Isn't It Queer

Jonny and Danette discuss a review of upcoming Pride festivities in and adjacent to So IL, an uptick in anti-trans fake news stories, a split in the Methodist Church over LGBT support, an LGBT rights legislative kerfuffle on the floor of the House of Representatives last week, and findings from a Match.com survey of LGBT singles. We are also happy to note that "Isn't It Queer" is a finalist for a People's Choice podcast award in the GLBT category; you can check out the other podcasts up for consideration and, if so inclined, vote for this show over at http://podcastawards.com/.

Jonny and Danette discuss Alan Grayson's (D, FL) speech on the floor of the US House about the "Great American Bathroom Controversy." They also discuss how the inclusion of gender expression in sex discrimination has legal precedent and goes beyond but includes Trans Rights. They end with LGBTQ political news from around the nation and a check in on the murder of Bangladeshi LGBT activists. Due to technical difficulties, the first half of the broadcast did not record. We offer here the Grayson speech in its entirety (from CSPAN) followed by the second half of the show.

Jonny and Danette mourn the passing of out blues musician Candye Kane. Although we can't share the music we played on air, you can hear some of it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTBblfRsxWk. We then discussed the Department of Justice Monday press conference regarding HB2 in NC, The Obama Administration plan to make the Stonewall Inn a national monument, and backlash against the TN bill allowing therapists to refuse to treat LGBT patients.

Jonny and Danette discuss the May 2nd Student Strike on Southern Illinois University Campus, continued backlash against anti-trans bathroom bills, and the GLAAD annual report on LGBTQ visibility in mainstream film.

Jonny and Danette discuss recent tensions on the SIU Carbondale campus and the upcoming May 2 Student Strike, the growing backlash against NC's HB2 and similar legislation in other states, and homophobic violence in Bangladesh and Indonesia.

Jonny and Danette discuss the intersection of environmental and LGBTQ activism, LGBTQ activism's reliance on corporate capitalism, successful appeals court response to to state bans on trans* use of public restrooms, and the place of empathy/perspective-taking in contemporary politics.

Please note: "Isn't It Queer" is registered with the 11th Annual People's Podcast Awards. If you would like to nominate or otherwise support the show for such a recognition, you can do so at: http://podcastawards.com/ Thank you for your kind support.

Jonny and Danette discuss Radical Faeries in Austin TX, anti-racist protests on the SIU campus, the predicted transformation of NC's HB2 after significant backlash, and Pope Francis's failure to shift Catholic dogma on LGB relationships and Trans-recognition (let alone rights).

Jonny and Danette discuss upcoming queer-themed and queer-friendly events in Southern Illinois, check in on the creativity of the protestors in North Carolina and Mississippi over recent RFRA legislation signed into law, and check in on similar legislation in neighboring states of Missouri, Arkansas, and Kentucky.

Jonny and Danette discuss Georgia and North Carolina RFRAs, Alabama and Kentucky legislation about marriage licenses, and Catholic bishops in Malawi advocating for the re-criminalization of homosexuality.

Jonny flies solo while Danette is out with n illness. He discusses links between environmental and LGBTQ commitments, HRC's endorsement of Illinois GOP Senator Mark Kirk, LGBT participation in the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade, the possibility that recent discrimination legislation in Georgia may cost them the Super Bowl, Colorado legislation banning conversion therapy, and a check in on backlash legislation in Kansas.