Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. In our top story, we mourn the life of Lia Smith. In politics, Anna analyzes the Texas ruling that now allows judges to refuse the unification of same-sex marriage, and uplift how LGBTQIA+ food pantries are stepping up in the loss of SNAP benefits for millions of people. In culture and entertainment, we praise a trans teen in Washington who won his settlement after being assaulted by his classmates back in 2021 and announce that applications are now open for the International Trans Fund. Let's get into it. Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ 00:26     Welcome to Queer News          02:00     Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew             02:29     Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502          02:46     Queer News Headlines             03:40     Lia Smith, We Remember the Trans Middlebury College Student          08:30     A New Texas Rule Allows Judges to Stop Marrying Same-Sex Couples          12:22     LGBTQ Food Pantries Stand In as SNAP Benefits Aren't Issued          16:20     Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com           17:00     Trans Teen Ian Ring was awarded a $60,000 Settlement From Washington School District           19:33     The International Trans Fund is Open           21:46     Anna's Got A Word              🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Important Episode Links   HRC Chicago Dinner 2025 https://chicago.hrc.org/chicago-dinner    FoodFinder https://foodfinder.us   Feeding America https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank    Apply to the International Trans Fund https://www.transfund.org    WATCH: Breaking News: ICE Handcuffs Elected Official & Now Chicago Alderperson Jessie Fuentes is Suing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUkcOthHqTE    WATCH: Queer Clothing Brand Celebrates 10 Years! Kirrin Finch talks The Power of the Perfect Fit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fXKrItSebI  🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   This Week's Top Story   Lia Smith, We Remember the Trans Middlebury College Student Family, this morning we mourn the loss of Lia Smith a 21 year old trans student from Middlebury College. Lia was first reported missing on October 19th by her family, but she was last seen on campus October 17th. Lia was found on October 23 by the Vermont State Police close to the college's organic farm. She's remembered dearly by her friends and family. This Week In Politics   A New Texas Rule Allows Judges to Stop Marrying Same-Sex Couples Ahead of the Supreme Court's decision whether to hear the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, a case that could affect the future of marriage equality on Nov. 7th, the Texas Supreme court tried being slick by passing a quiet ruling that allows judges to stop marrying "same-sex" couples.   LGBTQ Food Pantries Stand In as SNAP Benefits Aren't Issued In the face of this detrimental loss for approximately 42 million people, LGBTQ food pantries across the nation are stepping up to help. According to Advocate, the "Pride Pantries" at the LGBT Life Center in Virginia already provide assistance to about 650 households a month, or roughly 1,700 people, which amounted to around 285,000 lbs of food distributed in 2024.     This Week In Entertainment and Culture   Trans Teen Ian Ring was awarded a $60,000 Settlement From Washington School District  We celebrate a big win for Ian Ring, a trans teen from Washington. He and his family were awarded a five figure settlement from the Spokane School District over his 2021 assault by his classmates. They fought back and they won!   The International Trans Fund is Open  The International Trans Fund has opened up applications for 2025. The Fund is in its 10th year of activity and is "a participatory fund shaped by trans activists and donors, dedicated to expanding resources for trans-led organizing." The deadline to apply is December 1st. For more information, head to transfund.org.  🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall.  Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. In top news, we mourn the life of Tiara Love Tori Jackson. In politics, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in favor of a trans athlete who faced discrimination at a powerlifting competition, and across the US we take a look at the aftermath of harmful legislation. In culture & entertainment, we take a look at the OUT100 list for 2025. Let's get into it. Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ 00:26     Welcome to Queer News         01:43     Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew            02:07     Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502         03:50     Queer News Headlines            04:31     We Mourn the Stolen Life of Tiara Love Tori Jackson         06:54     Alderperson Jesse Fuentes Sues The Federal Government         11:04     Minnesota Supreme Court rules transgender athlete ban is discrimination but opens door to further challenges 15:40     Get 20% off Kirrin Finch through 10/31         17:48     Our Crosswalks Are Being Destroyed         23:25     The Out 100 list is out!         26:37     Anna's Got A Word                        🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Important Episode Links   Breaking News: ICE Handcuffs Elected Official & Now Chicago Alderperson Jesse Fuentes is Suing https://youtu.be/ZUkcOthHqTE    Give to Miss Major fundly.com/missmajor    Get 20% off Kirrin Finch through 10/31 Code:  AnnaD 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   This Week's Top Story   We Mourn the Stolen Life of Tiara Love Tori Jackson We mourn the death of Tiara Love Tori Jackson, a 37-year-old Black transgender woman who was shot and killed in a hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina on Friday, September 26.   This Week In Politics   Minnesota Supreme Court rules transgender athlete ban is discrimination but opens door to further challenges The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in favor of trans athlete JayCee Cooper after she was discriminated against during a women's powerlifting competition. The organization known as USA Powerlifting barred JayCee from competing in their competitions which was ruled to be a violation of Minnesota's Human Rights Act.   Alderperson Jesse Fuentes Sues The Federal Government Alderperson Jesse Fuentes is pursuing legal action against the Federal Government after being handcuffed while asking the agents if they had a warrant for the person they were pursuing inside the ER of Humboldt Park Health.   This Week In Entertainment and Culture   Our Crosswalks Are Being Destroyed Tons of new and harmful legislation has been passed this year. We are now at the point where these policies begin to impact how we actually live. But in this world of rapidly changing laws, these stories from Miami, Dallas, and New York offer examples of small ways communities are fighting back in this cultural round-up about crosswalks and film festivals. The Out 100 list is out! The Annual OUT100 list has been released for this year! Divided into six categories, Artists, Disruptors, Educators, Groundbreakers, Innovators, and Storytellers, we chose a few people to highlight including The StudBudz, Doechii, Kierra Johnson, and Amber Ruffin!   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall.  Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

Family, this week on Queer News, Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community and this one is critical in the fight for our rights. We have a powerful, breaking news interview with Chicago's own Alderperson Jesse Fuentes (26th Ward), who was illegally handcuffed by ICE agents at Humboldt Park Health hospital simply for asking about a signed warrant. Hear directly from Alderperson Fuentes about the terrifying confrontation, what it means to be leading with courage against rising fascism, and why she is taking the monumental step of suing the federal government for assault, battery, and false arrest. This is more than one story; it's a conversation about using every tool we have from the courts to rapid response teams to defend our community. We all we got. Check the show notes for links to get information on Know Your Rights training’s and mutual aid funds. 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ We Keep Us Safe Guide https://heyzine.com/flip-book/2e9667e4b6.html Support Kirrin Finch: Use code ANNAD for a discount on your order. 10th Anniversary Party The code will get them a free entry or a reduced price ticket w/ a drink included Code: AnnaD Link: www.eventbrite.com/e/1704293260019/?discount=AnnaD   20% off Discount code Code:  AnnaD Link that automatically adds code to cart: https://kirrinfinch.com/discount/AnnaD Get a 20% discount for 20% off your order! Code expires 10/31/25 11:59PM ET. Code AnnaD cannot be combined with any other offer, applied to previous purchases, or redeemed for cash. Limited quantities available. First-come, first-served and only while supplies last. No rain checks. Terms are subject to change, and the offer   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   In other news this week: Top News: We honor the life & legacy of Miss Major Politics: 99% of Families Opt-In to LGBTQ Education. In Montgomery, Maryland, only 0.03% of families opted out of LGBTQIA+ education after SCOTUS gave them a right to.  Culture & Entertainment: The Queer News Podcast won four Black Podcast Awards! 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.  🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.    Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.  

Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. In top news, we honor the life and legacy of transgender rights activist Miss Major. The Supreme Court ruled for parents in Maryland to opt-out of LGBTQIA+ education and only 0.03% of parents followed through. In culture & entertainment, Queer News wins big at the Black Podcasting Awards and the Duplass Brothers partner with the Transgender Film Center to launch a new film fund. Let’s get into it. Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right. 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ 00:26     Welcome to Queer News          02:43     Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew             03:15     Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502          03:21     Queer News Headlines             04:14     We Honor Miss Major          11:31     99% of Families Opt-In to LGBTQ Education          16:20     Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com     17:00     Get 20% off Kirrin Finch through 10/31 17:35     Queer News Wins Big           21:19     Trans Found Footage Feature Fund          23:30     Anna's Got A Word              🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Important Episode Links   Apply TODAY - Found Footage Feature Fund — Transgender Film Center   ‘She’s still here’: Remembering Miss Major, Chicago-born matriarch of trans liberation   Get 20% off Kirrin Finch through 10/31 Code:  AnnaD 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   This Week’s Top Story   We Honor Miss Major Our top story this week is all about remembering and honoring the life of the icon herself, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy. Her unapologetic and TILIF approach is the blueprint for how we survive and take care of each other during these dark times times. We will never forget that Miss Major was here.    This Week In Politics   99% of Families Opt-In to LGBTQ Education In Montgomery, Maryland, only 0.03% of families opted out of LGBTQIA+ education after SCOTUS gave them a right to. That ruling was made back in June by the Supreme Court and it allows parents to opt out of classes that teach material conflicting with their religious beliefs.    This Week In Entertainment and Culture   Queer News Wins Big The 6th Annual Black Podcasting Awards took place in Baltimore, Maryland and Queer News swept taking home 4 honors; Best News & Politics podcast, Best LGBTQ podcast, Best Solo Host and our host Anna DeShawn took home the coveted 2025 Legend Award.    Trans Found Footage Feature Fund Duplass Brothers Productions has partnered with the Transgender Film Center to launch the Found Footage Feature Fund. The $25,000 production grant is for trans filmmakers developing indie feature films of any genre.  🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall.  Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.  

Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. In top news, The Queer News Podcast has been nominated for four Black Podcast Awards! In politics, The Supreme Court is looking at 3 major cases that could impact the LGBTQIA+ community, and in Chicago Alderperson Jesse Fuentes was briefly handcuffed by ICE. In culture & entertainment, The inaugural BE gala rolled out the red carpet for LGBTQIA+ advocates and Khalid has released a new album that’s queer and liberating af. Let’s get into it. Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right. 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ 00:25    Welcome to Queer News      02:01    Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew         02:24    Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502      02:51    Queer News Headlines         04:50    Queer News has 4 Black Podcast Award Nominations      05:49    Three Supreme Court Cases Targeting LGBTQ+ People  11:11    Chicago Ald. Jessie Fuentes Handcuffed by ICE   16:32    Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com 17:54    Inaugural BE. Gala Dawns 'A New Renaissance' of Black, LGBTQ Activism      20:41    Khalid Drops New Album 22:22    Anna's Got A Word             🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Important Episode Links   Get Your Tickets - Kirrin Finch 10th Anniversary Party This code will get you free entry or a reduced price ticket w/ a drink included Code: AnnaD Link: www.eventbrite.com/e/1704293260019/?discount=AnnaD   Get 20% off Kirrin Finch through 10/31 Code:  AnnaD Link that automatically adds code to cart: https://kirrinfinch.com/discount/AnnaD   Listen to Out! And Into Open Arms Podcast https://www.nhoutright.org/oioa    Give to Miss Major fundly.com/missmajor  🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   This Week’s Top Story   Queer News has 4 Black Podcast Award Nominations The Queer News podcast has been nominated for 4 awards at the sixth annual Black Podcasting Awards. The categories are 2025 Legend Award, Best Solo Host, Best LGBTQ Podcast, and Best News & Politics Podcast. The awards ceremony will be held on October 17th, 2025 in Baltimore.    This Week In Politics   Three Supreme Court Cases Targeting LGBTQ+ People Chiles v. Salazar will determine whether conversion therapy bans violate the free speech rights of therapists. Trump v. Orr is fighting the anti-trans passport policies and Little v. Hecox + West Virginia v. BPJ, both cases are about trans girls in sports. The ruling of all these cases could have detrimental impacts to the community in the future.    Chicago Ald. Jessie Fuentes Handcuffed by ICE  Alderperson Jesse Fuentes, one of nine LGBTQ alders in Chicago, was handcuffed inside a hospital by ICE for asking “Do you have a signed judicial warrant”? The federal agents weren't having it and aggressively placed the alderperson in handcuffs.    This Week In Entertainment and Culture   Inaugural BE. Gala Dawns 'A New Renaissance' of Black, LGBTQ Activism The BE gala was a fundraiser for the Center for Black Equity that celebrated Black LGBTQ+ activists, advocates and allies. Honorees included Dr. David Johns, Big Freedia & U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett to name a few.  Khalid Drops New Album Pop musician Khalid has released his new album titled “After the Sun Goes Down”. It is an ode to the pop icons that came before him such as Rihanna and Britany Spears, as well as his childhood self.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall.  Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

One year ago, the Purple Tie Affair was cancelled. Today, it stands as a testament to the power of resilience, community, and radical vision, raising an incredible $30,000 for Black queer media. In a deeply personal opening, Anna DeShawn pulls back the curtain on the emotional journey: from losing a major sponsor to rebuilding with grassroots support. She shares why this victory, powered by community, means more than any corporate check ever could. This powerful theme of "building your own table" is the perfect bridge to this week's conversation. Anna welcomes Dr. Jessica and Emily, the brilliant founders of Queer Quest, a revolutionary "unconference" creating a vital space for Black and Brown queer folks in STEM. They discuss the exhaustion of navigating the "ivory tower," the magic of fusing quantum physics with ancestral healing, and the urgent need for spaces that celebrate rest as resistance. This episode is a tribute to those who build their own tables: past, present, and future. Find links to everything discussed in the show notes, including: How to support trans icon Miss Major. Tickets and sponsorship for Queer Quest in Chicago. The incredible work of Task Force Prevention and Community Services. The history of Chicago legends Pat and Vera Washington. Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ 00:10    Anna celebrates raising $30,000      14:40    Queer Quest, a Multiverse of Rest & Resistance      🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Important Episode Links   Give to Miss Major fundly.com/missmajor    Sponsor a Ticket to Queer Quest https://oyanova.com/event/queer-quest-a-journey-to-self-discovery    Learn more about Task Force Prevention and Community Services  https://www.taskforcechicago.org/    Learn more about Pat & Vera https://www.chicagogayhistory.com/biography.php?id=633    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.  🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall.  Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. In top news, California lawmakers pass a bill to protect the medical data of Transgender people, a Bipartisan bill was introduced to reinstate the LGBTQIA+ suicide emergency hotline, and former Vice President Kamala Harris tells all in a new memoir detailing her 107 day presidential campaign. In culture & entertainment, Liniker, a trans artist, was nominated for 7 Latin grammy’s and a record breaking number of out queer people compete at the world championship and in the WNBA playoffs. Let’s get into it.  Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ 00:26    Welcome to Queer News      05:42    Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew         06:31    Queer News Headlines         07:20    California passes bill to protect the medical data of transgender people      09:44    Bipartisan Bill Seeks To Reinstate National Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ+ Youth         13:10    Rachel Maddow questions Kamala Harris on not picking Pete Buttigieg       19:05    Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com      19:36    Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/    mental-health-parity.html  20:07    Attend the 11th annual Purple Tie Affair: Concert & Silent Auction. Get your tickets here,   https://buytickets.at/e3radio/1781024/r/queer-news        20:43    Latin Grammy's first trans winner, Liniker, makes history again with 7 nominations       22:55    A Record Number Of Out Athletes Who Competed At The 2025 World Athletic Championships and WNBA playoffs 28:29    Anna's Got A Word      🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Important Episode Links Listen to Jim Verraro's New Album “Explicit” https://www.jimverrarosmusic.com/ 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   This Week In Politics   California passes bill to protect the medical data of transgender people In an effort to fight back, California lawmakers recently passed a bill to protect the medical data of transgender people. The bill stops healthcare providers from releasing gender-affirming care information via subpoenas based on other states’ laws targeting transgender individuals.    Bipartisan Bill Seeks To Reinstate National Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ+ Youth    In July Trump cut services for the youth LGBTQ suicide prevention hotline that was established in 2022. A new Bipartisan Bill from Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin and Republican Lisa Murkowski seeks to reinstate the hotline.   Rachel Maddow questions Kamala Harris on not picking Pete Buttigieg  On Rachel Maddow’s MSNBC show, she confronted Kamala Harris on not picking Pete Buttigieg as her running mate because he’s gay and Harris shares details from her new memoir detailing her 107 presidential campaign. This Week In Culture & Entertainment Latin Grammy's first trans winner, Liniker, makes history again with 7 nominations Brazilian singer and songwriter Liniker made history at the Latin Grammys with 7 nominations. She also made history back in 2022 as the first trans woman to win the grammy for best MPB album. The 26th Latin Grammy awards is set to air November 13th. A Record Number Of Out Athletes Who Competed At The 2025 World Athletic Championships and WNBA playoffs A record 13 out LGBTQ+ athletes competed on the world stage this year at the World Athletic Championships and 29 queer athletes are currently competing in the WNBA playoffs. We out here and doing it well.  🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall.  Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.  

Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. In top news, The Okra Project Expands Nationwide with BetterHelp to Deliver Free Mental Health Care for Black Trans Communities. In politics, In a 6-3 vote the Supreme Court declined to immediately overrule a lower court’s block on South Carolina’s bathroom ban law, Texas A&M president steps down after upheaval over classroom video. In culture & entertainment, Jason Collins, the man who made history as the first openly gay player in the NBA, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and Se7en Bites owner Trina Gregory turned 49 parking spots outside her restaurant into a dazzling rainbow in direct protest to Florida crackdown on rainbow crosswalks. Let’s get into it.  Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   00:26    Welcome to Queer News      02:38    Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew         02:54    Queer News Headlines         03:33    U.S. Supreme Court sides with transgender student over bathroom use for now.      06:30    Texas A&M president is stepping down after upheaval over classroom video.  09:25    Parking spots used as colorful protest against Florida crackdown on rainbow crosswalks 12:13    Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com       12:44    Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html      13:16    Attend the 11th annual Purple Tie Affair: Concert & Silent Auction. Get your tickets here,   https://buytickets.at/e3radio/1781024/r/queer-news        13:54    Jason Collins, who made history as the first openly gay player in the NBA.  16:40    The Okra Project Expands Nationwide with BetterHelp to Deliver Free Mental Health Care for Black Trans Communities  19:20    Anna's Got A Word    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Important Episode Links Apply for the Okra Project x BetterHelp partnership https://theokraproject.com/programs    Help Support Our Children's Literature Colleague https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-our-childrens-literature-colleague 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Top Story   The Okra Project Expands Nationwide with BetterHelp to Deliver Free Mental Health Care for Black Trans Communities In a brand new partnership with BetterHelp, the Okra Project expands their free/low cost mental health care nationwide for Black trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive communities. The Okra Project is a mutual aid collective focused on supporting Black Trans people and alleviating the barriers that our community faces.   This Week In Politics   U.S. Supreme Court sides with transgender student over bathroom use for now. In a 6-3 vote the Supreme Court declined to immediately overrule a lower court’s block on South Carolina’s bathroom ban law. The 3 justices that would have voted in favor of the state are Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch. The student at the center of the case was suspended for using the boys’ restroom prompting his parents to sue.   Texas A&M president is stepping down after upheaval over classroom video. In an update to last week's story about the professor fired from Texas A&M, The president of the university has stepped down because of the upheaval this incident has caused.    This Week In Culture & Entertainment Jason Collins, who made history as the first openly gay player in the NBA. Jason Collins, the man who made history as the first openly gay player in the NBA, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Collins made history in 2013 when he came out publicly while being an active player in the NBA. His NBA career spans 13 seasons across 6 different teams. Collins is currently undergoing treatment.   Parking spots used as colorful protest against Florida crackdown on rainbow crosswalks Se7en Bites owner Trina Gregory turned 49 parking spots outside her restaurant into a dazzling rainbow in direct protest to Florida crackdown on rainbow crosswalks. She was inspired by the protestors who continue to color in the pulse crosswalk with chalk after it was painted black by the state in compliance with an executive order from the Trump Administration.  🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall.  Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.  

Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. In politics, Denver public schools stand up to the Trump administration, a Texas A&M literature professor of more than 10 years was wrongfully terminated from her job. In culture & entertainment, an underground death doula network in Michigan is ensuring that LGBTQIA+ people die with dignity, Tramell Tillman makes history at the Emmy’s, after 5 years Saucy Santana’s Material Girl goes gold, and the WNBA playoffs have started! To close out the episode during Anna’s Got a Word, Anna talks about Charlie Kirk and asks us “Whose Side Are You On”? Let’s get into it.  Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ 00:26    Welcome to Queer News      02:39    Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew         03:07    Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502      03:26    Queer News Headlines         04:04    Denver Schools Defy Trump’s Trans Bathroom Ban      06:44    Texas A&M fires professor over gender-identity lesson      10:10    Meet the “Death Doulas” helping LGBTQ+ people die with dignity  13:20    Attend the 11th annual Purple Tie Affair: Concert & Silent Auction. Get your tickets here,   https://buytickets.at/e3radio/1781024/r/queer-news        13:54    Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html      14:30    Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com      14:50    Tramell Tillman Makes History at the Emmy’s      16:38    Saucy Santana Goes Gold      18:04    WNBA Playoffs Have Started      19:33    Anna's Got A Word        🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Important Episode Links Listen to Jim Verraro's New Album “Explicit” https://www.jimverrarosmusic.com/ 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   This Week In Politics   Denver Schools Defy Trump’s Trans Bathroom Ban Denver Public Schools reject the Trump administration’s demands to implement “trans bathroom bans”. The Superintendent declares that the district “will protect all of their students from this hostile administration.” Trump threatens to withhold federal funding if his demands aren’t met.   Texas A&M fires professor over gender-identity lesson Moments in the professor's literature course were captured on social media of the professor speaking about gender and sexuality before being interrupted by a student stating it’s illegal to teach about those things.   This Week In Culture & Entertainment Meet the “Death Doulas” helping LGBTQ+ people die with dignity A network of Death Doulas in Michigan have made it their mission to assist the elderly members of the LGBTQIA+ community prepare for the very thing that awaits all of us. Death. Tramell Tillman Makes History at the Emmy’s Travell Tillman wins best supporting actor in a drama series becoming the first Black man and first Black gay man to do so. His acceptance speech was a heartwarming and loving dedication to his mother.  Saucy Santana Goes Gold Material girls where y’all at? Iconic Rapper Saucy Santana has received his first RCAA Gold Certification for his 2020 hit "Material Girl”. Sanata shared the news on social media and thanked his team in a heartwarming post.  Congratulations to Sauncy Santana and his team. WNBA Playoffs Have Started Round one of the WNBA playoffs are underway and the games did not disappoint. Minnesota, Atlanta, New York, and Las Vegas came out on top in game one but to know the W is to know those other teams are not done just yet.    Anna’s Got a Word  Whose side are you on? That’s the question Anna raises as she discusses the murder of Charlie Kirk.    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall. Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.  

Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. In top news, Pope Leo plans to continue the welcoming tradition of Pope Frances for LGBTQ folks. In politics, Texas state representatives decide to take their state mandated police escorts to a gay bar. And down in Florida, Floridians are being arrested for coloring in the Pulse memorial rainbow crosswalk. In culture & entertainment, beloved social media icon Raymond Harper aka Rolling Ray passed away at 28, actress Chloë Grace Moretz and model Kate Harrison got married over the Labor Day weekend and the StudBudz are still winning and this time in Vogue no less. Let’s get into it.  Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right. 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   00:26    Welcome to Queer News      01:31    Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew         02:21    Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op50 02:46    Queer News Headlines         03:40    Pope Leo plans to welcome LGBTQ folks      06:24    Texas Republicans assigned troopers to tail this out lawmaker. He dragged them to a gay bar.      09:41    Florida Is Arresting People For Using Rainbow Chalk on Crosswalks Now      12:24    Attend the 11th annual Purple Tie Affair: Concert & Silent Auction. Get your tickets here,   https://buytickets.at/e3radio/1781024/r/queer-news   13:00    Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html 13:30    Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com   14:00    Rolling Ray has passed away at age 28  15:53    Chloë Grace Moretz And Kate Harrison Are Married      17:10    The Studbudz are in Vogue!      21:00    Anna's Got A Word   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Important Episode Links   Listen to Jim Verraro's New Album “Explicit” https://www.jimverrarosmusic.com/ 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ This Week In Politics   Pope Leo plans to welcome LGBTQ folks On September 1st Pope Leo met with prominent advocates for greater LGBTQ inclusion in the Catholic Church just days before a Holy Year pilgrimage of LGBTQ Catholics to the Vatican. This is a good sign of Pope Leo continuing Pope Francis’s journey to make the Catholic Church a more welcoming place for LGBTQ Catholics.   Texas Republicans assigned troopers to tail this out lawmaker. He dragged them to a gay bar. Texas state Rep. Venton Jones and Democratic state Rep. Terry Meza met at the Dallas gay bar the Rose Room to meet with the Stonewall Democrats of Dallas with their police escorts in tow. The police's escorts were court ordered after Texas lawmakers fled the state to deny a quorum to Republican legislative leaders attempting to redistrict the state.   Florida Is Arresting People For Using Rainbow Chalk on Crosswalks Now Many people were arrested for coloring the Pulse memorial sidewalk over the weekend. This comes after the State of Florida painted over the colorful mural overnight with no communication to the general public. Mind you , there’s no probable cause for these arrests, and most people are released the next day. Protestors continue to return to the mural to breathe color back into the beautiful piece created to memorialize those lives lost during the tragic massacre that took place at the night club.   This Week In Culture & Entertainment Rolling Ray has passed away at age 28 Beloved social media star Raymond Harper aka Rolling Ray sadly passed away at the young age of 28 just two days before his 29th birthday. Rolling Ray was known for many viral moments on social media and reality tv.   Chloë Grace Moretz And Kate Harrison Are Married The Actress and Model duo happily wed over the Labor Day weekend in a private ceremony. Vogue Magazine captured the final fitting before their wedding where the happy couple reflected on the trajectory of their relationship.   The Studbudz are in Vogue! Studbudz stars Courtney Williams and Natisha “T” Hiedeman continue to win. This time by gracing the pages of Vogue Magazine. They not only look fly but they share how their friendship began, how they sustain it and how they’ve been handling all this new found success.    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall.  Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn is still celebrating her birthday so we’re bringing you something special, a Chicago connection that runs deep. She sat down with singer-songwriter Jim Verraros, who you may remember from the very first season of American Idol, where he made history as the first openly gay contestant on national TV back in 2002. In this candid conversation, Jim reflects on coming out at a time when queer visibility was scarce, the pressures and trauma of reality TV, and how representation has shifted in the 20 years since. We talk about Nico Lang’s Rolling Stone exposé on queer Idol contestants, the resilience it takes to return to music after 15 years, and Jim’s brand new album Explicit.This is a story about survival, reinvention, and the power of queer joy. Let’s get into it.  Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   00:26    Welcome to Queer News      07:18    Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com 07:50    Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.htm 08:20    Jim Verraros Interview         🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Important Episode Links   Listen to Jim Verraro's New Album “Explicit” https://www.jimverrarosmusic.com/ 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall.  Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. In politics, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker launches IL Pride Connect, the nation’s first statewide LGBTQIA+ resource hub and legal hotline. Meanwhile, the Trump administration plans to ban transgender healthcare for federal workers in 2026 and promotes conversion therapy as an alternative. In Florida, officials erase the Pulse nightclub rainbow crosswalk in the middle of the night. On the culture front, Lil Nas X faces legal and health challenges, Billy Porter steps into beauty with Black Mona Lisa Beauty, and conservatives blame LGBTQ folks over the Cracker Barrel logo change. Let’s get into it.  Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ 00:26    Welcome to Queer News      02:00    Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew         03:15    Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502  03:38    Queer News Headlines         04:44    Illinois is the nation’s first statewide LGBTQIA+ resource hub and legal hotline      08:55    Trump Plans to Ban Trans Healthcare for Federal Employees in 2026      14:10    Ron DeSantis Removes Pulse Crosswalk      19:10    Queer News is on Vinyl - Order Yours Today! Ordering closes on August 31st.  https://certifiedcrucial.com/product/podcast_salon_lp_2025      19:32    City Services Are Coming to Your Neighborhood, Learn more at www.chicityclerk.com/MCH                20:08    Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html         20:24    Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com       21:16    Lil Nas X Hospitalized After Walking LA Naked      25:00    Billy Porter Launches Beauty Line      26:59    Cracker Barrel Logo Controversy  30:27    Anna's Got A Word            🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Important Episode Links   IL Pride Connect Resource Hub https://www.ilprideconnect.org    Billy Porter’s Beauty Line: Black Mona Lisa Beauty  https://www.blackmonalisabeauty.com    Queer News is on Vinyl - Order Yours Today! Ordering closes on August 31st.  https://certifiedcrucial.com/product/podcast_salon_lp_2025/    Listen to Jim Verraro's New Album “Explicit” https://www.jimverrarosmusic.com/ 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ This Week In Politics   Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. In politics, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker launches IL Pride Connect, the nation’s first statewide LGBTQIA+ resource hub and legal hotline. Meanwhile, the Trump administration plans to ban transgender healthcare for federal workers in 2026 and promotes conversion therapy as an alternative. In Florida, officials erase the Pulse nightclub rainbow crosswalk in the middle of the night. On the culture front, Lil Nas X faces legal and health challenges, Billy Porter steps into beauty with Black Mona Lisa Beauty, and conservatives blame LGBTQ folks over the Cracker Barrel logo change. Let’s get into it.  Illinois is the nation’s first statewide LGBTQIA+ resource hub and legal hotline: Illinois takes a bold step forward as Governor JB Pritzker launches IL Pride Connect, the first statewide LGBTQIA+ resource hub and legal hotline. At a time when federal rights are under attack, Illinois is showing what true allyship looks like. Visit https://www.ilprideconnect.org. Trump Plans to Ban Trans Healthcare for Federal Employees in 2026:The Trump administration delivers a devastating blow by planning to ban gender-affirming healthcare coverage for 10 million federal employees. To make matters worse, they’re promoting conversion therapy as the alternative, a move widely condemned by medical and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Ron DeSantis Removes Pulse Crosswalk: In the middle of the night, Florida officials painted over the rainbow crosswalk honoring Pulse nightclub victims. The quiet erasure is being called a hateful act that disrespects the lives lost and the community that still mourns. This Week In Culture & Entertainment Lil Nas X Hospitalized After Walking LA Naked: Lil Nas X, the groundbreaking artist who has carried queer visibility into hip hop, is now facing both legal and health challenges. His struggles remind us of the immense pressure that comes with fame, especially as a young, openly queer Black artist. Billy Porter Launches Beauty Line: Billy Porter continues to break barriers with the launch of Black Mona Lisa Beauty. More than makeup, it’s a declaration of joy, artistry, and unapologetic Black queer brilliance. Cracker Barrel Logo Controversy: Conservatives have turned their outrage toward Cracker Barrel over something as small as a new logo. Somehow, they’ve managed to twist it into another attack on the LGBTQ+ community because of course they did.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.    Editing by Ryan Woodhall. Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.  

Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. In politics, we celebrate Massachusetts’ Shield Act 2.0 expanding protections for abortion and gender-affirming care, while keeping a close eye on a Supreme Court case threatening marriage equality. In culture and entertainment, a Black lesbian couple survives a racially charged roadside attack in Virginia, UCLA stands firm against the Trump administration amidst pressure to roll back trans rights, and fashion legend Rick Owens launches an OnlyFans page with proceeds supporting a trans shelter in France. Let’s get into it.  Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   00:26    Welcome to Queer News      02:01    Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew         02:42    Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502  03:04    Queer News Headlines         04:00    Massachusetts Signs Shield Act 2.0 Into Law      08:00    The Supreme Court’s Same-Sex Marriage Threat      14:58    Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://register.focalpoint4u.com/focalpoint4u      15:50    Queer News is on Vinyl - Order Yours Today! Ordering closes on August 31st.  https://certifiedcrucial.com/product/podcast_salon_lp_2025/            16:22    Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html             16:36    City Services Are Coming to Your Neighborhood, Learn more at www.chicityclerk.com/MCH        17:12    Black lesbians attacked in Virginia      20:46    UCLA vs. Trump Administration      23:07    Rick Owens OnlyFans for Charity      25:31    Anna's Got A Word          🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Important Episode Links   The War on Obergefell - Under the Desk News https://underthedesknews.substack.com/p/the-war-on-obergefell   How To Save Gay Marriage - Under the Desk News https://youtu.be/hOhIHdmnBM0?si=_8uaHejJXKk_dd0t   Survived a Hate Crime — Now We’re Fighting to Heal https://www.gofundme.com/f/survived-a-hate-crime-now-were-fighting-to-heal    Queer News is on Vinyl - Order Yours Today! Ordering closes on August 31st.  https://certifiedcrucial.com/product/podcast_salon_lp_2025/    Listen to Jim Verraro's New Album “Explicit” https://www.jimverrarosmusic.com/ 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ This Week In Politics   Massachusetts Signs Shield Act 2.0 Into Law: Governor Maura Healey signs legislation expanding protections for abortion and gender-affirming care. The Shield Act 2.0 updates the state’s original shield law to safeguard patients and providers from out-of-state investigations or prosecutions. The Supreme Court’s Same-Sex Marriage Threat: The Supreme Court has been formally asked to overturn same-sex marriage. While lower courts have consistently upheld the law, the Respect for Marriage Act provides some federal protections, but now it’s time to make sure all legal paperwork is in order.   This Week In Culture & Entertainment Black lesbians attacked in Virginia: A Black lesbian couple, Amylah Majors and Jamaria Gaskins, survive a racially charged roadside attack. They’ve started a GoFundMe for medical bills and recovery costs. UCLA vs. Trump Administration: UCLA resists federal pressure to roll back trans rights and diversity programs, standing firm against demands that other universities have already met. The standoff highlights the high stakes for students and faculty, as 300 federal grants remain frozen and the outcome could set a precedent for how public universities defend LGBTQ+ protections nationwide. Rick Owens OnlyFans for Charity: Fashion designer Rick Owens has launched an OnlyFans page featuring videos of his feet, with every dollar going to support La Maison d’Alanah, a trans shelter in France. He’s blending art, activism, and creativity to support LGBTQ+ youth.    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall.  Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

Family, this week on Queer News we start with good news from around the world where LGBTQ rights are being affirmed. Here in the U.S., the Air Force’s betrays trans service members by promising benefits and now denying them. We also honor the legacy of Chicago activist Lori Cannon and spotlight New York City’s groundbreaking homeless shelter for transgender adults. Plus, we unpack the bizarre crypto prank disrupting WNBA games nationwide. Join Anna DeShawn for Queer News Done Right.Let’s get into it.  Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   00:26    Welcome to Queer News      01:48    Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502       02:03    Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew         02:30    Queer News Headlines         03:28    We Celebrate Global LGBTQ+ Wins      06:20    The Air Force Betrays U.S. Military Transgender Service Members      10:20    Lori Cannon      13:26    Queer News is on Vinyl - Order Yours Today! Ordering closes on August 31st.  https://certifiedcrucial.com/product/podcast_salon_lp_2025/          13:58    Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html        14:13    City Services Are Coming to Your Neighborhood, Learn more at www.chicityclerk.com/MCH       14:50    NYC Opens First Trans Shelter      16:55    Corey Antonio is Back to talk Whitney Houston with M. Mick Powell, author of Dead Girl Cameo: A Love Song in Poems     20:42    WNBA Green Sex Toy Saga Was a Crypto Prank      22:59    Anna's Got A Word             🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Important Episode Links   Queer News is on Vinyl - Order Yours Today! Ordering closes on August 31st.  https://certifiedcrucial.com/product/podcast_salon_lp_2025/    Listen to Jim Verraro's New Album “Explicit” https://www.jimverrarosmusic.com/   Corey Antonio’s Substack - what’s the tea? https://coreyantonio.substack.com/    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ This Week In Politics   We Celebrate Global LGBTQ+ Wins: Cuba passes a groundbreaking law allowing transgender people to legally change their gender marker without surgery; Saint Lucia’s High Court decriminalizes same-sex activity after years of struggle; the Church in Wales elects Cherry Vann, its first openly lesbian Archbishop. The Air Force Betrays U.S. Military Transgender Service Members: The Air Force reverses approved early retirement benefits for transgender personnel, forcing them out without full benefits, a move many call a betrayal of those who served honorably.  Lori Cannon: The community mourns Lori Cannon, co-founder of ACT UP Chicago and Open Hand Chicago, a tireless advocate during the AIDS crisis and beyond.   This Week In Culture & Entertainment NYC Opens First Trans Shelter: Ace’s Place, the nation’s first publicly funded homeless shelter for transgender and gender-nonconforming adults, opens its doors offering housing and critical support services. Corey Antonio is Back to talk Whitney Houston: We’re shining a spotlight on some powerful storytelling this week with Corey Antonio of NPR, who chats with M. Mick Powell, author of Dead Girl Cameo: A Love Song in Poems. Powell honors the Black women we’ve lost in music and entertainment, mixing deep research with personal stories. On Whitney Houston’s birthday, they dive into her legacy in a beautiful tribute. WNBA Green Sex Toy Saga Was a Crypto Prank: The strange saga of the “green dildo coin” — crypto bros’ viral stunt disrupting WNBA games to boost a meme coin’s value, sparking legal consequences and plenty of disbelief.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall.  Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

Family, this week on Queer News we’re watching blue states draw a legal line in the sand as they sue the Trump administration for attacking gender-affirming care. In a major win for reproductive justice, a federal judge blocks efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. In culture and entertainment, we celebrate the crowning of the first King of Drag, bid farewell to Dinah Shore founder Mariah Hanson, and get a much-needed laugh from TS Madison and Laverne Cox on Family Feud. Plus, I bring you Baldwin’s words, wisdom, and rage as we celebrate his birthday. Let’s get into it. Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   00:26    Welcome to Queer News      01:33    Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew         02:09    Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 02:36    Queer News Headlines         03:29    Blue States Sue Trump Administration Over Trans Health Care Attacks      08:28    Judge Blocks Trump’s Attempt to Defund Planned Parenthood  11:56    Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html       12:26    Buy an Ad campaign, email info @ e3radio dot FM         12:56    Queer News Tip - The Office Type Game, https://www.heavythoughtstudios.com/projects       13:59    King Molasses Wins Revry’s ‘King of Drag’      16:33    TS Madison & Laverne Cox Make History on Family Feud      18:48    Dinah Shore Bids Farewell to Founder Mariah Hanson      21:10    James Baldwin’s Birthday and Words That Still Inspire Us          🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Important Episode Links   Watch Revry TV’s King of Drag https://www.revry.tv    Get your tickets to Dinah Shore https://thedinah.com/  Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ 📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ This Week In Politics Blue States Sue Trump Administration Over Trans Health Care Attacks Over a dozen blue states filed a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration’s intimidation campaign aimed at shutting down gender-affirming care for minors even in states where it’s legal and protected. Attorney General Letitia James calls it what it is: unconstitutional bullying. Judge Blocks Trump’s Attempt to Defund Planned Parenthood In a major reproductive justice win, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, rules the Trump administration cannot cut Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood. Her ruling protects care for over 1 million patients and calls the law “legislative punishment.” This Week In Culture & Entertainment King Molasses Wins Revry’s ‘King of Drag’ Revry’s groundbreaking new drag competition crowns its first king, King Molasses. He’s bold, bearded, brilliant and finally giving drag kings their long-overdue shine. TS Madison & Laverne Cox Make History on Family Feud Team Laverne becomes the first all-trans team on Family Feud, raising money for the TS Madison Starter House. Cultural joy at its finest! Dinah Shore Bids Farewell to Founder Mariah Hanson After 34 years, Mariah Hanson is stepping down. This year’s festival is a star-studded celebration of lesbian visibility and legacy. James Baldwin’s Birthday and Words That Still Inspire Us We remember Baldwin on what would’ve been his 101st birthday with some of his most powerful quotes about justice, change, reading, and rage. His legacy remains our compass.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall.  Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

Episode Description: Family, in politics this week on the Queer News podcast we talk about the U.S. Olympic Committee falling in line with Trump's executive order, George Santos is headed to prison and we honor the lives of Dream Johnson and poet Andrea Gibson. In culture and entertainment, Raheem DeVaughn stands up for Black women living with HIV, artist Amy Sherald pulls her work from the Smithsonian because of anti-trans censorship, and Laverne Cox opens up about a deeply personal love story with a right-wing Trump supporter. Let’s get into it.  Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   00:26    Welcome to Queer News      01:27    Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew         01:59    Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502      02:31    Queer News Headlines         03:15    George Santos Heads to Prison      05:56    Olympics Enforce Trump’s Ban on Trans Women in Sports      09:26    We Speak Her Name: Dream Johnson     10:47    Poet Andrea Gibson Dies at 47  13:00    Support Artis, https://www.gofundme.com/f/stand-with-artis-aid-for-brandi-and-brittany        13:44    Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html  14:14    Buy an Ad campaign, email info @ e3radio dot FM           14:44    Raheem DeVaughn Advocates for Black Women with HIV      18:49    Amy Sherald Pulls Art from Smithsonian in Protest      21:32    Laverne Cox Shares Her Love Story      24:04    Anna's Got A Word        🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Important Episode Links   Support Andie's Recovery from Anti-Trans Attack https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-andies-recovery-from-antitrans-attack   Support Andie's Recovery from Anti-Trans Attack https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-andies-recovery-from-antitrans-attack   A World AIDS Day Special: Shine a Light on It: Black Women, HIV & its Impact https://e3radio.fm/61uu    🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ 📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.  📢 Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  This Week In Politics 🛑 Olympics Enforce Trump’s Ban on Trans Women in Sports The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee says it will comply with a Trump executive order, effectively banning trans women from competing in women’s sports. ⚖️ George Santos Heads to Prison The former Congressman check-in to prison to begin serving his 87 month sentence for wire fraud, identity theft, and campaign finance charges. 🕊️ We Speak Her Name: Dream Johnson Dream Johnson, a 28 year old Black trans woman was fatally shot in Washington, DC adding to the devastating list of trans people lost to violence in 2025. ✍🏾 Poet Andrea Gibson Dies at 47 The award-winning, nonbinary spoken word poet who inspired a generation passed away from ovarian cancer. Their words and impact will live on. This Week In Culture & Entertainment 🧬 Raheem DeVaughn Advocates for Black Women with HIV During a press briefing, the R&B artist used his platform to highlight the realities Black women face when living with HIV. 🖼️ Amy Sherald Pulls Art from Smithsonian in Protest The celebrated Black artist removes her work from the Smithsonian amid controversy over an exhibit’s censoring of trans content. 💔 Laverne Cox Shares Her Love Story The Emmy-nominated actress and advocate opens up about a deeply emotional and complicated love story, one that has the comments on fire. 🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall.  Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

Family, this is your favorite queer radio personality Anna DeShawn and you’re listening to Queer News, your weekly pod where race & sexuality meet politics, culture, and entertainment. Only on E3 Radio. This week, I’m coming to you with a heart full of gratitude and a story full of hope. Amidst a chaotic week caring for my family, a bright moment stopped me in my tracks: Lambda Legal won a massive legal victory that restored $6.2 million in funding to LGBTQ+ and HIV organizations. I knew we had to talk about it. So I sat down with Jose Abrigo, Lambda’s HIV Project Director, to break it all down. Because even when the world feels heavy, there’s still good news worth celebrating. Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   00:26    Welcome to Queer News      05:53    Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew         07:08    Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html   07:44    Support Artis, https://www.gofundme.com/f/stand-with-artis-aid-for-brandi-and-brittany   07:51 Buy an Ad campaign, email info @ e3radio dot FM   08:20    Lambda Legal Win with Jose Abrigo        🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ 📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.  📢 Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall.  Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.  

Episode Description: Family, this week on Queer News, Anna DeShawn honors the life of Jewel Thais-Williams, a Black lesbian pioneer who built spaces that saved our lives. In politics, Wisconsin’s Supreme Court clears the way to finally ban conversion therapy, while a sobering new report reveals foundation funding for LGBTQ+ causes has plummeted nearly 20%. In culture & entertainment, Artis restaurant keeps fighting to stay open, American Airlines refuses to back down under conservative pressure, and BET+ debuts House on Fire, a docuseries spotlighting the legendary House of Miyake Mugler.  Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   00:26    Welcome to Queer News      01:55    Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew         02:21    Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502  02:42    Queer News Headlines         03:24    Honoring Jewel Thais-Williams      07:47    Funding for LGBTQ+ Organizations Plummets      11:40    Wisconsin Supreme Court Clears Path to Ban Conversion Therapy      14:18    Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html   15:05    Artis Restaurant Still Fighting to Stay Open      16:47    American Airlines Refuses to Fold Under Pressure      19:00    BET+ Debuts House on Fire      21:30    Anna's Got A Word             🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Politics ✨ Honoring Jewel Thais-Williams We remember the matriarch Jewel Thais-Williams, who opened Jewel’s Catch One in 1973, the first Black-owned LGBTQ+ nightclub in Los Angeles and one of the first in the country. Her club became a refuge for Black, Brown, trans, and queer people during a time of police raids and exclusion. Beyond nightlife, she founded the Minority AIDS Project, opened Rue’s House for women and children living with HIV/AIDS, and brought holistic health care to underrepresented communities. Jewel passed away at 86, but her legacy of love, resistance, and safe spaces lives on. 📉 Funding for LGBTQ+ Organizations Plummets A new report from Funders for LGBTQ Issues shows foundation support dropped nearly 20% in 2023 — about $49 million. Factoring in inflation, it’s closer to 22%. Funding for Black LGBTQ+ communities fell by 41%, for trans communities by 24%, and for youth by 42%. Major funders even chose to stay anonymous for fear of federal backlash. It’s a reminder: our liberation needs resources, and sometimes, as history shows, we have to save ourselves. ⚖️ Wisconsin Supreme Court Clears Path to Ban Conversion Therapy In a 4–3 ruling, Wisconsin’s Supreme Court stopped lawmakers from blocking a ban on conversion therapy, calling out the Legislature’s overreach. This decision not only protects LGBTQ+ youth but also strengthens the executive branch’s power to enact protections in areas like public health and the environment. A reminder that our fight isn’t only cultural, it’s structural. Culture & Entertainment 🍽️ Artis Restaurant Still Fighting to Stay Open After the tragic shooting outside Artis, a Black lesbian-owned restaurant, the owners are fighting aldermanic efforts to close them down. They’re asking us to call the alderman’s office and support them, and there’s also a GoFundMe to help cover mounting business costs while they can’t operate. Our safe spaces matter — and they deserve to stay.  ✈️ American Airlines Refuses to Fold Under Pressure Conservatives tried to pressure American Airlines into leaving the Human Rights Campaign’s Equality Index, claiming inclusion hurts business. But the airline’s shareholders overwhelmingly rejected that idea, and the board doubled down on their commitment to LGBTQ+ employees and customers, including sponsoring Dallas Pride again this year. 🏠 BET+ Debuts House on Fire The new docuseries follows the legendary House of Miyake Mugler, capturing the beauty, struggle, and truth of ballroom culture. For many networks, these stories felt “too risky,” but BET+ invested in telling them. As house members say, this visibility is a sign that change is happening — and it matters deeply to Black and Brown queer communities.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ 📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.  📢 Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall.  Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

This week on Queer News, Anna DeShawn is holding space for the hard and the hopeful as Iowa becomes the first state to strip gender identity from civil rights protections, and UPenn caves to Trump’s threats, erasing Lia Thomas’ NCAA wins. We hear about the family of Chyna Long, a Black trans woman, finally getting some justice in court. Then there’s resilience too: nearly 100,000 march for Pride in Budapest despite a government ban, Noah’s Arc: The Movie makes Black queer history on Paramount+, and Chicago’s Artis restaurant fights to stay open after tragedy. From heartbreak to historic wins, let’s get into it. Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   00:26    Welcome to Queer News      01:54    Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew         02:31    Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502      02:50    Queer News Headlines         03:35    Iowa is First to Remove Gender Identity from Civil Rights Code      05:50    Chyna Long’s Murdered is Sentenced in Milwaukee      08:32    UPenn Erases Lia Thomas’ NCAA Titles Under Trump Pressure      12:40    RSVP for Black Sex Series, https://events.eventnoire.com/e/black-sex-series    13:20    Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html  13:36    Howard Brown is on the South Side too, https://howardbrown.org/service/community-testing-sites-outreach-services/      14:16    100,000 March in Budapest Pride, Defying Government Ban      16:13    Chicago’s Artis Restaurant Faces Closure After Mass Shooting      19:30    Noah’s Arc: The Movie Makes Streaming History    21:26    Anna's Got A Word       🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Politics ⚖️ Iowa is First to Remove Gender Identity from Civil Rights Code After nearly two decades, Iowa lawmakers reversed protections, making it legal to fire, evict, or deny service to trans people. Medicaid will no longer cover gender-affirming care, and birth certificates must match sex assigned at birth erasing visibility and safety for trans Iowans. 🩺 UPenn Erases Lia Thomas’ NCAA Titles Under Trump Pressure Facing threats to freeze $175 million in research funding, UPenn caved, stripping Lia Thomas’ titles and banning trans women athletes from women’s spaces. Advocates say this isn’t about fairness, but about erasure. 🕊️ Chyna Long’s Murdered is Sentenced in Milwaukee Two years after she was murdered, the man responsible has been sentenced to 50 years. Chyna’s family remembers her joy and truth, knowing nothing will bring her back but hoping this stops future violence. Culture & Entertainment 🏳️‍🌈 100,000 March in Budapest Pride, Defying Government Ban Despite threats, surveillance, and fines, LGBTQ+ Hungarians and allies marched in their largest Pride ever reminding the world that Pride began as resistance. 🍽️ Chicago’s Artis Restaurant Faces Closure After Mass Shooting After tragedy struck outside this Black lesbian-owned safe space, city officials push to close it down. The community is rallying to keep Artis’ doors open and protect what it stands for. 🎬 Noah’s Arc: The Movie Makes Streaming History The first all-Black gay film to break into Paramount+’s Top 10, proving again the hunger and need for authentic Black queer stories.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ 📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.  📢 Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall.  Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

Family, this is your favorite queer radio personality Anna DeShawn, and this is Queer News — your favorite weekly news pod where race & sexuality meet politics, culture, and entertainment. This week, we’re wrapping up Pride month with headlines you need to know: the Supreme Court keeps lifesaving HIV prevention free under the Affordable Care Act, Chicago is officially named the #1 safest travel destination for LGBTQ folks, and Netflix drops a powerful new documentary honoring ballroom legend Venus Xtravaganza. From legal wins to cultural milestones, let’s get into it. Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66 🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   00:26    Welcome to Queer News      01:46    Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew         02:15    Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502      02:35    Queer News Headlines         03:11    Supreme Court Ends Term with a Split      06:08    Delaware Declares Itself a Sanctuary for Trans Care      07:56    Gina Ortiz Jones Makes History      09:00    Community Voices at Senator Mike Simmons’ Pride Press Conference      13:30    Sidetrack Could Make History Again — This Time at O’Hare      16:30    Chicago Crowned #1 Safest LGBTQ Travel Destination      18:18    Netflix’s ‘I Am Venus’ Honors Venus Xtravaganza      19:50    Anna's Got A Word        🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Politics ⚖️ Supreme Court Ends Term with a Split The court ruled parents can pull kids from classes with LGBTQ themes, a move critics call state-sanctioned censorship. But in a separate ruling, the Court upheld free HIV preventive care under the Affordable Care Act — a win for LGBTQ health.  Delaware Declares Itself a Sanctuary for Trans Care Governor Matt Meyer signs an executive order blocking other states from targeting trans youth, protecting medical privacy and refusing extradition. 🌈 Gina Ortiz Jones Makes History San Antonio elects its first lesbian mayor — in the 7th largest city in the U.S. — proving representation matters in every zip code. Community Voices at Senator Mike Simmons’ Pride Press Conference At Chicago’s Gerber Hart Library & Archives, activists like Precious Brady Davis, TPAN, Rayo Clinic and more came together to share visions for mental health, safety, and holistic LGBTQ care. Culture & Entertainment 🍹 Sidetrack Could Make History Again — This Time at O’Hare The legendary gay bar bids to open in Terminal 1, showing just how far LGBTQ visibility has come from raids and fake names to airport gates. 🏳️‍🌈 Chicago Crowned #1 Safest LGBTQ Travel Destination According to Misterb&b’s 2025 Queer Safety Index, our city beats out Seattle, San Francisco and more — thanks to policy, protections, and an unshakable sense of belonging. 🎥 Netflix’s ‘I Am Venus’ Honors Venus Xtravaganza Decades after her tragic death, this new documentary shines light on the ballroom icon’s story and the family and community still seeking justice.   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨ 📣 Stay Connected Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews  Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates! Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.  📢 Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm   🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to our YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/@e3radio  🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨   About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod every Monday by 9am CT.    Edited by Ryan Woodhall.  Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.