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While many people support LGBTQ+ rights and equality, true allyship goes a step further by actively standing against discriminatory legislation and amplifying queer voices. In this current political climate, it’s crucial that our allies remain engaged to protect hard-fought rights and continue pushing for progress toward a more inclusive future. In this episode, Greg Baird, a global lecturer and educator on LGBTQIA+ civil rights, joins us to explore how our allies can stand alongside us to c…
Following the harm inflicted on the LGBTQ+ community under the Trump administration from 2017-2021, including attacks on transgender rights and the rollback of anti-discrimination protections, many fear what the new era of Trump may bring. However, it’s vital that we remain unified, support one another, and continue to advocate for equality to protect and expand the progress we’ve made. In this episode, previous guests join us to share their messages of hope and optimism for the future of th…
Presidential administrations significantly influence the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community through their policies on civil rights, healthcare, and anti-discrimination protections, which can either advance or hinder equality and acceptance. Additionally, an administration's public stance on LGBTQ+ issues sets a national tone, impacting societal attitudes and the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. In this episode, we’re reviewing the Trump administration's stance on LGBTQ+ rig…
Heterosexism is a system of attitudes, biases, and discrimination that privileges heterosexuality and marginalizes and oppresses LGBTQ+ people. This pervasive bias can lead to significant negative impacts on LGBTQ+ individuals, including increased rates of mental health issues, social isolation, and barriers to accessing healthcare and other essential services. In this episode, we’re delving into the concept of heterosexism, exploring how it manifests in various aspects of society, the traum…
LGBTQ+ advocacy dates back to early 20th-century efforts, such as the formation of the Society for Human Rights in 1924, and gained momentum with landmark events like the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which galvanized a global movement for equality and rights. Despite significant progress, ongoing advocacy is crucial to combat persistent discrimination, ensure legal protections, and promote societal acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide. In this episode, Anthony Munger, Program Manager for the…
The Trump administration had a detrimental impact on LGBTQ+ rights by rolling back protections and supporting religious exemptions that allowed discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. Looking ahead to the 2024 election, The Heritage Foundation has published Project 2025, a 920-page extremist policy agenda and staffing blueprint with conservative ideals, for the next Republican administration to swiftly implement upon taking office in January 2025. In this episode, we’re dissecting the Her…
Throughout LGBTQ+ history, drag has held an essential role as a form of expression, resistance, and solidarity, offering a platform for self-discovery and challenging societal norms. From fighting back in the Stonewall Riots to raising funds for research during the AIDS crisis, it has been instrumental in fostering community, amplifying voices, and advocating for equality and acceptance. In this episode, Bev (@itsbevbitch), Philadelphia’s very own Queen of Comedy, joins us to share her exper…
Recently, conservatives have used the unrestricted exercise of religious freedom and freedom of speech to promote discriminatory beliefs and harmful ideologies that perpetuate prejudice and undermine the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ people. On Friday, June 30, 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the First Amendment entitles some business owners to refuse same-sex wedding work, which is a staggering blow to LGBTQ+ equality. In this episode, we’re discussing the Supreme Cou…
There is a longstanding stereotype that gay men have a disposable income to fund an extravagant lifestyle. However, recent data has found that there is a gay wealth gap, with the average LGBTQ+ worker earning 90 cents for every dollar a typical worker earns. In this episode, we’re taking a look at recent data regarding this wealth gap, how workplace discrimination and “early choices” impact this disparity, and what employers and policymakers can do to promote pay equality. Additional Resour.…
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 been seven months since Russia invaded Ukraine, which has had global repercussions. However, an often-overlooked area of this tragic situation is the threat this invasion imposes upon LGBTQ+ Ukrainians. In this episode, we’re taking a look at LGBTQ+ rights in Ukraine and the unique impacts the Russian invasion has had on LGBTQ+ Ukrainians. Additional Resources: State-sponsored Homophobia: A World Survey of Laws Prohibiting Same-Sex Activity Between Consenting Adults Justice Minist...
This past spring, Florida made headlines for its Parental Rights in Education Act, informally referred to as the Don’t Say Gay bill. While this legislation is disturbing, Florida is not the first state to implement such a bill. In fact, approximately 20 other states implemented similar Don’t Say Gay bills between January and April 2022. In this episode, we’re taking a look at what the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act entails, the history of similar legislation, and how we can take ac…
The word “ally” gets tossed around frequently, but what does it actually mean? In this episode, Cheyenne Filipczyk joins us to discuss what it means to be an LGBTQ+ ally and how we can advocate for others in the community. Additional Resources: What is an LGBTQIA+ Ally, and How Can I Be a Good One?10 Ways to Be an Ally & a FriendQuiz: What Do You Know About Gay Rights?There is Literally No Way You're Going to Pass This Quiz if You're StraightSupport the show Get Your Merch<…
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…
In a world where gay men already experience increased economic, emotional, and societal hardships, we are disproportionately affected by violent crimes and can be blamed for them because of our sexual orientation. In this episode, we’re discussing the basis of the gay panic defense and learning how we can take action to end this discriminatory legal strategy. Additional Resources: The Gay/Trans Panic Defense: What It is, and How to End ItLGBTQ+ "Panic" DefenseStudy Finds LGBTQ Peop…
We’re more than two years into this COVID-19 pandemic, and minority communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, have been disproportionately affected. For some gay men, the fear and response to this pandemic have been reminiscent of the early days of the AIDS crisis. And let’s not forget that decades of HIV research conducted by the LGBTQ community and its allies paved the way for the COVID vaccine. Additional Resources: A Timeline of HIV and AIDSGlobal HIV & AIDS Statistics — Fact …