Hey Everybody — this week on Duke’s Download, I’m doing something special for Pride Month.

Instead of one guest, I’m revisiting three conversations that have stayed with me — and honestly, feel more relevant than ever: Greg Cope‑White, Ross Mathews, and Dustin Lance Black.

Because Pride isn’t just parades and rainbow flags. It’s service. It’s visibility. It’s fighting back.

First, I look back at my conversation with Greg Cope‑White, former Marine and author of The Pink Marine (the inspiration for Netflix’s Boots). Greg talks about serving his country before “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” what acceptance actually looked like inside the Marines, and why today’s attacks — from transgender military bans to removing Harvey Milk’s name from a Navy ship — hit so personally. His story is about courage, but also about calling out political prejudice when we see it.

Then there’s Ross Mathews, who opens up about growing up gay in a tiny farming town in Washington state with zero visible role models. Hearing him talk about loneliness, finding his voice, and why LGBTQ representation in media matters so much reminded me how powerful visibility really is — and why organizations like GLAAD still matter.

And of course, Dustin Lance Black — Academy Award–winning screenwriter of Milk and longtime activist — who shares what it was like fighting for federal marriage equality. He talks strategy, backlash, and why rights are never guaranteed. His message is simple but urgent: every generation has to push forward. We can’t assume someone else will do it for us.

For me, this episode is about remembering how far we’ve come — and recognizing how much work is still ahead. With elections coming up this November, this isn’t just reflection. It’s a reminder to engage, to vote, and to protect the progress so many fought for.

Pride is joy.
Pride is protest.
Pride is participation.

Thanks for being here. 🌈

You can write to us at: Questions@DukesDownload.com

And follow us onInstagram:

• @jamesdukemason
• @PrideHouseMedia