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Welcome back to Lez Hang Out, the podcast that needs everyone to drop what they’re doing and watch Heated Rivalry right now.

This week, co-hosts Leigh (@lshfoster) and Ellie (@elliebrigida) hang out and talk about the worldwide phenomenon that is Heated Rivalry. Whether or not you’ve actually watched a single episode of the show or read the book the series is based on, you’ve definitely heard of these gay hockey boys. Queer shows so rarely make it into the mainstream, and Heated Rivalry has managed to do so in a big way. So big in fact that the lead actors, Hudson Williams (Shane) and Connor Storrie (Ilya) were chosen as official torchbearers for the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony! Even NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani has openly promoted the book series, encouraging New Yorkers to stay home and read the romance during the recent major snowstorm. While we wish lesbians could have our own Heated Rivalry moment, we have to admit that we’re really loving the show and what it is doing for queer representation, especially in the realm of men’s professional sports. 

We can’t talk about Heated Rivalry without talking about the shadow of homophobia that persists for male athletes, causing most to wait until their professional careers have ended to come out of the closet, if they come out at all. The NHL is actually the only men’s pro-league that still has never had a player (current or retired) come out as gay. So, this story centering on gay male hockey players is a really important push for representation in a sport that remains heavily steeped in a culture of homophobia and toxic masculinity.

While one viral series isn’t going to immediately change that culture, it is impossible to overstate the impact that its massive popularity is having on the sports world. Conservative sports podcaster bros are having to watch the show to discuss it with their listeners, because it has become too huge for even them to ignore. Closeted athletes are being inspired to come out publically following the success of the series, including hockey player Jesse Kortuem who was personally thanked for his bravery by none other than Hudson Williams (Shane) himself. We’re amazed seeing all the positive impacts that a series with only 6 episodes has already made in the queer community and beyond and truly cannot wait to see where Season 2 takes us. 

Don’t forget to show your support for our tiny independent team by shopping small at bit.ly/lezmerch & picking up Lez-ssentials songs on Bandcamp.

Give us your own answers to our Q & Gay on Instagram and follow along on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and BlueSky @lezhangoutpod. Email us @[email protected]. Connect with us individually: Ellie Brigida (@elliebrigida). Leigh Holmes Foster (@lshfoster).

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