
The Pride Has Spoken | Episode 12: Kellie Nalbandian The Pride Has Spoken is all about celebrating LGBTQIA+ contestants on CBS’s Survivor. Each episode this season, Evvie Jagoda (they/them; @EvvieJagoda), Matt Scott (he/him; @mattscottgw) and Grace Leeder (she/her; @hifromgrace) will have conversations with many LGBTQIA+ players to talk about their experiences on the show. This episode features none other than Kellie Nalbandian (@kellienalb) and begins with […][00:00:00] It is Ryan here and I have a question for you. What do you do when you win? Like are you a fist pumper, a woohooer, a hand clapper, a high fiver? I kinda like to high five but if you wanna hone in on those winning moves,
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[00:00:28] Recoined or prohibited by law. C terms and conditions. 18+. Hey guys, it is Ryan. I'm not sure if you know this about me but I'm a bit of a fun fanatic when I can. I like to work but I like fun too.
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[00:01:56] At Luckylandslots.com. Available to players in the US, excluding Washington and Michigan. No purchase necessary. VTW group. Recoined or prohibited by law. 18+. Terms and conditions apply. Hello, it is Ryan. And we could all use an extra bright spot in our day, couldn't we?
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[00:02:34] It's Erica from Survivor 41, and I just had to support my dear friend Evie on this project. And I'm going to use this as an opportunity to share some advice. We all know I came out publicly last year at the age of 34.
[00:02:47] So I'm considered someone who came out, quote unquote, later. And I'm saying later with air quotes. If you're just listening to the audio version of this. I actually think that you can't come out later because you come out at the perfect time for you.
[00:02:58] So it's impossible to be late. Anyways, I have experienced a lot of queer imposter syndrome, and I have talked to people who have come out as adults and they have experienced queer imposter syndrome, too, which I would describe as the feeling of not being queer enough.
[00:03:14] Whether you feel like you don't look queer enough, you haven't had enough queer experiences or you haven't been out that long. Really, for whatever reason, people don't feel valid and don't feel queer enough. So this is my Pride Month advice for anyone who might feel this way.
[00:03:31] Your queerness is not defined by being certain about your labels because let's be real, labels change all the time. Your queerness is not defined by completing this checklist of queer experiences that you think you need to have.
[00:03:43] Your queerness is not defined by how you present to the world, whether it's more masculine, more feminine or an exciting mix of both or neither. As long as there is something inside of you that's telling you you are queer, that is enough.
[00:03:58] And if that voice inside of you is loud and proud or even just a whisper, it is valid and you are enough and you can be part of the queer community. So I hope that this Pride, you are kind to yourself.
[00:04:12] You celebrate Pride in whatever way you see fit. And no matter what you do, I hope you have a safe and happy Pride Month. Hello, everyone, and welcome back to The Pride Has Spoken, your official RHAP Day Survivor podcast.
[00:04:44] I'm Matt Scott and happy to be here with you, but I am not alone. I am joined by a couple of folks, including the one, the only Dr. Evy Jagoda. I just love to throw the doctor in there. Thank you, Matt. It's lovely to be here as always.
[00:05:06] It's just it's it's the best podcast. That's why you're listening to it. I'm so glad that we get to do this every year. It's so fun. And we could not do it without the one, the only Grace Leder. Thank you for joining us, Grace.
[00:05:19] Oh, I'm back. I'm back. Here I am. OK, and just a quick pronouns check in. Matt, what are your pronouns? My pronouns are he him. Thank you for asking. Grace, what are your pronouns? My pronouns are she her. Thanks for asking. And Evy, what are your pronouns?
[00:05:35] I use they them. Thanks for asking. We're back. We have another conversation happening. Another survivor featured folks already know the one and only Kelly. Now, Bandy. And where's my where's my belt? Where's my belt? I love to do the when Rob introduced her in Chicago
[00:05:53] and she went on stage and she went there and her last name is my favorite Kelly thing I've seen. It was just yeah, we have to ask for clarification on like the proper pronoun. You nailed it. You nailed it. Oh, I did.
[00:06:07] Oh, look at that. Well, I'm on the bandwagon. Well, I don't I actually don't know. Kelly will be the the arbiter of whether or not you pronounce your last name correctly. Yes. Yeah. But yeah, well, what are we doing? What's happening? Yeah. Well, yeah, go ahead.
[00:06:25] No, I was going to say, I think, you know, stay tuned for a few minutes. And now the interview with Kelly is wonderful. We're so glad that she took some time to speak with us. You get to hear about some of her journey into discovering
[00:06:37] that she's a lesbian and how she met her wife and how she met her fiance, rather, or how she met a certain other famous recently out queer survivor winner. Leave it to you to figure out who that is. It's a great interview. And yeah, I am really excited.
[00:06:52] I know she has friends as Richard Hatch. Oh, OK. I don't know where we get to the interview. Yeah. Make sure a reminder as of last week, Rob's website. Dot com slash pride buff preorder the buff
[00:07:07] and donate the proceeds from the buff and the T-shirt that's also available. Rob is a website dot com slash store. I don't know if I got that link right, but I'll make sure I do as we're talking so that we can donate the proceeds to Point of Pride.
[00:07:19] And remember, you could get your buff for yourself. You could get one for a loved one. You could get all sorts of buffs. You could get the you could get three buffs just to wear by yourself, maybe four.
[00:07:29] Abby, what's the most amount of buffs that you could possibly wear? Oh, at one time. I mean, it's truly in for the skies. The limit that it's only a limit of your creativity, you know, so easily ten,
[00:07:41] you know, and of course, with every buff you buy, you are donating, putting money directly in the hands of Point of Pride, which its mission is to make sure that trans people can get the health care that they need and other supports around that, whether that's free
[00:07:57] chest binders or fem shapewear or directly giving money to trans people through their trans health care surgery fund. It's like a fantastic organization. So cover your body in buffs, cover your friends' bodies and buffs. This is an amazing organization that we're thrilled to support.
[00:08:13] Yeah. So Rob's a website that comes as pride buff is for the buffalo. I think at the preorder form or if they're for sale because we have 100 preorders, you just be redirected to the actual store or you can also buy.
[00:08:22] And it is Rob's website dot com slash store. I looked it up where you can buy the T-shirt in any color you would like. So, well, oh, limited by the colors, but pretty much any color. Oh, come on. Yeah. Color in the rainbow. Yeah, exactly.
[00:08:34] Maybe a few more. Maybe a few more. I haven't checked in a minute. But you know what? I will say, I think that, you know, if you get if you order preorder the buffs like let us know, you know, tweet at all the things.
[00:08:47] So you're wearing your buff. How should I take a picture once you get it? But even if you preorder it, like let us know, let your friends know again. You could get them for friends, for family members, for the queer
[00:08:57] survivor loved ones in your life, that a ally survivor loved ones in your life. So again, possibilities are limitless. What are we doing? Why don't we all only wear buffs in the buff except for your buff in the buff? Yes. And then we do it.
[00:09:16] Are we passing it to Kelly before? Yeah. Yeah. So here is our conversation with Kelly. Now, Bandy and. Hey, guys, it is Ryan. I'm not sure if you know this about me, but I'm a bit of a fun fanatic when I can.
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[00:10:27] See website for details. It is Ryan here and I have a question for you. What do you do when you win? Like are you a fist pumper, a hand clap or a high fiver? I kind of like to high five.
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[00:11:23] Chumba Casino dot com. No purchase necessary. Void were prohibited by law. 18 plus terms and conditions apply. See website for details. It is my great joy and pleasure to welcome the one, the only Kelly from season 45. What the heck, guys? We got Kelly.
[00:11:40] Kelly, thank you so much for being here. It's what the hell, guys. But I'll give you a pass on that one, Evie. Oh, wow. Thank you for having me. Thank you. This is good. I'm so excited. I'm so excited. I love a gay podcast. Love queer spaces.
[00:11:52] So let's do it. We love it. And we're so so happy to have you here. Happy to dive into all of the things. And I just have to say shout out to the George Washington University. Yay. We are GW grads.
[00:12:06] I'm not going to make us do the fight song, but just. I mean, I was an orientation leader, so I know it very well. And this is this is the thing. I applied to be an orientation leader. I was never one. But this is the difference between us.
[00:12:19] Like you are iconic at whether GW, whether on Survivor. No. Yeah. Yeah. Honestly, Matt, you really give colonial cabinet energy. So I'm shocked that you never were on. It's fine. They missed out. It's retired now anyway. No more. So, yeah, there we go. Cabinet. Quite a name.
[00:12:39] Quite a name. Yeah. It has been canceled for good reason. Yeah. Origin story. Oh, no. Well, Kelly, we're so glad to have you here. And I love that you right off the bat corrected me about something that I was remembering wrong from your season, because really like
[00:12:56] a huge reason that we love to have this podcast is because there's so much that isn't shown about us as people on Survivor. And I think you're someone who, you know, only a very small fraction, I think, of your of yourself was was shown on the show.
[00:13:11] And we really didn't get to hear a lot about some key parts of you. So we're really glad that we get to have you here to like dive into some of it more. So if you don't mind, we'll start off with,
[00:13:22] you know, Matt's favorite question that I'll borrow here. He loves to ask people, you know, we see we see a version of you on the show. But if you were just to introduce yourself to our audience, what would you say? Like, who's Kelly?
[00:13:35] Oh, my God. Who are you? That's such a question, guys. I would say, you know, I am 30 years old and I'm never getting older. I grew up in Connecticut. Now I live in New York.
[00:13:47] I'm a nurse and I am a queer person, but I identify as a lesbian. And I have since pretty much since the end of high school, I kind of knew. But no like formal coming out until I was at GW.
[00:14:00] Thank you, GW, for providing me a great space to do that. And, you know, and now being a survivor is another big part of my identity. And as you were saying, I'd be like, obviously, I'm very grateful for my edit.
[00:14:13] I feel like they gave me a lot of strategy in explaining my position in the game and, you know, to make the blind side a whole moment. But we didn't really get any of my backstory, which I thought was such a huge reason why I was cast.
[00:14:28] You know, and it was important to me to, you know, represent for, you know, queer women, for lesbians, for nurses. And so I always wished that more of that made the show because it was so much.
[00:14:41] I feel like part of my casting journey, a part of how I played the game. And just like, you know, you just want people to understand who you are in in totality, not just in this vacuum. So, you know, I'm grateful for the strategy at it.
[00:14:53] But I do I do wish more of that story, especially like my queerness was highlighted on the show, especially my season had had three queer women and not much was said about it. So it's like progress and not at the same time. You know what I mean?
[00:15:09] Yeah, I know. It's interesting because we've I mean, obviously, you've had so many conversations with people. We've had a lot of conversations with people about queerness and how it's represented or not represent non survivor. But obviously very different for you, Abby, in terms of like the story.
[00:15:26] They kind of told or showcase. And yet I'm sure there's so much they didn't showcase. Like, I'm curious how what Kelly said lands with you. Yeah. Just where it connects or doesn't connect. Yeah, I mean, absolutely.
[00:15:39] I mean, I think, you know, I relate also with what you said, especially you said, Kelly, like I have I'm really happy with my edit. But right. You know, like I feel like someone who I really can't complain. Like, I really feel like
[00:15:51] we really got to see a lot of what I was doing on the island. And I feel like they really, yeah, really, really no complaints for what they can do in 45 minutes of television. But like that's never going to be you.
[00:16:01] And I mean, honestly, in the now times, the thing that is the weirdest for me is just that like I have changed since Survivor and I use different pronouns and stuff. And like that is honestly pretty jarring for me to watch back.
[00:16:12] No one's fault. But like, you know, that's just how it is. Of course. Yeah. But but I do think it's funny. Like, you know, I went out there, I wore a rainbow underwear. I was like so nervous that like I was like, they have to.
[00:16:21] It has to be part of my story, you know? But in retrospect, I'm like, look at me. Look at me. There's no other way to tell my story. And I think maybe, you know, someone like you, Kelly, who maybe can,
[00:16:31] you know, quote unquote pass as straight in the world, they were able to kind of erase that more than, you know, would be possible with other people. And it's a huge thing. And that happens in the world and it happened on Survivor.
[00:16:44] And that that frickin sucks, you know? Yeah. I mean, I really relate to what you just said, Abby, about like I never want to complain too much about my edit because I really do feel so blessed, especially for like basically being in half the show.
[00:16:54] Like I only made that was eight. So, you know, I'm very grateful. But yeah, I mean, so much of my like journey through casting was focused on two things, which was being a COVID nurse and then, you know, my experience being a gay woman.
[00:17:07] And especially for me, like in my conversations with Jeff and stuff like that, I would always sort of talk about that idea you just hit on, which is like passing or just people assuming that I'm straight or like not ever really like immediately guessing that I was gay,
[00:17:23] which, you know, for me has always been something that like because I didn't see that on TV for myself, like a more like traditionally feminine or whatever, queer woman or lesbian on TV.
[00:17:34] Like that was that was like such a hurdle for me to even just figure it out for myself. Like I remember being like like 15 years old on a bus to my softball game and someone was like they were like, oh, this guy is a crush on you.
[00:17:48] And I was like, not really caring. And I had the passing thought. I was like, am I? Oh, am I gay? And I was like, oh, no, like I want to have long hair and I want to wear dresses like that is so sad.
[00:18:00] But that was like it was, you know, the early 2000s aging myself. And I just like my only representation was, you know, someone who is more like masculine presenting, which like is like I that obviously is part of the spectrum of queerness and should be out there.
[00:18:17] But for me, like until I finally saw someone that I could like really physically relate to that, I think I just needed that's like click in my mind that like, hey, like this is not what queerness is about. This is not what being gay is about.
[00:18:29] It's like it can be anybody. And so I really wanted to go on Survivor and be like, hey, I'm here. Like, you know, this can be like, you know, you could be gay, too, and have long hair. You know, it's this is like kind of unfortunate.
[00:18:43] And like Jeff and I had so many good conversations about like how that resonated with me and like how that inspired me to play during casting. So I was hoping that would be part of my story.
[00:18:53] And, you know, I still try to like own as much of that as I can, like in the fan community and stuff now. But so many people watch Survivor who aren't, you know, following me on Instagram or are, you know, a part of all this community.
[00:19:06] So I you know, I definitely every time I post with my girlfriend or something, there's a few surprised men in my DMs about the situation. So not your DMs. Yeah, not great. But I have to ask you because you mentioned like not seeing yourself,
[00:19:25] which is so important that visibility and representation matters. But like I am so curious because like similar to you, move to college, move to GW, something's in the water in DC. I'm like, oh, my gosh, like coming out in that environment.
[00:19:39] But what was there like were there certain depictions of like what it was to be queer, what it was to be a lesbian that jumped out like anybody who you're like, oh, she's she's like me. I feel like always embarrassed of this, but like it's OK.
[00:19:55] No shame. No shame. No judgment. No judgment. This is a safe space. Yeah, it is. Obviously, I feel like anyone around our age who is queer likes glee. OK. I was a gleek and definitely Santana Lopez and it was clearly R.I.P. Nairovera, Jesus.
[00:20:16] Like I really, really that was what did it for me. And like for me personally, obviously she's beautiful. But like to see like two like really traditionally feminine women in a relationship together, for my experience, I needed to see that because that was what I was
[00:20:33] who I'm attracted to and like what my relationships have been like. So that for me was just like an eye opener. It just sort of like allowed me to see like it's like sitting right in front of me.
[00:20:44] It was more, you know, kind of getting to an undeniable point. And that was right at the end of high school as I was going into college. So it was definitely a good like transition time for me to kind of like think about that, marinate on it.
[00:20:57] And then I got to GW, you know, had some experiences and felt pretty confident that it was it was was just for the ladies. So thank you, Naya. And thank you, Glee. Of all the problems it has. We do appreciate Glee for that. Yeah. Oh, wow. That's awesome.
[00:21:15] Thank you so much for sharing that. And it's really I really says all the time. It's like it's such a if if you don't have an example that seems like you, it's so, so, so hard to imagine it being you.
[00:21:26] Like I feel like for me in high school, the only people in my school that like there was just like a oh, like some of the goth girls, like they're lesbians. And I was like, well, I'm not goth. I don't know. None of that seems like me.
[00:21:38] You know what I mean? I was just like, it is really, really you're given, you know, 10 million examples of people that look like you who are straight or examples of people that, you know, look like you,
[00:21:49] but you don't want to look like that, but you don't know what you can look like. You know, it's just it's really hard to like expand your imagination beyond what you actually have examples of. Especially when you're like, you know, I was living in like a small.
[00:22:01] I mean, Connecticut's very liberal. Right. But it's like I lived in this super small town with like I had never met a lesbian in my life that I was aware of. I'm sure I have. But at that time, so it was like literally
[00:22:13] whatever was on TV was it, you know, and it was like mainstream television. You know what I mean? I wasn't like popping on the L word because I didn't even know it existed. And so it's just like the bubble that you're in. It's so interesting.
[00:22:25] But like I always think about that moment where I was like, there's no way. And I'm like, this is how like silly things like, I don't know. I'm so grateful that so much progress has been made, both in the media and just sort of like in society.
[00:22:37] I imagine it would just be such a different experience nowadays than like just back, you know, then I went back then in my day. Yeah, 100 percent. And going on to that, you know, upbringing in Connecticut and everything.
[00:22:51] How how was that for you when you eventually did come out and I guess share with your family? Was that how'd that go? If you're. Yeah, I mean, yeah, of course. I don't I don't mind.
[00:23:00] So basically, I didn't really know I had no idea until like late high school. And even then I was sort of like unsure, like my school was like a lot of high achieving, like everyone played a sport instrument, blah, blah, blah. So I was like very focused.
[00:23:14] I'm like an overly ambitious kid. So like I just was like, oh, I'm not interested because I want to go to a good college. Like there were so many like signs probably, but I was just like, you know,
[00:23:25] and then once I started watching Glee and started to like be more cognizant of that, this is a possibility. I was like, hmm, OK. And then when I went to college, I sort of had an idea. I knew I liked girls.
[00:23:37] I wasn't sure if I was gay or bi or what. And I just was like, OK, if anyone asks me or says anything, I'll be honest. But I'm not going to kind of like offer it up.
[00:23:46] And so no one obviously nobody asked me because they all assume one thing. Right. So I went to college and luckily I lived on like this really tight knit floor when I first I was in Potomac Hall. Yeah, I was going to ask what building, what floor?
[00:24:02] I was in the second floor of Potomac. It was really, really small. And so I had a lot of like really good friends. And then there's a girl there who I became involved with. One of my friends was like, what's going on?
[00:24:15] And that was a really easy way for me to sort of come out to like my friends. And she was so sweet. We are no longer that close. But she was basically like, I was like, yeah, I think I kind of like her. Like, I don't know.
[00:24:26] She was like, maybe I'm bi. And then like a week later, she was like, you know, it's OK if you're just gay, Kelly. I was like, I think you're right. So and then I was so I was I mean, my coming out to my family went very well.
[00:24:41] But I was really, really nervous. And so I did I basically avoided going home for all of college. I would always find a summer job like I did emerge. I worked the ambulance at school, so I would like stay and do like events.
[00:24:55] I would work commencement every year. Like I was just like always just trying to stay in D.C. because it was the first place where I felt like I could be myself. And, you know, there was nothing like weighing me down.
[00:25:05] Whereas like when I would go home, it wasn't necessarily anything specific. But I just was nervous. You know, both my parents are pretty liberal, but my mom came from a very conservative family.
[00:25:15] And so I had all this like worry of like, am I going to cause a problem for her? Or like if she's supporting me, is her parents or her like brother or sister going to have a problem with this and it's going to cause,
[00:25:27] you know, this is the kind of things that run through your head in this decision. And so once I once I got to the end of college, you know, I hadn't really had anything like super, super serious. But then I started
[00:25:39] seeing my current my fiancee, and it was toward the end of college. And I was like, oh, this is getting kind of real. Like now there was like something that would be like hiding this part of myself would be so it would be like so difficult that,
[00:25:55] you know, I basically I just like broke down one day like at the dinner table and my dad could tell I was upset. And then he came up to me in my room and I just he like I think he kind of knew.
[00:26:06] And so I just like confirmed it. And he helped me tell my mom and everything. It was very emotional. You know, my mom was like, why would why would you ever think that I wouldn't support you? But everything went great.
[00:26:20] They literally love Gabby more than me, I think. I'm very, very lucky to have like a extremely positive experience with my family and and also my fiance's family, like super supportive and everything. So that's been really nice.
[00:26:36] But it was like even I think it's like for me, I think about like I had such a positive environment. I lived in like all these liberal spaces where like acceptance was like and I still was so, so nervous.
[00:26:48] And so when I hear other people's stories and just like I'll be like not having that and actually I'm like having active, you know, homophobia and things like around you is just it's I'm very grateful for the experience, but it's hard no matter what.
[00:27:02] And no matter how positive or great things are, it's always so difficult, which I think can be hard for some people to understand. Yeah, no, I think I think it's beautiful, though, like that you're sharing that because like one, your I relate so much to your experience
[00:27:20] and it's like therapeutic for me to be in this conversation with you because I think about like moving to D.C. from New Jersey and like most summers I stayed in D.C. Like it felt like the gayest place. And it is it really is amazing.
[00:27:34] It is. It is like literally look outside like it's you know, it was so gay. GW is so, so gay. Which I did not know what until I went and I was like, someone was looking out for me when they saw me.
[00:27:47] But that's like part of what I want to mention is that and you really hit the point home already, but like going into this space where it is so gay and so like accepting in so many ways and so much representation is there.
[00:28:02] Like I could tell you probably from like our orientation at GW which I'm sure is similar to you. They had these little skits that they had the students do, and they're probably multiple ones that are like, hey, I think I'm gay.
[00:28:15] And then like an accepting parent, like, oh, it's OK. Like, we'll be there to support you. Like there's all that stuff. That's literally why I did orientation. Yeah. Well, OK. It's like to tell the gays that it's OK.
[00:28:25] Because I went to I went to my orientation and like it was it was a guy. But I remember when I do these things called diversity circles. So I was like stands up and talks about like whatever
[00:28:36] makes them diverse or like their experience at the school or whatever. And I remember like there was like more than one guy was talking about their experience coming out or being gay. And I was like, hmm, my little mind was like shook.
[00:28:48] And so then once I was at GW, I was like, I it was it was it was more gay men on the cabinet at that time. And so I was like, I want to do this for women like this is so
[00:28:58] it was so important to me to do to see that. And so if I can, you know, be like a female representation for this or, you know, and we ended up having like a super queer cabinet. It was literally amazing, like multiple queer women, men, trans.
[00:29:10] It was awesome. And that like I got to be able to sort of like pay it forward a little bit and like have the girls come up to me like afterward, which was so cool.
[00:29:19] And like, I really appreciate GW for it has some problems, but that was a good thing. Oh, totally. I want to actually ask you on a related note, because you're it's interesting that you have this experience as a student.
[00:29:31] But like thinking about the survivor fandom, obviously your queerness wasn't necessarily super visible on the show. But there are so many fans who are aware of just you and Gabby and your queerness and all that now.
[00:29:46] Like, are there conversations that you have or people coming up to you to like let you know what that representation means? I'm so curious. Yeah, totally. I mean, every time that's my favorite thing.
[00:29:58] If anyone comes up to me and like talks about that, like nothing like touches me more. I've had a few like especially I've had like queer women nurses reach out to me like DM, which is like so awesome, just like my little niche.
[00:30:11] And you know, I've had like younger girls like send me messages being like, you know, I'm not out to my family, but like I saw that you were queer like this. I really felt seen by you.
[00:30:20] Like that is like I could tear up like literally why I did Survivor. So I love that. I'm a mom. I love that. Me too. That really is the best part. And I really just want to affirm also that like it fricking sucks
[00:30:35] that that wasn't shown on the show, but it is still having a major impact on so many people, you know, like you being on the show and people like having, you know, seeing you on social media and everything, like knowing you're lesbian. It really does fucking matter.
[00:30:47] I wish it was on there, you know? Yeah. Well, I wanted also I think one question that I get a lot is like why particular like words feel right to me or not. And so it seems like, oh, like I got a lot of questions
[00:31:00] like why is queer the right word for me at the time? It seems like lesbian is like the most ideal word for you. Yeah, I love if you could explain to people, you know, why that's the word that income, why that's the word that you like for you.
[00:31:12] I mean, I guess for me, like I mean, I always for me, I think about queerness as sort of like a, you know, larger umbrella. And I would definitely fall under that. But I've like ever had any romantic feelings for a man. You know what I mean?
[00:31:26] Like it's never happened. I feel like, you know, I can recognize people being attracted. But like when I think about like sexuality or whatever, like when I would like explain to like people always ask me, like, how did you know or whatever?
[00:31:38] Like I would always say like I never really got like butterflies in my stomach. I never got nervous to like go hang out with a guy, you know. And then if I liked a girl, like it was very clear I knew I felt it.
[00:31:51] And so it's like I never I never had that experience with you guys. So for me, it's just like I that's just how I've always defined myself. And there was like a brief period of time where I was like, oh, maybe I'm buying.
[00:32:01] But that was just for me. That was just me trying to like society or whatever, make it easier, especially like the time that that was like, you know, early 2010s. But yeah, I've always just sort of been like this is I've always just kind of known
[00:32:14] that I'm just for the girls. Yeah, I was going to say wearing. I didn't point it out, but you are wearing a shirt that says girls. Well, that was that was intentional on the nose. A little on the nose. We love that. Awesome.
[00:32:28] That's awesome. And thank you for sharing. I just know people really like have a lot of questions about terms and stuff. Yeah, totally. That's great. No, I think that's great. And yeah, and that's the other thing. Why is like just so nice?
[00:32:39] I mean, like you said, there were three queer women on your season and you all are so different. And like it is so that that is the coolest thing is to not have to have like to have a multiple representation where you can have, you know,
[00:32:52] like a white lesbian, you know, like and like and other players with different identities and actually get to like see that full spectrum. So it's not just like this is the what this is what a queer person
[00:33:02] is, the token one person on the season who's the gay, you know? Yeah, that's cool. And I I like that. You know, it's I think I said it before. It's like it's kind of nice that that doesn't have to be the whole story.
[00:33:14] Right. But at the same time, I'm like, oh, this was a kind of special. Like me and Katora are on the same tribe together. Like how many times have you had queer women on a tribe together? Like just, you know, and Sabaya was such a huge premerge character.
[00:33:28] And for that not to be talked about either. But, you know, there's only even with 90 minutes, there's only so much time. And so I do get it. But it was like it was kind of historic. So I wish that it was highlighted a little more.
[00:33:41] But, you know, we're trying to keep keep everyone in the know. Maybe not since Survivor Vanuatu, maybe like literally possibly that there's been two queer women on the tribe. Yeah. So how was that a big part of your and Katora's relationship out there?
[00:33:57] Was that stuff something you were talking about? Yeah, I mean, I think it's certainly like I remember talking to Katora about this earlier and she talked to her about it, too. But like we I told my tribe, like immediately, you know, we're doing introductions.
[00:34:09] And I was like, I'm engaged to my girlfriend, which makes it so easy to come out. Right. Because it's so hard to it's just like having to come out in different spaces. Like every time you change a job, it's it's it's just scary and difficult
[00:34:22] and adds a layer of complexity. So it does the same thing in Survivor. I wasn't like super concerned that I was going into any space where I would experience any sort of like discrimination or anything. But, you know, it's just something that has to be said.
[00:34:35] I was like, I want to be myself. Like I was all about authenticity in terms of like for the game and also in life. And so I said that and Katora was next. And she was like, oh, my gosh, like, you know, I'm queer, too.
[00:34:47] And that was like she's I remember talking with her and she's like, that just made it so easy because she wasn't in a relationship at the time. And so for her to just be like me, too. And like that conversation we had, it was just is another instance
[00:34:58] where it's like it is hard to come out and like it's hard for it would be hard for her to just sort of like maybe say that without having like an easy in during those introductions.
[00:35:06] And so I think that just made it easier for both of us, like right off the bat to just not have to like think about this as something that could be like a problem or something that had to be revealed later on in like a dramatic sense.
[00:35:19] It just like became the norm and everybody knew it was easy. So, you know, anything, you know, I am a gamer. So anything I can use to like relate to people, I certainly will. And so definitely I'm sure that was helpful for our like early stages of relationship.
[00:35:33] But I don't think like it like super influenced how things went like long term. But I do think it was helpful for both of us to just, you know, feel more comfortable in those like first few days, which gave me difficult and awkward. One hundred percent.
[00:35:47] And I think that that relates back to also what you were saying about like your growing up environment, too, where it's like it's one thing to be an environment that's like, quote unquote, accepting, like where that's just kind of like the vibe.
[00:35:58] But you don't really know that unless if you're the only person or if there's no one else that's out, if there's no one else you can actually talk to and relate to. And like so the difference between, you know, yeah, like your parents
[00:36:09] generally are my parents generally saying like it's OK to be gay. But like why is there no one gay around us ever? You know what I mean? And then, you know, you go into Survivor and to like have that right off the bat.
[00:36:20] And it's like, wow, I'm not alone in this. And I imagine I don't know if this feels true for you, but maybe there's also an element of like, oh, I don't have to like therefore hold the mantle of all lesbians like on my back
[00:36:32] or if I do something wrong, that's all queer people. You know, it's just so much so true. I do think people add extra pressure or at least I did to myself because I wanted to like represent well, right.
[00:36:45] For for all the different identities of that, I identify as and was bringing into the game. OK, and that's maybe like, you know, putting pressure on myself. That's not necessary. But I think a lot of us do that,
[00:36:56] especially people who, you know, are queer and like are coming into reality TV or doing these shows. And it's like we are so cognizant of the privilege to be vulnerable that like I wanted to go out on there and and do that.
[00:37:09] And so that was yes, I'm there to win. But that was really important to me also. And I trying to like it almost not that it makes it more difficult, but it is like an extra layer of complexity.
[00:37:18] But I think many people who play Survivor, whatever sort of minority that they exist in or whatever they're trying to represent, like carry something like that. And so we all have different things that we're sort of, you know, bringing with us into the game.
[00:37:33] And so, you know, it's it's it's interesting. But I don't like I'm happy. I wanted I came in with that like pressure because it was ultimately important to me. I mean, yeah, it's it's it's a blessing and a curse.
[00:37:46] Right. Because obviously it's pressure on you, but it's also motivation. Right. And like I want to like kill it for the queers or whatever. And then there's also like if you had gotten a final tribal council,
[00:37:58] you could have been like, I want to be the first lesbian winner of Survivor. Although it turns out, you know, I said that in my pregame press. I was like, I'm going to I can't believe has never been a lesbian.
[00:38:11] And now when Erica came out, everybody was like, Kelly is wrong. I mean, I think you should have known that, Kelly. How dare you? Oh, my gosh. But I was like, oh, I was like, I'm thrilled.
[00:38:22] Are you kidding? If I couldn't do it like I'm glad someone got it done before me. You know what I mean? Yeah. Pregame press is now, you know, not accurate, but well, still, we didn't vote for Erica knowing that. But I would say extreme happy coincidence for me.
[00:38:35] Extreme happy. It was it was Erica's vibes. You knew, but you didn't know, but you knew. I knew I loved her for a reason. Yeah, exactly. But now I think I think this this is like so interesting
[00:38:47] because it brings me to something I'm wondering about for you, Kelly, which is just Survivor specifically. Like was were there any? I mean, I know that you became a fan in the pandemic, right? And the pandemic, the Netflix era of things on the Netflix era.
[00:39:03] Yes, we love that. We love we love to see it. Actually, I will say, like, I'm so thankful for Netflix in that era because Survivor used to be the show that people said, like, is that thing still on? Like, what are we doing?
[00:39:16] And now there's so many people discovering it. But were there any characters, whether queer or not queer, that just like resonated with you from what you saw in Survivor? Hmm. I mean, so many now, like the first season I ever watched my friend
[00:39:33] who was also a nurse, we were like chilling during the end of COVID and like no one wants to be with us because I'm. Yeah. So we were up. We were up in Cape Cod and like the middle of the winter.
[00:39:43] And it was New Year's Day, I think, so a little hungover. And she was like, you're Kelly. Like, I've been watching Survivor for the first time because it was on Hulu and Netflix. Like, I think you would like it. Like, let me just put it on.
[00:39:55] So she put on Heroes first villains. Obviously, like I mean, I don't even know any of the people, but it was I was even in my like slightly not feeling great state. I was like, this is amazing.
[00:40:07] And obviously, you know, I am now friends with poverty, but I love her. She was the first person that I was like, oh, my gosh, like this is my kind of girl. Like just to watch like, you know, a like
[00:40:19] woman like sort of like own their femininity, but also like their ruthlessness like really spoke to me. And I really admire that about her. And then so after I watched Heroes villains, I went back and I like Googled best seasons of Survivor.
[00:40:31] And so I went back and watched like I think I started with Pearl Islands and I just sort of like bounced around based on this list I found. And then when I really when I started again, like when I watched
[00:40:41] the Black Widow Brigade, you know, I'm a nurse, so I love Sari. So to see like poverty and Sari work together like there's really probably my two earliest favorites who really I was just like, oh, my God. Love them. Love the female power.
[00:40:54] Like love the, you know, slit in throats. It was just great. And I always think about that, like bite the hand that feeds you like the apple conversation with Jason Harvey. Don't bite the apple. Don't bite the apple.
[00:41:07] And then they just like they just totally didn't assume she could do it anyway. That whole like watching that, I was like, this really speaks to me in a way where I could like, you know, I'm a nurse and I don't really get to be competitive.
[00:41:18] And so I just felt like that was such a great like intersection of like women are allowed to be powerful and like spicy and like manipulate. And and it's you know, it's cool. It's allowed. And they crushed it.
[00:41:31] So that was where I really got like super, super hooked into Survivor. And then I just went on a tear, like started watching all through like the 20s and 30s and around. I applied like around when I was watching like Cambodia, Ko-Rong, which is when 41 was airing.
[00:41:48] And so the casting first called me in there like, oh, your assignment this weekend is to watch season 41. Boy, was I shocked by what was happening. I love that. Yeah. That's my Survivor journey, I guess. It's awesome. It's awesome, though, too. And it's interesting.
[00:42:06] I don't know why, like as someone who has always been a big like my first season was Cook Island. So that's when I was exposed to Parvati. But it's interesting that you talk about like just why she resonated
[00:42:19] and why even Sari resonated and why just some of these women resonated. Because for me, like when I think of the representation we've seen, like I didn't I don't feel like I ever connected, honestly, as a fan with any like specific queer representation along the way.
[00:42:35] It was a lot of these women like Parv, like Sari, who were just so much more like cutthroat in different ways or just like had just had this thing about their identity that was unexpected
[00:42:47] or not what you would put into a box like you couldn't put them into a box. And it was so awesome. And I think that's still why like I was I was doing a podcast
[00:42:56] like a year, maybe a year and a half ago or like I don't even know when it was with like Carla and with Gia Worthy. And we were talking about queer people and we start to get into all of these women
[00:43:08] who, as far as we knew at the time, were not queer, but like still inspired us as queer icons, so to speak. So it is interesting. Yeah. Well, I mean, and I think I don't know.
[00:43:20] And I also like fell in love with Parvati watching her game as well. Like even though, again, very different to like who I am. But there's something about. Yeah. It's I feel like what people the shorthand for Parvati is like hot girl who manipulates the men.
[00:43:34] But that's so like not what it is. It's like a fraction of the thing. But like so much of her actual dominance and brilliance is also in her ability to connect with women. Also, like that is like actually the secret sauce
[00:43:49] that gives her all the power in the men is like, ha ha ha. Like, well, exactly. It's all the women to the end. Like that was really what that's the relationship she built and fostered and kept. Yeah, right. Exactly. Exactly. So, yeah, it's really cool.
[00:44:02] I'm like, I can only imagine then you go from there to actually being friends with Parvati, the the true survivor dream. It is. Yeah. Living the dream. She's the best. I really she's been like guiding light for me through all this,
[00:44:16] you know, all the ups and downs of being on reality TV. So I'm eternally grateful to her. I want to I was going to say, I want to ask and I feel like you've talked about this. How how did this how did you become friends?
[00:44:30] I swear I just saw something about this. But on this podcast of queer iconetry, I figured I'd ask for the record. Sure. Yeah, I did talk about I had not talked about it until very recently
[00:44:44] because I was like, oh, you know, I'm trying to abide by the rules as blurry as they are these days. So no shade. But yeah, so I know she's it's confusing. Yeah. Anyway, circling back. So my fiance, she works in like brand management.
[00:45:04] She does like Instagram, you know, high level stuff, but also would do like Instagram ads or whatever. And she was working for a company that had done like work with Parvati before, like, you know, like ads for their own target or whatever.
[00:45:18] And so they had a little bit of like a rapport and they had been on Zooms together and stuff. And then once I, you know, I got very deep into casting, you know, somehow Parvati became aware of this information. And I was out in L.A.
[00:45:34] actually when I got engaged, finally the day before. It was the first day. Congratulations. She belated congratulations. Thank you. It's been super delayed. Thanks to Survivor. And so, yeah, we just we met up when I was in L.A.
[00:45:49] and we just sort of like immediately hit it off. I think we have like some similarities and we had a great time. We walked down Abbott Kinney, like kind of like got coffee. It's my wardrobe. And yeah, ever since then, we've just been like super close.
[00:46:04] Like, I don't know. It's just one of those like organic, like totally works things. And then I got to be her little queer guide when she is starting up with May, which is super cute. So that is the tea that everyone has been wondering about.
[00:46:21] It's not that it's nothing crazy. It was pretty organic. Yeah, no, it's so special and it's so cool. Like, I do think that is a particular type of queer relationship that people who have an experience that might not know about of like,
[00:46:34] you know, the the elder queer meaning not in age, but I know she's like 10 years older than me. Yeah, exactly. But like, you know, helping a person like through that and like guide and like just hold their hand a little bit through that.
[00:46:47] I think like most of us are if we're lucky, have someone in our life who played that role. And that's really freaking special that that you could you could do that for for a survivor queen. So that's right. Oh, I'm honored. Total side note, just to reference another
[00:47:04] someone else we interviewed on the podcast last year we spoke with high and there was that high Romeo dynamic where high as like the younger queer person was almost mentoring Romeo on his journey and coming out to his family more.
[00:47:19] And also we love to see it like just the learning all around. Age is no limitation. Like, we love it. We love it. Yeah, I know. They go. So as you say, you never know what's going to happen.
[00:47:32] Like five years ago, I did that a little bit for a friend of mine. And now she's my partner. You know, you never know what you're going to get. Love that for you. I mean, the more queer people there are, the more of them you can date.
[00:47:45] You know, exactly. Selfish motivation. Highly selfish. No, but seriously, it is just like really special. And there's just something of yeah, it doesn't matter how old you are. Like everybody has this. There's some just like cornerstone foundational experiences
[00:48:01] and this like special magic of a person discovering their queerness for the first time. Like that's that's why I got my tattoo. It's like that era. Like, you know, maybe it's like magic. You get the twinkle in the eye. You know what I mean?
[00:48:13] I remember when Parvati called me the first time about me, I was like, oh, it's done. You're done. Like we're going to fall in love. It's so cute. They're literally adorable. So, you know, I love to do that for other people.
[00:48:26] I'm like other people in my life outside of Survivor. I've done this for it's like it's great. I'm so honored. I feel like there's like there's a real age and there's sort of like queer age also. Yes.
[00:48:35] So that I think that concept you kind of see with like Romeo and High and stuff. And it's it's nice, you know, that's why like representation in like on TV is important, but also like even in like your daily life.
[00:48:47] Like, you know, like you would think that you might have this person might have like so many queer friends because they live in New York or L.A., but like they might not because there's you know, it is can be hard
[00:48:57] to find that space if you've never like existed in that yourself before. So, you know, we're by just like being yourself and out, like you're still like showing up for like everyone, you know? Oh, my gosh. And 100 percent.
[00:49:09] And the more you know, if it's safe and, you know, and OK for you to be out, you don't know who's sitting there waiting to meet one queer person to be able to like talk to them, you know. So really? Yeah.
[00:49:20] It's something really special that any individual person can put out into the world. Yeah. Yeah. It's freaking cool. Oh, cool. OK. I have a question. You know, this is airing. Obviously, it's Pride Month and something I like to know about during Pride Month is some queer love stories.
[00:49:37] So, Kelly, can you tell us more about Gabby? What's the proposal situation like? I will. Well, Gabby and I have been together for a very long time, almost nine years. Long time. Wow. So we met in high school, actually when we were 17.
[00:49:58] Again, I'm just going to tell the story. Hopefully I'm going to get in trouble for this. But we actually met in line to meet Naya Rivera. Well, you're really bringing all your it's all coming full circle.
[00:50:12] Yeah, I told was on the island and it was a real hit of a story. So I totally thought I was going to make it. And I'm still mad. But anyway, so we were like 17, like going to meet Naya Rivera.
[00:50:22] Like who was in line to meet Naya Rivera? You know what I mean? Just totally straight people. Totally straight. One hundred percent. I was at AT&T in Edgewater, New Jersey. So weird. She was signing autographs and AT&T. I don't know. I don't know.
[00:50:42] I have you. I have no idea why. But so we were there and we met and like we like exchange like Facebook, you know, Facebook, whatever. And we had like a little like, you know, texting thing.
[00:50:53] But then we went off to different colleges and we didn't even say that we were gay. You know what I mean? And we were both like, yeah, in the closet and stuff. And so we had like a little bit of like a thing over text.
[00:51:04] And when I came home for my for my freshman year, like first winter break, she went up to a college in New York and I went down to D.C. And then, you know, it's sort of like obviously the distance fizzled out.
[00:51:15] You know, she had a long term girlfriend in college. I, you know, did my thing. And then I think I'll tell you. Yeah, I was going to say name names. No. Well, I mean, maybe. And so she just like after, you know, towards the end of college,
[00:51:36] she was just sent me a text one day. She was like, there's someone in my group for a project that made me think of you, blah, blah, blah. And literally from that text, like we were just again off to the races.
[00:51:49] So it was like it was my senior year. We were just finishing up. I went to visit her for spring break because through the car couldn't even get out of the car. Yeah, it was cute. And then, yeah, we've just we've been together ever since.
[00:52:03] So thank you. I owe a lot to Glee. Wow. Wow. Thank you. Thank you. But that's our little story. And then engagement. We were honestly we were going to we probably would have got engaged way earlier, but obviously I worked during COVID,
[00:52:19] which was very traumatic for me in New York as a nurse. And so that sort of set things back a little while. And then so it's twenty two. I think we went out to L.A.
[00:52:31] just like a fun trip and we were going to go to Joshua Tree and San Diego, big trip. And we went to Malibu. We like kind of snuck onto this beach and Gabby was like super stressed and nervous and I should have known.
[00:52:45] I was like, I remember like before being like she's like, we should take cute pictures on the beach and blah, blah, blah. I was like, people are going to think we're getting engaged like and she's like, I know I'm such a disappointment, blah, blah, blah.
[00:52:58] Like really laying it on thick. Yeah. And it was like we were like basically all alone in Malibu, like sunset, gorgeous, like the photos are so nice. And it was like super romantic and alone, which I wanted. I didn't want an audience because that distressed me out.
[00:53:13] And it was really sweet. And then she's been so gracious and amazing about waiting to get married because of Survivor, because that was like during while I was in casting for 43, 44, like right at the end. And then again, it was like a whole nother year.
[00:53:27] So we're getting married next October. Wow. Very excited. So it'll be it'll be an event of like, you know, like almost 10 years. So breaking news. Wow. Yeah, that is the that is my story. I love that. Thank you for sharing that. That's beautiful and sweet. I love that.
[00:53:45] That really is. That's a theme in everyone's engagement story. Like my partner was being so fucking weird all day. Yeah, I'm like, why? Also, she had like a camera tripod and had like an attachment to like getting on there. But she had to order like three different ones
[00:54:02] that she kept ordering them to the hotels. You're at. I'm like, you're really committed to this. Wow. And now I'm like, Jesus, Kelly, how could you not have realized that this was bizarre? But it was really, you know, it was really it was.
[00:54:15] I think this possibly reveals some blindside detection problems, Kelly. I think. Oh, I know. Right. Oh, how dare you? I should have known. Yeah. There's no there's no way you could have known. There's no way you know. Of course not. No. Oh, my God. That's funny.
[00:54:36] But I want to ask as a follow up, because you know, there's so many different there's a lot of queerness in D.C., in New York. Like but you've you have been in a relationship most of this.
[00:54:50] Like what if what's like the queer scene that you've been exposed to in New York? Like are there favorite places or things to do? I'm so curious. I want it. I want the New York Survivor fans especially to like know what where I where they can find me.
[00:55:07] Yeah, I know. They say the only places you want them to know about. Yeah. Yeah. Where they could find you. And honestly, I feel like, you know, I do. I have been to Cubby Hole, which is the the lesbian bar of New York.
[00:55:20] Oh, so that's a fun one. That's probably my favorite because it's nice to be in like a space like that. You know, I do. You know, we celebrate Pride every year, just go downtown, like NYU area, Washington Square Park, that kind of stuff.
[00:55:33] And then I've done there's a watch party in Brooklyn that's hosted by Gay Rigotto. That is a queer survivor space that I'm obsessed with. And you will definitely see me there. Yeah, I don't know. I mean, that's sort of my main like spaces that I will go to.
[00:55:51] But honestly, it's been kind of great for me in Survivor. I've actually met so many other queer women and people more than I think I would have normally just because I've been in this long term relationship and I have my work friends and stuff.
[00:56:05] So honestly, I always wanted to have more like queer friends. And this world has opened that up to me like so much more, which is pretty awesome. It does speak to like that the diversity initiative is actually making progress
[00:56:18] here, right, where I'm able to meet so many like different identifying people from Survivor, which is awesome. So, you know, it's been a real nice extra blessing. Yeah, not not a question, but just a reflection from like I feel so thankful
[00:56:34] that like especially during your season, I was at these different watch parties for RHAP and I'm like seeing you in action and just like seeing people interact with you and get butterflies going up to you. And I'm like, she's she's just a human.
[00:56:50] Like she's a person you can talk to. Even still, I feel like I see it. And I am just always I'm just so amazed and heartened by how much of an impression you left on people, like regardless
[00:57:03] of what the show showed, like you are an icon for so many people. And I wish I could be in all the conversations that like, like, oh, my God, I love Kelly. I want to talk with Kelly. I want to get to know Kelly. Oh, my gosh.
[00:57:16] So I just want to I just want to recognize that that like we talk about the narrative and how it can be limited, but they they did the damn thing or you did the damn thing, at least in terms of like
[00:57:29] love walking away, loving you from the season. So, yeah, that's really, really been so nice. And I feel crazy every time someone's like nervous or anything to me. I'm like, guys, I'm just hanging out. But I wasn't. I don't know. I'm not even that good.
[00:57:42] I got 10th place. You know, it's because you were so good. They were terrified of you. Come on. That's that's you too, Abby. Yeah. I mean, that's right. Middle middle tier placements because we're scary. Exactly. Yeah. I mean, honestly, there is something to that. Yeah. Yeah.
[00:58:01] I mean, I always say I'd rather go out of threat than, you know, go all the way at the end and not win. So go big or go home, baby. No, that's right. And I like again, like, you know, not everyone that watches the show
[00:58:11] knows that Kelly, the badass lesbian was taken out for being a threat. But people know that Kelly, the badass woman, was running her tribe people were afraid of her. And, you know, in a season full of like powerful women really was like a theme in your season.
[00:58:25] Totally. We're definitely a stop along that way. So so please. It's known it's known that. Thank you. Thank you. Oh, my gosh. We did have a great, powerful woman season. I'm so proud. Absolutely. So absolutely. They were quaking. Yeah. OK. We kind of got this little.
[00:58:42] But is there any we like to ask everyone, you know, what are you doing for pride? So you said you're going to your downtown. Are you are you a dyke marcher? What's that? I haven't made any like big plans yet, to be honest.
[00:58:55] So usually I'm like a dartier, you know, I've done the I've done party for the uninitiated. Yeah, right. I've done a lot of a lot of the parades, you know, I've been in them and watch them.
[00:59:07] And I feel like I'm too old to stand in the sweat for for a long time. And it gets so crazy down in the West Village. But I like to be in that area and feel the energy and kind of just vibe around.
[00:59:19] Like, that's my favorite part about pride. I feel like if you go, I mean, honestly, anywhere in the city, but especially if you can't go to where the parade is, like literally everywhere you go is a queer space, which is so not the norm.
[00:59:31] And it's so much fun. So I try to just like get my little my little crew and go down there and have a good time, probably wear this shirt. And, you know, so. So to be clear, you're not taking offers for like being on people's parade floats,
[00:59:47] being the grand marshal of the parade, getting the key to the city. Like I don't think I'll take any and all. You can put me on a float if I don't have to march put me on something and just push me along.
[00:59:59] OK, well, that would be fun if survivors do one. That would honestly be so fun. Let me use it. Oh, my God. We are real quick. We should do that for the podcast. Like, come on. Why wait for a survivor to get the float?
[01:00:12] Rob Sestrino could get the float. Yeah. Yeah. Talk to people. Rob can do that. You know what? If he wants us back on any recaptures, that'd be. That's right. I'm going to have to make that happen. Hard line. Yeah. Well, Kelly, this was so fantastic.
[01:00:28] Thank you so, so, so much for being here. And we really appreciate you sharing yourself and your story with the listeners here, and I think it's going to it's going to be really nice for a lot of people. So thank you for having me. I'm honored.
[01:00:39] And this is a great thing you're doing. Kelly, any closing words for the people just to end us and the episode? I know a lot of pressure. There's a lot of pressure. You know, I think I always say is just what the hell, guys?
[01:00:58] I don't have that's all I got for closing remarks. I just had shock and despair. But I think for a reason, the classic. But thank you. Now, I love this space. I think it's amazing you guys are doing this.
[01:01:09] And, you know, hopefully we'll have so many more queer people to come on from 47 and 48 looking forward to it. I'll be rooting for them. Hell yeah. Hell yeah. I'm Grace Leder. Are you she her pronouns?
[01:01:22] You can follow me on social media at high from Grace and make sure you buy a buff from Rob's website dot com slash pride. Yes. And I am Matt Scott. I use he him pronouns. You could follow me on social media at Matt Scott GW
[01:01:35] and you can get a pride has spoken shirt at Rob his website dot com slash store. And I'm Evie G. Gota. I use they them pronouns. You can find me on Instagram at Evie Jag and on Twitter at Evie G.
[01:01:49] Gota. And as a reminder, all the proceeds from both the shirt and the buff will go to point of pride. Please buy a product today. This was the pride has spoken. It's so bad. We did it. We did.
[01:02:08] Just for a record, can we just do it like one? Just to say that last. Yeah. I know. One more time. I don't know why I'm making us do this. No, it's good. This was the pride has spoken. Matt, you say it so slow.
[01:02:24] Wait, wait, wait. One more time. We're done. This was the pride has spoken. It's my. Oh, wait. One more. I'm starting to guess this was the pride has spoken. Leave all these leave them all in. Yeah. Hello, it is Ryan.
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