In this month's SpeakOut with Angela Giampolo, aka Philly Gay Lawyer, we explore pressing issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. This episode focuses on Meta’s decision to end third-party fact-checking on platforms like Facebook, raising concerns about misinformation and its impact on marginalized groups. We’ll also discuss the growing movement within the LGBTQ+ community to leave Facebook due to hate speech, safety concerns, and Meta’s policies. Angela unpacks the implications of these shifts, the power dynamics of social media, and what leaving these platforms could mean for visibility and advocacy.
Giampolo Law Group   X:
 @Philly Gay Lawyer
Instagram: @yourgaylawyer
TikTok: @gaylawyer

I address the pressing issue of tobacco use, which disproportionately affects Philadelphia communities, particularly low-income neighborhoods, racial and ethnic minorities, women, and members of the military. These groups are often targeted by the tobacco industry through aggressive advertising and disinformation campaigns. I speak with Ryan Coffman, Tobacco Policy and Control Program Manager at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, about effective strategies to quit smoking and their campaign “IF I CAN QUIT SMOKING, SO CAN YOU.”  Did you know that people who call 1-800-QUIT-NOW are up to four times more likely to quit for good? For more information:

• Instagram: @P00h0lpublichealth
• Website: www.gethealthyphilly.org

In this episode, I speak with Amanda Harrity, Director of Product Program for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP), about one of the most exciting times of the year—the return of Girl Scout Cookies! From January 16th through March 9th, Girl Scouts across Eastern Pennsylvania will be selling cookies in-person, door-to-door, at local booths, and online. But this is more than just a cookie sale; it’s a unique program that empowers young entrepreneurs by teaching essential skills such as goal setting, money management, and business ethics. Plus, all proceeds directly benefit Girl Scouts in our region, supporting their programs and initiatives. Ready to stock up on your favorite cookies and support a great cause? Let’s dive in! For more information on purchasing cookies in your community and supporting the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, visit gsep.org/cookies. Follow GSEP on social media for updates and inspiration:

• Instagram: @girlscoutsepenn
• Facebook: GirlScoutsEPenn
• YouTube: GirlScoutsEPenn
• LinkedIn: Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

 I address the pressing issue of tobacco use, which disproportionately affects Philadelphia communities, particularly low-income neighborhoods, racial and ethnic minorities, women, and members of the military. These groups are often targeted by the tobacco industry through aggressive advertising and disinformation campaigns. I speak with Ryan Coffman, Tobacco Policy and Control Program Manager at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, about effective strategies to quit smoking and their campaign “IF I CAN QUIT SMOKING, SO CAN YOU.”  Did you know that people who call 1-800-QUIT-NOW are up to four times more likely to quit for good? For more information:

• Instagram: @P00h0lpublichealth
• Website: www.gethealthyphilly.org

    In this month's SpeakOut with Angela Giampolo, aka Philly Gay Lawyer, we explore pressing issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. This episode focuses on Meta’s decision to end third-party fact-checking on platforms like Facebook, raising concerns about misinformation and its impact on marginalized groups. We’ll also discuss the growing movement within the LGBTQ+ community to leave Facebook due to hate speech, safety concerns, and Meta’s policies. Angela unpacks the implications of these shifts, the power dynamics of social media, and what leaving these platforms could mean for visibility and advocacy.

Giampolo Law Group  
X: @Philly Gay Lawyer
 Instagram: @yourgaylawyer
TikTok: @gaylawyer

I share the inspiring story of Kalyn Walker, who was granted parole from SCI Phoenix and released on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Kalyn graduated from the F.A.C.T. Experience (Fathers and Children Together) with his daughter in 2023, a transformative program that strengthens connections between incarcerated fathers and their children, aiming to break the cycle of incarceration. To celebrate his release, the F.A.C.T. Experience organized a heartfelt luncheon to surprise Kalyn’s daughter and his son—whom he had never seen outside the prison walls. I had the privilege of witnessing and recording this powerful reunion with the help of my longtime friend, Kempis Songster, also known as Gani. A founding member of F.A.C.T., Gani was released in December 2017 after serving over 30 years as a juvenile lifer. Learn more about the impactful work of the F.A.C.T. Experience at factexperience.org.  

First,  I address the pressing issue of tobacco use, which disproportionately affects Philadelphia communities, particularly low-income neighborhoods, racial and ethnic minorities, women, and members of the military. These groups are often targeted by the tobacco industry through aggressive advertising and disinformation campaigns. I speak with Ryan Coffman, Tobacco Policy and Control Program Manager at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, about effective strategies to quit smoking and the “IF I CAN QUIT SMOKING, SO CAN YOU” campaign. Did you know that people who call 1-800-QUIT-NOW are up to four times more likely to quit for good? For more information:

• Instagram: @P00h0lpublichealth
• Website: www.gethealthyphilly.org

 

I speak with State Senator Sharif Street about the transformative Welcome to Wellness Pop-Up, hosted in collaboration with One Day At A Time (ODAAT) and artist Shanina Dionna. Taking place on Saturday, January 25th, from 2 PM to 3:30 PM at 2532 N. Broad Street in Pennsylvania's 3rd Senatorial District, this event focuses on expressive arts healing. Attendees will gain tools and resources to manage stress and enhance emotional well-being. For more information, visit senatorsharifstreet.com or follow Senator Sharif Street on social media:

• X (formerly Twitter): @sensharifstreet
• Instagram: @sensharifstreet
• Facebook: Senator Sharif Street

Additionally, learn more about the 2025 Reverend Handy Interfaith Breakfast.

The African American Children's Book Project's 33rd Annual Book Fair is happening on Saturday, February 1st, from 1 to 4 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This free event brings together bestselling authors Carole Boston Weatherford, Kwame Mbalia, Bryan Collier, and other award-winning Black authors and illustrators. Enjoy giveaways, prizes, and a bookstore with affordable books for purchase.   In this episode, I speak with Paralee Knight, Vice President of Philanthropy & Community Impact at Wells Fargo, the presenting sponsor of the event. We discuss the importance of representation in children's and young adult literature and explore how this signature event fosters a love of reading. For more information, call (215) 878-BOOK or visit www.theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org.  

We highlight the 30th Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, the largest King Day of Service in the nation. This event celebrates Dr. King’s vision of The Beloved Community—a society rooted in justice, diversity, peace, and freedom—by engaging over 100,000 volunteers in meaningful service. This year, the event not only honors Dr. King’s enduring legacy but also commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for equity and justice. I speak with Todd Bernstein, President of Global Citizen and the visionary Founder and Director of the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, about the significance of this milestone and the power of service in creating lasting change. Learn more at www.mlkdayofservice.org.  

The African American Children's Book Project's 33rd Annual Book Fair is happening on Saturday, February 1st, from 1 to 4 PM at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This free event brings together bestselling authors Carole Boston Weatherford, Kwame Mbalia, Bryan Collier, and other award-winning Black authors and illustrators. Enjoy giveaways, prizes, and a bookstore with affordable books for purchase.   In this episode, I speak with Paralee Knight, Vice President of Philanthropy & Community Impact at Wells Fargo, the presenting sponsor of the event. We discuss the importance of representation in children's and young adult literature and explore how this signature event fosters a love of reading. For more information, call (215) 878-BOOK or visit theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org.  

We highlight the 30th Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, the largest King Day of Service in the nation. This event celebrates Dr. King’s vision of The Beloved Community—a society rooted in justice, diversity, peace, and freedom—by engaging over 100,000 volunteers in meaningful service. This year, the event not only honors Dr. King’s enduring legacy but also commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight for equity and justice. I speak with Todd Bernstein, President of Global Citizen and the visionary Founder and Director of the Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, about the significance of this milestone and the power of service in creating lasting change. Learn more at mlkdayofservice.org.

Children and young people dealing with grief, addiction, and other challenges often face an overwhelming mix of emotions, including confusion, fear, and isolation. Without proper support, these experiences can deeply affect their mental health, relationships, and development. Access to compassionate resources is vital for building resilience and fostering healing. In this episode, we speak with Sarah Behm, Assistant Director of the Eluna Resource Center, an organization dedicated to supporting children and families navigating these difficult journeys. Sarah shares insights into Eluna's mission, the resources they offer, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for those in need. Connect with Eluna:  
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Website: https://elunanetwork.org/eluna-resource-center/

• Facebook: facebook.com/elunanetwork
• TikTok: tiktok.com/@elunanetwork
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/elunanetwork
• YouTube: youtube.com/c/elunanetwork

Guillermo Santos is a human rights advocate, poet and author originally from  Kensington in Philadelphia. He shares his story through his literary work. Connect with Guillermo Santos:
🌐 Website: guillermoasantos.com
📱 Instagram: @guillermoasantos