Call Center Employee Uses Patreon to Fund LGBTQ Podcasts

Notes from Chris

Episode 432

Callie Wright, in their own words, considers themself pretty privileged. Their day job as a team lead in a call center pays well, and no one they works with cares about them being queer or trans. Callie also has a supportive group of friends and family.

But not everyone who is queer and/or trans has the same experience. Callie remembers going to a vigil for a trans girl who was forced into conversion therapy and hearing an LGBTQ affirming minister say some things that made her feel out of place as a non-believer.

Callie decided to create a space not just for LGBTQ activism, but for secular activism as well. They now produces two podcasts, an activist show called The Gaytheist Manifesto and a storytelling show called The Queer side. Their goals with their podcasts are to curate a space where people feel safe, valued, loved, and protected and also to try to change the hearts and minds of people who have negative attitudes towards the LGBTQ community.

Callie’s first show The Gaytheist Manifesto launched in 2015. A little over a year into The Gaytheist Manifesto, they turned to their community and asked them to support it through Patreon. Patreon is a platform that helps creators get paid by running a membership business for their fans. Patrons pledge a monthly contribution, Callie rewards them with premium content, and Patreon delivers that content to their patrons.

In 2017, Callie added their second podcast, a storytelling show called The Queer Side. They immediately started a Patreon when this podcast launched. Between Callie's two shows, today they receive over $800 each month in contributions. They also had roughly a dozen speaking opportunities as a result of these shows.

 

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MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Gaytheist Manifesto & The Queer side: Learn more about Callie's mission over on their podcast pages
• The Gaytheist Manifesto Patreon Page: Check out Callie's Patreon page—this is the membership platform that helps Callie get paid for putting together the content for their podcasts
• Apollo Twin High-Resolution Thunderbolt Interface, Electro Voice RE-20 Cardioid Microphone, and the Logic Pro X: Some of the gear and programs that Callie uses to produce both of their podcasts

SEE ALSO:

• EXTENDED CUT #11: Lessons in Podcasting: If you're thinking of starting a podcast, what do you need to know? This special episode includes tips on marketing, content, gear, and more
• Creative Illustrator Creates Creative Podcast for Creatives: This freelance illustrator did design work for Google and Nickelodeon, but after giving a talk at his church he decides to start a podcast—which now earns up to $70,000 a year on the side
• Business Besties Turn Skype Calls Into Six-Figure Podcast: After two friends create a podcast for fun, it turns into a side hustle that generates $100,000 in its first year, multiple six-figures in year two, and a book deal in year three

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,