Queer News

This week on the Queer News podcast, our top story remembers the 11 trans lives lost since March. In politics, Trump's Trans Ban Blocked in D.C, and It's the 10 Anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub Massacre. In culture and entertainment, Durand joins Kehlani on her world tour, and Level Up Sporting Club has opened up in Wrigleyville.

Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66

🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.

00:26 Welcome to Queer News

02:48 Join the QCrew, https://queernewspod.substack.com/

03:37 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

05:02 Queer News Headlines

05:40 Six Trans People Were Murdered In May. 11 in total since March. Something's Gotta Change.

09:45 Federal Judge Block Trump's Trans Military Ban

14:29 Pulse Nightclub Remembers the 49 Lives Stolen As The 10th Anniversary Approaches

17:58 Chicago's Pridefest is Back! Check out the lineup here, https://northalsted.com/main-events/chicago-pride-fest/

18:47 Join the QCrew! Subscribe & Support us on our new Substack, https://queernewspod.substack.com

19:10 Durand Joins Kehlani On World Tour

20:49 Level Up Sporting Club Opens to the Public June 4th

23:11 Anna's Got A Word

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Important Episode Links

Join the QCrew! Giving starts as low as $5/month

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📣 Stay Connected

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• Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates!

• Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

This week's episode of Queer News is packed with historic milestones, urgent calls for justice, and accountability. Here is your social-media-ready breakdown of every story from Episode 341.

This Week's Top Story

Six Trans People Were Murdered In May. 11 in total since March. Something's Gotta Change.

Pride is a month of celebration, but it is also a month of activism, and remembrance. Since March, 11 of our trans siblings have had their lives violently taken from them. Shyyell-Diamond-Sanchez-McCray, Davonta Curtis, Lanessa Rodriguez, Aleanna Royal Belcher, Dannielle Spillman, Juniper Blessing, Murray Faust, Eryka Caldwell, Spot Singleton, Luca RedBeard Knapp, and Persia Amarra Conway. The later half of which were killed in just May alone. May they rest in piece.

This Week In Politics

Federal Judge Block Trump's Trans Military Ban

The Trump administration catches another L and we love to see it. A D.C. Federal Appeals court came to the decision that Trump's trans military ban was created with the sole intent to "harm a politically unpopular group: persons who identify as transgender." The decision, slightly fractured, was around an injunction against the policy.

Judge Wilkins summed up his thoughts on the ruling perfectly with the following quote: "The government has not told us what legitimate interest it has in preventing a woman from joining (or remaining in) the military because she used he/him or they/them pronouns at some point during her lifetime, and I cannot think of one." It's important to note that the ruling only serves as a protection for trans and non-binary military personnel who are currently serving in the military, but still this is a major win!

Pulse Nightclub Remembers the 49 Lives Stolen As The 10th Anniversary Approaches

Back in March the Pulse Nightclub was demolished–the first time anyone has touched the nightclub since 2016. In it's place are plans for a memorial dedicated to the 49 lives lost. Though many were sad to see the nightclub go, the designers had them in mind when working on the concepts for the memorial stating that "to preserve the emotional and psychological connection many individuals have with the original Pulse Nightclub and to ensure these symbolic attachments are never removed from the site, elements of the Pulse building are being incorporated into the design, including a portion of the dance floor, which will be preserved beneath the Reflecting Pool, the breach wall, salvaged in whole, to be preserved beneath the Memorial Obelisk and recycled concrete from the original building, to be utilized within elements of the overall memorial."

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

Durand Joins Kehlani On World Tour

People are running faster than Durand did to get his grammy to purchase tickets for Kehlani's would tour after it was announced that he would be joining her. The duo announced the news via social media promoting the tour and Durand's new self-titled album Bernarr. The new album features 17 songs and is seemingly an ode to Durand at different stages in youth. Tickets for the tour currently range from $57 - $461 before taxes and fees and tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com

Level Up Sporting Club Opens to the Public June 4th

Y'all I've been waiting for this one. Level Up Sporting Club is now open. Located in Wrigleyville, the sporting club is described as "a Chicago sports bar leveling the playing field through its dedication to showcasing women's sports, paired with elevated bar food crafted by a bib gourmand–recognized chef." The sporting club, Owned by Clarissa Flores and led by an all woman team including Jennifer King and Bracey, aims to uplift women's sports on a level unseen by fans of women's sports in the city.

Anna's Word

"Find something where you can be together with people who see, love, and respect your humanity. It is only together that we'll get through this."

After delivering a particularly tough, heavy episode, Anna DeShawn drops a deeply comforting and urgent word for the family: Together. Sometimes the reality of the news we have to report doesn't leave us feeling good about the world, and it's easy to feel lonely, depressed, or like all of our progress is moving backward. But looking up and down the timeline, Anna highlights a beautiful truth—the queer community is gathering, organizing, eating, drinking, and finding ways to just be in community right now. If you are sitting at home feeling the weight of the world, this is your sign to log on, find a local event or organization, and get into a space with your people. Isolation is the enemy; choosing to show up for each other is how we heal and survive. Happy Pride, family—take care of each other until next week!

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

About Queer News

An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall for Public Sound.

Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

This week on the Queer News podcast, Anna shares the joy for compiling our first Chicagoland lesbian business directory. We're also talking all about the nationwide campaign Seven Days In June: HEALTH IS PRIMARY. In politics, Pattie Gonia Sued By Patagonia, and a Federal Judge in DC Blocked Trump's Plan To Move Trans Women Into Men's Prisons. In culture and entertainment, we roundup Chicago Pride Month Events, and Edgewater Dedicates Street to LGBTQ+ Activist Lori Cannon.

Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://queernewspod.substack.com

🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.

00:26 Welcome to Queer News

02:07 Subscribe to the Substack, https://queernewspod.substack.com/

03:05 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

05:13 Queer News Headlines

05:50 Seven Days in June: Health Is Primary

09:50 Pattie Gonia Sued By Patagonia

14:06 A Federal Judge in DC Blocked Trump's Plan To Move Trans Women Into Men's Prisons

16:19 Book an ad today! Email info @ e3radio.fm

17:12 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

17:31 Chicago Pride Month Event Roundup

19:33 Edgewater Dedicates Street to LGBTQ+ Activist Lori Cannon

22:13 Anna's Got A Word

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Important Episode Links

Check out the Chicagoland Lesbian Business Directory

Join the QCrew! Giving starts as low as $5/month

Send In a Queer News Tip or email info at e3radio dot fm

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

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📣 Stay Connected

• Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

• Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates!

• Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

This week's episode of Queer News is packed with historic milestones, urgent calls for justice, and accountability. Here is your social-media-ready breakdown of every story from Episode 340.

This Week's Top Story

Seven Days in June: Health Is Primary

For our top news story, we're talking all about Seven Days In June: HEALTH IS PRIMARY A week long nationwide campaign that "demands that every 2026 federal and local candidate [to] clearly commit to protecting healthcare access, biomedical research, and public health infrastructure."

From June 1st - June 7th a collection of community organizing in the form of town halls, rallies, and candlelight vigils will ask candidates how they will "improve affordability and access to care, sustain biomedical research, protect public health infrastructure, and provide stability for seniors, veterans, rural communities, and working families?" You can visit sevendaysinjune.org to learn more about the campaign and find a list of events near you. If you can't attend in person, they also have a list of virtual events for you to attend. Public health affects everyone, get involved now before it's too late!

This Week In Politics

Pattie Gonia Sued By Patagonia

Patagonia [pat-a-gon-e-ah] has filed a lawsuit against the drag queen Pattie Gonia for trademark infringement. Here's what we know. A message shared by Pattie Gonia via Instagram five days ago reads "Patagonia told the media they're only suing me for $1. What they're actually trying to do is take away my name permanently and threaten me with more than $1M million in legal fees. This is not a brand conflict. This is a corporation trying to erase an activist. This is how corporations bully individuals who cannot match their resources."

The complaint, filed by Patagonia back in January, states that "Today Patagonia filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against the entrepreneur, drag queen, and activist Pattie Gonia. While we wish we didn't have to do this – and actively engaged with Pattie for several years to avoid this – it has become necessary to protect the brand we have spent the last 50 years building. We're not against art, creative expression, or commentary about our brand. We want Pattie to have a long and successful career and make progress on issues that matter – but in a way that respects Patagonia's intellectual property and ability to use our brand to sell products and advocate for the environment." Patagonia has not commented since Pattie Gonia's letter, but hopefully both parties can come to a mutual agreement and get back to their shared goal of fighting to help the environment.

A Federal Judge in DC Blocked Trump's Plan To Move Trans Women Into Men's Prisons

Rejoice! Trump's transphobic tenets have been blocked once again. Federal D.C. Judge Judge Royce C. Lamberth blocked the Trump administration's Plan To Move Trans Women Into Men's Prisons. The decision is an injunction of a larger case, Doe v. Blanche, a case that is hell-bent on transferring 15 incarcerated trans women into a men's prison.

This is the second renewal of the preliminary injunction in this case, the first one being back in May. This renewal of the preliminary injunction will last until June 8th at which time another renewal will be necessary from Judge Lamberth, who seems more than willing to grant should everything work in his favor.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

Chicago Pride Month Event Roundup

This pride month we and yes that includes you our faithful listeners are OUTSIDE. Here on Queer news we have a roundup of some of the hottest events of the month. As most locals know the 25th annual pridefest is June 20th-21st, and the pride parade is on June 28th. Those two events are staples, but they're not all that this month has to offer. Kick Pride month off with the pride raising ceremony in Daley Plaza today, June 1st. In the world of sports White Sox's pride night is on June 10th and Chicago Sky's Pride Night is June 24th. Join yours truly on June 12 at the Sisters in Cinema Media arts Center For a Podcast Salon, an immersive, curated listening experience where podcast discovery meets the culture featuring Red for Revolution & Unboxing Queer History.

The party doesn't stop in June y'all. The first weekend in July is Black Pride Weekend in Chicago. Head on over to the Southside for a weekend of community, fun, and fellowship with the flyest LGBTQ+ people in the city.

Edgewater Dedicates Street to LGBTQ+ Activist Lori Cannon

The neighborhood of Edgewater celebrates a local hero just in time for pride month. LGBTQ+ activist Lori Branch posthumously received a street dedication in her honor. Lori Cannon Way is the new name for the 5500 block of North Broadway, a street that housed Lori's meal program for a food pantry that fed people with AIDS in the 1980s.

Many of Lori's loved ones showed up to the street dedication ceremony including Lori's daughter Munro who told Block Club Chicago that her mother would've made a fuss but "She really deserved it." Lori's friends and strangers deemed her an "AIDS Angel" due to her refusal to turn her back on people who had AIDS during a time when even the government turned their back on them.

Anna's Word

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

About Queer News

An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall for Public Sound.

Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

This week on the Queer News podcast, our top story remembers Juniper Blessing, a trans student at UW who was brutally murdered earlier this month. In Colorado, the Supreme Court just voted to reinstate gender affirming care to the youth. In Chicago, we have an update regarding Alderperson Fuentes' fight against ICE. In culture and entertainment, The Black LGBTQ+ vertical dramedy Unrequited has been acquired by Slay Media, and we talk about the BET Black+ Iconic Soirée honorees.

Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66

🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.

00:26 Welcome to Queer News

05:02 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

05:40 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

05:58 Queer News Headlines

06:52 A Trans Student At UW Was Found Fatally Stabbed To Death

09:30 Colorado Supreme Court Decision Requires Hospitals To Resume Gender Affirming Care

13:38 Alderperson Fuentes Files Lawsuit Against ICE Agents Due To Midway Blitz Altercation

17:24 First Black LGBTQ+ Vertical "Unrequited" Acquired By Slay Media Group

19:54 Meet The Black Queer Icons Honored at BET's Black + Iconic Soirée

22:30 Anna's Got A Word

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Important Episode Links

Join the QCrew! Giving starts as low as $5/month

Send In a Queer News Tip or email info at e3radio dot fm

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@e3radio

📣 Stay Connected

• Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

• Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates!

• Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

This week's episode of Queer News is packed with historic milestones, urgent calls for justice, and accountability. Here is your social-media-ready breakdown of every story from Episode 339.

This Week's Top Story

A Trans Student At UW Was Found Fatally Stabbed To Death

Today we remember Juniper Blessing, a trans student attending the University of Washington who was brutally murdered on campus earlier this month. Juniper was found stabbed to death around 10pm in an off-campus housing laundry room on May 10th. Juniper's death is the 7th known death of a trans person in 2026.

Juniper is remembered by her family as " the most amazing human being we have ever known — highly intelligent, extremely talented, and deeply sensitive to the needs of others…Juniper's loss not only devastates us but diminishes the world."

This Week In Politics

Colorado Supreme Court Decision Requires Hospitals To Resume Gender Affirming Care

Coloradans Rejoice! Hospitals are once again required to provide gender affirming care thanks to a new Supreme Court Decision. The Colorado Supreme Court voted 5-2 [five to two] in a ruling that determined that the Children's Hospital of Colorado participated in discrimination by essentially phasing out of providing gender affirming care to minors in the face of the trump administration's crackdown on hospitals providing gender affirming care nationwide. Justice Brian Boatright and Justice Carlos Samour are the two dissenters in that vote.

This decision sets a wonderful precedent for local (state) governments to take a stand against trump's tyranny and simply say no, we're going to do what's right and not deny care for those in need.

Alderperson Fuentes Files Lawsuit Against ICE Agents Due To Midway Blitz Altercation

Family, we have an update on Alderperson Fuentes legal battle against ICE agents in the aftermath of her conflict during Operation Midway blitz. Alderperson Fuentes has moved forward with suing the ICE Agents who brutally handcuffed her while she was responding to a call from a man who was injured in a different encounter with ICE and was in need of assistance at Humboldt Park Health hospital.

According to the Windy City Times, Alderperson Fuentes' team hopes to gain compensation for damages, and accountability on the ICE agents part for the use of unnecessary escalation tactics, disruption to the peace and safety of the public, and the physical and emotional distress they caused Alderperson Fuentes as a result of the arrest they carried out that day. We'll continue to keep you updated should this story develop.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

First Black LGBTQ+ Vertical "Unrequited" Acquired By Slay Media Group

The First Black LGBTQ+ Vertical is coming to a phone screen near you! The Vertical titled Unrequited follows the story of "an introvert on a mental health journey that starts blurring the lines of reality & fantasy." Verticals are on the come up, so to have a Black Queer Vertical thrive in the way Unrequited has is inspiring.

Season one consisted of 18 episodes, and Season two was announced back in February alongside a Seed&Spark campaign raising funds to support the production of the vertical. You can watch all episodes of season one now on TikTok by searching Unrequited The Series on the app.

Meet The Black Queer Icons Honored at BET's Black + Iconic Soirée

B.E.T's fourth annual Black+ Iconic Soirée was this past Saturday and it truly was Iconic! The Black+ Iconic Soirée is an annual event that "celebrates the brilliance and impact of the Black LGBTQ+ and ally community", and this year's soirée was hosted by the Emmy award nominated Laverne Cox.

Actress TS Madison received the prestigious Miss Major's Pioneer of the Year Award, an award that earned its name from the beloved Black transgender activist, stonewall veteran, and friend, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy. What's also special is that TS Madison received the award on TS Madison day in Washington DC. In a brief message to her supporters on instagram TS Madison said "Thank you to all who have been with me on this journey all these years." Congratulations to all the honorees of this year's Black+ Iconic Soirée.

Anna's Word

Life is Heavy, Go Find the Fun!

"Finding fun—even that fleeting happiness—is so critical. It is mandatory."

Recording and dropping this week's episode on Memorial Day, Anna DeShawn reflects on the profound irony of honoring those who died for freedom at a time when the country is stripping citizens' rights away every single day. Because this work can get heavy, Anna delivers a vital, mandatory reminder for the family: You have got to find the fun. True resistance isn't just about fighting; it's about choosing joy. Anna shares a behind-the-scenes look at the absolute joy, laughter, and pure fun the team has experienced over the last two weekends filming content for the upcoming Pride Month Substack activation. Our queerness is a celebration, and finding space to experience that happiness is how we sustain ourselves for the long haul.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

About Queer News

An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall for Public Sound.

Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

This week on the Queer News podcast, our top story breaks down the subpoena handed to NYU Langone on behalf of the DOJ. In Minnesota, Students walk out after a 7-1 vote to remove "A Mother of A Revolution!" from their spring concert. In sports, Jason Collins Passes Away at 47 and the community is mourning a real champion. In culture and entertainment, Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art Finally Unveils At The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, and Our Friends at Windy City Times tell us all about North Halsted's new Latino night club El Bar.

Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66

🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.

00:26 Welcome to Queer News

03:07 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

03:55 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

04:32 Queer News Headlines

05:24 NYU Langone Demanded To Hand Over List Of Names Of Trans Youth Seeking Gender Affirming Care

15:23 Minnesota School Pulls "A Mother of A Revolution!" From Spring Concert Due To LGBTQ+ Ties

20:11 Jason Collins Passes Away At 47

24:55 Subscribe to the Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

25:29 Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art Finally Unveils At The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art

27:34 El Bar Opens In North Halstead

32:09 Anna's Got A Word

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Important Episode Links

Join the QCrew! Giving starts as low as $5/month

Send In a Queer News Tip or email info at e3radio dot fm

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@e3radio

📣 Stay Connected

• Subscribe for news & queer deals: Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

• Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates!

• Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

This week's episode of Queer News is packed with historic milestones, urgent calls for justice, and accountability. Here is your social-media-ready breakdown of every story from Episode 338.

This Week's Top Story

NYU Langone Demanded To Hand Over List Of Names Of Trans Youth Seeking Gender Affirming Care

NYU Langone is one of multiple hospitals on the receiving end of a subpoena issued by the DOJ demanding the submission of "providers [names] and others who were involved in offering such care at NYULH in that timeframe." By providers the subpoena means doctors, assistants, nurses, accountants, and even volunteers who are involved in gender-affirming care in any capacity are under scrutiny. Within the same subpoena the DOJ requests 'information' on the trans youth receiving gender-affirming care but what they're requesting is vague at best and purposefully obtuse at worst. They want names of the patients, but in addition to that they essentially want the patient's entire history as well.

Hospitals who've received subpoenas are meeting with their legal teams to prep patients and providers on how best to protect themselves during this time. With the continuous changes in laws, reduction in federal funding for gender-affirming care and the heavy over-policing of people's bodies the Trump administration is advancing their anti-trans agenda at an alarming rate. That's why it's imperative for people to speak out against anti-trans rhetoric.

This Week In Politics

Minnesota School Pulls "A Mother of A Revolution!" From Spring Concert Due To LGBTQ+ Ties

Band students at WaterTown High School have been prepping for months for their spring concert which showcases the instrumental piece titled "A Mother of A Revolution". The school board held a meeting six days before the spring concert to determine whether or not the students would be permitted to play the piece due to composition's ties to the lgbtq+ community. "A Mother of A Revolution" was composed by Omar Thomas back in 2019 as a homage to all trans women, but especially Marsha P. Johnson who is known for her bravery during the Stonewall Uprisings.

In a 7-1 vote, the school board voted almost unanimously to remove the piece from the spring concert, much to the dismay of many students and faculty including Board President Laurie Hoffmann, the only board member who voted against removing the composition from the spring concert. The Board members who voted in favor of removing the song described the piece as "indoctrination", and were concerned that the playing of the song could invoke political violence. News spread quickly about the school board's decision, and in response on May 13th hundreds of students staged a walkout in protest. As things stand right now, "A Mother of A Revolution" is still pulled from the spring concert.

This Week In Sports

Jason Collins Passes Away At 47

Family, former NBA player Jason Collins has passed away surrounded by friends and loved ones at 47. Collins legacy with the NBA as the first openly Gay player in the NBA broke down doors (and prejudice) for other players to come out should they wish to do so. No other players have done so in the NBA, but Collins legacy lives on in the work he's done since his NBA retirement by raising funds for multiple LGBTQ+ organizations such as the Trevor Project.

Collins' family shared the following message after his passing: "We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma. Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly."

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art Finally Unveils At The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art

The National Museum of African Art Has debuted a New Exhibit. Titled Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art, the exhibit "is based on years of close collaboration and dialogue with African visual art practitioners who claim belonging in the LGBTQ+ community, however they define those terms. They are united by a simple, shared declaration: We are here and always have been and will be." The exhibit is supported by the Fisher Arts Impact Fund.

El Bar Opens In North Halstead

Opened on St. On Patrick's Day of this year, El Bar specializes in agave spirits and latin music, promising a great time for guests, but especially latino guests. Writer Lu Calzada from the Windy City Times got to speak with the owner Miguel about the creation of a latino place for queer people in North Halstead. Miguel told Lu "Every bar always has [something] like a Latino night…But I feel like it would be nice to have more Latino bars in the area and also try something different."

Anna's Word

This week, Anna DeShawn shares a deeply grounding word inspired by her experience emceeing Lambda Legal's recent Bon Foster Celebration. Standing in front of hundreds of people helping to raise vital funds for the legal fight protecting our communities, Anna experienced a powerful moment of alignment. She opens up about the overwhelming community love she received after stepping off the stage and the profound reminder of what it feels like to be exactly where you are supposed to be.

Anna challenges the family to step into spaces that allow them to thrive effortlessly. Finding yourself isn't about forcing a path—it's about stepping into your element and recognizing the things that come to you with absolute ease.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

About Queer News

An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall for Public Sound.

Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

This week on the Queer News podcast, for our top story, The DOJ investigates 36 Illinois schools over alleged Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) education. In politics, The Acceptance Academy Community school opens in South Florida this August, and the Trevor Project receives a 1 million dollar donation from NFL owner Arthur Blank. In sports, a lesbian engagement during a women's hockey game goes viral. In culture and entertainment, the Chicago Queer Wedding Show is on May 12th. Let's get into it.

Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66

🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.

00:26 Welcome to Queer News

03:37 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

04:01 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

04:41 Queer News Headlines

05:25 DOJ Launches investigation in Illinois schools for violations of civil rights

11:00 South Florida To Open A School For LGBTQ+ Students In August

14:10 Trevor Project Receives A 1 Million Dollar Donation From NFL Owner Arthur Blank

16:40 Book an ad today! Email info @ e3radio.fm

17:10 Subscribe to the Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

17:46 This Lesbian Couple's Engagement went viral in the Hockey World

20:34 Chicago's Queer Wedding Show Returns May 12th

23:08 Anna's Got A Word

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This week's episode of Queer News is packed with historic milestones, urgent calls for justice, and accountability. Here is your social-media-ready breakdown of every story from Episode 337.

This Week's Top Story

DOJ Launches investigation in Illinois schools for violations of civil rights

The DOJ has launched an investigation into 36 Illinois schools via their civil rights department. Most of the schools on the list are suburban schools. They claim that they're investigating if the schools have been teaching SOGI-related content otherwise known as sexual orientation and gender ideology in grades pre-K through 12th grade.

In a statement released by the DOJ they said "If they are teaching SOGI-related content, the investigations will examine whether the schools have notified parents of their right to opt their children out of such instruction. The investigation will also assess whether the Illinois School Districts limit access to single-sex intimate spaces (such as bathrooms and locker rooms) and girls' sports teams based on biological sex." There's currently no hard timeline for the DOJ investigation, but we will continue to keep an eye on this story as it develops.

This Week In Politics

South Florida To Open A School For LGBTQ+ Students In August

The Acceptance Academy Community school is described as a "private, nonprofit middle school serving LGBTQ+ students, bullied youth, and those who struggle to thrive in traditional school environments." The school is a part of the Step Up For Students scholarship program, a program that assists Florida families and students with tuition, transportation, and educational resources. Applications for the school and scholarships within the Step Up For Students scholarship program are now open. Tuition to attend is $20,000 a year. Families with a $8,000 state voucher, would pay about $12,000.

In an era where there's been a crackdown on school simply for queer students existing, it's nice to see a school that is striving to be a safe space for lgbtq+ students. The school will operate with smaller class sizes, ensuring a more personalized learning experience. When asked by local news about the security of the students, school president Gaskill shared that "we have significant security and the building is secure and I just want to leave it that." Classes will be in session starting August 10th.

Trevor Project Receives A 1 Million Dollar Donation From NFL Owner Arthur Blank

The Trevor Project received a million dollar donation from NFL Owner Arthur Blank via the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. The now retired first gay NFL player to be out while actively playing in the league Vegas Raiders player Carl Nassib uplifted the donation on his LinkedIn page saying "This donation helps fund counselor training, enhance volunteer services and ensure our critical programs reach LGBTQ+ youth in their most vulnerable moments. Thank you again to the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, this gift will save lives."

This Week In Sports

This Lesbian Couple's Engagement went viral in the Hockey World

Proposals during sports games are a tale as old as…the invention of the jumbotron circa 1980s, but Canadian lesbian couple Megan and Nina put a creative spin on their engagement. The Toronto Sceptres game began like any other against the New York Sirens. During a break in the game play the couple was tasked with solving a Wheel-of-Fortune esc puzzle that contained a personal message.

Footage posted by the Toronto Sceptres showed the moment the proposal unfolded. Megan solved the first part of the word puzzle, giving Nina just enough clues to solve the rest of the puzzle which spelled out the phrase "Will you marry me?" Nina turned to find Megan on one knee with a ring in her hand and words of love flowing from her heart. Nina said yes and the couple sealed their engagement with a kiss on the jumbotron.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

Chicago's Queer Wedding Show Returns May 12th

Hosted by Mei Lin Barral Photography, Something Profound Weddings, and Replogle Studios, "The Chicago Queer Wedding Show gathers LGBTQ+ owned + operated wedding vendors for queer marriers to easily meet and learn about vendors who are not just queer "friendly" but queer lead. This is the perfect place for queer folks to support people within their community and be supported by them on one of the most significant days of their lives."

The Chicago Queer Wedding Show is on May 12th from 6pm - 9pm at the Vinery in Logan Square. In addition to shopping the vendors, guests can cuddle puppies, get their fortunes read through cheese, and even get married right on the spot thanks to an ordained officiant who will be officiating weddings all night! The event is a celebration of queer love, and crafting a wedding tailored to one's personal interests according to co-founder Rebecca Pope from Something Profound Weddings.

Anna's Word

This week, Anna DeShawn is getting real about what it takes to scale Queer News Done Right. After a transformative meeting with a revenue strategist that left her feeling "uncomfortable the whole time," Anna is sharing a word for anyone who feels like they've been getting in their own way: Get Uncomfortable. Through the discomfort comes the pivot. Anna reflects on the shift from surviving to thriving and why staying in your "comfort box" is the fastest way to stay stagnant. In that spirit of activation and focus, Anna is leading by example—announcing a bold move to Substack and a major fundraising campaign for the month of June. It's time to take this work to the next notch, get serious about sustainability, and move together toward a future where independent Black queer media doesn't just exist, but flourishes.

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About Queer News

An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall for Public Sound.

Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

This week on the Queer News podcast, for our top story we cover the state of gender-affirming care for youth that remains in limbo here in Illinois. In politics, The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund released their April list of endorsements, and Jayee Cooper wins a settlement from USA Powerlifting. In culture and entertainment, Utah Drag Queens win their settlement against the state, and we highlight queer owned bookstores to support on Indie bookstore day. Let's get into it.

Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66

🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.

00:26 Welcome to Queer News

05:55 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

06:29 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

06:50 Queer News Headlines

07:26 Illinois youth access to gender affirming care remains in limbo in the aftermath of a new federal ruling

12:20 The LGBTQ Victory Fund Announces their Candidate Endorsements

14:54 JayCee Cooper and USA Powerlifting Reach a Settlement

18:53 Book an ad today! Email info @ e3radio.fm

19:23 Subscribe to the Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

19:57 Drag Queens Win Lawsuit Against the State of Utah

21:59 Chicago's Independent Bookstore day was April 25th and here's a list of the queer owned bookstores you should visit this year.

25:54 Anna's Got A Word

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This week's episode of Queer News is packed with historic milestones, urgent calls for justice, and accountability. Here is your social-media-ready breakdown of every story from Episode 336.

This Week's Top Story

Illinois youth access to gender affirming care remains in limbo in the aftermath of a new federal ruling

On April 18th, the U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai issued a ruling that reversed the treacherous Trump administration's policies aiming to end medicare and medicaid from providing gender-affirming care to minors. While the ruling eases hospitals' fears of losing federal funding if they were to provide gender-affirming care to minors, the hospitals that have already cut, and/or gutted their gender-affirming care programs have no legal obligation to reinstate them.

In Illinois, UChicago Medicine, Rush University Medical Center and Lurie Children's Hospital have all disbanded their gender-affirming care for minors, and none of those hospitals have released a statement and any indication that they plan to reinstate the programs anytime soon.

This Week In Politics

The LGBTQ Victory Fund Announces their Candidate Endorsements

In the whirlwind of this political climate it can be challenging to find guidance on candidates to support in your local and national elections this year. The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund just released their list of endorsements which highlight 57 new candidates for people to support. Candidates who earn an endorsement from the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund must "be an out member of the LGBTQ+ community who supports LGBTQ+ equality and the right to bodily autonomy and demonstrates a path to victory."

JayCee Cooper and USA Powerlifting Reach a Settlement

We first covered this story back in episode 306, but we have an update in the JayCee Cooper vs USA powerlifting case. JayCee Cooper won the Minnesota Supreme Court's unanimous approval back in 2025 after she faced discrimination during a powerlifting tournament. On the lawsuit, Cooper commented: "I don't want anyone to experience what I and other trans athletes have and continue to experience: having our basic human dignity questioned and opportunities denied because we are trans…We all benefit when sports are as inclusive as possible, when we organize around our shared humanity and collective empowerment."

This settlement is a great win for JayCee Cooper and all trans women in sports as it sets a precedent that discrimination can and should continue to be challenged in the court of law and that it's possible to win cases like this.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

Drag Queens Win Lawsuit Against the State of Utah

Drag Queens in Utah win big in a lawsuit against the state. The state of Utah has been court ordered to pay $350,000 dollars in attorney fees to the Southern Utah Drag Stars after Judge David Nuffer ruled in their favor. The legal battle between the Southern Utah Drag Stars and the city of St. George continued for three years until they reached a settlement back in 2025. In April, and federal judge ruled that the city must also cover the legal fees of the drag queens who sued the city of St. George, resulting in the $350,000 going towards the attorneys. In cases similar to the one in Utah, judges have been shown to rule in favor of the first amendment which is what the Southern Utah Drag Stars said was violated in their initial lawsuit back in 2023.

Chicago's Independent Bookstore day was April 25th and here's a list of the queer owned bookstores you should visit this year.

April 25th was national Indiependent bookstore day, and all over the country people spent the day supporting these stores through book buying block parties, exclusive author signings, and special story times for families. Chicago does things a bit differently by hosting a city wide bookstore crawl. A whopping 82 independent bookstores participated in the crawl this year which is a significant increase from the 54 stores last year. Goblin Market, Unabridged Books, and Women and Children First are a few of the queer-owned indie bookstores that participate in the bookstore crawl.

If you missed independent bookstore day this year, worry not because these queer owned bookstores are open year round. You also have time to plan your route for next year, and should add these stores to your 2027 bookstore crawl.

Anna's Word

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About Queer News

An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall for Public Sound.

Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

This week on the Queer News podcast, Our top story features an imprisoned Trans Woman who is set to receive 200K from the state of Oregon as a part of a settlement. In politics, Texas Tech prohibits students from writing about queer topics, and Idaho gets creative in the face of a pride flag ban. In sports, the WNBA will induct five lgbtq+ women into their hall of fame. In culture and entertainment, The Denver Queer Community joined together in an attempt to save their only lesbian bar.

Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66

🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.

00:26 Welcome to Queer News

03:12 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

03:43 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

04:01 Queer News Headlines

04:36 Oregon to Pay $295K To An Imprisoned Trans Woman As A Part of A Lawsuit Settlement

07:16 Texas Tech's New Ban Prohibits Students From Writing About Queer Topics

11:04 Idaho Gets Creative in The face of a Pride Flag Ban

14:19 Amnesty April is back from Chicago's City Clerk Anna Valencia

15:11 Book an ad today! Email info @ e3radio.fm

15:41 Subscribe to the Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

16:16 Highlighting the Queer Women Set To Be Inducted Into The WNBA Hall of Fame This Year

21:24 Denver's Queer Community Came Together To Try To Save Their Only Lesbian Bar

23:02 Anna's Got A Word

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Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

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📣 Stay Connected

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• Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates!

• Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.

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This week's episode of Queer News is packed with historic milestones, urgent calls for justice, and accountability. Here is your social-media-ready breakdown of every story from Episode 335.

This Week's Top Story

Oregon to Pay $295K To An Imprisoned Trans Woman As A Part of A Lawsuit Settlement

Reparations! The state of Oregon has been ordered to pay an imprisoned trans woman $295k as a part of a lawsuit settlement. Zera Lola Zombie is the woman at the center of this case, and her team of lawyers first sought legal action back in 2021. According to the lawsuit, Zera faced "ongoing harassment and verbal, mental, and psychological abuse by both prisoners and staff as a result of her sex, gender, and gender identity,".

A payment in the amount of $95K will go out to Zera herself, while her team of lawyers will receive the remaining 200K. Zara will continue to serve her current sentence of "manslaughter and first-degree assault following the death of a girlfriend in 2014" and is set to be released in 2049.

This Week In Politics

Texas Tech's New Ban Prohibits Students From Writing About Queer Topics

Don't say gay? Well at Texas Tech apparently you can't write gay either. The university has issued a ban on student thesis and dissertations writing about lgbtq+ discussion topics. In addition, Professors are also to refrain from teaching anything related to lgbtq+ discussion topics.

In a current administration that's hell bent on removing queer history, the elimination of these programs is downright dangerous for the preservation and continued study of queer history. 25 year associate professor Jen Shelton told the local news that "I think the whole university has been betrayed. I think even the provost did not expect it to look like this."

Idaho Gets Creative in The face of a Pride Flag Ban

On Trans Day of Visibility, Idaho republicans succeeded in compelling Idaho Governor Brad into passing a state law that fined "cities for flying flags that aren't on the Legislature's pre-approved list". Surprise, surprise the pride flag isn't on that list, essentially punishing any city that continued to fly the flag. On the passing of the state law Republican State Senator Ben Toews said "The ultimate goal is for us to fly flags that unite and don't divide."

The City Hall in Boise was quick to comply with the law and took their pride flag down soon after the law was passed. Officials who opposed the ban got crafty and raised their own 'Pride flag poles" instead. The flag poles are painted in the rainbow that can also be found on the pride flag.

This Week In Sports

Highlighting the Queer Women Set To Be Inducted Into The WNBA Hall of Fame This Year

The WNBA Hall of Fame is extra queer this year and we love to see it. Olympic gold medalists Sheryl Swoopes, Jennifer Azzi, Chamique Holdsclaw, Candace Parker, and Elena Delle Donne are the five queer women who are set to be inducted into the WNBA Hall of Fame later this year. Each woman on that list has an extensive career with the WNBA and is no doubt vital to the organization's success.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

Denver's Queer Community Came Together To Try To Save Their Only Lesbian Bar

The Pearl is Denver's only Lesbian bar and earlier this month they announced to their patrons that they would be closing at the end of the month. Within hours of the announcement the owners of the Pearl launched a gofundme for the beloved lesbian bar and by the end of the day, the Denver queer community banded together and they had raised over 83,000 dollars. Since then the owners have closed the gofundme, reassuring people that the funds will be allocated to their staff and to keeping the bar open through June.

However, as of writing this story their instagram account has been deleted, and their website lists the bar as closed leaving many concerned about the future of the bar. The plot continues to thicken, as last week members of the pearl staff released their own joint statement revealing details about the gofundme funds and the owner(s) who launched the crowdfunding campaign in the first place. The staff asked people to report the GoFundMe as fraudulent, and that a lack of accountability on part of some of the ownership team has led to discord between the staff and owners of the bar.

Anna's Word

Today's Anna's Got a Word is inspired by the panel she co-moderated for Lesbian Visibility Week titled The Terms We Use where they discussed terms like saphhic, dyke, FLINTA, queer and so many others. From that conversation Anna wanted to share that defining you for yourself is really what's most important.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

About Queer News

An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall for Public Sound.

Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

This week on the Queer News podcast Anna DeShawn reports, our top story mourns the life of Davonta Curtis, a trans woman who was brutally murdered in Chicago earlier this week. In politics the Montana Supreme Court steps up to protect their trans citizens, and The Pride at Stonewall is here to stay. In culture and entertainment, It's Lesbian Visibility Week and Sports power couple Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe have split up. Let's get into it.

Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66

🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.

00:26 Welcome to Queer News

02:51 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

03:25 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

03:56 Queer News Headlines

04:34 Her Name Was Davonta Curtis, And She Should Still Be Here Today

07:41 Montana Supreme Court Steps Up To Protect Their Trans Citizens

11:19 The Pride Flag At Stonewall Is Here To Stay

13:36 Amnesty April is back from Chicago's City Clerk Anna Valencia

14:28 Book an ad today! Email info @ e3radio.fm

14:58 Subscribe to the Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

15:32 It's Lesbian Visibility Week

18:20 Love isn't in the air? Lesbian Power Couple Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe Have Split Up

20:43 Anna's Got A Word

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Beyond the Rainbow: The Terms We Use panel (Virtual)

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📣 Stay Connected

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This week's episode of Queer News is packed with historic milestones, urgent calls for justice, and accountability. Here is your social-media-ready breakdown of every story from Episode 334.

This Week's Top Story

Her Name Was Davonta Curtis, And She Should Still Be Here Today

A 31 year-old trans woman was found murdered in her own home. Her name was Davonta Curtis, and she should still be here today.

Here's what we know. The morning of April 8th Davonta was found by Chicago PD with a blunt forced trauma to her head. She was pronounced dead on the scene in East Garfield Park. That's two days after her boyfriend, Deandre Bell was arrested and brought in for questioning .On April 11th, during a hearing, it was revealed by Cook County Prosecutors that Bell Googled "how to kill someone with a hammer" and "if a person gets hit in the head with a hammer while sleeping what happens" Bell was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle (allegedly Davonta's) and one count of murder in the first degree. Shortly after the hearing the Judge ordered the Bell be detained. Bell's next court date is April 29th. Rest in Power Davonta Curtis,. You deserved so much more than what the world gave you.

This Week In Politics

Montana Supreme Court Steps Up To Protect Their Trans Citizens

In a nearly unanimous vote, the Montana Supreme Court voted 5-2 declaring that "transgender discrimination is, by its very nature, sex discrimination" in the case of Kalarchik v. State of Montana. The case centers on two trans women who argued against a 2022/2021's law about sex markers on official Montana ID markers such as birth certificates and drivers licenses.

This trend of states voting in favor of changing legislation so that it further protects their trans citizens is a welcome change, and a much needed protection in the event that the federal government acts out.

The Pride Flag At Stonewall Is Here To Stay

The Trump Administration lost a lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal back in February on behalf of the Gilbert Baker Foundation. Gilbert Baker is the creator of the rainbow pride flag. As a part of the settlement, the pride flag at Stonewall is here to stay. As many of you remember (and were there in person) The Trump Administration abruptly removed the pride flag at Stonewall earlier this year. A day of rapid organization led to a protest at Stonewall which resulted in the pride flag being returned to its original place of rest. May we never forget that When we fight, we win.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

It's Lesbian Visibility Week

It's Lesbian Visibility week and the theme for this year is Healing and Wellness. The Lesbian Visibility Week of North America has the next seven days filled with in-person and virtual panels, film screenings and discussions, Exhibits, and Celebrations of people in our community. To check out the full schedule, head to www.lesbianvisibility.org/#events.

On Friday, I'll be speaking on the panel Beyond the Rainbow: The Terms We Use. The panel will analyze how certain terms shift definitions over time between generations and how to bridge the gap as language continues to evolve. The panel is at 3PM CT and will be virtual. I hope to see you there!

Love isn't in the air? Lesbian Power Couple Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe Have Split Up

Love isn't in the air in the world of sports. If social media is any indication, I'm sure by now you've all seen the news that Olympian and four time WNBA title holder Sue Bird and Soccer Olympic Gold medalist Megan Rapinoe have decided to go their separate ways.

The two retired from playing in their respective leagues in the early 2020s, and Sue Bird was just inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2025 and currently works as the WNBA's national team managing director. Although their joint podcast: A Touch More is coming to an end, it's not an abrupt one. The same day it was announced by Bird that six special episodes are set to release as a "farewell to you all and to this space."

Anna's Word

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About Queer News

An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall of Public Sound.

Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

This week on the Queer News podcast Anna DeShawn reports, in politics politicians fail to pass multiple pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislations in Georgia, Wisconsin, and Kentucky. In culture and entertainment, Chicago's Lesbian Bar Dorothy Gains A Sibling Named Fathom, and Poet Laureate avery r. young Debuts safronia at the Lyric Opera. Let's get into it.

Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew for as low as $5 a month, https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66

🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.

00:26 Welcome to Queer News 02:00 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew 02:29 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 02:54 Queer News Headlines 03:36 No new anti-lgbtq legislation passed in Georgia this year 05:50 Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers Vetos multiple anti-trans bills 08:27 Republicans Fail To Ban Trans Teachers In Kentucky 12:10 Amnesty April is back from Chicago's City Clerk Anna Valencia 13:03 Book an ad today! Email info @ e3radio.fm 14:35 Subscribe to the Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews 15:09 The Lesbian Bar Dorothy Gains A Sibling Bar In Lakeview 17:46 avery r. young To Debut At the Lyric Opera 22:08 Anna's Word

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📣 Stay Connected

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• Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

This week's episode of Queer News is packed with historic milestones, urgent calls for justice, and accountability. Here is your social-media-ready breakdown of every story from Episode 333.

This Week's Top Story

No new anti-lgbtq legislation passed in Georgia this year

Family, great news coming from Georgia. No new anti-lgbtq legislation passed in Georgia this legislative year. Georgia Equality celebrated the news on blueskyy, writing "After a late night at the Capitol to finish out the 2026 legislative session, we could not be more excited to share that WE DID IT! We successfully defeated ALL of the nearly 15 pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation!"

The Georgia governing body cannot convene for a new legislative season until 2027 thanks to local state laws. Governor Brian Kemp can call an emergency special session, and the move has been done by previous governors, but right now Kemp has 40 days to veto or pass all 2026 legislation so that should keep him occupied for some time.

This Week In Politics

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers Vetos multiple anti-trans bills

Wisconsin Democratic Governor Tony Evers was handing vetoes out left and right on Trans Day of Visibility. In total he vetoed five anti-trans bills in a small ceremony surrounded by the lgbtq+ community.

Evers has stood on business since 2023, vetoing any and all anti-lgbtq legislation that hits his desk. He tweeted back in 2024 that "Republicans' anti-LGBTQ bills targeting trans kids will never become law as long as I'm governor. I'll keep my promise to veto any bill making Wisconsin less safe, less inclusive, and less welcoming for LGBTQ people and kids—including this one. And I'll be damn proud to do it."

Republicans Fail To Ban Trans Teachers In Kentucky

In a sea of anti-lgbt+ legislation being passed left and right, it's nice to hear about some failures, like the failure by Kentucky Republicans to pass HB 759. The bill was so poorly constructed that it didn't even receive the attention of the senate who were scheduled to vote on it this month. The bill was designed by GOP lawmaker State Sen. Gex Williams as an amendment to HB 759 and teaching certifications but aimed to attack trans teachers.

To add more salt to Kentucky Republicans wounds, the failure to pass HB 759 means that for the first time in many years, no new anti-lgbtq+ legislation was passed in Kentucky during this legislative season! Now, we should still be vigilant for any bills sneaking their way into the next legislative season, but it's nice to celebrate wins when we can.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

The Lesbian Bar Dorothy Gains A Sibling Bar In Lakeview

The cherished lesbian bar Dorothy has been a staple for the queer community since it's opening in 2020 in Ukaranian village. Known for their curated events such as dj spotlight nights, bartender mix offs, silent book clubs, and so much more, Dorothy offers a place of respite and community for any and everyone, but especially lesbians. Now the owners Whitney Lamora and Zoe Schor are expanding to Lakeview with their new bar Fathom.

The bar has a kitchen, a patio area, and patrons can expect events such as karaoke and trivia. Fathom opened on April 9th and rapidly hit capacity which is a testament to how excited the Chicago queer community was to support Whitney and Zoe. Fathom opens at 5pm daily with the hours aiming to expand in the coming months. Dorothy opens daily at 6pm.

avery r. young To Debut At the Lyric Opera

The Lyric Opera is poised to present the world premiere of "safronia" this month. Chicago's Inaugural poet laureate, author, and interdisciplinary artist avery r. young is credited as the Composer and Librettist of safronia. In addition, he will play the Booker family's patriarch baar booker marking this as his mainstage debut at the Lyric Opera. avery also has credits in art pieces featured at The Hip Hop Theatre Festival, The Museum of Contemporary Art, and American Jazz Museum.

avery took inspiration from his own life in the creation of this story, describing the world of safronia as if "You're walking down Chicago Avenue and you stumble upon a church where Curtis Mayfield is conducting Parliament-Funkadelic, but Mavis [Staples] and her sisters and daddy are singing. That's what I wanted to make the world." safronia runs for April 18th and 19th at the Lyric Opera House.

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Anna's Word

About Queer News

An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall for Public Sound.

Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.

This week on the Queer News podcast Anna DeShawn reports, in top news The Supreme Court has made a decision in the conversion therapy case Chiles v. Salazar. We mourn the loss of Black Trans Activist and drag performer Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-McCray, and in politics, state representative Malcolm Kenyatta sponsored a bill in Pennsylvania to protect marriage equality and it passed. In culture and entertainment, studies find that 85% of Americans support trans-rights, Elliot Page to introduce an all trans and non-binary cast production of Shakespear's As You Like It, and Ironman's first all-trans relay team places third. Let's get into it.

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02:35 Queer News Headlines

03:32 The Supreme Court Votes 8-1 In the Chiles v Salizar Case

06:34 Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-McCray, Black Drag Performer And Activist, Killed at 42

09:03 The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Step Up To Protect Marriage Equality

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13:12 A Recent Human Rights Campaign Study finds that 85% of Americans support trans-rights

15:36 Elliot Page to introduce an all trans and non-binary cast for the production of Shakespear's As You Like It

18:28 Chella Man, Schuyler Bailar, and Cal Calamia are the first all-trans Ironman relay team to compete in the sport, and they just won third place!

21:15 Anna's Word

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This week's episode of Queer News is packed with historic milestones, urgent calls for justice, and accountability. Here is your social-media-ready breakdown of every story from Episode 332.

This Week's Top Story

The Supreme Court Votes 8-1 In the Chiles v Salizar Case

The Supreme Court voted nearly unanimously in their decision regarding the case of Chiles v Salazar. The 8 - 1 vote was in agreement that the Colorado law banning conversion therapy for minors likely unconstitutional as a violation of the first amendment.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was the sole dissenter on the case, stating that her reason for dissent was in part because "Not only is conversion therapy ineffective, former participants report that it causes lasting psychological harm. Gay and transgender children who underwent nonaversive conversion therapy say they were taught to feel shame and self-hatred. Survivors continue to suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. As one survivor put it, conversion therapy "'came close to killing me.'"

The bill will now be sent back to Colorado for a final decision. We break down the Supreme Court's Decision even further in Episode One of The Docket, a three-part video series delves into the constitutional stakes and human impact of the 2026 term's key LGBTQ+ cases. Coming soon to the E3 Radio Youtube Channel. Subscribe to be one of the first to see the first episode about Conversion Therapy.

This Week In Politics

Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-McCray, Black Drag Performer And Activist, Killed at 42

Family, another trans sibling was taken from this earth far too soon. 42 year-old Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-McCray, a beloved Black trans activist and Drag performer, was killed. The Petersburg police found Shyyell with multiple gunshot wounds in her home on March 13th, where she later passed away on scene. Shyyell is the first reported trans person to die by violence this year.

Shyyell was known in the Petersburg community for her work in pageants. She often competed and won the Miss Mayflower EOY in 2015 and the Miss Charlotte FFI in 2020. In addition to competing, her activism was prevalent on social media where she would often speak out about the cruel injustices against marginalized communities. Shyyell also worked with the nonprofit, Nationz Foundation, where she provided HIV/STD testing to the local Petersburg community.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Step Up To Protect Marriage Equality

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted on a bill to codify marriage equality into law. The Bill, introduced to the house by state representative Malcolm Kenyatta, would have the legal union between two people written as "two individuals" in place of the archaic phrase "one man and one woman."

This vote aims to protect marriage equality at the state level, as an extra layer of protection in addition to the federal protections that are currently in place. The bill is now headed to the State senate, which is currently a republican majority. We'll continue to update you on this bill as things develop.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

A Recent Human Rights Campaign Study finds that 85% of Americans support trans-rights

85% of Americans support trans rights! At least, according to a recent survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign. Researchers found that of the 1,032 people surveyed, "41% of American adults know a trans person, whilst 27% report "regular conversations" with a trans person." 85% believe that trans people should have "the same rights and protections as everyone else", and 89% said the trans community should have the same ability as anyone else to get the necessary healthcare.⁠"

Elliot Page to introduce an all trans and non-binary cast for the production of Shakespear's As You Like It

Elliot Page will introduce an all trans and non-binary cast for the production of Shakespear's As You Like It. The Production is slated to open summer 2026 in London and is helmed by the company Trans What You Will Theatre whose mission is to "to provide opportunities for those under the trans umbrella to come together and make us laugh and cry and show the world how precious and wonderful gender diversity can be".

Previews for the production will be held July 22nd and 23rd with an exclusive matinee for LGBTQ+ youth under 25. July 24 will be the premiere and will be livestreamed globally. This production is directed by Queer, trans, disabled director Phoebe Kemp who previously directed a production of Twelfth Night.

Chella Man, Schuyler Bailar, and Cal Calamia are the first all-trans Ironman relay team to compete in the sport, and they just won third place!

Deaf nonbinary cyclist Chella Man, champion trans swimmer Schuyler Bailar, and trans nonbinary marathoner Cal Calamia are the first all-trans Ironman relay team to compete in the sport, and they just won third place at the 2026 Athletic Brewing Ironman 70.3 Oceanside competition!

Team Iron Transmasc beat out 200 teams to secure their third place victory on March 28th. Competing in an Ironman relay race consists of a swim (1.9km), bike (90km), and run (21.1km) split between a duo or a trio.

Anna's Word

The word for today is inspired by Anna's Dad Easter sermon where he reminded the congregation, "How long, not long." A phrase coined by Dr. King pertaining to getting justice for Black folks here in America. Anna's Dad used it in the context for the time we have to live on earth and how we choose to use our time. How long, not long. He challenged the congregation to use their time to do the work they are called to do and to give grace where it is needed.

About Queer News

An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall.

Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.