Queer News

In this special episode of Queer News, Anna drops the script and speaks directly from the heart. As Pride Month begins amidst a wave of political attacks, rising hate crimes, and corporate retreat, Anna reflects on the importance of joy as resistance and why we must never stop telling our stories.

From celebrating her upcoming WorldPride panels in DC to spotlighting a heartbreaking hate crime in Illinois, this episode is raw, unfiltered, and full of fire. We also hear from contributor Jake Wittich of Windy City Times, who reports on a recent anti-LGBTQ hate crime in Illinois that's rocked the local community. If you're moved by the story, please consider donating to the survivor's GoFundMe — the link is in the show notes. This is not just news — this is truth-telling, soul-centering, and community care. Pod in, family. This one's for us. 💜

00:26 Welcome to Queer News

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

01:56 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

02:54 Queer News Headlines

03:08 Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage, https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.h

03:38 Howard Brown launches new testing site

04:17 Anna Speaks

18:12 Learn more about the Help Stop Hate Campaign, https://ilstophate.org/

18:42 Hate Crimes On The Rise, with Jake from windycitytimes.com

25:26 Anna's Got A Word

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

📣 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.

📢 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

🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew today! https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66

🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.

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About Queer News

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

Edited by Ryan Woodhall.

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

In this week's episode of Queer News, we remember the legacy of Harvey Milk and the power of hope in the fight for liberation. We take you inside BET's Black & Iconic Soirée with a special report from contributor Benjamin Coy, get all the nostalgic tea on the 20-year comeback of Noah's Arc, and unpack the final chapter of the Jussie Smollett saga. Plus, Da Brat and Jessica Betts are teaming up for a musical duet just in time for Pride, and Chicago Sky legends Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley celebrate the arrival of their first child. Oh—and don't forget, I'll be repping Queer News at WorldPride DC 2025 with panels, podcast activations, and my very first brand deal with Kirrin Finch. Let's get into it, family.

00:26 Welcome to Queer News

02:39 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message, https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

03:50 Queer News Headlines

04:43 BET's Black & Iconic Soirée Honors Black Queer Legacy

08:16 Noah's Arc Returns for 20-Year Anniversary Special

10:13 Support Queer News Coverage at World Pride 2025, https://bit.ly/WorldPride2025 & Meet us there, https://worldpridedc.org/

11:23 Jussie Smollett Saga Comes to a Close with Settlement

13:47 Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical lth Coverage, https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html

14:18 Da Brat & Jessica Betts Drop New Pride Anthem

15:45 Chicago Sky Legends Welcome Baby Girl

16:52 Anna's Got A Word

🌈 Culture & Entertainment

• BET's Black & Iconic Soirée Honors Black Queer Legacy Contributor Benjamin Coy gives us an inside look at this stunning celebration of Black LGBTQ+ brilliance.

• Noah's Arc Returns for 20-Year Anniversary Special The iconic Black queer series is back—Noah, Wade, twins(!), and all—with a timely revival for a new generation.

• Jussie Smollett Saga Comes to a Close with Settlement After six years of controversy, Jussie reaches a resolution with the City of Chicago and donates to a local youth arts nonprofit.

• Da Brat & Jessica Betts Drop New Pride Anthem The Chicago-based duo releases "Have U 2 Myself," their first official collab and a major independent moment for Da Brat.

• Chicago Sky Legends Welcome Baby Girl WNBA champs and married couple Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley introduce the world to baby Jana Christine.

• Anna Heads to World Pride DC 2025 I'll be moderating and speaking at the Human Rights Conference, reppin' Queer News, and styled by Kirrin Finch in my first brand deal!

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

📣 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.

📢 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

🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew today! https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66

🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.

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🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

About Queer News

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

Edited by Ryan Woodhall.

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

This Memorial Day, Queer News with Anna DeShawn brings you a powerful one-on-one with activist, artist, and author Christopher Murphy. Christopher's breakout thriller The Other Side of the Mirror isn't just a page-turner—it's a bold reimagining of the thriller genre told through a Black queer lens.

We talk about:

• ✍🏾 The importance of telling our own stories

• 📚 How E. Lynn Harris inspired his journey

• 🧠 Generational trauma, mystery, and romance in his novels

• 🎢 His love for thrill-seeking and writing with purpose

• 🏳️‍🌈 What queer life looks like in Vegas and why representation still matters

Tap in to hear why storytelling is resistance—and how Christopher is writing us into the narrative, one thriller at a time.

📘 Buy his books today, https://www.christophermurphybooks.com/books. Support—we all we got.

📣 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.

📢 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

🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew today! https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66

🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

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🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

About Queer News

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

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

Family, it's your favorite queer radio personality Anna DeShawn, and this week on Queer News, we're bringing you the stories that matter most to our community. From legal wins in Texas and Iowa to updates on Jazlynn Johnson's case, we're spotlighting courage, progress, and resilience. Plus, we're celebrating powerful moments in culture—from Scott Evans' Webby win to groundbreaking representation on MSNBC. Pod in, because this episode is full of truth, hope, and pride.

00:26 Welcome to Queer News

02:48 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

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

03:32 Queer News Headlines

04:08 Texas Takes a Stand: Repealing the Anti-Gay Law

05:42 Victory in Iowa: Blocking the "Don't Say Gay" Clone

08:30 Justice for Jazlynn Johnson: A Mother's Mission

11:41 Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage, https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html

12:50 Support Queer News Coverage at World Pride 2025, https://bit.ly/QNPWorldPride2025 & Meet us there, https://worldpridedc.org/

13:23 Learn more about the Help Stop Hate Campaign, https://ilstophate.org

13:54 Scott Evans Wins a Webby: House Guest Gets Its Flowers

15:22 Windy City Times x Queer News: Media Collaboration in Action

19:55 History on MSNBC: Two Black Gay Men Anchor "The Weekend"

23:16 Sending Love to Big Freedia

23:54 Anna's Got A Word

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

🗳️ Politics 🏛️ Texas Takes a Stand: Repealing the Anti-Gay Law

In a surprising and hopeful move, 12 Republicans in Texas joined Democrats to vote in favor of repealing a 1973 law that criminalized homosexual conduct. This historic vote marks the first step in a broader effort to bring state law in line with constitutional protections for LGBTQ+ people.

📚 Victory in Iowa: Blocking the "Don't Say Gay" Clone

Iowa activists and legal advocates have successfully blocked several key components of SF 496—a bill modeled after Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law. Thanks to a federal court ruling, GSAs remain protected, LGBTQ books stay on shelves, and teachers can speak freely about LGBTQ identities. This is a powerful win for students, families, and educators across the state.

🕯️ Justice for Jazlynn Johnson: A Mother's Mission

A year after the tragic loss of 18-year-old trans woman Jazlynn Johnson, her mother Susan provides a heartfelt update on the case. The shooter has been sentenced, but Susan's journey continues as she turns her grief into action by launching Jazlynn's Legacy, a scholarship and advocacy effort for families affected by violence.

🎭 Culture & Entertainment 🏆 Scott Evans Wins a Webby: House Guest Gets Its Flowers

Emmy-nominated journalist and host Scott Evans secures a Webby Award for his series House Guest. With engaging interviews and authentic storytelling, Scott is representing Black queer excellence on national platforms—and we are here for it.

🗞️ Windy City Times x Queer News: Media Collaboration in Action

Our growing partnership with Windy City Times kicks off with contributor stories from Jake Witich and Jerry Nunn, covering Brave Space Alliance's "Partners in Dignity" gala and the Critics Choice LGBTQ+ TV & Cinema celebration. We're building bridges and sharing our stories, together.

📺 History on MSNBC: Two Black Gay Men Anchor "The Weekend"

MSNBC breaks new ground with The Weekend, co-hosted by Jonathan Capehart and Eugene Daniels—making them the first Black gay male duo to anchor a network news program. This is a major milestone in media representation.

💔 Sending Love to Big Freedia

We close this week honoring Big Freedia, who recently lost her partner of 20 years, Devon Hurst, to complications from diabetes. Our hearts are with her and all who loved Devon during this time.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

📣 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.

📢 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

🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew today! 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

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🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

About Queer News

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

Edited by Ryan Woodhall.

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

This week on Queer News, your favorite queer radio personality Anna DeShawn returns with our roundup of stories where race and sexuality meet politics, culture, and entertainment. From political updates in the fight for trans rights in the military to a detailed look at the fashions on the Met Gala red carpet by contributor Benjamin Coy. Queer News keeps you informed, grounded, and connected. Plus, we celebrate community, honor our elders, and spotlight the art that continues to shape queer identity across the globe. Pod in, family—let's get into it.

🏛️ Politics

🔵 Arizona Governor Vetoes Trio of Anti-Trans Bills Governor Katie Hobbs vetoes three harmful bills targeting trans rights and diversity, equity and inclusion reinforcing her ongoing commitment to equal rights in Arizona.

🔴 Supreme Court Reinstates Trump-Era Trans Military Ban In a disappointing reversal, the Supreme Court allows the Trump administration's ban on trans service members to go back into effect—impacting thousands of currently serving troops and rolling back hard-won protections.

🎭 Culture & Entertainment

✨ The Met Gala, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style Queer News contributor Benjamin Coy delivers a fabulous recap of the 2025 Met Gala, highlighting queer representation and iconic moments—including a deep dive into Diana Ross' unforgettable gown.

🏳️‍🌈 Honoring Legends at the LGBTQ Wall of Honor We celebrate this year's inductees to the Stonewall Inn's LGBTQ Wall of Honor, including trailblazers like Jiggly Caliente, The Lady Chablis, and Chicago's own Chili Pepper.

🖼️ "The First Homosexuals" Exhibit Opens in Chicago Anna explores a groundbreaking art exhibit at Wrightwood 659 that examines the birth of queer identity across cultures from 1869 to 1939—offering a rare glimpse at queer history through a global lens, while also challenging curatorial gaps in Black representation.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

00:26 Welcome to Queer News

02:08 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

03:34 Arizona Governor Vetoes Trio of Anti-Trans Bills

06:14 Supreme Court Reinstates Trump-Era Trans Military Ban

09:50 Learn more about the Help Stop Hate Campaign, https://ilstophate.org/

10:20 Support Queer News Coverage at World Pride 2025, https://bit.ly/QNPWorldPride2025 & Meet us there, https://worldpridedc.org/

10:53 Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage, https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html

11:23 The Met Gala, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style

17:34 Honoring Legends at the LGBTQ Wall of Honor

21:03 "The First Homosexuals" Exhibit Opens in Chicago

25:18 Anna's Got A Word

📣 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.

📢 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

🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew today! https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66

🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

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🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

About Queer News

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

Edited by Ryan Woodhall.

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

Family, your favorite queer radio personality Anna DeShawn is back with another informative episode of Queer News — where race and sexuality meet politics, culture, and entertainment. This week, we celebrate a long-overdue win for trans service members in the military and Robert De Niro's beautiful public support for his trans daughter. We honor Jill Sobule's contribution to queer music and celebrate Doechii's major music milestone. If you need a word of encouragement this week, keep listening till you get to Anna's Word. Let's get into it.

🏛️ Politics

A Win for Trans Service Members The Pentagon is ordered to resume gender-affirming care for trans troops after multiple court victories — a huge step forward for inclusion in the military.

Trump Targets PBS & NPR In a late-night move, Trump signs an executive order to cut public funding for NPR and PBS, threatening access to fact-based media in rural America.

🎭 Culture & Entertainment

Robert De Niro Publicly Supports His Trans Daughter De Niro speaks out with love and clarity after his daughter Airyn comes out as trans, saying, "I don't know what the big deal is."

Remembering Jill Sobule The queer music community mourns the tragic death of trailblazing artist Jill Sobule, whose anthem "I Kissed a Girl" paved the way for generations of queer musicians.

Doechii Breaks Into the Billboard Top 10 After eight months, Alligator Bites Never Heal cracks the Top 10 — proof that authentic artistry and physical sales still make waves.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

00:26 Welcome to Queer News

01:38 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

02:55 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

03:24 Queer News Headlines

03:50 A Win for Trans Service Members

05:54 Trump Targets PBS & NPR

11:39 Learn more about the Help Stop Hate Campaign, https://ilstophate.org

12:10 Support Queer News Coverage at World Pride 2025, https://bit.ly/QNPWorldPride2025

13:16 Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage, https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html

13:47 Robert De Niro Publicly Supports His Trans Daughter

15:06 Remembering Jill Sobule

16:41 Doechii Breaks Into the Billboard Top 10

17:58 Anna's Got A Word

📣 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.

📢 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

🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew today! https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66

🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@e3radio

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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 every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall.

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

Family, this week we honor the legacy of the incredible Coretta Scott King, a true trailblazer for Black and LGBTQ+ liberation. In politics, Colorado moves to permanently protect same-sex marriage, Minnesota takes a bold stand against Trump's attacks on trans youth, and George Santos faces the consequences of his deception. In culture and entertainment, BET announces a fabulous celebration for Black queer icons, we mourn the devastating loss of Jiggly Caliente, and Jennifer Beals gifts The L Word fans a gorgeous re-release of her photographic journal. Plus, we wrap up National Poetry Month with a moving poem by James Baldwin. Let's get into it!

🏛️ Politics

1. Colorado Protects Same-Sex Marriage in State Law Governor Jared Polis signs a bill ensuring marriage equality in Colorado, safeguarding LGBTQ+ rights no matter what happens federally.

2. Minnesota Sues Trump Administration Over Trans Youth Protections Attorney General Keith Ellison leads the charge, standing up to federal bullying and defending the rights and dignity of trans kids.

3. George Santos Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison The disgraced former congressman faces serious time behind bars after convictions for wire fraud and identity theft.

🎭 Culture & Entertainment

4. BET Hosts 3rd Annual Black + Iconic Soirée Honoring LGBTQ+ Trailblazers Black queer excellence shines as Bob the Drag Queen, Hope Giselle, Ashlee Marie Preston, and others are celebrated for their impact.

5. Community Mourns Loss of Drag Legend Jiggly Caliente RuPaul's Drag Race alum and activist Bianca Castro, aka Jiggly Caliente, passes away at 44, leaving behind a powerful legacy.

6. Jennifer Beals Re-Releases The L Word Photographic Journal Go behind the scenes of the groundbreaking series with intimate snapshots captured by Beals herself, celebrating queer storytelling history.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

00:26 Welcome to Queer News

04:18 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

04:38 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

05:48 Queer News Headlines

06:19 Colorado Protects Same-Sex Marriage in State Law

08:40 Minnesota Sues Trump Administration Over Trans Youth Protections

11:53 George Santos Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison

15:08 BET Hosts 3rd Annual Black + Iconic Soirée Honoring LGBTQ+ Trailblazers

17:11 Community Mourns Loss of Drag Legend Jiggly Caliente

19:54 Jennifer Beals Re-Releases The L Word Photographic Journal

22:10 Anna's Got A Word

📣 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.

📢 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

🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew today! https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66

🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@e3radio

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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 every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall.

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

This week on Queer News with Anna DeShawn — we're talking legal wins and loses, representation on-screen, and unmatched excellence on the basketball court. A U.S. federal appeals court deals a blow to Trump's anti-trans military ban, affirming the right of our trans siblings to serve with pride. But across the pond, the UK Supreme Court drops a devastating ruling stripping trans people of legal recognition.

In culture, we lift up the groundbreaking TLC show Jay & Pamela — a love story breaking barriers around disability, queerness, and visibility. We mourn the cancellation of Clean Slate, Laverne Cox's bold sitcom, and celebrate WNBA icon Candace Parker as the LA Sparks announce her jersey retirement this Pride Month. And to close, we honor Black lesbian poet Pat Parker for Lesbian Visibility Week with her searing classic, my lover is a woman. This episode is a ride through pain, pride, power — and the poetry that keeps us grounded. Let's get into it, family. 💜🏳️‍🌈

🏛️ Politics

9th Circuit Court Blocks Trump-Era Trans Military Ban Federal appeals court upholds preliminary injunction, allowing trans servicemembers to serve while the legal battle continues.

UK Supreme Court Strips Trans People of Legal Recognition A devastating ruling ties legal gender strictly to birth sex, nullifying Gender Recognition Certificates and setting back trans rights.

🎭 Culture & Entertainment

TLC's Jay & Pamela Shines Bright in Disability & LGBTQ+ Representation A great new reality show follows a trans man and his fiancée as they navigate love, life, and layered identities.

Prime Video Cancels Clean Slate, Starring Laverne Cox & George Wallace The heartfelt sitcom — Norman Lear's final show — gets cut after just one season.

LA Sparks to Retire Candace Parker's Jersey During Pride Month The WNBA legend will be honored June 29th, solidifying her place in history as one of the game's greats.

✊🏽 Anna's Word

Honoring Pat Parker for Lesbian Visibility Week Black lesbian poet and activist Pat Parker's legacy lives on through her revolutionary work, including her iconic poem "my lover is a woman."

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

00:00 - Welcome to Queer News

00:40 - Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

01:08 - Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

01:38 - Queer News Headlines

02:14 - 9th Circuit Court Blocks Trump-Era Trans Military Ban

06:07 - UK Supreme Court Strips Trans People of Legal Recognition

13:30 - TLC's Jay & Pamela Shines Bright in Disability & LGBTQ+ Representation

16:41 - Prime Video Cancels Clean Slate, Starring Laverne Cox & George Wallace

19:25 - LA Sparks to Retire Candace Parker's Jersey During Pride Month

21:55 - Anna's Got A Word

📣 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.

📢 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

🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew today! https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66

🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@e3radio

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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 every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall.

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

Family, this week we're celebrating political wins in Colorado and Boise, shining a light on the Curve Foundation's Power List, and spotlighting NFL player Khalen Saunders for creating space in sports for LGBTQ athletes. From politics to pop culture, Anna brings the stories that matter to our community—amplified, unfiltered, and with plenty of heart.

In Politics:

• Colorado Comes Through: The state House passes groundbreaking bills protecting gender-affirming care, shielding trans kids and their families, and recognizing abortion as a constitutional right.

• Boise Stands Tall: Despite Idaho's ban on flying non-governmental flags, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean affirms the city will keep flying the Pride flag. The best part? The bill has no enforcement mechanism. Sometimes resistance is as simple as staying the course.

In Culture & Entertainment:

• Curve Power List Honors Anna: That's right — our very own Anna DeShawn made the 2025 Curve Power List! Shoutout to the Curve Foundation for recognizing LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary folks shaping culture and policy. What an honor to be listed among such icons.

• Chicago Tops Queer Travel Safety Index: Misterb&b names Chicago the #1 safest city for LGBTQ+ travelers in the U.S., beating out places like Seattle, San Francisco, and Honolulu. Come through, Chi-town!

• NFL Allyship in Action: Saints player Khalen Saunders is hosting a football camp for LGBTQ+ athletes in St. Louis, co-led by bisexual former Cowboy RK Russell. Saunders says being an ally means showing up — and he's doing just that.

• GLAAD Awards on Hulu: Don't forget to stream the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, now on Hulu. Let's celebrate those who tell our stories right.

💬 Community Shout-Out

• Royal's TDOV Voice Note: We close out our Trans Day of Visibility series with Royal, reminding us all that you are right on time — no matter when you arrive. Thank you to the 21 voices who made our most listened-to episode of the year.

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00:00 - Welcome to Queer News

01:43 - Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

02:28 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew

03:27 Queer News Headlines

03:59 Colorado Comes Through

07:14 Boise Stands Tall

10:03 Curve Power List Honors Anna

13:22 Chicago Tops Queer Travel Safety Index

15:11 NFL Allyship in Action

18:08 Annas Got A Word

📣 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.

📢 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

🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew today! 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

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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 every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall.

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

This week, we're turning up the volume on resistance and resilience. From nationwide "Hands Off" protests to major political wins in Wisconsin and Montana, the people are making their voices heard. We also honor the lives of Linda Moran and Kaitoria "Kai" Bankz — two trans women taken too soon. In culture, I'll take you to AIDSWatch on Capitol Hill, celebrate TS Madison's game-changing Starter House, and gush over trans love in Survival of the Thickest. Let's get into it, family — because our stories matter. ✊🏾🏳️‍🌈🎙️

🗳️ In Politics This Week:

• Hands Off Our Democracy!: Over 1,200 protests in all 50 states demanding justice, economic equality, and protections for vulnerable communities.

• Wisconsin Victory: Liberal Judge Susan Crawford wins the most expensive state supreme court race in U.S. history — defeating a Trump-backed candidate and keeping the court's liberal majority intact.

• Montana Pushback: A judge blocks an anti-trans bathroom bill, with support from trans legislators like Rep. Zooey Zephyr and SJ Howell leading the charge.

• We Speak Their Names:

• Linda Becerra Moran, a Latina trans woman in LA killed by police while in mental health crisis.

• Kaitoria "Kai" Bankz, a Black trans woman shot on Trans Day of Visibility in Alabama during a suspected setup.

🎭 In Culture & Entertainment:

• AIDSWatch 2025: Anna shares her powerful experience advocating on Capitol Hill with 560 advocates to fully fund HIV/AIDS services and Medicaid.

• TS Madison Starter House: TS launches a reentry home for formerly incarcerated Black trans women in Atlanta, offering housing, therapy, job help & more — fully people-funded!

• Trans Joy on Screen: Peppermint brings trans love & representation in Survival of the Thickest Season 2 — a show all about the happy endings we all deserve.

📝 Anna's Word:

To honor National Poetry Month, Anna shares a portion of Ego Tripping by the legendary Nikki Giovanni — a tribute to Black womanhood, queer power, and flying high on our own terms.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

00:00 - Welcome to Queer News

01:43 - Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502

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

02:32 - Queer News Headlines

03:09 - Hands Off Our Democracy!

05:16 - We Speak Their Names: Linda Becerra Moran and Kaitoria "Kai" Bankz

10:17 - Montana Pushback

14:46 - AIDSWatch 2025

18:12 - TS Madison Starter House

19:47 - Trans Joy on Screen

22:16 - Annas Got A word

📣 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.

📢 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

🌈 Join the QCrew: If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified, support the work we do. Join the QCrew today! https://bit.ly/3L3Ng66

🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

Interested in advertising? Email: info at e3radio.fm

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@e3radio

🌈✊🏾🏳️‍⚧️✨

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 every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Ryan Woodhall.

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