Out Here in America

Investigating LGBTQ murders, with Margaret Baker

On this week's Out Here in America, Justin shares his final story for the show. His colleague Margaret Baker is the lead investigative reporter for the Sun Herald in Biloxi, Mississippi. She's covered a lot of murders but one about a transgender woman brought her closer to her identity and became a federal hate crime case. Hear Margaret's story about how she changed the way crimes against transgender individuals are prosecuted, all on Out Here in America.

Being forced out in small-town America, with Shelby Peranich

On this episode of Out Here in America, Pass Christian, Miss.-native Shelby Peranich shares her story of falling in love in college, and subsequently being forced out back home. Today, she lives with her partner in Memphis, and talks to host Justin Mitchell about feeling accepted in the LGBTQ community there — as well as the proud LGBTQ community she sees forming back home along the Mississippi coast.

Life as an out fraternity brother at Alabama, with Austin Gaddis

On this week's Out Here in America, Austin Gaddis shares his story of being closeted in one of the University of Alabama's largest fraternities. He also shares how he participated in a covert, underground gay dating system right under his brothers' noses.

Life in the political spotlight, with Carson Jones

On this episode, host Justin Mitchell sits down with Carson Jones–-the son of Alabama Senator Doug Jones. Justin and Carson look back at the 2016 election the campaign against Roy Moore. They also look to the future of Alabama during a tough political climate. Hear more on Out Here in America.

LGBTQ life in the foster care system, with Daniel Garcia

On this episode, host Justin Mitchell sits down with incoming Pomona College freshman Daniel Garcia, along with Victoria Penny — the woman Daniel proudly calls “mom” — and his new sister, Braley Penny, to look back at Daniel’s difficult childhood in the Mississippi foster care system, and to look ahead at what they all believe is his very bright future.