This week on Queer News, Anna DeShawn is holding space for the hard and the hopeful as Iowa becomes the first state to strip gender identity from civil rights protections, and UPenn caves to Trump’s threats, erasing Lia Thomas’ NCAA wins. We hear about the family of Chyna Long, a Black trans woman, finally getting some justice in court. Then there’s resilience too: nearly 100,000 march for Pride in Budapest despite a government ban, Noah’s Arc: The Movie makes Black queer history on Paramount+, ...
Jul 07, 2025•24 min•Season 4Ep. 288
Family, this is your favorite queer radio personality Anna DeShawn, and this is Queer News — your favorite weekly news pod where race & sexuality meet politics, culture, and entertainment. This week, we’re wrapping up Pride month with headlines you need to know: the Supreme Court keeps lifesaving HIV prevention free under the Affordable Care Act, Chicago is officially named the #1 safest travel destination for LGBTQ folks, and Netflix drops a powerful new documentary honoring ballroom legend...
Jun 30, 2025•23 min•Season 4Ep. 287
This week on Queer News, we begin with the sounds of the Gender Liberation movement, protesting the United States v. Skrmetti decision, which upholds Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. We remember Taylor Casey, who disappeared one year ago in the Bahamas, and report on the Trump administration’s cruel move to defund the LGBTQ youth lifeline. But there’s a spark of justice—Reagan-appointed judges are ruling for the people, declaring NIH grant cuts unconstitutional. And in Cultur...
Jun 23, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 286
In this episode of Queer News, Anna breaks down one of the most significant legal wins for trans rights this year—a federal judge blocking Trump’s ban on gender-affirming care for incarcerated trans folks. We remember Laura Schueler, a beloved Black trans woman murdered in Cincinnati, and we honor the 49 lives lost at Pulse Nightclub nine years ago. Plus, we celebrate the power of protest and performance: four drag queens crashing Trump’s Kennedy Center return with defiance and dignity. Contribu...
Jun 16, 2025•26 min•Season 4Ep. 285
Family, this is your favorite queer radio personality Anna DeShawn, and this is Queer News — your favorite weekly news pod where race and sexuality meet politics, culture, and entertainment. This week’s episode is unlike any other because I’m fresh off the plane from WorldPride Washington, DC 2025 and bringing you a special edition filled with the powerful voices, moments, and movements that made the week unforgettable. In this special recap, Anna shares firsthand reflections from the week that ...
Jun 09, 2025•25 min•Season 4Ep. 284
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 Witti...
Jun 02, 2025•21 min•Season 4Ep. 283
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 Q...
May 27, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 283
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 wr...
May 26, 2025•16 min•Season 4Ep. 282
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...
May 19, 2025•25 min•Season 4Ep. 281
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 iden...
May 12, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 280
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 t...
May 05, 2025•21 min•Season 4Ep. 279
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 Wor...
Apr 28, 2025•25 min•Season 4Ep. 278
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 breaki...
Apr 21, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 277
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 f...
Apr 14, 2025•21 min•Season 4Ep. 276
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 st...
Apr 07, 2025•24 min•Season 4Ep. 275
Family, Happy Trans Day of Visibility 🏳️⚧️ This episode is unlike anything we've ever done. We handed the mic over to our trans siblings to share messages of love, rage, resilience, and hope. From powerful testimonies to calls for action, 19 voices remind us why visibility matters—and why we must fight for more than survival. In this episode you’ll hear: ✨Natasha Rothwell speaks truth on the GLAAD Honors red carpet ✨The importance of showing up for our trans sibs ✨19 heartfelt messages from tr...
Mar 31, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 274
In this episode, Anna & Amanda discuss the life and activism of Bobbie Lea Bennett, the first person with a disability ever to receive gender affirming surgery in the United States. In this episode you'll discover: ✅ Why Bobbie drove from San Diego to Washington D.C. to confront President Carter. ✅ What Bobbie did to celebrate her 1974 acceptance into a gender care clinic. ✅ Who referred to Bobbie as "Bionic Woman." This is Queer History Done Right. Undead Voice: https://undeadvoice.com More...
Mar 28, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 273
Family, it's your favorite queer radio personality, Anna DeShawn, and this is Queer News—your go-to source where race & sexuality meet politics, culture, and entertainment. This week, we celebrate a huge win as Boston declares itself a sanctuary city for trans and queer folks, setting a powerful precedent for protection and inclusion. But while some progress is made, we’re also facing new threats—Trump’s administration is considering devastating cuts to HIV prevention funding, putting lives ...
Mar 24, 2025•23 min•Season 4Ep. 272
In this episode, Anna & Amanda have a wide-ranging conversation about Jeanne Córdova and what lessons from her work are most relevant today. Born in Germany and raised in Los Angeles, Jeanne Córdova was the mother of the West Coast LGBTQ movement. In this episode you'll discover: ✅ Why entering a convent helped her realize she was a lesbian ✅ How she became a millionaire ✅ What a lifetime of activism taught her about gender and identity This is Queer History Done Right. 'When We Were Outlaws...
Mar 21, 2025•41 min•Season 4Ep. 271
Family, welcome back to Queer News, where we break down the stories that matter to us—because our stories deserve to be heard. This week, we honor Amyri Dior, a Black trans woman whose life was tragically cut short, and we refuse to let her story go untold. In politics, we celebrate comrades who are standing up for our community, from Kentucky’s Governor Andy Beshear’s continued support to Rep. Sarah McBride finally clapping back at those who refuse to respect her identity. Meanwhile, a new Gall...
Mar 17, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 270
In this episode, Anna & Amanda dive deep into the story of Gertrude 'Ma' Rainey, the Mother of the Blues. Born and raised in Alabama, she first took to the stage around the age of 12 and never looked back. Over the course of her nearly 40-year career Ma Rainey subverted every expectation with style and changed the face of American music. In this episode you'll discover: ✅ How Ma Rainey got her name ✅ Who once said that "after performing and working with Ma Rainey there was nowhere to go but ...
Mar 14, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 269
Family, this week on Queer News, Sam Nordquist is our top story as prosecutors reveal horrifying new details and expand charges in his brutal murder case. In politics, Montana delivers an unexpected win for trans rights, with nearly half of the state’s Republican lawmakers breaking ranks to defeat anti-trans bills. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom raises eyebrows by aligning with far-right extremist Charlie Kirk on a trans sports issue—what was he thinking? In culture and entertainmen...
Mar 10, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 268
In this episode, Anna & Amanda uncover the untold story of Isabel Pell—Raised among New York’s elite, she ditched high society, defied expectations, and ultimately joined the fight against the Nazis in France.This bold and rebellious queer woman defied expectations, loved who she wanted, and risked her life by joining the French Resistance during WWII. In this episode you'll discover: ✅ How she was banished from NYC’s elite for breaking all the rules ✅ The dramatic queer love affair that end...
Mar 08, 2025•40 min•Season 4Ep. 267
This week we’re diving into some tough but necessary conversations. Iowa just became the first state to strip gender identity from its civil rights law, and the Pentagon is actively targeting trans service members, forcing them out of the military. But in the face of these attacks, we also have stories of resilience—like a major lawsuit challenging Trump’s executive orders and my exciting new role as the newsletter coordinator for BLACKlines, keeping Black LGBTQ+ stories alive. Plus, we celebrat...
Mar 03, 2025•36 min•Season 4Ep. 266
This week on Queer News: We remember trans trailblazer Elisa Rae Shupe, her fight for recognition, and the heartbreaking circumstances of her passing. In politics, Maine’s governor stands tall against Trump’s anti-trans rhetoric. In culture and entertainment, we celebrate Raquel Willis, named one of Time’s Women of the Year, and her powerful message to the trans community. Brittney Griner cancels a speaking engagement over a suspicious hotel message and Angel Reese dominates making Unrivaled his...
Feb 24, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 265
From poetry to hip-hop, pain to purpose, 2AM Ricky has always known the power of words. In this episode, he sits down with Anna DeShawn to discuss his rise to fame, the losses that shaped him, and how faith fuels his music. 📌 Inside This Episode: 🔥 The story behind his history-making success 💔 How grief transformed his artistry ✨ The spiritual side of songwriting 🏳️⚧️ The importance of queer and trans representation in music 🎧 Tune in now & get inspired! 🌈✊🏾🏳️⚧️✨ 📣 Stay Connected ...
Feb 23, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 264
This week on Queer News, we honor the lives of Sam andTahiry, two Black trans individuals whose tragic deaths remind us why we must continue to speak their names and fight for justice. In politics, Lambda Legal secures a major win for gender-affirming care, while the people protest in NYC after transgender and queer identities are erased from the Stonewall Monument website. Plus, Darian Aaron from GLAAD brings us a special report on an upcoming conference supporting gay men who want to have chil...
Feb 17, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 263
The People Are Rising Up! Family, wild and wicked don’t even begin to describe the political chaos we’re facing right now. But let me tell you—resistance is here. From the streets to the halls of Congress, leaders like Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Elizabeth Warren, and Maxine Waters are speaking out, and our legal warriors are taking these executive orders to court. In this episode, we break down the latest attacks on LGBTQ rights—from bans on trans athletes and gender-affirming care to the dangerous s...
Feb 10, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 262
This week, we kick off Black History Month with some powerful words from Doechii and a reminder: You are exactly who you need to be. 🌟 Anna breaks down the political landscape, from trans military bans to the erasure of LGBTQ+ resources from government websites. Plus, an uplifting story of resilience in Kentucky politics & a powerful response to corporate pride hypocrisy. 📢 In the News: 🏳️⚧️ The Trump administration is once again targeting trans service members and erasing LGBTQ+ identit...
Feb 03, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 261
This week on Queer News, Anna DeShawn dives into the first chaotic days of the 47th presidency and the real-life impacts on our community. Plus, we’re recapping the Creating Change conference—a true queer refuge in these wild and wicked times. From politics to culture, we've got you covered. 🎙️ Chanting for Change: Creating Change wrapped up with a powerful chant: "What side are you on? I'm on freedom’s side." This year’s conference was a refuge, and I’ll share why it felt like a much-needed br...
Jan 27, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 260
