Part 2 of our Queer Lit series traces queer literature's arc from book bans to abundance. First, Alex travels back in time to unpack the history of LGBTQ+ book censorship. Then we sit down with the team behind The QT Library, a brick-and-mortar queer lending library in Boston. Staff members Jake, Carly, Nicola, and Sarah tell us how QT came to be, why books matter to them, and their dreams for the future of the library and our great, big, queer world. Whether you’re a bookworm or a brand new reader, this episode has something for anyone curious about the wondrous world of queer literature.

All authors, books and writers mentioned in this episode can be found in our 📝S4e2 Show Notes.

⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:

Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. 

⏱️ TIME STAMPS:

0:28 Intro Song

1:06 Meet your hosts, Alex & Samuel!

3:25 Fun Fact of the Day (ft. Lily Mueller) 

3:40 Queer Book Bans Throughout History ⚠️ (produced & hosted by Alex K. Masse)

13:52 Host Commentary

15:47 Interview with QT Library (produced & hosted by Lily Mueller)

30:14 Outro, credits & gratitude 

💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/6IDypgv8vAb

📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:

Visit our site for full show notes on the books and authors we mentioned, The QT Library, and more → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast

We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box. Which book changed your life? →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt

🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:

If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386.

🟢 Topics explored in this episode: Queer literature, LGBTQ+ books, book bans, banned books, censorship, queer history, James Baldwin, Oscar Wilde, Radclyffe Hall, Giovanni's Room, The Well of Loneliness, Pride Puppy, QT Library, Boston, queer libraries, LGBTQ+ representation, queer storytelling, queer community, queer youth, public libraries, third spaces, community organizing, freedom of expression, queer publishing, queer books, LGBTQ+ history, chosen family, LGBTQ+ visibility, media literacy, queer culture

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a brand new season from your favorite ensemble of young queer producers. And let’s just say, we’re getting lit… QUEER LIT, that is.  

This episode is Part One of our THREE-PART series all about the robust world of Queer Literature, through the eyes of young queer people like us. We kick things off with a roundtable discussion on our favorite queer books and writers, then turn the page to a special interview with Tessa and Gio from The Bookish Songs Collective, a group of indie artists around the world working together to make albums of music based on their favorite books. Plus, a shout-out to some of our queer literary heroes in a new recurring segment called “Black Queer Revolutionaries.”

⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:

Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project.

⏱️ TIME STAMPS:

0:00 Intro

1:02 Meet your hosts, Eric Eubank & Zorian Edwards

3:05 Queer Literature Roundtable (hosted by Alex K. Masse, featuring Samuel, Lily, & Parker)

17:44 Black Queer Revolutionaries: Queer Lit (hosted by Samuel Smalls Jr.)

19:47 Hosts

21:08 Bookish Songs Collective Interview (w Tessa Barcelo & Gio Navas)

31:31 Queer Literature Affirmation of the Day

32:05 Outro, credits & gratitude 

💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/Awh2dGy2J8y

📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES: Visit our site for full show notes on the books and authors we mentioned, The Bookish Songs Collective discography, and more → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast

📢 We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box. Which book changed your life? →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt

🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:

If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386.

🟢 Topics explored in this episode: queer literature, LGBTQ+ books, queer representation, queer youth, identity, belonging, empathy, mental health, banned books, libraries, Black queer writers, Andrea Gibson, James Baldwin, Alice Walker, Kacen Callender, queer poetry, queer theater, literary adaptations, book fandom, Bookish Songs Collective, book-inspired music, songwriting, creative community, They Both Die at the End, Red, White & Royal Blue, Fun Home, The Color Purple 🟢

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back for I’m Feeling Queer Today! Season 4. And we're calling this season...“Creating Qulture.” That’s right, it's culture with a Q, of course! Because how could you separate the queer community from the culture they shaped? 

This season, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the worlds of Queer Literature, Drag Performance, Fantasy/Sci-Fi, and Journalism… all through an LGBTQ+ lens. 

We’ll meet bookworms creating soundtracks based on their favorite stories, drag performers and an archivist preserving their history, and someone who owes their life (literally) to the Renaissance Faire. Plus: authors, nerds, pioneers, roundtable discussions, and a whole lot of special segments from the IFQT! queer youth producer team you know and love. 

Subscribe so you never miss an episode! And visit our site to unlock even more about the topics we’ll cover this season → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast

We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box. Who knows, maybe you’ll even make it into an episode this season! →  http://speakpipe.com/ifqt

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode of I’m Feeling Queer Today!, host Lily Mueller sits down with two generations of LGBTQ+ advocates working to make healthcare more equitable, accessible, and affirming for queer communities. First, researchers Milena Insalaco (she/they) and Dr. Viktor Clark (he/they) discuss the real-world impact of Trump’s first 100 days in office: attacks on LGBTQ+ research, diversity initiatives, and medical funding Plus, why queer representation in healthcare and academia can be lifesaving. Then, OBGYN and longtime LGBTQ+ advocate Dr. Patty Robertson (she/her) reflects on her journey from coming out before Stonewall to decades of work in reproductive justice and queer family-building.

Together, these conversations explore what it means to keep showing up for queer people in moments of fear and uncertainty, and how community, mentorship, and care can help us survive and thrive. In a time when LGBTQ+ healthcare is increasingly under attack, this episode is a reminder that queer people have always fought for each other… and always will.

📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:

Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast

We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt

⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:

Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. 

⏱️ TIME STAMPS:

0:34 Host intro of Milena and Viktor

2:10 - Interview with Milena E. Insalaco and Dr. Viktor Clark, authors of the paper “New Executive Orders’ Impact on Research and Clinical Trajectories: Barriers to the Development of Early-Stage Investigators”

21:57 - Host reflections on the interview

22:52 - Host intro of Patty Robertson

23:25 - Interview with Patty Robertson, OBGYN and LGBTQ+ activist

32:30 Outro, credits & gratitude

💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/CVvBXjmfKHy

🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:

If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to a very special bonus episode of IFQT! where we’re going international!  In season 3, we took a queer road trip all around the U.S. to answer a big question: what is it like to be an LGBTQ+ person where you live? Today, we’re taking a flight to South Africa with the help of our friends at the Radio Workshop podcast. We hear from Noks Simelane, a young trans man in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa who knew who he was at a young age, even when he didn’t have the words to describe it. Trans YouTubers opened up Noks’ world, but most were white and American. Listen to how Noks started his YouTube channel, created the trans South African representation he wished he had, and how viewers from all around the world tuned in and cheered him on. 

This episode with Noks Simelane, entitled “Here We Are,” was originally published on December 6, 2022 on the Radio Workshop podcast. With permission from Radio Workshop, we are excited to share this impactful episode with our listeners.

⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:

Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. 

⏱️ TIME STAMPS:

0:00 “True Pride” poem by Stellan Knowles

4:00 Host Intro w Sam Smalls Jr.

5:27 Radio Workshop intro 

16:52 Outro, credits & gratitude

📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:

Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast

We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt

💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/AjlqaD4pqjw 

🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:

If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to a very special bonus episode of IFQT! Earlier this season, we heard from queer youth in Utah about what it’s like to navigate faith and queer identity within the LDS Mormon community. To continue that conversation, we’re sharing an episode from our friend Persis Abraham’s podcast Room For Us, featuring therapist and theologian Ann Russo. Ann incorporates a Master’s in Theology into her social work practice to help people heal from religious trauma. In this episode, she talks about her own experiences with faith, growing up in a queer household, attending an ex-gay conference, and AMR, the evidence-based approach she’s developed to overcome religious trauma. 

This interview with Ann was originally published on July 17, 2025 by our friend Persis Abraham on her podcast, Room For Us. With permission from Persis, we are excited to share this impactful episode with our listeners. Hosted by Hannie Saba.

⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:

Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. 

⏱️ TIME STAMPS:

0:48 Host, Hannie welcome

3:19 Persis introduces Ann Russo

4:31 Growing up in queer 80s household

15:59 Common queer mental health challenges

18:30 Did Ann grow up religious?

20:00 Attending queer conversion conference 

35:00 Trauma informed care

41:16 Training professionals on queer inclusion

46:48 Religious institutional harm

51:16 Taking care of yourself

54:30 Advice to Ann’s younger self

56:28 Message to queer folks feeling isolated 

58:00 Outro, credits & gratitude

📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:

Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast

We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt

💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/zuwFGyGZBxy 

🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:

If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s part two of our visit to Albert Einstein Academy (AEA), Northeast Ohio’s first LGBTQ+ affirming high school. In this bonus episode of I’m Feeling Queer Today!, we return to Ohio on our queer roadtrip around the country. You’ll hear a roundtable discussion with the trans students at AEA, a brand new segment called “Representation: Putting The Me in Media,” and some original writing. Plus, an intergenerational conversation between one of our episode hosts and his uncle and grandmother, discussing how they each learned about queerness. We suggest listening to Part 1 of this episode first.

⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:

Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. 

⏱️ TIME STAMPS:

0:41 Intro

0:48 Hosts introduce episode

2:15 Trans students: What’s it like attending LGBTQ+ affirming school

5:12 Representation: Putting the ME in Media

12:40 Caiden & Grandma & Uncle: Intergenerational queer discoveries

17:33 Animal Love

20:25 “To My Friend” - poem by Oliver

21:42 “Ohren” - poem by Bonnie

22:43 Outro, credits & gratitude

📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:

Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast

We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt

💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/hetJaxo2xxV 

🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:

If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode of IFQT!, we’re back in Ohio—this time just outside Cleveland—at Albert Einstein Academy (AEA), Northeast Ohio’s first LGBTQ+ affirming public high school. Even in the face of hostile legislation, AEA’s community stands strong, making space to process new house bills together in real time. Hear from co-founder and superintendent Kristen Thomas on how the school began, join a roundtable on gender-affirming care, and listen to students share original poetry and messages of hope for queer youth to come. This is Part 1 of 2 from our visit to Albert Einstein Academy.

📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:

Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast

We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt

⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:

Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. 

⏱️ TIME STAMPS:

0:41 Host intro about AEA

1:38 HB68 update & reactions

3:33 ⚠️ AEA co-founder Kristen Thomas interview w/ Trudy Poux (⚠️ CW: suicide)

12:30 “The Moth” original poem by Leo

13:24 Roundtable on “gender-affirming care”

24:52 Message for next generation of young queers

27:46 Outro, credits & gratitude

💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/PAlY49MvQKG 

🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:

If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this very special bonus episode of IFQT, we’re heading back to the place where Season 3 began: Spartanburg, South Carolina! We sat down with Stela Prado-Garrett and her mom, Dani, to talk about what it was like for Stela to come out to her family. Plus, how Dani’s untraditional Southern upbringing impacted her reaction, and why she thinks God has a sense of humor. To meet even more folks from the queer community in Spartanburg, check out Episodes 1 and 2 of Season 3.

⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:

Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. 

⏱️ TIME STAMPS:

1:00 Intro w Host Hannie

1:27 📞Speakpipe Debut! Listener call-in

2:33 Stella and her mom, Dani

11:04 Outro, Credits & Gratitude

💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/SYd2lg9xrjh 

📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:

Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast

We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt

🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:

If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re closing out our big queer roadtrip by taking you to the gayest town in America: Provincetown! 🌈In our season finale, we travel to Cape Cod, a peninsula off the southeast part of Massachusetts. You’ll meet some friendly folks who call Cape Cod their home year round. Plus, we’ll introduce you to The Summer of Sass, a local non-profit providing queer youth ages 18-20 the opportunity to spend the summer living and working in Provincetown. Find out why this place is a dream destination for the LGBTQ+ community and the ways that Ptown still needs to grow in order to become a truly intersectional queer utopia. This podcast episode was developed last summer through a workshop at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, MA.

📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:

Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast

We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt

⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:

Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. 

⏱️ TIME STAMPS:

0:00 Intro w Hosts Lily & Trinity

2:43 Intro to P-Town w Hazel - 14 yo local 

6:59 Intro to SASS w Kristen Becker, Founder and Director

9:48 House of SASS tour 

12:15 Kristen Becker

21:41 “Bird Bath” short story by Robby Piper

28:06 Cody interviews Patience “growing up summer-camping on the Cape”

34:44 Messages for Queer Youth from Ptowners

37:38 Outro, Credits & Gratitude

💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/w28n3MP1aLh

🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:

If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.