Queer News

This week on the Queer News podcast, our top story contains a round up of anti-trans laws states are attempting to pass this year. In politics, We remember Jay Lee, and stand with California as they fight for trans youth. In culture and entertainment, The National Rainbow College Fund Launches Their 2026–27 Scholarship Program and Magic: The Gathering players raise more than $600,000 for Trans Lives.

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

04:09 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

04:33 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

05:34 Anti-Trans Law Roundup: A Brief Summary Of the New Anti-Trans Laws States Are Attempting To Pass

12:12 Remembering Jay Lee

15:00 The State of California Takes Legal Action After the Termination of Trans Youth Care

20:02 Book an ad today! Email info @ e3radio.fm

20:30 Subscribe to the Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

21:06 The National Rainbow College Fund is Accepting Applications

23:28 Magic: The Gathering Players Raise Over $600,000 For Trans Lifeline

26:21 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 323.

This Week's Top Story

Anti-Trans Law Roundup: A Brief Summary Of the New Anti-Trans Laws States Are Attempting To Pass

For our top story this week, in this day and age it's important to stay up to date on the laws in this country as they seem to change almost everyday. We've rounded up four anti-trans laws that states are trying to pass in 2026.

In Kansas, bills SB 244 and HB2426 are making big strides towards the senate. Those bills would allow private citizens to act as bounty hunters, encouraging them to search for trans people utilizing private business restrooms and sue them for as much money as possible. Nebraska is also trying to implement a whole slew of anti trans laws including bathroom bans for state owned buildings such as colleges, restrictions in gender-affirming care, and the possible ban of HRT for youth under 19 years old. As if Minnesota hasn't already been through enough, the Trump administration is targeting Trans athletes in the state. And Indiana is targeting incarcerated trans people with the bill SB 182.

This Week In Politics

Remembering Jay Lee

Back in 2022, cherished member of the LGBTQ+ community in Oxford Jay Lee vanished without a trace. His remains were found last year. For years his family searched for answers, and now all has been revealed. Dateline released a 2 hour episode detailing Lee,s disappearance and two trials that led to the conviction of Sheldon "Timothy" Herrington Jr, Lee's murderer.

The State of California Takes Legal Action After the Termination of Trans Youth Care

One of the largest hospitals that offered gender affirming care to youth in the state of California, Rady Children's Hospital, announced last month that they'd no longer be offering those services. This was a devastating blow to trans youth in California as the hospital served over 1,900 patients seeking gender-affirming care with approximately 1,450 of those patients under 19 for the past 14 years. The state of California is now suing them. California Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading the lawsuit against the Rady Children's Hospital. Bonta's leading complaint aims to "address Rady Children's Health's (RCH) unlawful refusal to fulfill its legal obligations to the Attorney General to the detriment of its patients."

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

The National Rainbow College Fund is Accepting Applications

The National Rainbow College Fund has launched their 2026–2027 Scholarship Program! "National Rainbow College Fund is powered by San Diego Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the U.S. and a leading scholarship provider in California. The fund supports efforts to reduce educational disparities for students who have faced barriers related to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, and is open to all applicants and allies who support these principles." The fund will award 200 selected California students a combined total of five-hundred-thousand dollars which averages out to two-thousand-five-hundred per student. Applications close on March 4th and those interested in applying can do so at RainbowCollegeFund.org/apply.

Magic: The Gathering Players Raise Over $600,000 For Trans Lifeline

This card game is gathering more than magic, it's gathering funds that will benefit trans lives! Brian Lewis aka "The Professor" organized the fundraiser on his youtube channel Tolarian Community College. From February 4th to February 7th, the team at the Tolarian Community College youtube channel collected donations on behalf of the organization Trans Lifeline. As of Saturday morning, the fundraiser raised over $600,000 dollars for Trans Lifeline, breaking their record from last year! What a cool way to fundraise money that saves lives. While the giveaways are now closed, you can still donate to Trans Lifeline by visiting their website: https://give.translifeline.org/campaign/765774/donate

Anna's Word

The word this week comes from one of Anna's favorite Kirk Franklin songs "Road Trip".

Pack a smile, cause this road won't be easy

Doubt will come, believe me

Sometimes you'll wonder if it's alright

Hold on tight, it's about to be amazing

When you see what God is making

I can't wait for you to tell me that (it's alright)

Travel light and leave room for tomorrow, expect delays

And sorrow, avoid left turns, don't forget what's right

Pray always, listen to that voice above you

Only let folk ride that love you, see you've come too far

You've gotta wrap on tight

But every time that you've been through

For His glory God is using you

See it's only in the darkest night

That you really see the stars shine bright

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.

This week on the Queer News podcast, Our top story is all about Don Lemon and the group of journalists arrested while covering the protests in Minneapolis. In politics, we dive into the twelve states suing the HHS, and USA Hockey's secret ban of trans athletes. In culture and entertainment, we take a look at the safest travel destinations for the LGBTQ+ community and the LGBTQ artists that won big the Grammy's.

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

03:10 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

03:58 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

04:18 Queer News Headlines

04:54 Independent Journalist Don Lemon Arrested while covering the protests in Minneapolis

10:28 States Sue Trump over Transphobic Policies

13:14 The USA Hockey Organization Quietly Banned Trans Athletes In Secret

17:18 Book an ad today! Email info @ e3radio.fm

18:46 Subscribe to the Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

19:12 LGBTQ+ and traveling within the US? Here are some of the safest cities to visit in 2026

21:26 Billionaire philanthropist Mackenzie Scott Gifts Millions to the Trevor Project.

23:34 Queers Win Big at the Grammy's

26:13 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 322.

This Week's Top Story

Independent Journalist Don Lemon Arrested while covering the protests in Minneapolis

Don Lemon was one of multiple journalists arrested on Friday for covering a protest at a Minnesota church. The pastor of Cities Church in St. Paul, David Easterwood, was alleged to be working with ICE, so protestors peacefully interrupted a Sunday service, and Don Lemon was one of a group of journalists present at the church. The DOJ charged the journalists with "conspiracy against the rights of religious freedom at a place of worship and injuring, intimidating and interfering with the exercise of the right of religious freedom at a place of worship". Lemon was later released the same day with a court date of February 9th in Minneapolis.

This Week In Politics

States Sue Trump over Transphobic Policies

California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington have joined together to sue the head of health and human services Robert F. Kennedy over the executive order embedded within the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. By refusing to comply with the executive order, these states have lost millions in funding for vital programming. New York Attorney General Letitia James is guiding the collection of states during the lawsuit.

The USA Hockey Organization Quietly Banned Trans Athletes In Secret

The USA Hockey organization quietly made the move to ban trans athletes from competing in "hockey leagues that match their gender identity" late last year. USA Hockey debuted a new participant Eligibility Policy back in November. Within the policy restrictions for trans athletes are written boldly: "In all programs where participation is restricted by sex, athletes are only permitted to participate in such programs based on their sex assigned at birth, except that a female (as assigned at birth) may not play in programs restricted to females if they have undergone any male hormone therapy." This policy will go into effect for the 2026 USA hockey season set to begin on April 1st thus essentially barring trans athletes from competing on National and Olympic teams. Several have spoken out against this discrimination including the first out trans hockey player Harrison Browne and the Seattle Women's Hockey League.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

LGBTQ+ and traveling within the US? Here are some of the safest cities to visit in 2026

Blog misterb&b's Queer Safety Index has the 411 on the safest cities to visit in 2026. They describe the Index as "an ordered ranking based on a weighted scoring model incorporating multiple data sources, starting with misterb&b most booked destinations. Safety is measured using FBI-reported hate crimes over the last five years. Each factor is normalized to a 0-1 scale, and weighted to produce a final ranking, where higher scores indicate greater LGBTQ+ safety and inclusivity." Coming in at number one on the Index is the beautiful windy city Chicago, IL with a score of 0.925818.

Billionaire philanthropist Mackenzie Scott Gifts Millions to the Trevor Project.

Billionaire philanthropist, and Jeffery Bezos' ex wife, Mackenzie Scott is putting her fortune to good use. She recently donated $45 million dollars to the Trevor Project marking this donation as the biggest one the non-profit has ever received in the history of the organization. Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black wrote in a statement "At a time when many LGBTQ+ young people are facing heightened stigma, political hostility, and mental health challenges, MacKenzie Scott's support sends a powerful message. LGBTQ+ young people matter, and the world is full of people fighting for their safety and well-being."

Queers Win Big at the Grammy's

Queer musicians who won big at the Grammy's. Durand Bernarr for Best Progressive R&B Album, Kehlani for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song, Tyler the Creator won for Best Album Cover, Doechii for Best Music Video and Billie Eilish for Song of the Year. The speeches were phenomenal and called us to act.

Anna's Word

Take care of you. This is Anna's word for the week. We are living in dark times and the bes way for you to combat that is to take great care of yourself. Rest, read a new book, journal, go shopping, the list goes on, but whatever it is make time to do it. We can't pour from an empty cup.

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.

This week on the Queer News podcast, Chicago has appointed Antonio King as the city's first Director of LGBTQ+ affairs. In politics, we have updates on the murders committed by ICE in Minneapolis. and. In culture and entertainment, we share the 2026 LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame inductees, we say goodbye to ballroom legend Boom Balenciaga, and we stand with Karamo as this Queer Eye drama unfolds.

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

03:54 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

04:24 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

06:02 Queer News Headlines

06:42 Chicago's new Director of LGBTQ+ affairs

09:12 The Murders in Minneapolis

14:54 Book an ad today! Email info @ e3radio.fm

15:23 Subscribe to the Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

15:58 The 2026 Class of the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame

18:32 Ballroom Loses A Legend

20:46 All Eyes on Queer Eye

24:00 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 321.

This Week's Top Story

Chicago's new Director of LGBTQ+ affairs

Chicago has elected Antonio King as the city's new Director of LGBTQ+ affairs. This is the first time that the newly elected director will work directly with Mayor Brandon Johnson's office to oversee the creation of policies that protect and create openings for LGBTQ+ Chicagoans. When asked about the promotion, King had this to say: "I'm building on the foundations that were laid by people like Mary Morten and Bill Greaves," King told the Windy City Times. "We're at a time where we have a federal administration that is so adversarial to the LGBTQ+ community, including our trans siblings who are under attack. It's important to have this role working with this mayor, at this moment in history, to show that we are supported in Chicago."

This Week In Politics

The Murders in Minneapolis

Yesterday ICE struck again, killing Alex Prettia, 37 year old nurse from Minneapolis. Caught on videos by a bystander, Alex could be seen helping a woman who was being targeted by ICE. He defended her from their physical assaults and in turn they redirected the attacks on him. Multiple ICE officers can be seen pepper spraying Alex and beating him before they brutally opened fire, shooting at the man multiple times. Alex was later pronounced dead by a local hospital. In the aftermath of the shooting protestors who were already on scene flocked to the location of Alex's murder to voice their anger with ICE. In response ICE deployed tear gas and flash bangs to disperse the crowd, but Minneapolis residents refused to back down. Hundreds gathered to pay their respect to Alex at a makeshift memorial on site. At this time updates about the shooting are still rolling in, but we will continue to keep you updated on ICE activity in Minneapolis as best we can.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

The 2026 Class of the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame

Last Tuesday the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame announced their class of 2026 at the Center on Halsted. Established 13 years ago, the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame has honored LGBTQ athletes for their efforts in sports and in the community. "The group's mission is to celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, and inspire future generations by recognizing the courage, talent, and perseverance of LGBTQ individuals who have broken barriers and made a lasting impact on the sporting community. Through education, advocacy, and celebration, we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable sporting landscape where every athlete can thrive authentically, inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression." Inductees will be inducted into the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony on July 25, 2026 in New York City. Congratulations to the Hall of Fame class of 2026.

Ballroom Loses A Legend

The House of Balenciaga announced on January 21st that legendary ballroom commentator and social media icon Boom Balenciaga has passed away at the young age of 36. Also known as Kirk Pressley, the beloved ballroom figure was a member of The House of Balenciaga as well as an initiate of the Mu Chapter of the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity. Outside of the ballroom scene, Pressley spent most of his career assisting the LGBTQ+ community through public health services. Others not familiar with the ballroom scene may recognize Pressley from his walk in season one of the hit show Pose. Those who tuned in to the 2023 Rihanna Super Bowl Halftime Performance would recognize Pressley's iconic voice in the teaser for the show. Houses and icons in the ballroom scene from all over have expressed their grief as the community continues to heal from this loss.

All Eyes on Queer Eye

Queer eye is in the media again for alleged in-fighting within the group after co-star Karamo Brown brings tensions to light live via a Gayle King interview. Brown's publicist sent a letter to Gayle that stated that "I hope everyone remembers the main theme I have tried to teach them over the past decade, which is to focus on and to protect their mental health/peace from people or a world who seek to destroy it; which is why I can't be there today." Gayle also mentioned that Brown was worried about being bullied by his castmates. The rest of the group was quick to wish Brown well. Fans observed that Brown also unfollowed the cast on their social media pages. Maybe the details of what went down between the group will be revealed during the new season?

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.

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

This week on the Queer News podcast Anna DeShawn shares a few top queer news stories and drops a special episode honoring the work of Coretta Scott King while celebrating everything Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was to the world. Just as Dr. King was called to this civil rights work, so was Coretta. History has put her in boxes that keep her narrative somewhere behind Martin's but no, not here on this podcast. On Queer News she is not just the wife of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; she is the movement.

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

02:27 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

02:56 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

03:31 Top Queer Stories

03:48 Queer News Headlines

08:40 Book an ad today! Email info @ e3radio.fm

09:12 Subscribe to the Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

10:00 Honoring Coretta while Remembering Martin

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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.

Family, this week on Queer News, Anna DeShawn kicks off Season 5 by honoring the historic legacy of Andrea Jenkins, the first out Black trans person elected to public office in the U.S., as she announces her retirement. In politics, we head back to Minneapolis to discuss the heartbreaking killing of Renee Good by ICE agents and look ahead to the Supreme Court, where the future of trans girls in sports hangs in the balance. In culture and entertainment, the boys of Las Culturistas are catching smoke for their comments on Jasmine Crockett, and gospel legend Donnie McClurkin faces a shocking lawsuit that brings the "pray the gay away" conversation back to the forefront. 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

02:18 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

03:00 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

03:17 Queer News Headlines

04:00 Honoring the Historic Legacy of Andrea Jenkins

08:12 Renee Good Should Still Be Here

13:19 Trans Youth Sports Take the Stand at the Supreme Court

18:10 Book an ad today! Email info @ e3radio.fm

18:40 The Queer Family Podcast

19:40 Subscribe to the Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

20:12 Las Culturistas Catch the Smoke After Jasmine Crockett Comments

24:21 Gospel Legend Donnie McClurkin Faces SA Lawsuit

28:50 Anna's Word

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Important Episode Links

Watch Shine a Light On It: Black Women, HIV & Its Impact

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

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

Watch Creating Change Interview with Anna DeShawn & Cathy Renna

Creating Change Details & Registration

Creating Change FAQs

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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 the Season 5 premiere.

This Week's Top Story

Honoring the Historic Legacy of Andrea Jenkins

In a move that marks the end of an era, Andrea Jenkins, the first openly Black transgender woman elected to public office in the U.S., has announced her retirement from the Minneapolis City Council. Since her historic 2017 win, Andrea has led through "tumultuous" times, serving as Council President, navigating the 2020 uprisings, a pandemic and managing an MS diagnosis with grace. Now, she is returning to her first loves, poetry and family. We honor her as a possibility model who didn't just break the glass ceiling, she held the door open for everyone behind her.

This Week In Politics

Renee Good Should Still Be Here

The Minneapolis community is reeling following the killing of Renee Nicole Macklin Good by an ICE officer, less than a mile from where George Floyd was murdered. Despite federal attempts to characterize Renee as a "domestic terrorist," eyewitnesses and local officials are disputing the claims. Renee's wife, Becca, describes her as a woman who "literally sparkled." In a historic show of community support, a GoFundMe for the family amassed $1.5 million in days, which the family has moved into a trust. We continue to demand accountability for this federally sanctioned violence.

Trans Youth Sports Take the Stand at the Supreme Court

Tomorrow, January 13th, the Supreme Court will hear arguments for Hecox v. Idaho and B.P.J. v. West Virginia. At the center of the storm is 15-year-old Becky Pepper-Jackson, who just wants to play middle school track and field. Despite having no "biological advantage" and having transitioned in the 6th grade, Becky is fighting state laws that aim to ban trans girls from sports. With a 6-3 conservative lean, the stakes for trans inclusion in public life have never been higher.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

Las Culturistas Catch the Smoke After Jasmine Crockett Comments

The award-winning podcast Las Culturistas found itself in hot water this week. Hosts Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang faced major backlash after Matt suggested on-air that listeners shouldn't give their money to Jasmine Crockett, the Black congresswoman known for standing up to MAGA extremism. Following a justified social media firestorm, both hosts issued apologies. It's a reminder that once your voice hits the internet, accountability is the only way forward.

Gospel Legend Donnie McClurkin Faces SA Lawsuit

Gospel icon and "reformed homosexual" Donnie McClurkin is facing a lawsuit from a former assistant alleging years of sexual abuse. The plaintiff, Giuseppe Corletto, claims the abuse began during "pray the gay away" sessions after he sought McClurkin's help to overcome what the pastor calls the "curse of homosexuality." While McClurkin denies the claims, the lawsuit highlights the deep trauma and manipulation often found in conversion therapy spaces. As Anna says: "You can't pray away something that was God-given."

Anna's Word

The Bears' BIG win over the Packers (against a 4% chance!) is a reminder: What God has for you, is for you. No matter the odds or what seem like insurmountable odds, keep your head up and stay on purpose.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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.

Family, "Me and God gonna have a lot of talks about forgiveness on this one..."

The holiday tradition continues! While we are still on our winter break, we are bringing you the conclusion of our annual end-of-year takeover with Kris and Shana of the Bad Queers Podcast. In Part 2, we're moving from the heat of July through the final moments of December to wrap up what can only be described as a "dumpster fire" of a year with a little bit of grace and a lot of laughs.

In Part 2, we're getting into:

• The Wins: Lambda Legal's massive $6.2 million victory and Anna's beautiful "Shine a Light on It" exhibit.

• The Mess: From the WNBA "Green Sex Toy" marketing stunt to the Charlie Kirk fallout and the end of the Dinah Shore era.

• Bad Queer Opinions: Why we're "too gay to be transphobic" and why some folks are officially not welcome in the circle in 2026.

• The All-Star Vision: Anna, Kris, and Shana manifest a "Black & Gay as Hell" Summer 2026 in Chicago for the WNBA All-Star Game.

It's been a wild year, family, but we are closing it out with the people who make us laugh the loudest. We'll be back with our standard Queer News episode next week, but for now enjoy the chaos!

And don't forget…

Independent Black queer media runs on your support. If you love this crossover, make sure to show some love to the Bad Queers fam!

🔗 Connect with the Family

• Follow Anna DeShawn: @AnnaDeShawn

• Follow Bad Queers: @BadQueersPodcast

• Support Bad Queers on Patreon: patreon.com/BadQueersPodcast

• Shop the Swag: https://www.google.com/search?q=badqueers.com (Use code FALL25 for 25% off!)

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.

About Bad Queers Podcast

Breaking LGBTQ+ Stereotypes

A space where we discuss breaking stereotypes and share stories that are often overlooked. We're dedicated to those who feel like they came out of the closet only to be placed in a box they don't belong to. Here, our conversations are like stepping into an intimate gathering among your closest queer friends—sometimes messy, sometimes serious, but always real.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

00:26 Welcome to Queer News

00:54 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

01:11 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

04:48 Book an ad today! Email info @ e3radio.fm

05:18 Subscribe to the Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

06:00 Pt. 2 - 2025 Year in Review

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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.

Family, while the Queer News Podcast is on holiday break, we're bringing you a special gift: Part 1 of our annual end-of-year crossover with our favorite duo, Kris and Shana of the Bad Queers Podcast. 🏳️‍🌈

2025 was a "dumpster fire" of a year politically, but culturally? It belonged to the icons. We're calling it The Niecy Nash Year and in this first half of our recap, we're breaking down the top stories from January through June.

In Part 1, we dive into:

• Queer Urban Dictionary: Decoding "Pomo Sexuality" and the bizarre conservative "Berry Sexuality" trend. 🍓

• The Headlines: TikTok going dark, the historic LA wildfires, and the "longshot" legal battles for trans rights.

• Culture Wins: Beyoncé's record-breaking Grammy wins and why 2025 belongs to Niecy Nash-Betts.

• Social Trends: From the "Stud Budz" takeover of the WNBA to the viral "Stud Name vs. Real Name" TikToks.

• Queerest Moments: Anna recaps her favorite moments from the Bad Queers Live Show in Chicago.

Independent Black queer media runs on your support. If you love this crossover, make sure to show some love to the Bad Queers fam!

🔗 Connect with the Family

• Follow Anna DeShawn: @AnnaDeShawn

• Follow Bad Queers: @BadQueersPodcast

• Support Bad Queers on Patreon: patreon.com/BadQueersPodcast

• Shop the Swag: https://www.google.com/search?q=badqueers.com (Use code FALL25 for 25% off!)

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.

About Bad Queers Podcast

Breaking LGBTQ+ Stereotypes

A space where we discuss breaking stereotypes and share stories that are often overlooked. We're dedicated to those who feel like they came out of the closet only to be placed in a box they don't belong to. Here, our conversations are like stepping into an intimate gathering among your closest queer friends—sometimes messy, sometimes serious, but always real.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

00:26 Welcome to Queer News

01:06 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

01:29 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

03:00 Queer News Headlines

03:30 Book an ad today! Email info @ e3radio.fm

04:02 Subscribe to the Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

04:38 Pt. 1 - 2025 Year in Review

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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.

Family, we are in holiday mode here at the Queer News podcast which means it's time for rest and some interviews. This week we're bringing some inspiring holiday voicemails to help you get through this season and an interview centering purpose to help us get our lives right together as we enter 2026. As Marvin says, "Purpose is a vehicle, and purpose has the ability to take you in the right direction if you would just follow." 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.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

00:07 Welcome to Queer News

01:51 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

05:17 I'm Alive and I'm Winning: Living Beyond Red with Marvin Anderson

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Important Episode Links

Send in Your Holiday Voicemail

Watch HIV Artivist Marvin Anderson Music Video "Living Beyond The Red" (Featuring Tomi Thomas)

Sign up for the Queer News newsletter

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

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

Watch Creating Change Interview with Anna DeShawn & Cathy Renna

Creating Change Details & Registration

Creating Change FAQs

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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.

Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. In top news, Trans Up Front Illinois received a big grant from Lady Gaga's foundation. In politics, we have a disappointing update on the U.S military ban. In culture and entertainment, Jason Collins shares that he has been diagnosed with stage four brain cancer, Cynthia Erivo makes Golden Globe history, and the Teen Vogue X GLAAD 20 under 20 list is out! 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

02:02 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

02:24 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

02:41 Queer News Headlines

03:24 A U.S Military Ban Update

05:44 Trans Up Front Illinois Receives A Grant From A Familiar Face.

10:27 Book an ad today! Email info @ e3radio.fm

10:57 The Queer Family Podcast

11:37 Subscribe to the Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

12:10 Jason Collins Releases A Diagnosis Update

15:52 Cynthia Erivo Makes Golden Globe History

17:35 Teen Vogue X GLAAD 20 under 20 list is out!

19:35 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

GLAAD AND TEEN VOGUE RELEASE SIXTH ANNUAL 20 UNDER 20 LIST, SPOTLIGHTING YOUNG LGBTQ TRAILBLAZERS SHAPING THE FUTURE

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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 Top Story

A U.S Military Ban Update

Back in November we reported about the trans bans in the air force and how those affected are now without retirement plans and without respect from the US government. We now have an update as to how these bans were held up in the court of law. The U.S. The Court of Appeals ruled that the bans initiated by the Trump administration are to remain in place for now. These rapid changes in policy affect those who serve's retirement, healthcare, etc and Admiral Rachel L. Levine knows the effects of these bans firsthand. Admiral Rachel L. Levine is a trans woman who previously worked for the Biden administration. To commemorate her time serving her country, her portrait is currently on display in Humphrey Building in Washington D.C. That portrait was recently tampered with. Levine's nameplate was altered to read her deadname instead of her name.

This Week In Politics

Trans Up Front Illinois Receives A Grant From A Familiar Face.

The Born This Way Foundation has awarded the Trans Up Front Illinois organization funds from the 2025–2026 Kindness in Community Fund. If the The Born This Way Foundation org's name sounds familiar that's due to the co-founder Lady Gaga. The Fund offers much more than just financial support, it also offers mental health support and resources to those in need. Trans Up Front Illinois is a part of the 55 organizations selected to receive the kindness in community fund.

Jason Collins Releases A Diagnosis Update

Family, we have an update on Jason Collins, the first openly gay NBA player. His family publicly announced back in September that Collins was battling a brain tumor. When reflecting back on that time Collins recounted that "They [his family] did that [announce the tumour] to protect my privacy while I was mentally unable to speak for myself and my loved ones were trying to understand what we were dealing with. But now it's time for people to hear directly from me." It's now been revealed by Collins himself that he is battling stage 4 Glioblastoma.

This Week In Entertainment and Culture

Cynthia Erivo Makes Golden Globe History

Multi-hyphenate Cynthia Erivo continues to make history. The Golden Globe nominations came out this month and Cynthia has been nominated for "Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy" for her performance as Elphaba in Wicked: For Good. Cynthia is now the first Black woman nominated to be nominated in this category twice, and in a row at that. Cythina was also nominated in the same category for her performance as Elphaba in Wicked: Part One.

Teen Vogue X GLAAD 20 under 20 list is out!

The sixth annual GLAAD x Teen Vogue 20 under 20 list for 2025 is out. Each year since its inception in 2020, GLAAD and Teen Vogue have teamed up to celebrate 20 incredible changemakers who are under 20 years old! The portraits of this year's honorees were painted by George Hilton III and can be seen on GLAAD's website. That's also where you can find the full list of honorees.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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.

Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. In top news, the Victory Institute held its 41st gathering of LGBTQ+ politicians from around the world and I was there. I'm going to tell you all about it. In politics, the USA received an 'F' on the 2025 Franklin & Marshall Global Barometers Report. The Girl Scouts of the UK, GirlGuiding, bans trans girls from joining the organization. Gender-affirming care for Georgia inmates is protected after a law aiming to cut it is struck down. In culture and entertainment, Drag Queen Pattie Gonia raises over 1 million dollars for a more equitable outdoors, and gamers combat trans bans in E-Sports. 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

02:32 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

02:53 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

03:13 Queer News Headlines

04:10 President Joe Biden Receives Award for LGBTQ+ Inclusivity

07:55 Gender Affirming Care for Georgia Inmates Is Safe…For Now

10:28 Girl Scouts UK Bans Trans Girls

13:24 Book an ad today! Email info @ e3radio.fm

14:54 Subscribe to the Queer News Newsletter, https://bit.ly/QueerNews

15:25 The US Has Earned an F in the 2025 Franklin & Marshall Global Barometers Report

17:30 Trans Bans Expand to E-Sports, But Gamers Are Fighting Back

20:35 Pattie Gonia Raises 1 Million For A "More Equitable" Outside By Completing A 100m Trek

22:48 Anna's Got A Word

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Important Episode Links

Watch Shine a Light On It: Black Women, HIV & Its Impact

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

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

Watch Creating Change Interview with Anna DeShawn & Cathy Renna

Creating Change Details & Registration

Creating Change FAQs

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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 Top Story

President Joe Biden Receives Award for LGBTQ+ Inclusivity

The Victory Institute hosted its 41st Annual International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in Washington, DC from December 4-6. Over 3 days they hosted over 700 LGBTQ+ politicians from around the world and for the first time in history a U.S. President came to speak. It's no surprise that President is Joe Biden as he received the Chris Abele Impact Award recognizing his historically LGBTQ+ inclusive administration.

This Week In Politics

Gender Affirming Care for Georgia Inmates Is Safe…For Now

Judge Victoria M. Calvert struck down a Georgia law aiming to eliminate gender-affirming care for Georgia inmates. The Law, deemed SB 185, was given a permanent injunction because the court found that the law violated the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. 5 trans people joined together to sue against the bill as they argued that denying inmates gender affirming care was harmful to the inmates health. Incarcerated people are legally supposed to receive healthcare, although what that healthcare entails is up to each individual state. This is a big win for the trans community in this age of legal battles against anti-trans laws.

Girl Scouts UK Bans Trans Girls

Trans girls have been banned from joining GirlGuiding which is the UK's equivalent to the Girl Scouts. Announced in a public statement the organization said "Following detailed considerations, expert legal advice and input from senior members, young members and our Council, the Board of Trustees for Girlguiding has made the difficult decision that Girlguiding must change, following the Supreme Court's ruling. From today, 2 December, it is with a heavy heart that we are announcing trans girls and young women will no longer be able to join Girlguiding. This is a decision we would have preferred not to make, and we know that this may be upsetting for members of our community."

This Week In Entertainment and Culture

The US Has Earned an F in the 2025 Franklin & Marshall Global Barometers Report

The U.S. is failing LGBTQIA+ quality of life. Literally! The United States has received an 'F' on the 2025 Franklin & Marshall Global Barometers Report. The Franklin & Marshall Global Barometers Report is a collection of data conducted every year that "quantifies the state of global lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) human rights. According to the report, the U.S. has regressed in safety, human rights, acceptance, and violence, meanwhile a fear of police has increased steadily between this year and last. The report also found that trans people experience the highest chance of violence amongst their peers.

Pattie Gonia Raises 1 Million For A "More Equitable" Outside By Completing A 100m Trek

Environmentalist and Drag Queen Pattie Gonia set out on a quest earlier this year to raise funds to make the outdoors more equitable. This week she completed her goal. Pattie Gonia trekked 100 miles from Point Reyes national seashore to San Francisco in full drag. She documented each step of the way on her Instagram, greeting followers after each mile completed. The now over 1 Million dollars that she raised will be divided up amongst 8 non-profits with the unified goal to make the outdoors more equitable.

Trans Bans Expand to E-Sports, But Gamers Are Fighting Back

Bans on trans people have expanded into the E-Sports community, but gamers are fighting back. In a statement issued to fans of competitive gaming in the video game Dead By Daylight world cup organizer Fishcadito announced "For the World Cup, we've decided not to allow transgender women to participate, but we hope to include them in future tournaments." Competitors quickly began withdrawing from the competition in response to the newly added anti-trans rule. Team Canada, Team USA, and notable Twitch streamers such as Jiggledeath have all withdrawn from the World Cup.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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.