Advertise on podcast: Open Channel

By the mid 1970s, White Flight was ravaging Norfolk. The LBGTQ community took notice. Ghent became a safe haven and was often referred to as a "Gay Ghetto." Several businesses catering to gay clientele opened in downtown. However, as the gay community became more visible, it also came under fire. In 1977, Anita Bryant brought her infamously anti gay " save the children crusade to Scope. The gay community saw huge gains in public support and approval and as the 80s ticked by, public opinion began to shift. Many who launched the gay rights movement in the 70s said they never dreamed they would see the degree of support that exists today.

June is Pride Month, complete with festivals, parades, government proclamations, and seemingly, rainbow flags everywhere. Corporate support for gay rights is now standard. Representatives from major corporations march in Pride Parades while others, like Starbucks and its “Pride Cup” offer specific items emblazoned with rainbow colors. Elected officials openly court the gay vote and are seen at LGBTQ events. Public opinion also finds widespread acceptance of gay rights. A recent poll found that 80% of Americans support legislation to protect LBGTQ from discrimination. In Hampton Roads, the road to acceptance for the gay community had many obstacles. Many gay veterans upon leaving the military, decided to stay in the region. Following the Stonewall Riots in 1969, the gay community of Hampton Roads began to slowly jell and emerge. The Unitarian Church became an early ally. A group organized a gay caucus within the church which began hosting conferences, workshops, and support groups. Eventually, a newsletter began circulating to keep people informed about the church’s activities. The newsletter would morph into “Our Own” Newspaper which according to founding member Fred Osgood was” the crown jewel” of the gay caucus. It was so widely read and circulated that it was practically the gay newspaper for the entire state. Three gay vets shared their story for Open Channel. Bill (he asked that we not use his last name due to discussions he makes about his previous workplace) said that being a gay man in the 1950s and 60s was perilous as a military member and worker in civil service. Joe Amos stayed in the region after leaving the US Army in the early 70s. Fred Osgood left the Air Force and remained here after attending Old Dominion University. All three were influential in helping the local gay community to organize and push gay rights into the public consciousness. In this first, of a two part series, local gay rights history beginning in the 1950s, is remembered.

According to The Blue Dot Project, depression and anxiety impact 1-in-5 pregnant and postpartum people. That’s 20%. The first week of May is Maternal Mental Health week. In the month where we honor the maternal figures in our life, it’s important to remember that not only does it take a village to support our kids – it also takes a village to support our parents. In this episode of Open Channel, we hear from Mandolin Restivo, the Executive Director of Postpartum Support Virginia, and Kelly Sokol, a locally-based author whose novels highlight the vast experiences within motherhood.

Ken Wright is the head of the local Buffalo Riders, a group of black cowboys who pay homage to the Buffalo soldiers - the African American cavalry and infantry units. Wright is also an artist. Barry Graham spoke to Wright about his work with the group and his art in November. In this episode of Open Channel, we hear highlights from that conversation.

If you’ve lived in the Virginia Beach area for a while you’re probably familiar with Edgar Cayce, also called “The Sleeping Prophet.” Jessica Newell is an archivist at the Edgar Cayce Center, which was built on Cayce’s decades of work. For this episode of Open Channel, WHRV's Jordan Christie visited the Center and spoke with Newell about its history and current activities.

Thelma Peterson is a musician and visual artist who lives on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Her music and art celebrate the natural beauty of the Eastern Shore—and she has a new CD that’s raising money to help protect it. The title of the album is “Of Salt and Sand,” and proceeds go to the Barrier Islands Reef Center and the Eastern Shore Conservancy. WHRV’s Barry Graham spoke with Peterson for this episode of “Open Channel.”

The last couple of years has had a strange effect on many of us. WHRV's Gina Gambony is no exception. For this episode of Open Channel, she reflects on a new hobby she acquired quite unexpectedly ….

The last couple of years has had a strange effect on many of us. WHRV's Gina Gambony is no exception. For this episode of Open Channel, she reflects on a new hobby she acquired quite unexpectedly ….

Just adjacent to First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach sits Broad Bay. Legend has it Blackbeard used to hide among its inlets. Anchored just off the shoreline sits a sinking boat – a potential environmental disaster. WHRV’s Barry Graham spoke with retired naval officer and boater Mike Provost about the situation for this episode of Open Channel.

It turns out superstar performer Marie Osmond is … a little bit opera. Her new album, called “Unexpected,” was released last week, featuring popular selections from the songbooks of opera and Broadway. And Osmond will be in Norfolk on Monday, December 13 performing “A Symphonic Christmas” with the Virginia Symphony at Chrysler Hall. Music from “Unexpected” will be part of the show as well. WHRV’s Gina Gambony spoke with Marie Osmond for this episode of “Open Channel.” Information about Osmond's performance with the Virginia Symphony and other special guests are at VAFEST.org

The world lost a big personality who lived among us in Hampton Roads. Film critic Mal Vincent passed away on Saturday night, November 27 at the age of 83. On this episode of “Open Channel,” WHRO’s Jordan Christie offers a remembrance of Mal from the perspective of one of his good friends and producer: Danny Epperson.

Locals Anthony Sutton and Ken Wright have formed the Buffalo Riders who pay tribute to the legendary Buffalo Soldiers who helped the US to settle the West and, to the Black Cowboys who have been often overlooked in US History.