Kitchen Table Talk: Episode 41

Honoring fallen family Renee Good, inspiration from Martin Sheen, supporting ACLU, horn sound for Living Sober Roundup San Francisco this summer!

DAILY MEME: We deserve the care of our government.

* Remembering that our government exists to protect the well being of all of us

* Our leaders must have empathy for others, be trustworthy, be honest

* Each one of us must actively participate in shaping our government from top to bottom

Honoring Renee Nicole Good – from the Advocate

An American citizen, Renee Nicole Good was many things — a wife, mother, poet, singer, devoted Christian, and “extremely compassionate” human being.

Good had a wife and three children — a 15-year-old and 12-year-old from her first marriage, and a 6-year-old from her second marriage

Renee Good was a poet with a passion for singing. Good described herself in her Instagram bio, which featured an LGBTQ+ Pride flag, as a “poet and writer and wife and mom and shitty guitar strummer from Colorado; experiencing Minneapolis, MN.”

Good’s ex-husband that she was a devoted Christian who had taken part in mission trips to Northern Ireland in her youth and participated in a choir during high school. Her love of singing would lead her to study vocal performance in college, though writing was her ultimate passion.

Good graduated in December 2020 from Old Dominion University in Virginia with a degree in English, and won an award the same year for one of her works.

“This is yet another clear example that fear and violence have sadly become commonplace in our nation,” ODU President Brian O. Hemphill said in a statement. “Indeed, this tragedy reflects the deep strain being felt in countless communities across our nation. As citizens, it is our duty and right to call upon leaders and officials to restore civility in all facets of our lives, especially at the hands of those who are entrusted to protect and serve.”

“May Renee’s life be a reminder of what unites us: freedom, love, and peace,” he continued. “My hope is for compassion, healing, and reflection at a time that is becoming one of the darkest and most uncertain periods in our nation’s history.”

Action we can all take: MyACLU.org

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has been fighting in court and in the headlines for our civil rights and the rule of law for over 100 years. While often being cast by the right as a force if bleeding heart liberals, over their history have fought for everyone. “We The People means everyone”.

In our current regime they have been a vital force in fighting back against the many countless unconstitutional, immoral, and inhumane actions that have been coming at us by our government. They have been suing in court and winning for us. They are the ones in the trenches, the ones appealing for us, the ones standing before the supreme court voicing our case.

They have been much the push-back leading all the way up to the supreme court for LGBTQ rights that have been taken, the actions to harm our community, and the directives to erase us. They have also been on several of the other fronts including immigration, law enforcement over reach, and voting rights among others. They are the tip of the spear for us that we ourselves cannot

This takes money. While there are many big donors, there is a way that you and I can help on our own level. We can support the ACLU by donating and becoming a monthly supporter. At their website there are multiple options starting as low as $19 a month.

I have started my own monthly donation and I encourage all who hold our rights dear and support what the ACLU does for us to put your dollars in the bowl too. We need them, and they need our help too.

Inspiration: Martin Sheen Podcast

Most of us remember actor Martin Sheen in modern times from his many seasons as President Bartlett on The West Wing. His acting career spans several decades in movies, television and in the theater. His four children are also well known in popular culture all for their own works and their own stories.

He is an avid activist as well over the decades, a spiritual person and one who brings a wealth of wisdom that has come through in the work we have seen on screen. Martin Sheen now brings his talents to a special podcast presentation as he shares never before heard stories of his life, personal reflections and poetry that inspires.

“I think it’s important you know that I have no intention of leaving who I am at the door with this podcast. Anyone who knows me knows I cannot tell a personal story that doesn’t have some social justice connection at its core. I have my convictions, and issues that draw on my empathy and compassion. Frankly, it is what drives and informs my conscience and makes me who I am. How could I bring any less to this endeavor?”

— Martin Sheen

Event: Western Roundup Living Sober - July 10-12, 2026 - San Francisco, CA

In the San Francisco Castro district the longest running LGBTQ sobriety conference celebrates 50 years with their event this summer in July. The weekend hosts meetings, workshops, speakers and entertainment centered around multiple 12-step programs – in the spiritual home of our world wide community.

Registration is now open at their website https://livingsober.org/

As always you can click on the EVENTS tab at our website growingoldergay.com for LGBTQ gatherings nationwide all year long. If you have an event you would like featured in our event calendar or even here on the podcast, send an email with the details to [email protected]

Find everything on our website: growingoldergay.com

Our podcast now on Spotify, Substack and Apple Podcasts in addition to YouTube!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com