Queer 101

In this episode of Queer 101, Peppermint and Hugh are spilling all the Thanksgiving tea—yes, the gravy‑soaked, chosen‑family, pass‑me-a-biscuit kind. They share their own little holiday traditions, the ones that make Thanksgiving feel fabulously queer and beautifully communal. They also dive into the messy, complicated history of the holiday, because honey, you can’t serve a feast without serving some truth.

Peppermint chats about my plans with her family (both the born and the chosen), my ride‑or‑die favorite Thanksgiving dishes, and the gratitude I’m feeling for our fierce, resilient queer community—especially with everything going on in the world. We’re celebrating queer resistance, queer joy, and the communities that keep us going.

And of course, they share a bit about their latest projects—Hugh’s new book My Bad: A Personal History of the Queer Nineties and Peppermint’s very own Transcendence tea blend. Trust me, they both pair perfectly with a cozy holiday vibe.

(both linked below.) 

00:00 Introduction to Queer 101

00:49 Holiday Season and Thanksgiving Plans

01:39 Thanksgiving Traditions and Reflections

08:47 Games and New Traditions

11:35 Expressions of Gratitude

18:24 Closing Remarks and Announcements

Click here for more information or to purchase Peppemints Trancendence Tea 

Click here to pre-order Hugh’s new book “My Bad”

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• @peppermint247
• @hughoryan
• @pridehousemedia

Write to us at:

• [email protected]

In this episode of Queer 101, hosts Peppermint and historian Hugh Ryan explore the fascinating crossroads of queer history, spirituality, and witchcraft. They begin by unpacking the Supreme Court’s recent refusal to hear a challenge to same-sex marriage — a reminder that the fight for equality is always evolving.

Amid the discussion, the two celebrate Hugh and his partner’s 15th anniversary, reflecting on love, resilience, and community before diving into their latest book club pick: Bargain Witch by Brooke Palmieri. This collection of essays weaves together queer identity, history, and magic — making complex ideas accessible, empowering, and deeply relevant to today’s queer experiences.

From historical witch trials to modern manifestations of spiritual autonomy, Peppermint and Hugh spotlight how queer people have always used faith, ritual, and resistance to reclaim power. The episode invites listeners to consider what spiritual liberation looks like — and why queer voices are so vital in reimagining it.

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, share, and join future conversations, as Queer 101 continues to uncover how the past informs the fight for freedom, identity, and joy today.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Queer 101
• 01:21 Recent Wins and Ongoing Struggles
• 04:28 Celebrating Personal Milestones
• 05:40 Book of the Month: Bargain Witch
• 10:52 Historical and Modern Witchcraft
• 20:11 Connecting Witchcraft to Queer History
• 24:51 Conclusion and Next Week’s Preview

Follow us at:

• @peppermint247
• @hughoryan
• @pridehousemedia

Write to us at:

• [email protected]

This week on Queer 101, Peppermint and Hugh, the historian with the receipts, are diving into the untold layers of queer history you probably didn’t learn in school. 🌈

They talk in depth about resilience, resistance, and what it really means to hold onto hope. And as always their conversation takes some unexpected and exciting turns — from the results of the New York mayoral election to celebrating the wins of immigrant leaders making real change.

Pep and Hugh also get real about ongoing battles for equality, the importance of self-initiation, and how we can all break free from the boxes society tries to put us in. 

It’s smart, heartfelt, and a whole lot of fun — exactly what Queer 101 does best. 💖

00:00 Introduction to Queer 101

01:22 Deep Dive into George Takei's Memoir

01:54 Reflections on Recent Elections

03:17 Challenges to Democracy and Equality

05:33 Historical Oppression and Resistance

14:12 Personal Stories of Resistance

20:13 Reflecting on Historical Injustices

21:02 Connecting Global Struggles

23:38 Celebrity Activism and Crushes

27:13 The Closet and Societal Expectations

34:01 Political Hypocrisy and Elections

36:51 Book Club Announcement

38:47 Podcast Wrap-Up and Farewell

Follow us at:

• @peppermint247
• @hughoryan
• @pridehousemedia

Write to us at:

• [email protected]

In this episode, Peppermint and Hugh the Historian take you on a heartfelt journey through queer history and LGBTQ+ culture, blending humor, honesty, and reflection. They dive into the powerful stories of the past and present — including touching moments from George Takei’s memoir It Rhymes with Takei, which explores the realities of Japanese American internment, his experiences as a closeted actor in Hollywood and ultimates and LGBTQ+ Activist.

Peppermint and Hugh also share personal stories about their first crushes, the challenges queer celebrities face in the entertainment industry, and the ongoing fight for visibility, intersectionality, and equality.

Tune in for uplifting insights, emotional truths, and powerful reminders of why queer voices and activism matter. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and join the conversation to keep celebrating queer history together. 🌈

00:00 Introduction to Queer 101

01:14 Recap of Last Week's Episode with George Takei

02:23 Comic-Con and Queer Representation in Comics

05:53 Personal Stories: First Crushes and Early Queer Experiences

12:57 Celebrity Crushes and Queer Representation in Media

18:01 Impact of Queer Celebrities on Personal Identity

21:21 Celebrity Rumors and Scandals

22:14 Impact of Celebrity Behavior on Public Perception

24:04 Changes in Celebrity Culture and Coming Out

25:19 The Role of Internet and Reality Celebrities

26:43 Challenges and Hypocrisy in Celebrity Coming Out

28:28 Advocacy and Activism in the Queer Community

34:50 Intersectionality in Activism

36:51 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

38:48 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Follow us at:

• @peppermint247
• @hughoryan
• @pridehousemedia

Write to us at:

• [email protected]

In this deeply compelling episode of Queer 101, hosts Peppermint and Hugh Ryan dive deep into the intersection of LGBTQ+ history and culture with none other than the legendary George Takei, live from NYC Comic-Con.

Takei opens up about his childhood experiences in Japanese internment camps during WWII, the challenges of living in the closet, and his transformation into a leading LGBTQ+ activist. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, he shares how resilience shaped his life, advocacy and activism for marriage equality and civil rights, offering powerful insights into both queer history and the ongoing fight for equality. 

This episode sheds light on George Takei’s incredible legacy and the importance of sharing these stories with new generations.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00: Introduction to Queer 101
• 01:26: George Takei at NYC Comic-Con
• 02:21: Takei’s Life Journey
• 05:36: Reflections on Japanese Internment Camps
• 11:51: George Takei's They Called Us Enemy graphic memoir
• 39:48: LGBTQ+ Activism and Civil Rights
• 46:02: Marriage Equality Struggle

Follow us at: @peppermint247 and @hughoryan

Write to us at: [email protected]

In this episode of 'Queer 101,' hosts Peppermint and Hugh dive into the rich history of queer trailblazers. They discuss the importance of recognizing unsung heroes in queer history, such as Keoshi Kuromiya, Sylvia Rivera, and local icons like Marti Gould Cummings, Queen Jean and David Lisa. The conversation branches into contemporary issues, including the fight for access to gender-affirming care and the ongoing need to celebrate and remember the lives and contributions of queer individuals. Listeners are encouraged to engage and share their own icons in queer history.

00:00 Introduction to Queer 101

01:32 Reflecting on Marsha P. Johnson

03:19 Unsolved Mysteries and Queer History

06:50 Modern Queer Icons and Activists

08:42 Honoring Local Queer Icons

12:37 Trailblazers in Queer Politics

14:14 Community Activism and Support

16:15 Recognizing Queer Icons and Their Impact

20:49 Historical Erasure and the Fight for Recognition

24:34 The Impact of Media on Historical Narratives

25:28 The Reality of Trailblazers

26:33 Economic Disenfranchisement and Survival

28:12 Kevin Bacon's Financial Struggles

29:59 Sex Work as a Means of Survival

34:12 Gender Affirming Care and Historical Perspectives

40:15 The Importance of Queer Memory and Archiving

42:02 Honoring Queer Icons

43:28 Conclusion and Call to Action

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In this episode of Queer 101, hosts Peppermint andHugh the Historian dive deep into the portrayal of queer culture and individuals in media. They explore the evolution of queer representation, starting from early cinema's influence, the effect of the Hays Code, to the rise of documentaries. They highlight important films such as 'The Queen', 'Queen at Heart', and 'Paris is Burning,' discussing their significance in portraying the real experiences of queer individuals, especially trans women. The episode also touches on personal anecdotes and the broader impact of these representations on society. Join them as they discuss the crucial role of film in shaping societal perceptions of queerness and the continuous struggle for authentic representation.

00:00 Introduction to Queer 101

01:33 Mentorship and Community Involvement

03:45 Bartering and Communal Living

05:17 Queer Representation in Film

11:51 Impact of the Hays Code

17:35 Documentaries and Early Queer Films

20:10 Survival Strategies in Queer Communities

20:39 Trans Representation in Media

21:28 Gender Expression in Film and TV

25:13 Impact of McCarthyism on Queer Culture

26:11 Hollywood's Control Over Queer Narratives

27:13 Queer Documentaries and Their Significance

34:51 Christine Jorgensen: A Trans Pioneer

36:42 The Evolution of Queer Representation

40:52 Final Thoughts and Future Discussions

If you want to explore some of the films we discussed in this episode here are some of our favorites:

• Disclosure
• The Queen
• Queens at Heart
• Paris is Burning
• Some Like It Hot
• Scream Queen: My Nightmare on Elm Street
• Enigma
• Veneno
• The Christine Jorgensen Story
• CalL Her Savage

Follow us at:

• @peppermint246
• @hughoryan

Write to us at:

• [email protected]

In this episode of Queer 1 0 1, hosts Peppermint and Hugh take you on an inspiring journey through queer history, shining a spotlight on the incredible legacy of Marsha P. Johnson. From her pivotal role in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights to her enduring impact on queer culture, this deep dive celebrates Marsha’s courage and contributions to the movement.

But it doesn’t stop there—this episode explores the powerful connection between music and queer liberation, discussing how queer icons and their art have inspired generations. Peppermint and Hugh reflect on the evolution of queer culture through the decades, including groundbreaking moments in queer gender expression, performance, and resistance.

Whether you’re a history buff, a music lover, or someone curious about the rich tapestry of queer experiences, this episode is a MUST!

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 – Welcome to Queer 1 0 1: Intro and updates.
• 01:00 – Recap of the book club discussion (and some great queer reads!).
• 01:54 – Marsha P. Johnson: A look at her life, legacy, and activism.
• 05:19 – Triumphs and struggles of queer icons across history.
• 15:56 – Special preview: George Takei at ComicCon—don’t miss it!
• 19:06 – The role of music in queer liberation and its cultural impact.
• 26:56 – Gender expression in the 80s and 90s: Flirting with fashion and identity.
• 27:37 – How performance became a powerful tool for liberation.
• 29:02 – Historical oppression and the coded ways queer people connected.
• 30:44 – Marsha P. Johnson’s lasting legacy and her role in the Stonewall Uprising.
• 32:33 – The complicated legacies of queer icons: A nuanced look.
• 34:27 – The unique struggles of queer artists in the music industry.
• 45:21 – Celebrating queer icons and their influence on culture today.
• 50:45 – Closing thoughts: A call to action and reflection.

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• @peppermint246
• @hughoryan

In this episode of Queer 101, hosts Peppermint and Hugh the Historian delve into queer history and culture, focusing on the recent interview with Tourmaline about her bestselling biography of Marsha, the first biography writtend about LGBTQ+ icon, Marsha P. Johnson. They discuss the importance of recognizing Marsha's contributions to the queer community, her practice of dreaming and resilience, and the historical and modern intersections of trans identity and drag culture. Peppermint and Hugh also reflect on their personal experiences in queer spaces like the iconic Tunnel nightclub, emphasizing the role of community and joy in liberation. 

00:00 Introduction to Queer 101

00:52 Recap of Last Week's Interview with Miss Tourmaline

01:37 Marsha P. Johnson: A Legacy of Dreaming and Activism

04:33 Exploring Gender Identity and Drag Culture

06:19 Historical Context and Mainstream Representation

21:08 The Importance of Queer Spaces and Community

32:14 Conclusion and Call to Action

Follow us at:

• @peppermint246
• @hughoryan

Write to us at:

• [email protected]

In the inaugural episode of ‘Queer 101’ weekly podcast, hosts Peppermint and Hugh the Historian introduce their exciting new weekly podcast. While wthey are evolving, their dedication to uncovering queer history, culture, and experiences remains at the heart of everything they  do. Peppermint and Hugh are thrilled to create a space that dives into queer life's past, present, and future, emphasizing just how important it is to preserve and celebrate queer stories.

In this introductory episode, they share how the podcast will explore queer books, feature interviews with authors, and offer insights into various aspects of queer life. Most importantly, Pep and Hugh invite you, their listeners, to actively participate and join them on this journey. So, let’s get started!  

And remember to subscribe, like, comment and give us a review. It really helps other people discover the show.

00:00 Welcome to Queer 101

00:58 Meet Your Hosts: Peppermint and Hugh

02:32 The Importance of Queer History

04:55 Podcast Format and Content

06:22 Exploring Queerness and Humanity

10:14 Favorite Interviews and Books

11:53 Join the Conversation

12:45 Conclusion and Credits

Follow us at:

@peppermint247

@hugh0ryan

Or write to us at:

[email protected]