Our next episode of This Queer Book Saved My Life drops May 19th! In our off weeks we air episodes from The Gaily Show. It's the only daily LGBTQ news and talk show in the US! John hosts it and it airs on AM950-KTNF, WCPT 820 AM, and weekly on NewsTalk WHMP. Today: How can states fight back against fascism and Trump? Turns out there is a taxonomy of five tiers of resistance that States can do right now. It has been developed and researched by Christopher Armitage and he joins us to discuss. Chri...
May 12, 2026•46 min
This book was a vivid portrayal of queer desire. It didn't have a happy ending, but it had a positive ending. Today we meet Lynette D'Amico and we’re talking about the queer book that saved her life: Carol by Patricia Highsmith. Lynette D'Amico is an essayist and fiction writer whose work has appeared in The Gettysburg Review , The Ocean State Review and at Brevity , Slag Glass City , Short Reads , and Guernica . Her memoir in essays Men I Hate , won the Gournay Nonfiction Prize and was publishe...
May 05, 2026•45 min
Our next episode of This Queer Book Saved My Life drops May 5th! In our off weeks we air episodes from The Gaily Show. It's the only daily LGBTQ news and talk show in the US! John hosts it and it airs on AM950-KTNF, WCPT 820 AM, and weekly on NewsTalk WHMP. Today: the Queer experience isn’t bound to state boundaries. Our queer lives span borders (and so do the anti-LGBTQ coalitions). So on today’s Unpack This For Me episode we look at the Great State of Arizona! Joseph Darius Jaafari the Editor ...
Apr 28, 2026•46 min
Between 50-75% of my friends died of AIDS. I was trying to figure out what had happened to our community. Today we meet Gabriel Rotello and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: Gay New York by George Chauncey. Gabriel Rotello is an Emmy-nominated and GLAAD Award-winning writer, director, producer, journalist and musician. He published his nonfiction book in 1997: Sexual Ecology: AIDS and the Destiny of Gay Men . In 1989 he launched OutWeek Magazine as its editor-in-chief. In 1...
Apr 21, 2026•52 min
Jonah Mixon-Webster joins us to discuss his new poetry collection Promise/Threat . It’s described as, “a virtuosic sophomore collection that plunges the reader into the tenebrous realm between dreams and reality and firmly establishes him as an essential voice in American poetry.” Then, Luna McNamara joins us to discuss her new novel The Witch and the Huntress . In it, “Two of Greek mythology’s most complex and powerful women—Medea and Atalanta—join forces on Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece ...
Apr 14, 2026•45 min
This book helped me understand my brain and in particular the queer brain. Today we meet Max Hovey and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: The Velvet Rage by Alan Downs. Max Hovey is a London-based writer, creator, and queer advocate. He dedicates his platform to sparking discussions about and promoting body acceptance, sex positivity, mental health awareness, and other topics relating to LGBTQIA+ issues. His writing and work have been featured in the Independent , Attitude M...
Apr 07, 2026•45 min
This book has a very fabulous determined, genderfluid, and Bi character. Reading her released something in me. Today we meet Sarah Stone and we’re talking about the queer book that saved their life: The Passion by Jeanette Winterson. Sarah Stone (she/they) is the author of Marriage to the Sea; Hungry Ghost Theater , a finalist for the 38th annual Northern California Book Awards; and The True Sources of the Nile , as well as co-author, with Ron Nyren, of Deepening Fiction: A Practical Guide for I...
Mar 24, 2026•37 min
Will I as a queer person be able to live openly, boldly, and out of the shadows? Today we meet Jake Stepansky and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: Will Grayson, Will Grayson by David Levithan and John Green. And David joins us for the conversation! Jake Stepansky is a culture and care worker based in Brooklyn, NY. He is the co-founder and board president of the QT Library – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to bring a brick-and-mortar LGBTQIA+ library and substance-free commun...
Mar 10, 2026•50 min
What happens when the world tells you you're too much and you start shrinking yourself to survive? Today we meet William Ollayos and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: Reverie by Ryan La Sala. And Ryan joins us for the conversation! William Ollayos is an educator, advocate, and aspiring writer based in Connecticut. He serves as an Area Coordinator in Wesleyan University’s Office of Residential Life, and as a Law & Policy Fellow with Connecticut’s Commission on Women, Chi...
Feb 24, 2026•44 min
This question has followed me around my whole life: where do I come from? Today we meet Karsten Vagner and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: The Prince of Los Cocuyos by Richard Blanco. And Richard joins us for the conversation! Karsten Vagner was born in Bogotá, Colombia and grew up outside of New York City. He has worked in tech startups for the past 20 years, and has been awarded for his leadership, including for being a notable LGBTQ executive in New York. He has worked...
Feb 10, 2026•51 min
In some ways, the characters in this book were my first lovers. Today we meet Michael Horvich and we're talking about the queer book that saved his life: Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin. Michael is a retired Elementary School Educator and University Instructor. In addition he’s many things, here’s just a partial list: Poet, Collector, Museum Curator Emeritis, Book Binder, Supernumerary, Flea Circus Ringmaster, and Dementia/Alzheimer’s Advocate. He has published two volumes poetry, which in part...
Jan 27, 2026•42 min
How can we hold together idealism and authenticity even when the world is homophobic? Today we meet Lucas F. Schleusener and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: Lost Prophet: The Life and Times of Bayard Rustin by John D'Emilio. Lucas is a writer, educator, and national security strategist shaping the future of equity across the national security enterprise. As Co-Founder and CEO of Out in National Security he leads a global community that advances LGBTQIA+ inclusion and driv...
Jan 13, 2026•39 min
One of the world's oldest surviving novels was a queer book?! Today we meet Neil Laird and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: The Satyricon by Petronius. Neil is a multiple Emmy-nominated Executive Producer who has worked extensively on both the network and production side of non-fiction TV since 1997. He's developed, overseen, and produced over 1,000 hours of non-fiction programs and specials in nearly every genre, with a particular passion, expertise, and contacts in histo...
Dec 16, 2025•43 min
We have a new episode of This Queer Book Saved My Life on December 16th! Today, Once Upon a Crime Books presents 7 Minutes in Book Heaven, the podcast where we interview LGBTQ authors about the new books they have coming out for us to love and cuddle up with. Visit them online: onceuponacrimebooks.com Once Upon a Crime Books is an independent bookstore specializing in mystery fiction. Located in Uptown Minneapolis, you can shop in their store Monday through Saturday 11am – 5:30pm. Or, visit thei...
Dec 02, 2025•12 min
Can you have a happy ending in a gay relationship? Today we meet Bobbie Smith and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: Coming Out by Wallace Hamilton. Bobbie has been a community activist for 35 years. He helped found the Gay and Lesbian community council in Salt Lake City, Utah of which he was a member. He also founded the Sacred Fairies. Bobbie started the Stonewall Community Center in Salt Lake City, where he served as its first Librarian and donated over 1,000 books to tha...
Nov 18, 2025•37 min
Am I in love with a woman or am I a woman who's in love with women? Today we meet Lauren Sanders and we’re talking about the queer book that saved her life: Nightwood by Djuna Barnes. Lauren Sanders (she/they) is the author of the novel Kamikaze Lust , which won a 2000 Lambda Literary Award and was reissued this fall in a 25th anniversary edition. Her other novels include With or Without You (a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award) and The Book of Love and Hate . Short fiction, reviews, rants,...
Nov 04, 2025•42 min
A lot of us get to our 30s and we don't know what the next step is. Sometimes you make a big pivot. Today we meet Aj Writer and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston. Aj Writer is a nonbinary writer and general dumpster fire of a human being (editor's note: Aj's words!). After a decade in journalism and conversations with top creatives in their field, Aj opened FWDIO Studios, a creative content company, that focuses on making media that is repre...
Oct 21, 2025•35 min
This book flipped on a lot of switches in my head. Today we meet Joel Freedman and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: Good Times/Bad Times by James Kirkwood. Joel Freedman taught English at a college-prep high school in South L.A., where for most of his tenure, he was the only out gay instructor. He’s a retired writing instructor at L.A. Southwest College and a produced playwright. He published “Echoes of Silence: Empathy and Making Connections through Writing Process” in En...
Oct 07, 2025•51 min
How do I move forward in life without any queer representation in my life? Today we meet Troy Ford and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Troy Ford is an author and editor, and the publisher of two popular newsletters: the writing-focused Ford Knows Books , and Qstack , an LGBTQIA+ Directory, Platform, and Community of newsletter writers and readers on Substack. His debut novel, Lamb , released in June 2025. Unsung , his short film with co-direct...
Sep 23, 2025•56 min
What this book showed me was how to balance pieces of myself that didn't fit together. Today we meet Abdi Nazemian and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: Another Country by James Baldwin. Abdi Nazemian spent his childhood in a series of exciting locations (Tehran, Paris, Toronto, New York), but could usually be found in his bedroom watching old movies and reading. His first novel, The Walk-In Closet , was awarded Best Debut at the Lambda Literary Awards. He has written three...
Sep 09, 2025•53 min
I was combating homophobia against one of the most powerful institutions in the world. Today we meet Tim Jon Semmerling and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: The Deviant's War: The Homosexual vs. the United States of America by Eric Cervini. Tim Jon Semmerling is an award-winning author, a respected mitigation expert, and an attorney in Illinois. His books and publications are held in over 900 libraries throughout the world and they are highly quoted in books, articles, and...
Aug 26, 2025•37 min
How do we live radiantly when the world seems bent on our erasure? Today we meet Caro De Robertis and we’re talking about the queer book that saved their life: Notes of a Crocodile by Qiu Miaojin, translated by Bonnie Huie. Caro’s books best-selling books have Stonewall Book Awards and the Golden Poppy Octavia E. Butler Award; and, they have been finalists for the PEN/Faulkner Award, Lambda Literary Award, and the Kirkus Prize. These books include The Palace of Eros , The President and the Frog ...
Aug 12, 2025•51 min
Where are all the queer people in history? Today we meet Ilana Masad and we’re talking about the queer book that saved her life: Confessions of the Fox by Jordy Rosenberg. And Jordy joins us! Ilana Masad is a writer of fiction, nonfiction, and criticism. Their work has appeared in The New Yorker, New York Times, LA Times, Washington Post, NPR, The Atlantic, StoryQuartlerly, Catapult, Buzzfeed, Joyland, The Account, and many more. She is the author of the novel All My Mother’s Lovers and the fort...
Jul 22, 2025•44 min
Is there any theology in the religion that I grew up in that is meaningful? Or is it just hate with a halo? Today we meet Paul Cram and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality by John Boswell. Described as “Honest, a little quirky,” Paul is a Twin Cities-based character actor, book lover, and multimedia designer. For over 15 years, he has been performing in films and onstage. He’s shared the screen with Woody Harrelson, Cillian Mu...
Jul 08, 2025•44 min
The book that showed you what a positive queer future could be. And then literally came true. Today we meet Brendan Gillett and we’re talking about the queer book that saved his life: Uncle Bobby's Wedding by Sarah S. Brannen. And Sarah joins us for the conversation! Brendan is a high school English teacher in Brooklyn, New York. He works with English language learners to create poetry, picture books, cooking blogs, and literary analysis essays in every language they know. When he's not teaching...
Jun 24, 2025•48 min
This book sparked a five-year long career and life journey. In a first for us, we have two guests today! They are Arden Harris and Emily Autenrieth. We’re talking about the queer book that saved their lives: The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon and she joins us for the conversation! Arden Harris is the buyer and lead bookseller for A Seat at the Table Books, an aspiring writer, and overall bookstore cryptid. They’re often found hiding in the shelves or crafting with their partner an...
Jun 10, 2025•49 min
I was hungry for language. And stories. And how to tell our stories. That's what this book gave me. But let's not make a Bible out of it. Today we meet Kris Kleindienst and we’re talking about the queer book that saved her life: Diving Into The Wreck by Adrienne Rich. Kris is a 72-year old queer lesbian writer, bookseller, and activist. She owns Left Bank Books, a 56-year old progressive bookstore in St. Louis, Missouri. Kris edited a collection of activist essays titled This Is What Lesbian Loo...
May 27, 2025•32 min
What would it feel like for other people to love me if they were to truly see me and truly know me as I am right now? Today we meet Esmé and we’re talking about the queer book that saved their life: The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. And Martha joins us for the conversation! Esmé has been slinging radical books at Firestorm since 2019. They wear multiple hats including communications, event facilitation, and offsite sales. When she doesn't have her nose in a gay book, Esmé sings in a doom me...
May 13, 2025•57 min
What would it happen if I allowed my thoughts about my gender become known to me? Today we meet Dr. Christina Neuwirth and we’re talking about the queer book that saved their life: Something That May Shock and Discredit You by Daniel M. Lavery. And Daniel joins us for the conversation! Dr. Christina Neuwirth is a writer, researcher and bookseller based in Edinburgh. Their 2018 novella Amphibian was shortlisted for Scotland’s National Book Awards. Their writing has been published in Gutter Magazi...
Apr 29, 2025•43 min
I was 8,000 miles from home asking is it ok to be gay? That's when I wandered into a shop found this book. Today we meet Stephanie Beardslee and we’re talking about the queer book that saved her life: Dare Truth or Promise by Paula Boock. And Paula joins us for the conversation! Stephanie Beardslee is the owner of Wolf & Wyld’s Queer Bookstore, an online and pop-up bookstore based in Manitou Springs, Colorado. She is a Front Range (of Colorado) native that is really hacked off that the Pikes...
Apr 15, 2025•47 min
