Navigating Safety in the LGBTQ+ Community

Welcome back to The Twisted Truth with Corey Wesley — where raw honesty meets lived experience. In his latest podcast episode, Corey gets real about something we often push aside when hormones take the wheel: safety. As Pride Month kicks off, Corey takes a sobering detour from celebration to share essential safety tips for those navigating hookups, particularly in a digital-first dating world. What begins as a check-in and a happy Pride wish quickly turns into a critical conversation on protecting yourself in an increasingly uncertain social and political climate.

Drawing from a deeply personal experience involving a false accusation and racial profiling, Corey emphasizes the importance of leaving a breadcrumb trail — not for clout, but for safety. His tips are simple, doable, and rooted in street-smart wisdom: Always document where you're going, who you're meeting, and let at least one trusted friend know. Whether it's taking a selfie outside the hookup location or sharing your Uber route, these steps aren't about being paranoid — they're about staying prepared. As Corey says, "Everybody don’t need to know you a slut, but it’s nice they know you protected yourself."

Throughout the episode, Corey delivers a balance of caution and compassion. He reminds listeners to keep their phones charged, their ID on them, and their wits about them. If a potential partner won’t give you a last name, won’t unblock their number, or won’t even offer a simple address? That’s a red flag. And if you are going to indulge in partying, know where your substances are coming from, or better yet — bring your own from trusted sources.

Corey's tone remains grounded but urgent, a mix of older-brother wisdom and no-nonsense survival guide. While some of his suggestions — like asking to see someone’s ID — might feel extreme to some, they're grounded in reality. We live in a time when people, especially queer and trans individuals, are going missing or facing targeted attacks. Corey doesn't sugarcoat that reality, and he doesn't want his listeners to be naive to it either.

This episode isn’t just a PSA — it’s a necessary reminder that Pride should be both joyful and safe. Corey encourages all of us to celebrate authentically, but with an eye open and a plan in place. His parting words say it best: “Hook up for success, but protect yourself.”

Happy Pride — and stay safe, because you're already blessed.