*Source: Dear Black Gay Men Podcast

In this unapologetically bold and deeply insightful episode, host Jai invites public health leaders Louis Shackelford and Dr. Marissa Robinson into a raw and juicy conversation on what it truly means to be a cisgender-heterosexual ally to the Black LGBTQ+ community—particularly Black gay men.

With candor and warmth, the trio dives into:

• The meaning and practice of allyship, especially within the Black community

• How personal and professional experiences shape the guests’ advocacy work

• Dating and relationship dynamics, and how they intersect with cultural expectations and gender norms

• The importance of showing up for our “gay kinsmen” in real, everyday ways—not just in policy or public health, but in personal and cultural spaces

• The impact of representation, listening, and empathy in allyship

• How to shift from passive support to active, intentional advocacy in both private and public spheres

Louis and Dr. Robinson bring vulnerability, lived experience, and a commitment to equity that underscores why cis-het allyship is essential to true community liberation. Their dialogue with Jai is engaging, educational, and a much-needed example of how we can bridge understanding with action.