My guest this week is Dean FM, a genderqueer rapper from Massachusetts. Dean was always a colorful kid and loved to escape into music — but never considered that it might become a career until a series of setbacks made him re-evaluate where he was living and what he was doing with his life. Dean just released a new album — there’s a link to that in the shownotes — and he has big dreams for what’s next.

We’ll have that conversation in a minute. First, a couple quick announcements, starting with a reminder that if you like this podcast, you’ll probably like my newsletter. Every week I share fun stories about the making of beloved movies and TV shows, as well as the fascinating people behind them. You can sign up at MattBaume.com.

Also, check out my YouTube channel for videos about the making of iconic pop culture — I just released a new one about the 2004 movie Straight Jacket, which made a big splash when it came out, then disappeared for mysterious reasons, and is finally poised for a triumphant return. That’s now live at YouTube.com/mattbaume.

And I hope you’ll join me for weekly livestreams over on Twitch every Sunday afternoon. That’s at twitch.tv/mattbaume. We’ll be watching Straight Jacket this weekend, as well as some of my favorite scenes from the drag camp classic Girls Will be Girls.

Also! If you haven’t yet, take a look at my book about the history of queer characters on American sitcoms, Hi Honey, I’m Homo! Available now wherever books are sold. Go to gaysitcoms.com for details and to get a signed copy.

Big thanks to everyone who makes all my work possible on Patreon — visit patreon.com/mattbaume to support Sewers of Paris and get patron-exclusive benefits.