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 breaking b...
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 ...
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 abo...
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 at ...
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:' h...
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 to t...
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 ended i...
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 Subs...
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+ identities ...
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
Today’s episode drops on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the same day Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. What a juxtaposition. We reflect on what this moment means for our communities and why the work we do matters now more than ever. 🏳️🌈✊🏾 Here’s what we cover today: 🏛️ Inauguration Day 2025: What to expect & why you might want to tune out ⚖️ ERA Declared the 28th Amendment: What it means & what’s next 🏀 Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League: A new era for the ...
Jan 20, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 259
Anna DeShawn kicks off this episode with the fiery highlights of the year's first days and a heartfelt reflection on recent events that have shaped our community. From the staggering devastation of the LA fires to inspiring tales of resilience, this episode is a blend of activism, community, and laughter. 🌟 In This Episode: Hot Topics: Zuckerberg’s alarming rollback on DEI initiatives and allowance of hate speech. Mike Johnson's anti-trans bathroom bill at the Capitol and its impact. The shocki...
Jan 13, 2025•2 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 258
Welcome to Season 4! It’s a new year, and Anna DeShawn is back to guide us through Queer News where race and sexuality meet politics, culture, and entertainment. While Anna takes time to reflect and recharge, we’re revisiting a vital conversation with Mony Ruiz Velasco, Deputy Director of Equality Illinois. In this replay episode, Mony breaks down the actionable steps LGBTQ+ folks can take to safeguard their rights, families, and futures in an increasingly hostile environment. 🌈✊🏾🏳️⚧️✨ 00:00...
Jan 06, 2025•23 min•Season 4Ep. 257
As we close out 2024, our host Anna DeShawn takes us on a reflective journey through a year filled with triumphs, challenges, and moments that defined our community. This episode revisits an impactful interview with Nico Lang, author of American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era. Nico’s work, highlighting the resilience and joy of trans youth, reminds us of the critical fight ahead: "None of us are free until all of us are free." This final episode of...
Dec 30, 2024•12 min•Season 3Ep. 256
This week on Queer News, Anna DeShawn wraps up the year with a mix of headlines and an exclusive interview you don’t want to miss! 🌈 Headlines: The anti-trans provision snuck into a major military spending bill—the first federal anti-trans legislation passed in 30 years. Anna breaks it all down and highlights the senators who stood strong in support of trans rights. Remembering Troy Masters, LGBTQ media pioneer and founder of the L.A. Blade. Revry TV’s groundbreaking call for drag kings! Learn ...
Dec 23, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 255
Join Anna DeShawn, your favorite queer radio personality, as she winds down to the end of the year with a few top queer news headlines and an exclusive interview with Jordan Alexander. Jordan Alexander, the breakout star of HBO Max's Gossip Girl reboot, describes herself as an unrelenting artist, blazing her own path in music and entertainment! In this episode of Queer News with Anna DeShawn: Jordan reflects on her transformative role as Julien Calloway. The story behind her new album Now You’re...
Dec 16, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 254
Join Anna DeShawn, your favorite queer radio personality, for a power-packed episode of Queer News. This week, we dive into the Supreme Court case on trans healthcare bans—a historic moment for LGBTQ+ rights—with insights from ACLU attorney Chase Strangio and a look at the inspiring activism of Raquel Willis and Hope Giselle. Anna also celebrates the success of the Queer News merch line, shares a holiday gift-giving promo, and spotlights an inspiring interview with a trailblazing LGBTQ+ advocate...
Dec 09, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 253
Join your favorite queer radio personality, Anna DeShawn, for this powerful Queer News World AIDS Day special. In this episode, we confront a critical yet under-discussed issue: the impact of HIV on Black women. Through heartfelt storytelling, historical context, and expert voices, Anna shines a light on systemic inequalities, cultural stigmas, and the resilience of Black women in the face of an epidemic. 🌈✊🏾🏳️⚧️✨ Buy an Ad on the Queer News podcast Email: info at e3radio.fm Subscribe to the...
Dec 02, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 252
This week on Queer News with Anna DeShawn reports on Quanesha “Cocoa” Shantel, a Black trans woman who was murdered in Greensboro, North Carolina. In politics, Representative elect Sarah McBride has been banned from the women’s bathroom in the US Capitol. In culture & entertainment, Jussie Smollett’s conviction has been overturned in Illinois, BlaqueOut Magazine releases an interactive map to remember our trans siblings and Khalid is outed by an ex-boyfriend. 🌈✊🏾🏳️⚧️✨ 00:00 - Welcome to the ...
Nov 25, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 251
This week on Queer News with Anna DeShawn we remember trans pioneer Sir Lady Java. I’m still over this election. Can we start there? But there were a lot of wins by LGBTQ folks across the country so let's run those down. Nex Benedict’s school district is found to have violated multiple Title IX violations. A group of fraternity bros decided to commit a hate crime, I’ll tell you all about it, and let’s talk about the LGBTQ folks nominated for Grammy’s. 🌈✊🏾🏳️⚧️✨ 00:00 - Welcome to the Queer Ne...
Nov 18, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 250
