Queer News

Family, this week on Queer News, Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community, and this one is pure joy!

We sit down for an exclusive, celebratory chat with Kirrin Finch founder Kelly as they celebrate 10 years of radically inclusive, gender-defying fashion. Kelly shares the personal journey and the entrepreneurial fight behind creating a clothing brand that is true armor for our community. Find out how they ditched standard sizing with a "fit party" to ensure their suits and shirts are perfect for all bodies (curves, hips, and chests included!), giving you that feeling of your "inside matching your outside." This conversation is a masterclass in how we bring Queer Joy into every moment, even through our wardrobe.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Support Kirrin Finch: Use code ANNAD for a discount on your order.

10th Anniversary Party

The code will get them a free entry or a reduced price ticket w/ a drink included

Code: AnnaD

Link: www.eventbrite.com/e/1704293260019/?discount=AnnaD

20% off Discount code

Code: AnnaD

Link that automatically adds code to cart: https://kirrinfinch.com/discount/AnnaD

Get a 20% discount for 20% off your order! Code expires 10/31/25 11:59PM ET. Code AnnaD cannot be combined with any other offer, applied to previous purchases, or redeemed for cash. Limited quantities available. First-come, first-served and only while supplies last. No rain checks. Terms are subject to change, and the offer

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

In other news this week:

• Top News: The Queer News Podcast has been nominated for four Black Podcast Awards!

• Politics: The Supreme Court is looking at three major cases that could impact the LGBTQIA+ community, and in Chicago Alderperson Jesse Fuentes was briefly handcuffed by ICE.

• Culture & Entertainment: The inaugural BE gala rolled out the red carpet for LGBTQIA+ advocates and Khalid has released a new album that's queer and liberating AF.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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.

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Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@e3radio

Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm

📣 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.

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 Queer News Podcast has been nominated for four Black Podcast Awards! In politics, The Supreme Court is looking at 3 major cases that could impact the LGBTQIA+ community, and in Chicago Alderperson Jesse Fuentes was briefly handcuffed by ICE. In culture & entertainment, The inaugural BE gala rolled out the red carpet for LGBTQIA+ advocates and Khalid has released a new album that's queer and liberating af. 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.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

00:25 Welcome to Queer News

02:01 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

02:24 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

02:51 Queer News Headlines

04:50 Queer News has 4 Black Podcast Award Nominations

05:49 Three Supreme Court Cases Targeting LGBTQ+ People

11:11 Chicago Ald. Jessie Fuentes Handcuffed by ICE

16:32 Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com

17:54 Inaugural BE. Gala Dawns 'A New Renaissance' of Black, LGBTQ Activism

20:41 Khalid Drops New Album

22:22 Anna's Got A Word

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Important Episode Links

Get Your Tickets - Kirrin Finch 10th Anniversary Party

This code will get you free entry or a reduced price ticket w/ a drink included

Code: AnnaD

Link: www.eventbrite.com/e/1704293260019/?discount=AnnaD

Get 20% off Kirrin Finch through 10/31

Code: AnnaD

Link that automatically adds code to cart: https://kirrinfinch.com/discount/AnnaD

Listen to Out! And Into Open Arms Podcast

https://www.nhoutright.org/oioa

Give to Miss Major

fundly.com/missmajor

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@e3radio

Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm

📣 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

Queer News has 4 Black Podcast Award Nominations

The Queer News podcast has been nominated for 4 awards at the sixth annual Black Podcasting Awards. The categories are 2025 Legend Award, Best Solo Host, Best LGBTQ Podcast, and Best News & Politics Podcast. The awards ceremony will be held on October 17th, 2025 in Baltimore.

This Week In Politics

Three Supreme Court Cases Targeting LGBTQ+ People

Chiles v. Salazar will determine whether conversion therapy bans violate the free speech rights of therapists. Trump v. Orr is fighting the anti-trans passport policies and Little v. Hecox + West Virginia v. BPJ, both cases are about trans girls in sports. The ruling of all these cases could have detrimental impacts to the community in the future.

Chicago Ald. Jessie Fuentes Handcuffed by ICE

Alderperson Jesse Fuentes, one of nine LGBTQ alders in Chicago, was handcuffed inside a hospital by ICE for asking "Do you have a signed judicial warrant"? The federal agents weren't having it and aggressively placed the alderperson in handcuffs.

This Week In Entertainment and Culture

Inaugural BE. Gala Dawns 'A New Renaissance' of Black, LGBTQ Activism

The BE gala was a fundraiser for the Center for Black Equity that celebrated Black LGBTQ+ activists, advocates and allies. Honorees included Dr. David Johns, Big Freedia & U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett to name a few.

Khalid Drops New Album

Pop musician Khalid has released his new album titled "After the Sun Goes Down". It is an ode to the pop icons that came before him such as Rihanna and Britany Spears, as well as his childhood self.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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.

One year ago, the Purple Tie Affair was cancelled. Today, it stands as a testament to the power of resilience, community, and radical vision, raising an incredible $30,000 for Black queer media. In a deeply personal opening, Anna DeShawn pulls back the curtain on the emotional journey: from losing a major sponsor to rebuilding with grassroots support. She shares why this victory, powered by community, means more than any corporate check ever could.

This powerful theme of "building your own table" is the perfect bridge to this week's conversation. Anna welcomes Dr. Jessica and Emily, the brilliant founders of Queer Quest, a revolutionary "unconference" creating a vital space for Black and Brown queer folks in STEM. They discuss the exhaustion of navigating the "ivory tower," the magic of fusing quantum physics with ancestral healing, and the urgent need for spaces that celebrate rest as resistance.

This episode is a tribute to those who build their own tables: past, present, and future.

Find links to everything discussed in the show notes, including:

• How to support trans icon Miss Major.

• Tickets and sponsorship for Queer Quest in Chicago.

• The incredible work of Task Force Prevention and Community Services.

• The history of Chicago legends Pat and Vera Washington.

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.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

00:10 Anna celebrates raising $30,000

14:40 Queer Quest, a Multiverse of Rest & Resistance

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Important Episode Links

Give to Miss Major

fundly.com/missmajor

Sponsor a Ticket to Queer Quest

https://oyanova.com/event/queer-quest-a-journey-to-self-discovery

Learn more about Task Force Prevention and Community Services

https://www.taskforcechicago.org/

Learn more about Pat & Vera

https://www.chicagogayhistory.com/biography.php?id=633

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@e3radio

Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm

📣 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, California lawmakers pass a bill to protect the medical data of Transgender people, a Bipartisan bill was introduced to reinstate the LGBTQIA+ suicide emergency hotline, and former Vice President Kamala Harris tells all in a new memoir detailing her 107 day presidential campaign. In culture & entertainment, Liniker, a trans artist, was nominated for 7 Latin grammy's and a record breaking number of out queer people compete at the world championship and in the WNBA playoffs. 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

05:42 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

06:31 Queer News Headlines

07:20 California passes bill to protect the medical data of transgender people

09:44 Bipartisan Bill Seeks To Reinstate National Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ+ Youth

13:10 Rachel Maddow questions Kamala Harris on not picking Pete Buttigieg

19:05 Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com

19:36 Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/ mental-health-parity.html

20:07 Attend the 11th annual Purple Tie Affair: Concert & Silent Auction. Get your tickets here, https://buytickets.at/e3radio/1781024/r/queer-news

20:43 Latin Grammy's first trans winner, Liniker, makes history again with 7 nominations

22:55 A Record Number Of Out Athletes Who Competed At The 2025 World Athletic Championships and WNBA playoffs

28:29 Anna's Got A Word

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Important Episode Links

Listen to Jim Verraro's New Album "Explicit"

https://www.jimverrarosmusic.com/

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@e3radio

Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm

📣 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 In Politics

California passes bill to protect the medical data of transgender people

In an effort to fight back, California lawmakers recently passed a bill to protect the medical data of transgender people. The bill stops healthcare providers from releasing gender-affirming care information via subpoenas based on other states' laws targeting transgender individuals.

Bipartisan Bill Seeks To Reinstate National Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ+ Youth

In July Trump cut services for the youth LGBTQ suicide prevention hotline that was established in 2022. A new Bipartisan Bill from Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin and Republican Lisa Murkowski seeks to reinstate the hotline.

Rachel Maddow questions Kamala Harris on not picking Pete Buttigieg

On Rachel Maddow's MSNBC show, she confronted Kamala Harris on not picking Pete Buttigieg as her running mate because he's gay and Harris shares details from her new memoir detailing her 107 presidential campaign.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

Latin Grammy's first trans winner, Liniker, makes history again with 7 nominations

Brazilian singer and songwriter Liniker made history at the Latin Grammys with 7 nominations. She also made history back in 2022 as the first trans woman to win the grammy for best MPB album. The 26th Latin Grammy awards is set to air November 13th.

A Record Number Of Out Athletes Who Competed At The 2025 World Athletic Championships and WNBA playoffs

A record 13 out LGBTQ+ athletes competed on the world stage this year at the World Athletic Championships and 29 queer athletes are currently competing in the WNBA playoffs. We out here and doing it well.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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 Okra Project Expands Nationwide with BetterHelp to Deliver Free Mental Health Care for Black Trans Communities. In politics, In a 6-3 vote the Supreme Court declined to immediately overrule a lower court's block on South Carolina's bathroom ban law, Texas A&M president steps down after upheaval over classroom video. In culture & entertainment, Jason Collins, the man who made history as the first openly gay player in the NBA, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and Se7en Bites owner Trina Gregory turned 49 parking spots outside her restaurant into a dazzling rainbow in direct protest to Florida crackdown on rainbow crosswalks. 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

02:38 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

02:54 Queer News Headlines

03:33 U.S. Supreme Court sides with transgender student over bathroom use for now.

06:30 Texas A&M president is stepping down after upheaval over classroom video.

09:25 Parking spots used as colorful protest against Florida crackdown on rainbow crosswalks

12:13 Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com

12:44 Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html

13:16 Attend the 11th annual Purple Tie Affair: Concert & Silent Auction. Get your tickets here, https://buytickets.at/e3radio/1781024/r/queer-news

13:54 Jason Collins, who made history as the first openly gay player in the NBA.

16:40 The Okra Project Expands Nationwide with BetterHelp to Deliver Free Mental Health Care for Black Trans Communities

19:20 Anna's Got A Word

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Important Episode Links

Apply for the Okra Project x BetterHelp partnership

https://theokraproject.com/programs

Help Support Our Children's Literature Colleague

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-our-childrens-literature-colleague

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@e3radio

Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm

📣 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.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Top Story

The Okra Project Expands Nationwide with BetterHelp to Deliver Free Mental Health Care for Black Trans Communities

In a brand new partnership with BetterHelp, the Okra Project expands their free/low cost mental health care nationwide for Black trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive communities. The Okra Project is a mutual aid collective focused on supporting Black Trans people and alleviating the barriers that our community faces.

This Week In Politics

U.S. Supreme Court sides with transgender student over bathroom use for now.

In a 6-3 vote the Supreme Court declined to immediately overrule a lower court's block on South Carolina's bathroom ban law. The 3 justices that would have voted in favor of the state are Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch. The student at the center of the case was suspended for using the boys' restroom prompting his parents to sue.

Texas A&M president is stepping down after upheaval over classroom video.

In an update to last week's story about the professor fired from Texas A&M, The president of the university has stepped down because of the upheaval this incident has caused.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

Jason Collins, who made history as the first openly gay player in the NBA.

Jason Collins, the man who made history as the first openly gay player in the NBA, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Collins made history in 2013 when he came out publicly while being an active player in the NBA. His NBA career spans 13 seasons across 6 different teams. Collins is currently undergoing treatment.

Parking spots used as colorful protest against Florida crackdown on rainbow crosswalks

Se7en Bites owner Trina Gregory turned 49 parking spots outside her restaurant into a dazzling rainbow in direct protest to Florida crackdown on rainbow crosswalks. She was inspired by the protestors who continue to color in the pulse crosswalk with chalk after it was painted black by the state in compliance with an executive order from the Trump Administration.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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 politics, Denver public schools stand up to the Trump administration, a Texas A&M literature professor of more than 10 years was wrongfully terminated from her job. In culture & entertainment, an underground death doula network in Michigan is ensuring that LGBTQIA+ people die with dignity, Tramell Tillman makes history at the Emmy's, after 5 years Saucy Santana's Material Girl goes gold, and the WNBA playoffs have started! To close out the episode during Anna's Got a Word, Anna talks about Charlie Kirk and asks us "Whose Side Are You On"? 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

02:39 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

03:07 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

03:26 Queer News Headlines

04:04 Denver Schools Defy Trump's Trans Bathroom Ban

06:44 Texas A&M fires professor over gender-identity lesson

10:10 Meet the "Death Doulas" helping LGBTQ+ people die with dignity

13:20 Attend the 11th annual Purple Tie Affair: Concert & Silent Auction. Get your tickets here, https://buytickets.at/e3radio/1781024/r/queer-news

13:54 Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html

14:30 Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com

14:50 Tramell Tillman Makes History at the Emmy's

16:38 Saucy Santana Goes Gold

18:04 WNBA Playoffs Have Started

19:33 Anna's Got A Word

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Important Episode Links

Listen to Jim Verraro's New Album "Explicit"

https://www.jimverrarosmusic.com/

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@e3radio

Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm

📣 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 In Politics

Denver Schools Defy Trump's Trans Bathroom Ban

Denver Public Schools reject the Trump administration's demands to implement "trans bathroom bans". The Superintendent declares that the district "will protect all of their students from this hostile administration." Trump threatens to withhold federal funding if his demands aren't met.

Texas A&M fires professor over gender-identity lesson

Moments in the professor's literature course were captured on social media of the professor speaking about gender and sexuality before being interrupted by a student stating it's illegal to teach about those things.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

Meet the "Death Doulas" helping LGBTQ+ people die with dignity

A network of Death Doulas in Michigan have made it their mission to assist the elderly members of the LGBTQIA+ community prepare for the very thing that awaits all of us. Death.

Tramell Tillman Makes History at the Emmy's

Travell Tillman wins best supporting actor in a drama series becoming the first Black man and first Black gay man to do so. His acceptance speech was a heartwarming and loving dedication to his mother.

Saucy Santana Goes Gold

Material girls where y'all at? Iconic Rapper Saucy Santana has received his first RCAA Gold Certification for his 2020 hit "Material Girl". Sanata shared the news on social media and thanked his team in a heartwarming post.

Congratulations to Sauncy Santana and his team.

WNBA Playoffs Have Started

Round one of the WNBA playoffs are underway and the games did not disappoint. Minnesota, Atlanta, New York, and Las Vegas came out on top in game one but to know the W is to know those other teams are not done just yet.

Anna's Got a Word

Whose side are you on? That's the question Anna raises as she discusses the murder of Charlie Kirk.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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, Pope Leo plans to continue the welcoming tradition of Pope Frances for LGBTQ folks. In politics, Texas state representatives decide to take their state mandated police escorts to a gay bar. And down in Florida, Floridians are being arrested for coloring in the Pulse memorial rainbow crosswalk. In culture & entertainment, beloved social media icon Raymond Harper aka Rolling Ray passed away at 28, actress Chloë Grace Moretz and model Kate Harrison got married over the Labor Day weekend and the StudBudz are still winning and this time in Vogue no less. 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

01:31 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

02:21 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op50

02:46 Queer News Headlines

03:40 Pope Leo plans to welcome LGBTQ folks

06:24 Texas Republicans assigned troopers to tail this out lawmaker. He dragged them to a gay bar.

09:41 Florida Is Arresting People For Using Rainbow Chalk on Crosswalks Now

12:24 Attend the 11th annual Purple Tie Affair: Concert & Silent Auction. Get your tickets here, https://buytickets.at/e3radio/1781024/r/queer-news

13:00 Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html

13:30 Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com

14:00 Rolling Ray has passed away at age 28

15:53 Chloë Grace Moretz And Kate Harrison Are Married

17:10 The Studbudz are in Vogue!

21:00 Anna's Got A Word

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Important Episode Links

Listen to Jim Verraro's New Album "Explicit"

https://www.jimverrarosmusic.com/

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@e3radio

Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm

📣 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 In Politics

Pope Leo plans to welcome LGBTQ folks

On September 1st Pope Leo met with prominent advocates for greater LGBTQ inclusion in the Catholic Church just days before a Holy Year pilgrimage of LGBTQ Catholics to the Vatican. This is a good sign of Pope Leo continuing Pope Francis's journey to make the Catholic Church a more welcoming place for LGBTQ Catholics.

Texas Republicans assigned troopers to tail this out lawmaker. He dragged them to a gay bar.

Texas state Rep. Venton Jones and Democratic state Rep. Terry Meza met at the Dallas gay bar the Rose Room to meet with the Stonewall Democrats of Dallas with their police escorts in tow. The police's escorts were court ordered after Texas lawmakers fled the state to deny a quorum to Republican legislative leaders attempting to redistrict the state.

Florida Is Arresting People For Using Rainbow Chalk on Crosswalks Now

Many people were arrested for coloring the Pulse memorial sidewalk over the weekend. This comes after the State of Florida painted over the colorful mural overnight with no communication to the general public. Mind you , there's no probable cause for these arrests, and most people are released the next day. Protestors continue to return to the mural to breathe color back into the beautiful piece created to memorialize those lives lost during the tragic massacre that took place at the night club.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

Rolling Ray has passed away at age 28

Beloved social media star Raymond Harper aka Rolling Ray sadly passed away at the young age of 28 just two days before his 29th birthday. Rolling Ray was known for many viral moments on social media and reality tv.

Chloë Grace Moretz And Kate Harrison Are Married

The Actress and Model duo happily wed over the Labor Day weekend in a private ceremony. Vogue Magazine captured the final fitting before their wedding where the happy couple reflected on the trajectory of their relationship.

The Studbudz are in Vogue!

Studbudz stars Courtney Williams and Natisha "T" Hiedeman continue to win. This time by gracing the pages of Vogue Magazine. They not only look fly but they share how their friendship began, how they sustain it and how they've been handling all this new found success.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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 is still celebrating her birthday so we're bringing you something special, a Chicago connection that runs deep. She sat down with singer-songwriter Jim Verraros, who you may remember from the very first season of American Idol, where he made history as the first openly gay contestant on national TV back in 2002. In this candid conversation, Jim reflects on coming out at a time when queer visibility was scarce, the pressures and trauma of reality TV, and how representation has shifted in the 20 years since. We talk about Nico Lang's Rolling Stone exposé on queer Idol contestants, the resilience it takes to return to music after 15 years, and Jim's brand new album Explicit.This is a story about survival, reinvention, and the power of queer joy. 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.

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00:26 Welcome to Queer News

07:18 Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com

07:50 Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.htm

08:20 Jim Verraros Interview

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Important Episode Links

Listen to Jim Verraro's New Album "Explicit"

https://www.jimverrarosmusic.com/

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@e3radio

Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm

📣 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 politics, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker launches IL Pride Connect, the nation's first statewide LGBTQIA+ resource hub and legal hotline. Meanwhile, the Trump administration plans to ban transgender healthcare for federal workers in 2026 and promotes conversion therapy as an alternative. In Florida, officials erase the Pulse nightclub rainbow crosswalk in the middle of the night. On the culture front, Lil Nas X faces legal and health challenges, Billy Porter steps into beauty with Black Mona Lisa Beauty, and conservatives blame LGBTQ folks over the Cracker Barrel logo change. 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

03:15 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

03:38 Queer News Headlines

04:44 Illinois is the nation's first statewide LGBTQIA+ resource hub and legal hotline

08:55 Trump Plans to Ban Trans Healthcare for Federal Employees in 2026

14:10 Ron DeSantis Removes Pulse Crosswalk

19:10 Queer News is on Vinyl - Order Yours Today! Ordering closes on August 31st.

https://certifiedcrucial.com/product/podcast_salon_lp_2025

19:32 City Services Are Coming to Your Neighborhood, Learn more at www.chicityclerk.com/MCH

20:08 Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html

20:24 Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com

21:16 Lil Nas X Hospitalized After Walking LA Naked

25:00 Billy Porter Launches Beauty Line

26:59 Cracker Barrel Logo Controversy

30:27 Anna's Got A Word

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Important Episode Links

IL Pride Connect Resource Hub

https://www.ilprideconnect.org

Billy Porter's Beauty Line: Black Mona Lisa Beauty

https://www.blackmonalisabeauty.com

Queer News is on Vinyl - Order Yours Today! Ordering closes on August 31st.

https://certifiedcrucial.com/product/podcast_salon_lp_2025/

Listen to Jim Verraro's New Album "Explicit"

https://www.jimverrarosmusic.com/

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@e3radio

Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm

📣 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.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Family, this week on Queer News Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community. In politics, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker launches IL Pride Connect, the nation's first statewide LGBTQIA+ resource hub and legal hotline. Meanwhile, the Trump administration plans to ban transgender healthcare for federal workers in 2026 and promotes conversion therapy as an alternative. In Florida, officials erase the Pulse nightclub rainbow crosswalk in the middle of the night. On the culture front, Lil Nas X faces legal and health challenges, Billy Porter steps into beauty with Black Mona Lisa Beauty, and conservatives blame LGBTQ folks over the Cracker Barrel logo change. Let's get into it.

Illinois is the nation's first statewide LGBTQIA+ resource hub and legal hotline: Illinois takes a bold step forward as Governor JB Pritzker launches IL Pride Connect, the first statewide LGBTQIA+ resource hub and legal hotline. At a time when federal rights are under attack, Illinois is showing what true allyship looks like. Visit https://www.ilprideconnect.org.

Trump Plans to Ban Trans Healthcare for Federal Employees in 2026:The Trump administration delivers a devastating blow by planning to ban gender-affirming healthcare coverage for 10 million federal employees. To make matters worse, they're promoting conversion therapy as the alternative, a move widely condemned by medical and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.

Ron DeSantis Removes Pulse Crosswalk: In the middle of the night, Florida officials painted over the rainbow crosswalk honoring Pulse nightclub victims. The quiet erasure is being called a hateful act that disrespects the lives lost and the community that still mourns.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

Lil Nas X Hospitalized After Walking LA Naked: Lil Nas X, the groundbreaking artist who has carried queer visibility into hip hop, is now facing both legal and health challenges. His struggles remind us of the immense pressure that comes with fame, especially as a young, openly queer Black artist.

Billy Porter Launches Beauty Line: Billy Porter continues to break barriers with the launch of Black Mona Lisa Beauty. More than makeup, it's a declaration of joy, artistry, and unapologetic Black queer brilliance.

Cracker Barrel Logo Controversy: Conservatives have turned their outrage toward Cracker Barrel over something as small as a new logo. Somehow, they've managed to twist it into another attack on the LGBTQ+ community because of course they did.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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.

Editing 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 politics, we celebrate Massachusetts' Shield Act 2.0 expanding protections for abortion and gender-affirming care, while keeping a close eye on a Supreme Court case threatening marriage equality. In culture and entertainment, a Black lesbian couple survives a racially charged roadside attack in Virginia, UCLA stands firm against the Trump administration amidst pressure to roll back trans rights, and fashion legend Rick Owens launches an OnlyFans page with proceeds supporting a trans shelter in France. 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

02:01 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

02:42 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

03:04 Queer News Headlines

04:00 Massachusetts Signs Shield Act 2.0 Into Law

08:00 The Supreme Court's Same-Sex Marriage Threat

14:58 Focal Point Coaching Program: Turn Clarity into Cash, https://focalpoint4u.com

15:50 Queer News is on Vinyl - Order Yours Today! Ordering closes on August 31st.

https://certifiedcrucial.com/product/podcast_salon_lp_2025/

16:22 Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage., https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html

16:36 City Services Are Coming to Your Neighborhood, Learn more at www.chicityclerk.com/MCH

17:12 Black lesbians attacked in Virginia

20:46 UCLA vs. Trump Administration

23:07 Rick Owens OnlyFans for Charity

25:31 Anna's Got A Word

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Important Episode Links

The War on Obergefell - Under the Desk News

https://underthedesknews.substack.com/p/the-war-on-obergefell

How To Save Gay Marriage - Under the Desk News

https://youtu.be/hOhIHdmnBM0?si=_8uaHejJXKk_dd0t

Survived a Hate Crime — Now We're Fighting to Heal

https://www.gofundme.com/f/survived-a-hate-crime-now-were-fighting-to-heal

Queer News is on Vinyl - Order Yours Today! Ordering closes on August 31st.

https://certifiedcrucial.com/product/podcast_salon_lp_2025/

Listen to Jim Verraro's New Album "Explicit"

https://www.jimverrarosmusic.com/

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@e3radio

Queer News Tip Line: Got a story I should cover? Send it my way! https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502 or email info at e3radio dot fm

📣 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.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Massachusetts Signs Shield Act 2.0 Into Law: Governor Maura Healey signs legislation expanding protections for abortion and gender-affirming care. The Shield Act 2.0 updates the state's original shield law to safeguard patients and providers from out-of-state investigations or prosecutions.

The Supreme Court's Same-Sex Marriage Threat: The Supreme Court has been formally asked to overturn same-sex marriage. While lower courts have consistently upheld the law, the Respect for Marriage Act provides some federal protections, but now it's time to make sure all legal paperwork is in order.

This Week In Culture & Entertainment

Black lesbians attacked in Virginia: A Black lesbian couple, Amylah Majors and Jamaria Gaskins, survive a racially charged roadside attack. They've started a GoFundMe for medical bills and recovery costs.

UCLA vs. Trump Administration: UCLA resists federal pressure to roll back trans rights and diversity programs, standing firm against demands that other universities have already met. The standoff highlights the high stakes for students and faculty, as 300 federal grants remain frozen and the outcome could set a precedent for how public universities defend LGBTQ+ protections nationwide.

Rick Owens OnlyFans for Charity: Fashion designer Rick Owens has launched an OnlyFans page featuring videos of his feet, with every dollar going to support La Maison d'Alanah, a trans shelter in France. He's blending art, activism, and creativity to support LGBTQ+ youth.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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.