Queer News

Queer News is an Ambie award-winning weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, culture and entertainment. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn, a new pod drops every Monday by 9am CT.

Last refreshed: June 29th, 2026 at 5:30 PM

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Episodes

Governor JB Pritzker Signs 3 Trans Affirming Bills For Pride, MLB Players Protest Pride Night, and the BET Awards queer recap

This week on the Queer News podcast, our top story covers Governor JB Pritzker as he signs three new bills protecting LGBTQ+ Rights in Illinois moments before the pride parade. In politics, a federal judge blocks the DOJ from accessing the medical records of patients seeking gender-affirming care. In sports, three Giants players protested their own pride night, angering the MLB. In culture and entertainment, Chicago city officials break ground on the Elise Malary Pedestrian Plaza, and we talk ab...

Jun 29, 2026•33 min•Season 5Ep. 344

The Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening, Lil Nas X Returns, and we have an interview with RiVERSE!

Welcome to our Summer series! This week on Queer News, Anna DeShawn continues to bring you the stories that matter most to our community! Anna dives into her experience attending the grand opening of the Obama Center and has an update on Lil Nas X. Queer News contributor, Benjamin Coy, catches up with RiVERSE, a four person pop collective of critical acclaim from Toronto. The collective consists of four members: Justice, Khadija, Zach, and Monroe. RiVERSE talk about their origins as a group, the...

Jun 22, 2026•39 min•Season 5Ep. 343

O'Shae Sibley case update, Cannabis is no longer banned in the WNBA, and Representative Zoe Zephyr wins the Montana primary again

This week on the Queer News podcast, our top story welcomes accountability in the O'Shae Sibley hate crime. In politics, Representative Zoe Zephyr wins the Montana primary and a federal judge blocks the Trump Administration from accessing the medical records of trans patients again. In culture and entertainment, cannabis has been removed from the WNBA's prohibited substances list and Brave Space Alliance is hosting a name change clinic. Want to support this podcast? 🏳️‍🌈 Join the QCrew: If you...

Jun 15, 2026•27 min•Season 5Ep. 342

Pulse's 10th Anniversary, Trump's trans military ban takes an L, and Durand links up with Kehlani for a world tour

This week on the Queer News podcast, our top story remembers the 11 trans lives lost since March. In politics, Trump's Trans Ban Blocked in D.C, and It's the 10 Anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub Massacre. In culture and entertainment, Durand joins Kehlani on her world tour, and Level Up Sporting Club has opened up in Wrigleyville. 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 mont...

Jun 08, 2026•26 min•Season 5Ep. 341

Happy Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈 Our Chicagoland lesbian business directory is out, Patagonia and Pattie Gonia are in a tiff, and we give you the 4-1-1 on where to celebrate Pride Month in Chicago

This week on the Queer News podcast, Anna shares the joy for compiling our first Chicagoland lesbian business directory. We're also talking all about the nationwide campaign Seven Days In June: HEALTH IS PRIMARY. In politics, Pattie Gonia Sued By Patagonia, and a Federal Judge in DC Blocked Trump's Plan To Move Trans Women Into Men's Prisons. In culture and entertainment, we roundup Chicago Pride Month Events, and Edgewater Dedicates Street to LGBTQ+ Activist Lori Cannon. Want to support this po...

Jun 01, 2026•25 min•Season 5Ep. 340

We remember Juniper Blessing, Alderperson Fuentes continues her fight against ICE, and BET honors LGBTQ+ leaders at the fourth annual Black+ Iconic Soirée

This week on the Queer News podcast, our top story remembers Juniper Blessing, a trans student at UW who was brutally murdered earlier this month. In Colorado, the Supreme Court just voted to reinstate gender affirming care to the youth. In Chicago, we have an update regarding Alderperson Fuentes' fight against ICE. In culture and entertainment, The Black LGBTQ+ vertical dramedy Unrequited has been acquired by Slay Media, and we talk about the BET Black+ Iconic Soirée honorees. Want to support t...

May 25, 2026•26 min•Season 5Ep. 339

Jason Collins Passed Away at 47, The DOJ demands the names of trans youth from NYC Langone, and El Bar brings Latino culture to Chicago's North Halstead

This week on the Queer News podcast, our top story breaks down the subpoena handed to NYU Langone on behalf of the DOJ. In Minnesota, Students walk out after a 7-1 vote to remove "A Mother of A Revolution!" from their spring concert. In sports, Jason Collins Passes Away at 47 and the community is mourning a real champion. In culture and entertainment, Here: Pride and Belonging in African Art Finally Unveils At The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, and Our Friends at Windy City Times te...

May 18, 2026•36 min•Season 5Ep. 338

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