In this special episode of Queer News, Anna drops the script and speaks directly from the heart. As Pride Month begins amidst a wave of political attacks, rising hate crimes, and corporate retreat, Anna reflects on the importance of joy as resistance and why we must never stop telling our stories.

From celebrating her upcoming WorldPride panels in DC to spotlighting a heartbreaking hate crime in Illinois, this episode is raw, unfiltered, and full of fire. We also hear from contributor Jake Wittich of Windy City Times, who reports on a recent anti-LGBTQ hate crime in Illinois that's rocked the local community. If you're moved by the story, please consider donating to the survivor's GoFundMe — the link is in the show notes. This is not just news — this is truth-telling, soul-centering, and community care. Pod in, family. This one's for us. 💜

00:26 Welcome to Queer News

01:29 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

01:56 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

02:54 Queer News Headlines

03:08 Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage, https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.h

03:38 Howard Brown launches new testing site

04:17 Anna Speaks

18:12 Learn more about the Help Stop Hate Campaign, https://ilstophate.org/

18:42 Hate Crimes On The Rise, with Jake from windycitytimes.com

25:26 Anna's Got A Word

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• Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

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📢 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

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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.