Episode 2: Mandisa Moore-O’Neal

S. Mandisa Moore-O'Neal is a Black feminist and supporter to grassroots black women/black femme-centered organizing.  These days, Mandisa is a civil rights attorney with a focus on family law, HIV De-Criminalization, criminal defense, employment discrimination and police accountability work. Her primary organizing support work is as a Black Youth Project-New Orleans' chapter member and on the Advisory board of Lift Louisiana.   This story takes us back to 2006 when Mandisa was part of a group that founded the Women’s Health and Justice Initiative, an INCITE! affiliate.

this piece was produced by free feral with music by free feral, from an interview by indee mitchell and Nathalie Nia Faulk. Special thanks to Wendi Moore-O’Neal and her brother Webo O’Neal for recording a special version of "Freedom is a Constant Struggle."

Episode 1: Wendi Moore-O’Neal

Wendi Moore O'Neal is a community activist from New Orleans who runs Jaliyah Consulting where she uses "freedom singing, story circles and group facilitation to share civil rights history, culture, and traditions".  She tells us about founding [one of] the first LGBT organizations at Spelman College in the 90's.

Recently, Wendi released a documentary "This Little Light" which chronicles her process of seeking justice and making peace when she was unconstitutionally fired for marrying her wife, Mandisa. (who you’ll be hearing from in the next episode) The film was made in collaboration with Ada McMahon and has been featured in festivals all over the country, including the Smithsonian African American Film Festival. Please visit thislittlelightfilm.com to learn more.

This piece was produced by free feral with music by free, from an interview by indee mitchell and Nathalie Nia Faulk.   "I Got a Right" is a piece free created as part of a short film of the same title.  The song includes samples of Wendi leading a community in song.   The film was made from public domain footage of the March on Washington, and features words and voices of Audre Lorde and June Jordan.  The piece was created as part of a performance called Power of the Black Feminine by Junebug Productions.  You can see that film here.

Also, Wendi shouts out SONG, Southerners on New Ground.  They still kickin.

NOTE: Some folks reported experiencing sound issues when we first published this piece.  The file has been updated.

Season Two Trailer

Season two coming at you in just a few days... Here's a little taste.

Special Episode: Alleged Lesbian Activities Artist Talk

This special episode was recorded live from the set of Alleged Lesbian Activities on the afternoon of our last performance of a sold-out run. Rachel Lee discusses the process of creating ALA with writers nelle mills and Bear Hebert, and directors indee mitchell and Bonnie Gabel, with additional commentary from performer Erin Roussel. Special thanks to Mallory Falk and Wendy Gaudin. 

Episode 5: The Way They Go

Why did all the dyke bars close? What did we lose when they shut down? In this final episode of our initial podcast series we hear answers to these foundational questions from interviewees and Last Call organizers. 

Episode 4: The Sanctity of Marriage

Here comes the bride? For some lesbians, marriage is a tool of the patriarchy; for others it's a welcome opportunity to celebrate and gain family acceptance. In this episode we go inside four different partnerships, starting with the joyfully subversive wedding of a New Orleans dyke bar owner. 

Produced by Free Feral, with support from Rachel Lee

Featuring the voices of Laura Burns, Mae Lizama, Maxx Sizeler, Donna Bechet-Kilbourne, Alda Talley, Juanita Pierre and Leslie Martinez  

Episode 3.3: Les Pierres

Les Pierres, New Orleans' first bar owned by and operated for Black lesbians, was often so packed on the weekends that owners Juanita Pierre and Leslie Martinez had to throw open the french doors to accommodate the crowd. In this episode they share some of their favorite memories of the bar and why it was such an important space. 

Episode 3.2: Charlene’s

Charlene's was legendary. Open for 22 years on Elysian Fields, it was a community hub, a dance party and a training ground for budding activists. We go back to the fateful night that started it all. Featuring interviews with Dianne Schneider, Ellen Rabin, Mae Lizama, Liz Simon, Maxx Sizeler, and Alda Talley. Produced by Free Feral and Rachel Lee with music by Free Feral and Peter Bowling.

Episode 3.1: Brady’s

If you wanted to drink at Brady's, you had to play by the rules. This episode goes inside one of New Orleans' first dyke bars and introduces its founder Alice Brady, a butch lesbian in a skirt and ship'n'shore blouse. Featuring interviews with Mary Capps, Alda Talley, Mardi Youngblood, Liz Simon, Mae Lizama and Ellen Rabin. Produced by Free Feral and Rachel Lee with music by Free Feral and Peter Bowling.

Episode 2: Crossing the Threshold

In this episode we hear about the fear and excitement of entering into a dyke bar for the first time through the stories of two women. We ask: how does race shape our experience of social spaces? How did subtle and not-so-sublte interpersonal racism show up in lesbian bars? Do our intersecting identities create opportunities for solidarity across difference? Featuring the voices of: Juanita Pierre, Leslie Martinez, Alda Talley, Paula Kilbourne, Donna Bechet-Kilbourne. Produced by Free Feral and Rachel Lee with music by Free Feral and Peter Bowling