Podcast Summary: The Moth Radio Hour – Pride 2021

Release Date: June 24, 2025

Introduction

In the Pride 2021 episode of The Moth Radio Hour, hosted by Alastair Bain, The Moth celebrates LGBTQI+ narratives through a series of heartfelt and transformative stories. This special episode features a mini Pride parade of personal tales from around the world, highlighting the diverse experiences within the LGBTQI+ community. From coming out to family members in challenging environments to embracing one's true identity, each story encapsulates the essence of pride, resilience, and self-discovery.

1. Bisi Alimi: Reconnecting with Family

Bisi Alimi opens the episode with a poignant story about his journey to reconnect with his estranged father. Growing up as a gay individual in a conservative environment, Bisi faced significant challenges in expressing his true self.

• Key Points:

  • Bisi’s relationship with his father deteriorated over the years, leading him to write a heartfelt letter revealing his sexual orientation ([03:23]).
  • Despite his hopes for reconciliation, the response from his father was minimal, reflecting the complexities of their relationship.
  • Bisi reflects on the roles people play in each other’s lives and the realization that his father was doing the best he could within his constraints.
  • The culmination of their relationship came when Bisi invited his father to his wedding, fostering a moment of mutual pride and acceptance ([08:50]).

• Notable Quote:

  “Maybe he's never meant to play the role of a parent. I mean, this was the 70s. Like, that's what you did.” – Bisi Alimi ([07:30])

2. Jake Haller: Discovering Sexuality in Nigeria

Jake Haller shares his transformative experience of attending a gay party in Nigeria, a country where same-sex relationships are heavily stigmatized.

• Key Points:

  • At 18, Jake was invited to a party that he later discovered was a gay gathering, leading to his first same-sex kiss ([10:10]).
  • The experience was eye-opening, allowing Jake to embrace his sexuality fully and stop hiding his true self.
  • This pivotal moment marked his transition from pretending to be heterosexual to living authentically as a gay man ([14:45]).

• Notable Quote:

  “I was as gay as gay can be. But the most important thing was that I stopped lying to myself.” – Jake Haller ([14:00])

3. Bethany Cintron: Attending the Pride Parade Amid Tragedy

Bethany Cintron recounts her struggle and ultimate success in attending the New York City Pride Parade, especially in the aftermath of the Pulse nightclub shooting.

• Key Points:

  • As a 15-year-old bisexual feminist, Bethany felt marginalized and yearned for a space to openly express her identity ([19:02]).
  • The Pulse nightclub shooting in June 2016 deeply affected her and initially deterred her and her friends from participating in the parade ([21:10]).
  • Encouraged by her mother, Bethany, along with her friends, attended the parade, experiencing a profound sense of community and pride ([23:50]).
  • This experience shattered her earlier misconceptions about what it means to "look gay," highlighting the diversity within the LGBTQI+ community ([24:30]).

• Notable Quote:

  “There was no particular way to look gay. It was about support and confidence in your identity.” – Bethany Cintron ([24:00])

4. Jake Haller: Embracing a Transgender Identity

In another compelling narrative, Jake Haller delves into his personal journey as a transgender man, detailing the challenges and triumphs he faced in embracing his true identity.

• Key Points:

  • Jake describes the confusion and internal conflict he experienced during his youth, not knowing how to articulate his feelings ([25:59]).
  • The turning point came when he learned the term "transgender" from a friend, which helped him understand and label his experiences ([28:20]).
  • With the support of his sister and mother, Jake bravely came out, finding unconditional love and acceptance from his family ([30:00]).
  • Over time, Jake struggled with societal expectations and the pressure to conform but ultimately found strength in embracing both his feminine and masculine sides, rejecting labels that confine his identity ([32:00]).

• Notable Quote:

  “I love the feminine parts of me. They’ve made me the strongest man I could be.” – Jake Haller ([31:45])

5. Walter Cole (Darcel): A Life in Drag and Self-Acceptance

Walter Cole, known by his drag persona Darcel, shares his extraordinary life story of over six decades as a drag performer and his journey towards self-acceptance and happiness.

• Key Points:

  • Walter recounts his early life in Linton, Oregon, facing bullying and struggling with his identity ([39:22]).
  • The pivotal moment came when Roxy invited him to a masquerade party, encouraging him to embrace drag and reveal his true self ([40:00]).
  • Transitioning into Darcel, Walter experienced newfound joy and authenticity, balancing his family life with his passion for performing ([45:00]).
  • Despite societal challenges, Walter maintained his commitment to drag, becoming a beloved figure in Portland and beyond, fostering love and acceptance within his family ([50:00]).
  • Reflecting on his life, Walter emphasizes the importance of happiness and authenticity, celebrating his identity without regrets ([52:30]).

• Notable Quote:

  “You have to be happy. If you're not happy, what's the sense? We go through this life one time.” – Walter Cole, aka Darcel ([52:35])

Conclusion

The Pride 2021 episode of The Moth Radio Hour masterfully weaves together stories of courage, identity, and the quest for acceptance within the LGBTQI+ community. Each storyteller offers a unique perspective, highlighting the universal desire for love, understanding, and self-expression. From rekindling familial bonds to embracing one's true self in the face of adversity, these narratives underscore the enduring spirit of pride and the importance of living authentically.

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that pride is not just a momentary celebration but a continual affirmation of one's identity and worth. The stories shared inspire listeners to embrace their true selves and foster environments of acceptance and love, resonating with the core values that Pride represents.