As we face down a second Trump Presidency, we need the escapism of a good romance novel more than ever. But romance isn't a fluffy distraction from politics — from its first transgressive pages, the romance genre centered the needs, desires and ambitions of women. Now more than ever, we need romances that envision a world where everyone can live their happily ever after.

Fight fascism, form community, and fall in love with Rebel Ever After, a new leftist romance podcast. Join me, sex & culture critic and BUT HOW ARE YOU, REALLY author Ella Dawson, as I interview my favorite Romancelandia citizens about writing swoony, sexy and progressive romance novels.

In this short introduction episode, I outline my goals for the show, the perspective I bring to these conversations as a host, and how you can support Rebel Ever After as it develops. Full-length episodes will begin soon! You can look forward to interviews with Becca Grischow, Erin Baldwin, and writing team Lydia Wang and Annabel Paulson, among others.

Mentioned in this episode:

Adriana Herrera's excellent thread on romanticizing violent white men: https://www.threads.net/@ladriana_herrera/post/DCE3u53R8PV

Full transcript available at patreon.com/brosandprose! Please subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app, and support the show by becoming a patron.

You can follow me on Threads, Instagram and Bluesky @brosandprose.

My queer millennial second-chance romance BUT HOW ARE YOU, REALLY is available from booksellers across the U.S. at bit.ly/buthowareyoureallynovel