Life Through a Queer Lens

Ever wondered about the difference between "fun facts" and "interesting facts" when it comes to the sensitive history of non-binary individuals? Get ready for an informative episode where we kick off with personal stories of our love for making and wearing colorful jewelry and emphasize the importance of professional piercings over mall kiosks. Tune in as we unravel the unique...

Can you imagine how your life would change if you truly understood the complex layers of discrimination that intertwine in our society? Join us as we unpack the concept of intersectionality, starting with a historic Vice Presidential pick that has everyone talking. We trace the journey of intersectionality from its academic origins, thanks to Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw, to its powerful impact on...

Join us as we explore the untold stories and key moments in the LGBTQ rights movement through the work of the National LGBTQ Task Force. Hear about pioneers like Dr. Bruce Voeller and Frank Kameny, who helped remove homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses, and Virginia Apuzzo's powerful advocacy during the AIDS crisis. We'll cover decades of activism, from ACT UP protests to the...

Have you ever tried explaining the reality of climate change to a skeptical family member influenced by media outlets like Fox News? It's a tough battle, but we're here to help! Today, we're sharing personal stories and strategies on how to effectively communicate the undeniable impacts of climate change on our weather patterns and how to counter misinformation. We also debunk the m...

What if a film could make you confront your deepest fears and dreams about identity and self-acceptance? Join me, Kit, as I unravel my personal reflections on the poignant A24 film "I Saw the TV Glow," which premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January 2024. This episode takes you through an emotional journey where I share how my passion for queer history has deepened my connection to...

What if you could transform adversity into groundbreaking achievements? Join us as we honor the remarkable journey of Lynn Conway, a trans activist and coding genius whose work in microelectronic chip design revolutionized modern computing. Despite being terminated from IBM in 1968 due to her gender transition, Lynn's perseverance and innovations have left an indelible mark on technology. We...

Can you imagine a world where the language of identity continuously evolves to better represent us all? Join us as we trace the historical journey of the LGBTQIA acronym and its profound significance. From the early days when "homosexuals" and "homophiles" were the terms of the day, to the reclamation of "gay" as a badge of pride, we explore the nuances and shifts tha...

Can political debates be more than just a battlefield of insults? In this compelling episode, we scrutinize the current state of political discourse and highlight the dire need for empathy and understanding in debates. Reflecting on the missed opportunities for progressive organizing under Biden's administration, we make a bold statement about the necessity of active engagement to pave the wa...

Think queerness is a human-only trait? Think again. In this eye-opening episode, we unravel the myths about LGBTQIA+ behaviors being exclusive to humans by showcasing the vibrant spectrum of queerness in the animal kingdom. From the emotional bond between Max and David, two male chimpanzees who found solace in each other after a traumatic ordeal, to the heartwarming fact that 31% of chick-rearing...

Ever wondered how corporations leverage LGBTQIA+ culture for profit while failing to offer genuine support? Join us as we dissect the phenomenon of rainbow capitalism, or pinkwashing, which runs rampant particularly during Pride Month. We'll trace its evolution from a seemingly positive shift in the late 90s to its current state, where many companies only offer superficial support. By underst...

Can you imagine a world without the groundbreaking influence of queer artists like Freddie Mercury or Little Richard? This episode takes you on a colorful journey through the vibrant history of queer pop music, celebrating the unsung heroes and iconic legends who dared to express their true selves. From the birth of pop charts in 1952 to the emergence of teen culture, we spotlight pioneering artis...

Unlock the complex history of how queerness was pathologized in our latest episode, where we promise to guide you through the transformation from criminalization to medicalization of LGBTQ identities. Explore with us the pivotal role activists like Carl Ehrlich and Carl Westphal played in shaping this narrative. We'll reflect on the challenging journey the queer community faced as we delve in...

Have you ever felt like a puzzle, piecing together your own truth, only to discover that the image wasn't quite what you expected? Join me, Kit, as I recount the intimate and transformative journey of self-diagnosing as autistic, a path paved with struggles, breakthroughs, and an unexpected neighbor's song that turned my world upside down. My odyssey was not just a pursuit of self-knowle...

Embark on a sonic journey that will challenge your perceptions and ignite your passion for change. Macklemore's latest anthem, "Hins Hall," sets the stage for a profound exploration of music's impact on political discourse and social justice. In recalling the artist's previous work, we uncover the layers of activism embedded in his lyrics, from championing LGBTQ+ rights to...

Step back into the raw, unflinching world of "Fight Club" with us, as we strip back the layers of its powerful narrative to reveal the tangled threads of identity, mental health, and societal constructs. This episode isn't just a trip down memory lane; it's a deep-dive analysis that will challenge your perception of masculinity, consumerism, and the search for authenticity. As...

As we fire up the console of memory, our friend Dylan and us, we take you through a pixelated journey of gaming's past and present, painting the screen with tales as vivid as the adventures we've lived out in fantastical digital worlds. From the tactile joy of mashing buttons on a classic SNES to the awe-inspiring narratives of The Last of Us and the comforting farm life in Stardew Valle...

Autocorrect might not get it yet, but we're here to ensure that 'aromantic' doesn't come out smelling like a rose scent. This episode is all about peeling back the curtain on asexual and aromantic identities, the vibrant 'A' in LGBTQIA+. So chuckle along with my little mishap, and settle in for a rich dialogue that affirms the diversity of human experience. We're...

Co-host Jenene has a converation with longtime queer lesbian friend, Terysa. She's originally from the Bronx, NY and currently living in Phoenix, AZ enjoying her retirement.  The conversation explores the use of the word 'boob' and its various meanings and connotations. It delves into the history of the word and its association with breasts, as well as the societal attitudes towards...

Have you ever pondered the colors of your identity and how they meld into the tapestry of society? Join us as we unravel the complexities of the transgender and trans non-binary experience, with a special focus on the intricacies of transitioning. Kit will take you through his own story as someone who chose a social transition, sharing insights into the validity of each unique journey, whether it...

Have you ever sipped a cocktail and thought about the journey of LGBTQ+ marketing in corporate America? We're peeling back the layers of history, from the mid-70s when queer folks first shimmered on the radar of alcohol brands, to the powerful 1994 IKEA commercial that broke molds by featuring a gay couple. Alongside the narrative of these pioneering moments, we unravel the nuanced dance of m...

Embark on a linguistic journey with us and our guest Kit as we explore the rich tapestry of gender identities within the LGBTQ+ community. Prepare to have your understanding of labels like transgender, non-binary, and genderqueer deepened, and discover the personal stories behind terms such as demigender, demiboy, and demigirl. We tackle the complexities these terms represent and celebrate the aut...

When Kit and I sat down to record this latest episode, we knew we were treading into deeply personal territory. We open up about our own bouts with outfit-induced stress, a seemingly trivial matter that unveils the profound complexities of gender identity—a conversation that goes far beyond the clothes we wear. Our listeners will journey with us through the experiences of those living with gender...

I never imagined that my own battle with body dysmorphic disorder would lead me to share such intimate details, but here we are, peeling back the layers on a condition that's far more than skin-deep. With my partner's unwavering support, we delve into the realities of BDD, contrasting it with narcissistic traits, and shed light on the importance of recognizing this spectrum of disorder....

Unveil the shadowy dance of queerbaiting with us as we trace its origin from a political weapon to a Hollywood marketing ploy. Grasp the full picture as we dissect the complex interplay between the intent to engage LGBTQ+ audiences and the broader goal of retaining mass market appeal. This episode peels back the layers of this phenomenon, probing deep into the critical balance of representation an...

Discover the colors of the rainbow hidden within the monochrome palette of media representation; our latest episode is a journey through the evolving portrayal of the LGBTQ community in film and television, with an acute focus on Disney's tentative dance with queer visibility. We unpack the subtleties of queer coding, tracing its roots from the nefarious villains of the silver screen to the p...