Padma Lakshmi Instagram – Last night I went to the most amazing show by the poet and comedian Alok Menon. Poignant, funny, enlightening and insightful. I highly recommend you watch their special (they were filming it at Sony hall last night) when it comes out. I’ve met Alok at events here and there as well as admired how much they speak from love and courage, especially when attacked by immense hate. But last night I got to know them in a new way. Such a strong voice that all of us can benefit from listening to. And so entertaining. It’s hard for me to think that after hearing what they had to say last night with humor, candor and wit, that even conservative right wing Christians who may be opposed to many of the things they think Alok represents, would not have a change of heart. That is of course if they really are “good Christians.” I’m so glad I got to see and hear what a “calling in” rather than a “calling out” sounds and feels like. Thank you Alok for inviting me. And thank you most of all for showing us a way to come together and accept each other with empathy rather than fear for those who are not like us.