Denounce your sexuality or lose your job. That was the ultimatum offered to two athletic coaches at Valor Christian High School in Highland Ranch, Colorado. Inoke Tonga was a coach for the boys volleyball team before he was fired in 2021 for being gay. One year earlier, lacrosse coach Lauren Benner was forced to leave her position for the same reason--her sexuality didn’t align with the school’s beliefs.

In today’s four part episode, Levi speaks with Lauren and Inoke about their positions at Valor, the events that led to their termination, and how this intolerant environment will continue to affect the faculty and students if change doesn’t come soon. We also chat with Lucy Sarkissian, a young but resilient advocate and student of Valor who organized several protests against the school’s policies.

Your host is Levi Chambers, founder of Rainbo Media Co. You can follow Levi @levichambers across socials.

Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @PRIDE across socials.

Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.

PRIDE is produced by Levi Chambers, Frank Driscoll, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson, and Brandon Marlo. Edited by Frank Driscoll and Daniel Ferrera.

Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.