Gay or Nay: Queering Up History

When Frances Willard was alive she was so famous that people put her portrait in their homes next to one of George Washington. She was born in 1839 and dedicated her life to education, temperance (Prohibition) and helping women gain independence. According to the house museum dedicated to her, she was "never married," but she wrote in great detail about several relationships she shared with women including Anna Gordon, with whom she lived for twelve years.

It's fitting that Celeste Pechous joins us for a conversation about an incredible woman because she herself is pretty dang great. Celeste is best known as Campbell in Showtime's Work in Progress and has popped up in at least two or three of the shows you've binged recently. She's also an accomplished improviser and will put a gorgeous spin on a custom painting of your dog, cat, or kid.

Support us on Patreon to be in the live virtual audience for podcast recordings, follow us on Twitter and Instagram for extra queer + history bits, and follow Celeste on Twitter and Instagram for funny thoughts and pictures of her cute dogs!

Desi Waters joins us for a conversation about BESSIE SMITH (1894-1937), the "Empress of Blues." She was once the highest-paid touring artist in the US and released 28 singles her first year as a recording artist. She was also known to carry on affairs with her chorus girls, she enjoyed a nice buffet flat party, and she surprised her second husband by bringing home a newly-adopted son.

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DESI WATERS is an actor, singer, writer, and director. Her favorite roles include: Mrs. Corry in Mary Poppins, Mabel in Fame: The Musical, The Nurse in Romeo and Juliet, Mariya in Uncle Vanya, and as a vocalist for President Clinton’s Birthday Celebration at Radio City Music Hall. TV credits include The Big Help for Nickelodeon, Broad City, CityKids, Grave Mysteries, Power, and The Blacklist. In 2019 she took on the role and responsibility of being a mom.

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Read the Transcript or listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, support us on Patreon and get involved behind the scenes.


CW: Sex and violence.

We reference an interview with Ruby Walker which you can listen to on Spotify or iTunes (the clip we play for Desi runs from 6:58 - 8:47).

When Frances Willard was alive she was so famous that people put her portrait in their homes next to one of George Washington. She was born in 1839 and dedicated her life to education, temperance (Prohibition) and helping women gain independence. According to the house museum dedicated to her, she was "never married," but she wrote in great detail about several relationships she shared with women including Anna Gordon, with whom she lived for twelve years.   It's fitting that Celeste Pechous joins us for a conversation about an incredible woman because she herself is pretty dang great. Celeste is best known as Campbell in Showtime's Work in Progress and has popped up in at least two or three of the shows you've binged recently. She's also an accomplished improviser and will put a gorgeous spin on a custom painting of your dog, cat, or kid.   Support us on Patreon to be in the live virtual audience for podcast recordings, follow us on Twitter and Instagram for extra queer + history bits, and follow Cesete on Twitter and Instagram for funny thoughts and pictures of her cute dogs!

Desi Waters joins us for a conversation about BESSIE SMITH (1894-1937), the "Empress of Blues." She was once the highest-paid touring artist in the US and released 28 singles her first year as a recording artist. She was also known to carry on affairs with her chorus girls, she enjoyed a nice buffet flat party, and she surprised her second husband by bringing home a newly-adopted son. 

​

DESI WATERS is an actor, singer, writer, and director.  Her favorite roles include: Mrs. Corry in Mary Poppins, Mabel in Fame: The Musical, The Nurse in Romeo and Juliet, Mariya in Uncle Vanya, and as a vocalist for President Clinton’s Birthday Celebration at Radio City Music Hall. TV credits include The Big Help for Nickelodeon, Broad City, CityKids, Grave Mysteries, Power, and The Blacklist. In 2019 she took on the role and responsibility of being a mom.

​

Read the Transcript or listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, support us on Patreon and get involved behind the scenes.

CW: Sex and violence.

We reference an interview with Ruby Walker which you can listen to on Spotify or iTunes (the clip we play for Desi runs from 6:58 - 8:47).