As a heads up: There is language used in this episode that, while commonly used among and against LGBTQIA+ folks in the past, might not be as familiar or accepted among some – especially younger – members of the LGBTQIA+ community today. We acknowledge that each person’s journey and relationship to these words and phrases varies, and remind listeners to never use reclaimed or self-identified words to refer to others.On this episode of Speaking Queerly, hosts Mallory Golski (she/her) and Daria Johansen (she/they) sit down with Columbus’ queer and trans icon, LuSter P. Singleton (he/they). LuSter (he/they) is proudly from Zanesville, Ohio, and is a graduate of The Ohio State University, where they earned a Masters and Bachelors of Arts degrees in Women’s Studies. LuSter is a former coordinator of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Student Services and director of Ethnic Student Services at OSU. They also coordinated the Pride Family and Teen Area for Stonewall Columbus’ yearly Pride Festival for 14 years. LuSter also has a 30-year reputation as an accomplished gender performer best known for their gender-bending portrayals of the sassy Lustivious Dela Virgion and the savvy Luster Dela V. They’re the co-founder and visionary of 1990’s nationally and internationally acclaimed drag king troupe, H.I.S. KINGS, and the International Drag King Extravaganza (IDKE). They’ve also been featured in several documentary films and toured with theater productions. LuSter was also the 2022 KYC Community Freedom Fighter Award Honoree!We talk about KYC’s history, LuSter’s impact on Columbus’ queer and trans community, coming out, how to overcome people’s negative perceptions about queerness, and why young queer and trans folks “need to believe yourself about you.”Have a question you want answered or a topic you’d like discussed on Speaking Queerly? Send an email to [email protected].Kaleidoscope Youth Center (KYC) is Ohio’s largest and longest-serving organization in Ohio solely dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults ages 12 to 24. Services include a drop-in center, community education and training, civic engagement and advocacy, health and wellness programs and housing opportunities. Learn more at www.kycohio.org, and follow us on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @KYCOhio. If you like what you hear, and want to support the continued development of Speaking Queerly, send us a donation at kycohio.org/donate.