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In past episodes, we've explored pivotal moments in LGBTQ+ history that have often been overlooked or erased, highlighting why remembering our past is so vital. With the current administration actively trying to erase our history, preserving and sharing these stories—from hidden queer figures to the fight for educational accessibility—is more urgent than ever. In this episode, Michael Venturiello, an LGBTQ+ historian and founder of Christopher Street Tours, joins us to talk about the im…
In previous episodes, we discussed how gay men often found refuge in mafia-owned private bottle clubs, where they could drink and socialize without the fear of police raids or public hostility. These underground venues, while risky due to their illegal nature, offered a rare safe haven where gay men could express themselves more freely and form a sense of community away from the prying eyes of a largely unwelcoming society. In this episode, crime writer Chris Holcombe joins us to discuss how…
Since the 1890s, the term queer was initially used as a derogatory slur against gay men until it was later reclaimed by the LGBTQ+ community as a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity. Today, it’s used non-offensively as an inclusive term that embraces a wide spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities within the community. In this episode, we're taking a look into the etymology of the word queer, tracing its origins as a slur, and examining the pivotal moments and motivations…
Located at the northern tip of Cape Code in Massachusetts, Provincetown is a coastal town renowned for its vibrant arts scene and historic significance and celebrated as a premier gay tourist destination known for its inclusive atmosphere, lively LGBTQ+ events, and welcoming community. In this episode, we’re diving into Provincetown's rich history, exploring how it evolved into a premier gay tourist destination and uncovering the vibrant tapestry of its queer heritage. Related Episodes:…
On Sunday, June 24, 1973, a gay bar in New Orleans was intentionally set ablaze, killing 32 people and injuring another 15. Fifty years later, despite ample evidence, no arrests have ever been made. In this episode, we’re taking a look at the tragic events of the UpStairs Lounge arson attack, the pervasive discrimination and homophobia evident in the aftermath, and renewed efforts to locate four of the unclaimed bodies of victims recklessly buried in an unmarked grave. Related Episodes: Lis.…
Coming out is a deeply personal and pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ individuals, encompassing the courageous act of sharing their authentic identity with others, fostering self-acceptance, and seeking understanding and validation. In this episode, we’re taking a look at the origins of the concept of “coming out” and National Coming Out Day, the importance of being our authentic selves, and how we can feel empowered in our decision to live openly. Additional Resources: Listen to My Coming Out Stor.…
Just fifty miles east of Manhattan, Fire Island has been considered a gay village since the 1950s, with the stretch of land between Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove—known as the Meat Rack—being a safe haven for repressed gay men to fully express and experience their sexuality. In this episode, we’re diving into the island's rich history, tracing its evolution from a secluded getaway for artists and bohemians to a thriving vacation destination for the queer community, and discussing th…
In 1960s New York City, gay men needed a safe space to socialize without being arrested, which resulted in many frequenting private bottle clubs, like the Stonewall Inn, which was owned by the Mafia. On June 28, 1969, during a routine police raid, patrons were fed up and resisted. In this episode, we’re discussing the iconic Stonewall riots, which became a symbol of resistance to social and political discrimination that would inspire solidarity among homosexual groups for decades. Additiona.…
During the early morning hours of Sunday, June 12, 2016, a gunman entered Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, and opened fire on the crowd, who was celebrating Latin Night. After more than three hours of terror, 49 lives were lost and 53 additional people were wounded. In today’s episode, we’re taking a look at the history of Pulse, the events of June 12, 2016, and the response to the shooting. Additional Resources: Orlando CensusThe 2021 LGBTQ+ Travel IndexLGBT Adults in Large US Metropol.…
In 1981, reports of a “rare cancer” affecting homosexual men surfaced, which marks the start of the AIDS crisis. For years, those living with AIDS were largely neglected by the government and medical community. In this episode, we’re discussing how ACT UP formed in response to social neglect, government negligence, and the complacency of the medical establishment, and their decades-long work, which continues today. Additional Resources: How AIDS Remained an Unspoken—But Deadly—Epidemic for .…
Correction: The U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision for Obergefell v. Hodges came on June 26, 2015. It was incorrectly/accidentally stated as January 26, 2015 at the 15:25 time mark. In the United States, the fight for marriage equality dates back to 1987. But between 2012 and 2014, significant challenges to state laws prohibiting same-sex marriage arose. In this episode, we’re taking a look at the origins of Obergefell v. Hodges, its landmark decision and legacy, and potential threa…
On October 8, 1998, a 21-year-old college student was picked up from a gay bar, tortured, and murdered because of his sexuality in a state that had no hate crime laws to protect him. More than twenty years later, we continue to remember his life and legacy. In this episode, we discuss the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard, the United States’ reaction, and the impact this tragic event had in bringing about stricter hate crime legislation. Additional Resources: Matthew ShepardMatthew Shepard, .…
It’s no secret that cities are typically more tolerant of the LGBTQ+ community, and a larger city allows for greater opportunities in general, as well as a larger dating pool. But how did the iconic gay neighborhoods we all know and love come to be? In this episode, we're taking a look at the history of gay villages, their core themes that attract LGBTQ+ people, and how gayborhoods have fallen victim to gentrification. Additional Resources: Between World Wars, Gay Culture Flourished In …
We’re all familiar with the F word (rhymes with maggot) and, unfortunately, we’ve probably been called it at some point in our lives. But where did this slur come from? In this episode, we’re taking a look into the etymology of the word and discussing its reclamation by some in the LGBTQ+ community. Additional Resources: Oxford English DictionaryThe Fa-Word: An Insulting Slur In the SpotlightThe Hobo : The Sociology of the Homeless ManInfo and Pics on "The F Word"...The New York Ti…
In between the politics of the Stonewall Riots and the AIDS pandemic, disco emerged as a haven for gay men to escape the confines of heterosexuality. In this episode, we’re taking a look at the history of disco, its queer roots, and how its legacy continues through today’s pop music – despite bigoted anti-disco movements in the late seventies. Additional Resources: Turn the Beat Around: The Secret History of DiscoLast Night a DJ Saved My Life: The History of the Disc JockeyArts in America: .…
In 1960s New York City, the Mafia needed a place to conduct business without police detection and gay men needed a safe space to socialize without being arrested. The result: the Genovese family ended up controlling the majority of gay bars in Greenwich Village, which was emerging as a gay hub at the time. In this episode, we’re diving into this unlikely partnership that eventually led to the exploitation of the gay community. Additional Resources: Stonewall Riots: Coming Out in the Streets.…
Amidst the AIDS pandemic, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned gay and bisexual men from ever being eligible to donate blood to protect people receiving blood transfusions from the possibility of getting infected with HIV. Almost 30 years later, science has provided us with new drugs to better protect ourselves from HIV exposures and technology to improve HIV testing by providing quicker and more accurate results. Today, men who have sex with men must defer from sex for three months…
We’ve come a long way from the days of being portrayed on TV and in film as the sassy, sexless, gay best friend, but there are still improvements to be made. In this episode, we’re diving into the history of gay representation in TV and film and discussing how being our authentic selves can manifest true representation in the media. Additional Resources: Where We Are on TV (2021 - 2022)Support the show Get Your Merch