How are queer couples redefining parenthood today?

Eden and Jay Treviño—creators of Preciosa Night, a grassroots space for queer women of color, gender non-conforming people, and the Latinx/Latiné community—share their journey from nightlife to family life. After navigating in vitro fertilization as a mixed-sexuality couple, they are now raising baby Jayden while continuing to grow community through Preciosa Night and beyond.

In this episode of The Queerest Podcast, host Andraé BVR talks with Eden and Jay about queer family building, the lessons and surprises of in vitro fertilization, and how the spirit of Preciosa Night lives on in their parenting. Their story shows how queer families are not only possible, but powerful—and how community can be the blueprint for raising the next generation.

What happens when a government decides love is a threat?

In the 1950s, the Lavender Scare quietly purged LGBTQ+ people from government, media, and culture under the same paranoia that fueled McCarthyism.

In this episode of The Queerest Podcast, host Andraé BVR and cultural historian Dr. Nicole Rizzuto unpack this hidden history—from the surveillance of Billie Holiday to the contradictions of J. Edgar Hoover—and trace how fear gave way to resistance through art, testimony, and memory.

With anti-trans laws spreading in 2025, the echoes are chilling, but so is the resilience. This episode reminds us: the fight didn’t start today, and it won’t end here.

What does it mean to turn unimaginable loss into lasting change?

After losing her close friend Drew Leinonen in the Pulse Nightclub shooting, writer and strategist Sara Elizabeth Grossman co-founded the DRU Project to carry forward his vision of a world where queer youth are safe, supported, and empowered.

In this episode of The Queerest Podcast, host Andraé BVR speaks with Sara about transforming grief into advocacy and why the classroom can be as radical as the protest line. Together, they explore the legacy of the Pulse tragedy, the importance of inclusive curriculum, and how storytelling became a survival tool for a generation shaped by loss.

From GSA grants to youth leadership, Sara shares how the DRU Project honors Drew’s life while building a future where queer students thrive—not just survive.

What makes queer cinema so enduring—and why does it matter now more than ever?

In this episode of The Queerest Podcast, host Andraé BVR is joined by legendary film critic, podcaster, and author Alonso Duralde to explore the power and legacy of LGBTQ+ storytelling on screen. As the author of Hollywood Pride: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Representation and Perseverance in Film, Alonso takes us on a journey through more than a century of queer film history—from early silent reels and coded characters to New Queer Cinema and today’s streaming-era breakthroughs.

Together, they unpack how queer film has offered both refuge and resistance, shaped identity and culture, and battled against censorship, erasure, and commodification. This conversation isn’t just about what’s shown on screen—it’s about the people who made sure those stories were told.

What does it take to lead a global movement for queer youth?

On this episode of The Queerest Podcast, host Andraé BVR speaks with Brian Wenke, Executive Director of It Gets Better—the world’s largest LGBTQ+ youth empowerment organization. Since 2016, Brian has expanded the project from a viral video campaign into a multilingual, multi-continent platform centering queer youth through storytelling, mental health initiatives, and authentic brand partnerships.

Together, they explore how It Gets Better reaches young people where they are—classrooms, social media, or moments of crisis. Brian reveals how the organization builds hope not just with words but with action, and why authentic allyship is more urgent than ever.

How can weddings become symbols of love, resistance, and equality?

In Queerly Beloved: Love, Resistance, and the Fight for Marriage Equality, host Andraé BVR and his husband Albert share their journey of planning a wedding that celebrated their identities while challenging societal norms. Together, they explore how their celebration connects to the broader fight for marriage equality and the enduring power of queer love. This heartfelt episode celebrates resilience, joy, and the activism that keeps equality in focus.

What does it mean to rewrite the narrative—on your own terms?

In this episode of The Queerest Podcast, host Andraé BVR is joined by Marie-Adélina de la Ferrière—equalpride’s Community Editor and your favorite Lovable Trans Auntie—to talk Black trans joy, storytelling as survival, and the radical power of being seen. From the media myths she’s helping dismantle to the unlikely journey of acceptance from her 80-year-old Haitian grandfather, Marie-Adélina opens up about family, advocacy, and becoming the role model she never had growing up.

How can technology combat human trafficking and protect LGBTQ+ individuals at risk of homelessness?

In Stepping into the Spotlight: Human Trafficking, LGBTQ+ Homelessness & Tech Solutions, host Andraé BVR and Kristin Boorse, CEO of Spotlight, discuss the systemic vulnerabilities that leave LGBTQ+ individuals at risk of exploitation. Together, they uncover how innovative technology is empowering survivors, preventing exploitation, and building safer, more equitable communities. This urgent episode highlights the critical role of tech and community in addressing systemic injustices.

What challenges are LGBTQ+ youth facing today—and how can we be part of the solution?

Why do queer women in media often meet tragic ends, and what does this mean for representation?

In Why Can’t She Live? The Tragic Trope of Queer Women in Media, host Andraé BVR and Dr. Nicole Rizzuto explore the cultural and psychological impact of the Dead Lesbian Syndrome trope. Together, they examine its roots, its effects on LGBTQ+ audiences, and the movement for better representation. This episode is a powerful call to action for authentic and empowering portrayals.