Shows
Life Through a Queer LensEP73: The Pink Triangle's LegacyThe pink triangle, a symbol of Nazi persecution of homosexuals, has been reclaimed and transformed into powerful monuments worldwide, from Amsterdam to San Francisco to Paris.• Amsterdam's Homomonument (1987) was the world's first and largest LGBTQ+ memorial, with a triangular design pointing to significant locations including Anne Frank's house• Berlin's Holocaust Memorial at Nolendorfplatz station (1989) features an upside-down pink triangle plaque commemorating homosexual victims of National Socialism• San Francisco's annual giant pink triangle on Twin Peaks began in 1995 as a nighttime activist project and has evolved into an official Pride weekend tradition• The Pink Triangle Memorial...2025-06-2321 minLife Through a Queer LensEP72: Triangle of Terror, Symbol of Strength: The Pink TriangleThe pink triangle evolved from a symbol of Nazi persecution to an emblem of queer liberation and activism. This episode traces its journey from concentration camps through the AIDS crisis to modern Pride celebrations, revealing how it was reclaimed by the queer community as a powerful symbol of resistance.• Nazi Germany used color-coded triangle badges to identify prisoner groups in concentration camps, with gay men forced to wear pink triangles• An estimated 65% of gay men in concentration camps died, and survivors were often transferred to prison after "liberation" as homosexuality remained illegal• Allied forces deliberately left a...2025-06-0931 minLife Through a Queer LensEP71: Queerness Before Gravity, Sir Francis Bacon's Hidden StorySir Francis Bacon, born in 1561, was the Lord Chancellor of England, a philosopher, author, statesman, and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community who developed what we now call the scientific method. His story demonstrates that queerness isn't new but has existed throughout human history, even before we had the terminology to describe it.• Bacon served as Lord Chancellor from 1608 to 1621 and spoke in Parliament• He conceptualized the Baconian method (scientific method) based on observation and classification• Contemporary accounts clearly document his homosexuality, though most biographers ignore this• His relationships with men were known, including connecti...2025-05-2628 minLife Through a Queer LensEP70: The Dance is What We're Fighting ForJoy is a powerful form of resistance during difficult times, especially when combined with community care and practical safety measures. Survival itself becomes an act of defiance when we remember that what we're fighting for is the right to experience joy and connection.• Crisis resources include the 988 Suicide Hotline and specialized warm lines like Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860)• Self-care activities like gaming, nature walks, and creative expression are essential for maintaining resilience• "You cannot pour from an empty cup" - caring for yourself is prerequisite to caring for others• Practice online safety by being careful...2025-05-0517 minLife Through a Queer LensEP69: The Education Underground; Navigating Dept. of Ed. DismantlingWe explore accessible educational alternatives in response to the executive order dismantling the Department of Education, focusing on resources families can use immediately to support learning outside traditional school settings.• Administration's March 2025 executive order is beginning the dismantling of the Department of Education• ACLU website details consequences to students' civil rights and access to equal education• Groups most affected include disabled students, low-income families, BIPOC students, ESL students, and LGBTQ+ students• Ways to fight back include donating to ACLU, contacting representatives via Five Calls app, signing petitions, and organizing community education programs• Big History Pr...2025-04-2816 minLife Through a Queer LensEP68: Solidarity Not Charity; Why Mutual Aid Is Essential for Our Collective FutureMutual aid represents the foundation of human civilization, beginning with our ancestors' willingness to care for each other and continuing through indigenous practices that have existed for centuries before the concept was formally named.• Origins of mutual aid as a philosophical concept from Peter Kropotkin, countering social Darwinism with the idea that cooperation, not competition, is key to survival• Distinction between charity (which reinforces us/them dynamics) and mutual aid (based on solidarity and "we're all in this together")• Historical examples including Indigenous communities, the Black Panther Party's Breakfast for Children program, and Food Not Bombs2025-04-2123 minLife Through a Queer LensEP67: When They Say They've Seen This Before, We Should Listen; Learning From Our Queer EldersOur queer elders have crucial wisdom to share about navigating difficult times, having been through similar challenges in previous decades.• Find and get involved with your local LGBTQ center, even in small towns • Build physical community networks of people who can actually help if things get worse• Centers provide safe spaces, resources, event information, and connections to elders• Legacy organizations like ACT UP, Lambda Legal, and the National LGBTQ Task Force continue fighting for equality• The Matthew Shepard Foundation offers abundant resources for education and support• Learn from queer history through books like "The Boo...2025-04-1416 minLife Through a Queer LensEP66: Love and Stone; Buried Queer esp Trans & Gender Non-Conforming FolxDeath comes for us all, but as queer people we must take extra steps to ensure our identities are respected after we pass. This episode explores end-of-life planning specifically for LGBTQIA+ individuals with practical guidance on protecting your identity in death.• Iconic LGBTQIA+ graves including Leonard Malkovich's Gay Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Patricia Cronin's "Memorial to Marriage"• The formation of the "Gay Corner" in Congressional Cemetery in Washington DC• Step-by-step instructions for creating an advanced directive (living will)• How to designate a healthcare proxy and funeral agent who will respect your identity• The importance...2025-04-0732 minLife Through a Queer LensEP65: Navigating Gender Marker Changes: Safety, Legal Challenges, & Everchanging RegulationsThis episode empowers listeners with knowledge about name changes and gender markers, emphasizing the personal and societal significance behind documentation. We discuss the steps to change names legally, the emotional weight of this process, and the urgent need for community support while navigating these challenges. • Importance of changing gender markers for safety • Emotional toll of navigating name changes • Community responsibility for queer youth • Legal complexities regarding state-specific gender markers • Insights on name changing during marriage • Overview of birth certificate change processes • Importance of being informed on legal changes • Historical context of gender affirm...2025-02-1028 minLife Through a Queer LensEP64: Planting Seeds of Change: Activism, Queer History, and Challenging Societal NormsIn today's episode, we explore the intersection of privilege and activism, examining how systemic inequalities persist and the importance of discomfort in seeking equity. Our focus shifts from personal experiences to broader societal issues, emphasizing the necessity of engaging in activism even when it feels challenging. • Discussion on returning from a holiday hiatus • The impact of mental health on activism • DEI policies and perceptions of meritocracy • Exploring intersectionality and privilege • Understanding long-term commitments in activism • The ongoing discourse on boycotting platforms like Meta • Investigating the dynamics of copaganda in media • The significance of self...2025-02-0332 minLife Through a Queer LensEP63: Navigating Queer Immigration, Finding Safe Harbors, & International Refugee RightsExplore the journey of immigration through a queer lens, highlighting the challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals face when seeking refuge in a divided world. We'll compare Uruguay and Paraguay, showcasing Uruguay's progressive laws and firm stance against dictatorship as a beacon of hope. From the Equality Index to practical advice on legal protections and societal views, this episode offers essential insights for navigating relocation. With historical reflections and a call for empathy, we aim to inspire understanding and action in support of global LGBTQIA+ rights.Check out our linktreeIf anyone is...2024-12-1621 minLife Through a Queer LensEP62: Punk Lace CodesPicture this: our living room, popcorn scattered everywhere, laughter echoing, and a family movie night that turned into a rollercoaster of emotions. The movie adaptation of "Wicked" had us totally spellbound, and with Jeff Goldblum's brilliant portrayal of a character with a god complex, it was an experience worth every teardrop and chuckle. The decision to split the film into two parts gave the storytelling the depth it needed, reflecting themes that resonate powerfully today. And, of course, let's not forget the quirky family traditions and the endless debate on alternatives to the classic, yet annoying, censor beep.2024-12-0918 minLife Through a Queer LensEP61: Bold Visibility and Smart Self-Defense StrategiesDiscover how to express your pride boldly while staying safe in environments that might not always be welcoming. In this episode, we promise you’ll learn creative strategies like designing personalized battle vests and jackets that let you showcase your identity with pride, yet smartly—by placing symbols where you can keep an eye on reactions. Revisit the original pride symbols like the Gilbert Baker rainbow flag with us, as we advocate against their commercialization. We also dive into the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ history through "The Book of Pride" by Mason Funk, offering insights from the voices of acti...2024-12-0346 minLife Through a Queer LensEP60: Lifelines and Liberation: Lessons from Queer Elders and What's NextJoin us as we honor the resilience of queer elders, reflecting on their strength through monumental LGBTQIA+ history, from Stonewall to the 1980s AIDS crisis. Explore curated mental health resources like Trans Lifeline and Thrive Lifeline, alongside self-care strategies to foster resilience and defiance in the face of adversity. Stay tuned for future episodes on activism, accessible care, and tools for resistance, as we stand united for change. We share episode topics we plan to drop between now and the inauguration on Jan 20, 2025.Check out our linktreeIf anyone is...2024-11-2531 minLife Through a Queer LensEP59: Post-Election Reflections: Finding Hope in Uncertain TimesIn this episode, we navigate the challenges of maintaining relationships with loved ones holding opposing political views, exploring how fear-driven narratives hinder societal progress. We discuss resilience, the power of human connection, and the role of white allies in fostering unity within the queer community. Reflecting on personal struggles and societal change, we honor trailblazers like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, emphasizing inclusivity, solidarity, and hope for a better future.Check out our linktreeIf anyone is seeking a safe place for chiropractic care on Long Island, you're welcome...2024-11-1134 minLife Through a Queer LensEP58: Capturing the Magic of Euphoria and Queer Joy: Kit's First Drag ExperienceHave you ever felt the rush of being truly seen and accepted for who you are? This episode dives into Kit's transformative Halloween night at a drag show, where the dazzling performances of three incredible Queens ignited his passion for capturing queer joy through photography. Join Kit as he reflects on the power of drag culture, the strength of community, and the vital role we all play in celebrating and safeguarding queer art and identity.Check out our linktreeIf anyone is seeking a safe place for chiropractic care on...2024-11-0425 minLife Through a Queer LensEP57: Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun: Haunted Pixels & Horror ClassicsThis episode dives into digital romance, a love for Halloween films, and navigating inclusion in horror. From marrying Stardew Valley’s Shane to celebrating horror icons, it's a journey through nostalgia, representation, and real-life Halloween escapades, embracing the eerie and the endearing all at once.Check out our linktreeIf anyone is seeking a safe place for chiropractic care on Long Island, you're welcome at Sound Chiropractic in Oakdale, NY. For Chiropractic care or information,check out our link tree here directly to website here2024-10-2847 minLife Through a Queer LensEP56: Blood and Gore, by and for, Girls, Gays, and TheysJoin us for a thrilling exploration of queer trans horror recommendations, discussing everything from films and books with positive representation to our mixed feelings about vending at the Scarecrow Festival. We also dive into standout performances by Dominique Jackson and Elliot Page, while celebrating horror classics like James Whale's "Frankenstein." Don't forget to check resources like doesthedogdie.com to make sure your spooky season is as enjoyable as it is thrilling!Check out our linktreeIf anyone is seeking a safe place for chiropractic care on Lo...2024-10-2126 minLife Through a Queer LensEP55: The Harms of Horror: The "Man in a Dress" Trope!!TRIGGER WARNING!!This episode contains discussions of transphobic media and its impact on transgender people and society's view of queerness and gender nonconformanceSummary:What if horror films are reinforcing harmful stereotypes that shape societal perceptions? In this Halloween-themed episode, we explore the damaging "man in a dress" trope in classics like Psycho and Silence of the Lambs, and its impact on trans representation. Join us as we critically examine these films while celebrating queer creativity in cinema.For those who don't want to hear the Buffalo Bill section in the middle...2024-10-1439 minLife Through a Queer LensEP54: "I'm a murderer, not a monster:" Chucky and Queer ThemingWhat if an 8-bit Rocky Horror video game unlocked a retro adventure but was restricted by platform exclusivity? We dive into the possibilities of such a game and lament the barriers that may keep fans from experiencing it. Our conversation shifts to the cancellation of the Chucky TV series after its third season, sparking a deeper discussion on the cultural impact of prematurely axed queer-themed shows like "Our Flag Means Death." We celebrate Chucky’s commitment to LGBTQ+ representation, exploring its groundbreaking critique of homophobia and its portrayal of marginalized experiences within the horror genre.C...2024-10-0754 minLife Through a Queer LensEP53: Kyler Broadus and the Legal Battles for Trans EqualityCurious about how one person can transform transgender rights? Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Kyler Broadus, a pioneering lawyer and trans advocate whose activism has led to significant legal advancements. We'll dive into his personal story, from the influence of his father to discovering trans jazz musician Billy Tipton, and discuss his landmark testimony in 2012. Plus, we'll reflect on broader queer history, Missouri's anti-trans discrimination laws, and our plans for an inclusive Discord community.Check out our linktreeIf anyone is seeking a safe p...2024-09-3031 minLife Through a Queer LensEP52: The Most Gorgeous, Special Thing on Earth: Venus XtravaganzaStep into the vibrant world of 1980s New York City’s drag scene with Venus Xtravaganza, a trans femme queen from the House of Xtravaganza, featured in Paris is Burning. We celebrate Venus’s radiant spirit and lasting influence on both the drag community and mainstream culture. We also explore her enduring legacy through the new documentary I Am Your Venus, premiering at Tribeca Film Festival, which introduces her story to a new generation.Check out our linktreeIf anyone is seeking a safe place for chiropractic care on L...2024-09-2330 minLife Through a Queer LensEP51: Achillean, Achilles and Patroclus, & Queer LegacyCan the love story of two ancient Greek warriors reshape our understanding of modern queer identities? This episode of "Life Through a Queer Lens" dares to challenge the historical narrative by uncovering the profound connection between Achilles and Patroclus. Travel with us back to Greek mythology and dissect how this legendary bond, often misrepresented as mere friendship, evolved into the contemporary term "Achillean." We tackle the complexities of piecing together this uncharted history and stress the importance of inclusivity and respect within the queer community.As we reclaim queer history, we shine a spotlight on pivotal figures...2024-09-1625 minLife Through a Queer LensEP50: Sapphic Love & HistoryHow can fictional characters queerbait, yet real people cannot? Join me as I unpack this intriguing distinction and share my personal journey of navigating the world of solo podcasting as an autistic individual. I'll open up about transitioning into a performance mindset, the joys of receiving my MatPat U2's figurine, and the difficult decision to step away from Meadowrun's social media accounts due to negativity. Together, we'll also explore impactful social justice initiatives, like supporting Navajo water rights and the Hawaii's People Fund, while celebrating the resilience and beauty of the queer community.In this heartfelt...2024-09-0927 minLife Through a Queer LensEP49: Bridging Generations: Queer Stories and Parental GrowthEver wondered how watching a beloved childhood movie, like "The Birdcage," can tie into profound life lessons? Join us as we reminisce about our earliest encounters with queerness and share heartfelt stories of family dynamics, including a touching tale of a gay uncle bridging the gap with a homophobic father. We'll reflect on how these personal milestones and relationships serve as time markers that shape our understanding of life’s events, and honor a father’s journey to cultivate acceptance in his child despite his own biases.Shifting gears, we confront the harsh realities of aging within a ca...2024-09-0231 min