Queer We Are

Can a film change the course of LGBTQ+ cinema forever? Join a celebration of Pride Month with a deep dive into the landmark film "The Boys in the Band." Brad Shreve and film historian Tony Maietta guide you through a spirited discussion on this pivotal work. Brad courageously shares his initial reservations about the film and why he decided to give it a second look, while Tony emphasizes...

Showtime's "Fellow Travelers," visionary Ron Nyswaner joins Brad and Tony for a revealing conversation about the series' theme of a clandestine love story which unfolds amidst the tumult of historical events, such as the Red Scare led by Joseph McCarthy, This episode is from the Going Hollywood Podcast. Going Hollywood Podcast Vietnam War protests, the death of Harvey Milk and...

Amidst the political upheavals post-2016, non-binary and transgender rights have found a fierce ally in Sasha Buchert with Lambda Legal. Sasha and Brad delve into the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights and representation. They shine a light on the progress made in the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals, while also addressing the challenges and discrimination by far-right groups, especially those fac...

Imagine your life as a page-turner novel, filled with clandestine operations and transformative work across the globe. That's the reality for Timothy J. Smith, our guest, who has led a life as intriguing as the fiction he pens. Smuggling plays from Czechoslovakia, spending nights in African jails, narrowly escaping a perilous journey to Puerto Rico, Smith's real-life adventures make for...

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and inspirational leadership with Jim Fielding, the quintessential queer executive, who opens the pages of his life in "All Pride, No Ego." During his impressive corporate career, he has been president of Disney Stores and CEO of Clair's, but it's the deeply human experiences that shape his narrative. As we peek into Jim's personal jou...

Unlocking your true self can be a journey fraught with challenge. But take a moment to imagine the liberation, the sheer joy of stepping into the world as the person you've always known you were. This is the captivating narrative we explore with Wendy Cole. Embarking on a gender transition at the age of 65, Wendy has walked the path of self-discovery and acceptance. She doesn’t shy away from...

Ever found yourself captivated by a story that perfectly blends heartache with humor? That's what you're in for. Join Brad as he sits with Jiggs Burgess, a queer playwright from Texas and the first winner of the Del Shores Foundation writer's search. They explore his deeply touching play, "The Red Suitcase," and how it has moved audiences. In addition, they delve into the...

Talented documentary filmmaker Luchina Fisher dives into her powerful and emotional short film called "The Dads," which centers around the stories of five fathers who have transgender children. Joining them on a transformative fishing trip is Dennis Shepherd, the father of Matthew Shepherd, a gay man who was tragically murdered twenty-five years ago. This short film, available on Netflix...

Get ready to time travel with Tony Maietta, a seasoned actor, writer, and host, who will be our guide through classic Hollywood. Unearth the gems and unravel the mysteries around the charming Cary Grant as we explore his career highs, the many faces he donned, and the enigma of his personal life. Join us as we step into the shoes of a Hollywood gossip columnist of yesteryears and examine how Holly...

The American National LGBTQ+ Museum's Executive Director, Ben Garcia, gives us a snapshot of the upcoming landmark as it blossoms to an exciting reality. We delve into the remarkable journey to open a physical museum in New York City in 2026, along with eight dynamic traveling exhibitions set to bring LGBTQ+ history and experiences right on people’s doorsteps across America. As we wander the...

Lindz Amer opens a whole universe of queer representation in children's media that not only entertains but educates. We're painting a vibrant narrative as we explore the rise of LGBTQ+ representation in children's books and how Lindz storytelling, interwoven with queer theory, helps children understand complex topics like gender identity. The Huffington Post calls Queer Kid Stuff a...

Tate Barkley, a man who has walked through the fire and emerged stronger than ever shares his story. Battling alcohol addiction, enduring family conflicts and finding a way through it all, Tate's takes on a journey which is both raw and inspiring with plenty of laughs in his telling of it. His experiences serve as a poignant reminder, showing that sobriety isn't just about ceasing alcoho...

Imagine sitting in a history class, learning from a teacher who is not only passionate about history but also about advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. That's what Rodney Wilson brought to the table, a man renowned for his bravery in coming out as gay to his students nearly three decades ago. His audacity translated into a wave of change that outreached his school, hometown, and eventually made nat...

Prepare to be inspired by a remarkable journey of resilience and faith. This week, we have the honor of welcoming Reverend Troy Perry, founder of the Metropolitan Community Church and a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. From the humble beginnings of his church in his living room to the grandeur of its international presence, Rev. Perry takes us on an awe-inspiring journey full of hope, defiance...

This is the final week of introductions to podcasts Brad enjoys. He returns from his time off next week, and October is a special month. You'll enjoy the trailblazers he chats with. Remember Paul Lynde as Uncle Arthur on Bewitched? Without it being said on the show and without us saying it to each other, we all knew he was Samantha's "gay" uncle. Mike Johnson and Kyle Getz retu...

Ever wonder what it feels like to redefine yourself, step into a new identity, and navigate a world that feels like a foreign country? That's what Kit experienced when she came out as a lesbian at the age of 30. Recorded for the Coming Out Stories podcast, Kit and Emma Goswell explore her journey, discussing the societal expectations and realities that made her struggle with her identity. The...

Ever wondered how a film from the 90s shaped the contemporary queer landscape? Philip Bahr dives right in and breaks down the iconic 1994 Australian film 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.' It's a frothy, fun, and deeply impactful film that still holds significance in the current political climate.  He sifts through its layers, characters, and the harsh reality of th...

Join us as we navigate the challenges of gay stereotypes with Mike Johnson and Kyle Getz from the Gayish podcast and their mission to tear down narrow perceptions. We touch upon the wide spectrum of topics their show covers - the good, the bad, the ugly, and the hilarious. Their diversity of episodes covering everything from farming and depression to butt plugs and penis size. We also explore the...

What if you could find strength in the darkest of life's moments? Meet David S Peterson, an author whose bumpy road to success has been paved with resilience and positivity. His incredible journey, from overcoming school bullying and a brutal physical attack to harnessing the power of theater and choir, will leave you awestruck. This episode is a testament to David's indomitable spirit,...

Ready for an enlightening journey through the decades? We're thrilled to welcome Matt Baume, popular YouTube sensation and author of "Hi Honey, I'm Homo," to our podcast. Together, we traverse the fascinating terrain of queer representation in TV.  We delve into the complexities of these portrayals and the courageous sitcoms that dared to feature queer characters. We take a dee...

Picture a world where love transcends barriers, prejudice, and misunderstanding; that's the world seen through B Proud's lens. Guest, photographer B Proud, transports us into the heart of the LGBTQ community with her powerful and evocative images. She shares insights into her captivating projects, such as her 2014 book featuring black and white photographs of LGBTQ couples and her curren...

Do you know actors such as William Shatner, Chris Pine, Leonard Nimoy, Kate Mulgrew, George Takei, and others may have Lucille Ball to thank for advancing their careers? Without her, Star Trek may never have happened.  And that's a small part of our discussion. Tony Maietta is a man of many talents: actor, host, producer, writer, and author. His passionate and insightful tales of Tinseltown&a...

From the comedy stages of Los Angeles to the political epicenter of Madison, Wisconsin, Dina Nina Martinez Rutherford not only is a trans woman stand-up comedian who's been breaking barriers in the world of comedy, but Dina Nina also holds the distinction of being Madison's first elected trans official. Her journey is far from ordinary, marked with grit and resilience.  With a powerful m...

Sam Kirk's murals are not just about aesthetics, they're stories that promote inclusivity and redefine public spaces. This episode takes you through Sam's journey from her magnificent installation in Times Square to her deeply personal mural in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago near where she was the victim of a brutal hate crime.  We go beyond Sam's art to uncover the person...

Ready to embark on a melodious journey into the world of film music? Join Brad in an enlightening conversation with the extraordinary David Gonzalez, who has lent his mesmerizing musical talent to film and talent. David's insights on the significance of music in film – from its indispensable role during the silent movie era to its power to amplify cinematic brilliance in the present day – are...