbreaking stories of Jaheem Herrera and Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover shed light on the importance of anti-bullying curriculum in schools. Also, the Human Rights Campaign released the new “Welcoming Schools” Program – information at hrc.org

Spotlight Artist: Maria Daines and her song “The Staffie Song”. As a dog lover, Nathan shares a song about the importance of dog rescue and how every animal deserves a chance at a loving home. Music courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network. Also check out Maria Daines online.

Take Action: Congress is currently considering Federal Hate Crimes legislation that would expand protections to LGBT Americans. Learn more at fighthatenow.org – where you will be able to contact your members of Congress and also share a moving video by Judy Shepard. Judy’s son Matthew was killed 10 years ago in a brutal attack because he was gay. Since Matthew’s death, Judy has not given up the fight to ensure that Matthew’s death was not in vain and that current Hate Crimes protections are expanded to include members of the LGBT community.

Follow the podcast on twitter @nathanOUTloud.

To share your coming out story on a future episode of Nathan OUTloud, email here.

Come OUT | Be OUT | Live OUTloud

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