Shows
Take the Last BiteKnowledge in the Land, Stories in the SeedsWe take a bite out of the First Nations Garden, a healing space for the Intertribal Native community of Chicago. Co-founder Fawn Pochel (they/kwe) shares the origins of this youth-led project, the importance of establishing and maintaining relationship with plant relatives, and how the garden has transformed the neighborhood and provided a community gathering place for celebrations, education, and practicing intertribal traditions. Additional Resources and References from this episode: Learn more about First Nations Garden and follow the project at @firstnationsgarden Chi Nations Youth Council – a youth organization creating safe space for Nativ...
2024-07-1648 minTake the Last BiteA Midwest Princess and her Mighty KingdomWe take a bite out of Chappell Roan through a brief queer history of Midwest music and media influences. Host R.B. Brooks (they/them) highlights queer and trans music artists with ties to the Midwest, how the Midwest is used intentionally in film and streaming series for dramatic effect, and the impact of Midwest stereotypes on racialized and gendered assumptions about the region.Additional Resources and References: In a Queer Time and Place by Jack HalberstamRolling Stone article about Chappel Roan’s Casual release Teen Vogue culture story about Chappell Roan Right On, Cuee (Take the L...
2024-06-2548 minTake the Last BiteThe (Literal) Debate for Trans Lives [redux]We take a bite out of local legislation with Minnesota State Representatives Liish Kozlowski (they/them) and Leigh Finke (she/her). We all have a role to play – but our roles aren’t all the same. We chat with these powerhouses about their motivations to run for office, their experiences on the legislative floor, and how Trans Refuge Bills can offer a pathway to improved living conditions for trans, nonbinary, two spirit, and intersex people.Additional Resources and References from this episode: Learn more about the Transgender Justice Teach-In and check out video recordings of our previ...
2024-06-041h 10Take the Last BiteCause of Death: KidsWe bite into a hard conversation around Nex Benedict’s death as well as the two teenagers who killed Brianna Ghey receiving life sentences after jury conviction. Robert Alberts (they/them) and host R.B Brooks (they/them) process their rough thoughts and devastated feelings in an attempt to answer “what does it mean that the project of annihilating trans children has fallen into the hands of other children?” and also “what does justice look like in these instances?” Additional Resources and References from this episode: Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s office releases Nex Benedict’s auto...
2024-05-211h 13Take the Last BiteTristan and R.B. Take on Fat ConWe take a bite out of Fat Con! In January 2024, Tristan and R.B. attended Fat Con in Seattle, a celebration of fat joy featuring keynotes, a fashion show, and brunch. These fattie baddies reminisce on their glorious time at the inaugural event and share their aspirations for a Midwest Fat Fest.Additional Resources and References: Learn more about Fat Con in Seattle at FatCon.orgAlso check out Philly FatCon Revisit “Trans Fat: Lessons from Large Trans Folks” via video or podcast Timeline: The ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment” from the Columbia SpectatorFor questions, comments or feedback ab...
2024-05-0742 minTake the Last BiteMidwest: More than Cows, Corn, and ConservativesWe take a bite out of Midwest queer history! Vince Tripi (he/him, co/cos) is a homegrown historian dedicated to compiling LGBTQ+ history into digestible exhibits for pride-goers and LGBTQ+ youth. We chat about his latest project called “Flyover Country,” an exhibit highlighting LGBTQ+ firsts of the Midwest, including some wild discoveries about the first few years of the Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Asexual College Conference. Additional Resources and References from this episode: Check out all of Vince’s LGBTQ+ history exhibits: https://vince.lgbt/exhibits/Learn more about MBLGTACC at mblgtacc.orgRead the full ne...
2024-04-2356 minTake the Last BiteSmall Bites: Doctor Who Discourse, Two Palestines, and Coding with EmpathyWe’re delivering a batch of small bites featuring Doctor Who and extraterrestrial gender education [06:29]; parallels and lessons from a trainwreck in East Palestine, Ohio and Gaza, Palestine [35:54]; and getting things done (like web coding) with empathy [45:27].Additional Resources and References from this episode: No Pride in Genocide – a collective of Queer and Trans anti-zionist Palestinians, Arab/SWANA folks, Jews, and allies working for a free Palestine.Article: Norfolk Southern continues to defend CEO Alan Shaw’s leadership Article: Doctor Who has always been woke, and that’s the way real fans like itGoblin.tools – a collection of...
2024-04-091h 11Take the Last BiteToday’s Gender Is Up for DebateWe take a bite out of “the gender debate” with sports journalist Katie Barnes (they/them). We reminisce about our days as student leaders at gay camp, how Katie’s educational background in history, higher education, and even Russian studies has positioned them to be a leading reporter at/on the intersection of sports and gender, and the release of their new book “Fair Play: How Sports Shape the Gender Debate” Join us in Lexington, Kentucky November 3-5 for the Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Asexual College Conference featuring Katie Barnes as Keynote. Register and make arrange...
2023-09-191h 24Take the Last BiteThis “Dad” Has More Than JokesWe take a bite out of asexuality across generations with Cody Daigle-Orians (they/them) aka Ace Dad Advice and author of “I Am Ace: Advice on Living Your Best Asexual Life.” We chat about their Ace Dad persona, the nebulous concept of being a “queer elder,” and Cody’s aspiration for a multigenerational book series guiding folks through their asexual journeys.
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2023-09-051h 03Take the Last BiteAnimate Me Like One of Your Canonically Queer CharactersWe take a bite out of queer animation, TV shows and characters with resident nerds Andy Newhouse and Michelle Walters. We discuss the finale of The Owl House, D20’s Dungeons and Drag Queens, and which other queer streaming moments we’d smash or pass. Additional Resources & References Listen to “The Anatomy of a Liberatory Think Tank” Learn more about the Writers Guild of America (WGA) StrikeStreaming & TV Show Recommendations and References The Owl House
2023-08-2258 minTake the Last BiteInside the “Journal of a Black Queer Nurse”We take a bite out of emergency-room and travel nursing with Britney Daniels, a Black, masculine-presenting, tattooed lesbian and author of “Journal of a Black Queer Nurse”. We chat about Britney’s observations in the emergency room, the derailment that led to her career, and her high hopes for improvements to healthcare systems. Connect with Britney Daniels Website: https://blackqueernurse.co/ Instagram: @BlackQueerNurseFind Journal of a Black Queer Nurse through Common Notions Additional Resources & ReferencesOmaha City Council unanimously approves renaming of street to commemorate activist and musical artist Dom...
2023-08-081h 06Take the Last BiteHey Google, Who is Barbara May Cameron?We take a bite out of a Google Doodle commemorating Native American and lesbian activist Barbara May Cameron. We’re joined by queer Mexican and Chitimachan artist Sienna Gonzales, aka Somewhere in June, who had the opportunity to design the homepage artwork. We discuss the stepping stones into her artistic and queer identities, a bumpy road to a BFA from UCLA, and the process of creating a visual homage to a queer powerhouse. Connect with Sienna GonzalesWebsite: https://www.somewhereinjune.comInstagram: @somewhere_in_june TikTok: @somewhere_in_juneAdditional Resources & ReferencesCheck out...
2023-07-251h 05Take the Last BiteThe Anatomy of a Liberatory Think TankWe take a bite out of Third Places, such as conferences, think tanks, liberation labs and other liberatory-conscious spaces that offer queer and trans community and connection outside of home, work and social media.Host R.B. Brooks (they/them) reflects on sharing (third) space with a small but mighty group of LGBTQ+ higher education scholars and educators to examine how to make LGBTQ+ centers/spaces on college campuses anti-racist spaces and how the facilitation, environment, and pace of the think-tank offered a liberatory framework for new possibilities. --Additional Resources & References ...
2023-07-1139 minTake the Last BiteTrans Fat: Lessons from Large Trans & Nonbinary Folks [redux]We take a large bite out of fat trans folk’s experiences & unearth some incredible lessons about desire, wellness, design, language, love and so much more. In December of 2022, the Midwest Institute for Sexuality & Gender Diversity hosted the 6th annual Transgender Justice Teach-In and invited TK Morton, Dr. Jonathan Higgins, and Shane Smoore to participate in a discussion about the intersections of being fat, trans, and nonbinary. This episode is the recording from that live webinar. Additional Resources & ReferencesCheck out the YouTube recording & learn more about the...
2023-06-271h 36Take the Last Bite"Chef" is Gender NeutralWe take a BIG bite out of BRUNCH with Catie Randazzo, a nonbinary chef from Columbus, Ohio who showed off their “filthy biscuits” as a cheftestant on HBOMax’s The Big Brunch—a wholesome cooking competition where the winner gets support with their big food dream. We chat about Catie’s vision for connecting trans youth to food & service industry skills, their queer & culinary come-ups in fast food kitchens, and some of their favorite moments on The Big Brunch.Additional Resources & References Learn more about Catie’s food-dream-in-progress, Geneva HouseSafe Place for Youth – provides suppor...
2023-06-131h 06Take the Last BiteThe Golden Era of Queer Comic BooksWe take a bit out of queer comic books with Amara Vear, the Queer Comic Peddler. We geek out about our personal literary faves, the impact of book banning, and the future of queer publishing.Additional Resources & References Learn more about participating in the Makers Market at MBLGTACC 2023 in Lexington, Kentucky! From the Intro Target’s official statement announcing some Pride Merch would be removed NPR reports on threats to Target employees regarding Pride MerchTrans artist Erik Carnell receives surge in sales after Target pulls his designs From the EpisodeGende...
2023-05-3054 minTake the Last BiteOpe, I’m a Queer Trope!Snapbacks. Rings of keys. An inability to sit properly. We all know a queer trope when we see one but where do they come from? And what’s the line between a queer stereotype and a queer trope? We take a bite out of queer stereotypes with Justin Drwencke and Danielle Kropveld from the Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Gender Diversity. Additional Resources & References Follow Take the Last Bite on TikTok and check out R.B.’s updates on Bud Light’s activity in the post-partnership with Dylan Mulvaney For questions, comments...
2023-05-1646 minTake the Last BiteBehind the Scenes of “Diving for Rays: A Queer Conservationist’s Story”We take a bite out of marine conservation and documentary filmmaking with Nova West (they/them), Angel Morris (they/them), and Nicole Morris (she/they/he)– the producers and muses of “Diving for Rays: A Queer Conservationist’s Story.” We chat about how what started as an impromptu instagram DM and a conversation about childhood dreams manifested into a cinematic journey deeper than the ocean. Resources & ReferencesFrom the episode Stream “Diving for Rays: A Queer Conservationist’s Story” for FREE on WaterBearJackson Wild– provided equipment that aided the filmmakers in capturing underwat...
2023-05-0258 minTake the Last BitePutting Queer Folks on the MapWe kick off season four talking to Charlie Sprinkman (he/they), creator of the Everywhere is Queer map– an interactive tool to locate queer and trans businesses around the globe. We chat about the inspiration for the project, the importance of promoting queer-owned businesses, and Sprinkman’s big ideas for the future of the map. Additional Resources & References Join us in Lexington, Kentucky for the 31st annual Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Asexual College Conference! Learn more at mblgtacc.orgThe Tennessee Three– when the Republican-controlled Tennessee House of Representatives expelled Justin Pearson and Justin J...
2023-04-1849 minTake the Last BiteSmall Bites: Gallbladders, Imposter Syndrome, and No-Contact with FamilyIn 2022, what was something you did that you didn’t think was possible? In this small bites series, we sink our teeth into this question and more as we discuss overcoming imposter syndrome as a web developer (05:19), seeking answers through a faulty healthcare system (25:45), and the hard choice of going no-contact with a family member (54:16).Resources and References:“War Isn’t Cancel Culture” – this episode of Cancel Me, Daddy tucks into the outlandish claims conservative media made connecting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with pronoun usageThe Care We Dream Of by Zena SharmanFor question...
2023-01-101h 24Take the Last BiteYou Are Not a (Student) LoanWe take a bite out of student loan debt cancellation with Juan Ramiro Sarmiento (he/him), press secretary of Young Invincibles. We examine the history of higher education becoming less affordable, the emergence of student loan debt cancellation as a political platform, and upcoming legal battle over federal loan forgiveness. Additional Resources & ReferencesGetting Through the Holidays: Suggestions for LGBTQ+ Folks – a list compiled by the Midwest Institute for Sexuality & Gender DiversityYoung Invincibles – elevating the voices of young AmericansDebt Collective– a union of debtorsCOVID-19 and Students in Higher Education – using data collected in the Acces...
2022-12-271h 10Take the Last BiteTracking Patterns that Produced the Club Q AttackWe take a slow, careful bite out of processing the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs. Host R.B. Brooks (they/them) pieces together what we’ve learned in the aftermath of the shooting, tracks the circumstances and context that produced the tragic incident, and grapples with key questions about how we move forward.Additional Resources & References MSNBC’s The ReidOut broadcast featuring Pulse survivor and Equality Florida Press Secretary Brandon Wolf“The Deadly Consequences of Hate” for Yes! by Sunnivie Brydum and Evette DionneCNN coverage of Club Q shooting and community response Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum dig...
2022-11-2929 minTake the Last BiteRiding a Trans-Inclusive Tidal Wave with Schuyler BailarWe take a bite out of trans inclusion and participation in sports with Schuyler Bailar, also known as PinkMantaray on social media. Schuyler was one of the keynote speakers at MBLGTACC 2022 and during our candid conversation he shared incredible wisdom about tackling anti-trans aggressors as well as sharing his story as a young swimmer coming into transness in college. Additional Resources & References Alicia Kozlowski, an Ojibwe and Mexican-American nonbinary person, is one of many LGBTQ+ candidates becoming the “first” to serve in their elected role Lia Thomas becomes a national champion and first known trans athlete...
2022-11-151h 03Take the Last BiteCheers to 30 Years of Midwest QueersWe're back for another serving of the 30th annual Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Asexual College Conference. This week, members of the Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Diversity team come together exactly 24 hours after the closing remarks to honor the 30-year legacy of MBLGTACC, reminisce on the successes and learning curves of this year’s gathering, and think about what will manifest in the next 30 years.For questions, comments or feedback about this episode: lastbite@sgdinstitute.org.We’ve joined TikTok! You can also find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or at sgdinstitute.org.
2022-11-011h 06Take the Last BiteBuilding the Next Genderation [redux]We revisit our 2022 Transgender Justice Teach-In where panelists Merrique Jenson, Codi Charles, Romeo Jackson and Bishop Howard discuss building liberated futures with queer and trans youth. In a moment where we’ve experienced an endless barrage of anti-trans attacks that deeply affect young trans people, the key messages from this conversation are just as true today as they were a year ago. What do we mean by “youth” and who is afforded the space to be young? What rights do children have and how do we exist in right relationship with trans youth? All these questions are covered on this e...
2022-10-181h 38Take the Last BiteOur Post-Roe RealityWe take a bite out of reproductive health, rights, and justice with two stellar advocates from Gender Justice and UnRestrict MN. Erin Maye Quade and Abena Abraham share their firsthand experiences on how the landscape has shifted since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and what cumulative actions we can all take to embrace this new, post-Roe terrain.Additional Resources & References:Facebook Gave Police Data to Prosecute a Nebraska TeenagerLaw Professor Interrupts senator Josh Hawley’s Transphobic Line of Questioning For questions, comments or feedback about this episode: lastbite@sgdinstitute.orgW...
2022-10-041h 00Take the Last BiteBig Gay Group ProjectWe take a bite out of student conference planning with Lulu, Daleelah and Abby, three student leaders from Ohio who’ve dedicated ample time to planning the 30th annual Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Asexual College Conference.We kick off season three talking about the process of coordinating the largest and oldest continuously-held conference for queer and trans+ college students and young adults, what attendees can expect at MBLGTACC 2022, and what the students have learned about themselves by coordinating on this project.To register and learn more about the Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Asexual Co...
2022-09-2040 minTake the Last BiteRight On, CueeWe take a bite out of hip-hop and music making with Cuee, a Black trans artist based in Lawrence, Kansas. We chat about his shift from higher education into a full-time music career, how creating music can be a tool for exploring identity, and the invaluable role community plays in establishing art. To check out Cuee’s work, head to cueemusic.com. You can also follow him on Instagram and TikTok or stream his content on Spotify and Apple Music. Find out more about the Haus Of McCoy in Lawrence, Kansas. The copy...
2022-06-2148 minTake the Last BiteI Guess I'll Vote *shrug*We take a bite out of progressive voter guides with Stephanie Skora, author of the "Girl, I Guess Progressive Voter Guide" that provides public education to voters in Illinois’s Cook County. We chat about the hesitancy of leftists/progressives/radicals to participate in electoral politics, how voter guides can be used as an accountability tool for politicians, and how voting is one tool of many in our social change toolbox.Some additional resources from this episode: One LGBTQ+ Indigenous TikTok user’s response to PrideOut video breaking down the misuse of the MMIW...
2022-06-071h 10Take the Last BiteWhy Are We Talking about Sports? [redux]We take (another) bite out of the trans policy issues surrounding anti-trans legislation targeting participation in sports. We’ve pulled the audio from our queer policy event from July 2021 for this special episode as we continue to monitor the impact of these policies in current time. This discussion between Katie Barnes, espn feature writer; Chris Mosier, Olympic Trials athlete and founder of TransAthlete.com; and Naomi Goldberg, deputy director and LGBTQ program director at the Movement Advancement Project makes important connections between the larger movement for trans justice and what’s happening in the world of professional, collegiate and K-12...
2022-05-241h 02Take the Last BiteTaking Care of the Electrified Meat We InhabitWe take a bite out of queer and trans affirming healthcare with Asher Wickell (they/he) a family & marriage therapist based in Wichita, KS. We get philosophical in our exploration of what healing looks like in the face of perpetual harm, how the pandemic has unearthed realizations about the flaws in our healthcare systems, and what a future of affirming care could look like when the current system becomes obsolete. Additional resources & references from this episode: The Care We Dream Of by Zena Sharman– through a series of essays this book offers possibilities for...
2022-05-101h 03Take the Last BiteMaking the Personal Political, LocallyWe take a bite out of local politics with Oprah Jrenal and Azrin Awal, who both ran for city council positions in their respective municipalities in Fall 2021. We chat about their motivations to run, how community played a huge role in their campaigns, and how the complexity of local politics plays into creating lasting change.
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2022-04-261h 11Take the Last BiteBinders, Bridesmaid Dresses, and BurritosWe take a bite out of ALL things gender in this roundtable discussion with four members of the Midwest Institute for Sexuality & Gender Diversity team. We share our earliest memories of questioning gender, overcoming feeling like trans imposters, and what our hopes are for upcoming generations of trans, nonbinary and intersex youth. Resources mentioned in this episode’s intro: National Center for Trans Equality’s blog post about federal administration policy changes supporting trans communities including TSA, Social Security and passportsNews article about Alabama’s recently passed ban on gender-affirming healthcare for trans youth Fr...
2022-04-121h 20Take the Last BiteTrans Joy, in a Meadow, with Daffodils and a RibeyeWhat does justice smell like? What does a liberated future taste like? Black trans queer artist, scholar, educator, and dreamer TK Morton (ze/zir) has a vision all mapped out and at the center of it all is joy. We chat about seeking daily joy, the importance of seeing trans folks with different body types, and visualizing trans joy using all the senses.To learn more about TK’s work around trans joy, check out https://www.tkmorton.com/ or find zir on TikTok and InstagramContent creators mentioned in...
2022-03-2948 minTake the Last BiteLet’s Get Down to (Queer) BusinessOur guest’s work is centered around getting people to change their mind. Coach Bastian is a writer, speaker, and personal development coach supporting queer and trans entrepreneurs on well-being and mindset. We chat about building queer capital, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and how to stay true to your vision without worrying about pleasing everybody else. To learn more about Coach Bastian’s personal development coaching, check out https://www.coachbastian.co/ or follow him on InstagramFor resources and information about the anti-trans bills references in this...
2022-03-151h 09Take the Last BiteYou're Allowed to Fire Your TherapistWe take a bite of queer-affirming therapy with Colton Schoenike (they/them,), M.S., MFT-IT, a training marriage and family therapist based in Menominee, Wisconsin. We talk about protips for queer and trans folks seeking affirming therapists, the continued gatekeeping of trans folks seeking biomedical transitions, and what to do when you just don't vibe with your therapist and how amazing it is when you do. More resources related to queer affirming therapy are available on our website.If you or someone you know needs help through a crisis or navigating their questions...
2022-03-011h 08Take the Last BiteSmall bites: Ferrets, farming, and fat kid foodIn 2021, what has brought you the most joy or taught you the greatest lessons? In part two of this "small bites" series, we reflect on these questions and more as we discuss ferrets (1:27), farming (20:13), and fat kid food (40:46). Enjoy these bite sized bits of pet shaming, futurity planning, and recipe recommendations.
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2022-01-041h 00Take the Last BiteSmall bites: Animation, grief, and the gay outdoorsIn 2021, what has brought you the most joy or taught you the greatest lessons? In part one of this "small bites" series, we reflect on these questions and more as we discuss quirky, queer animated characters (2:46), collective grief and learning through loss (23:08), and building a relationship with wilderness in the gay outdoors (47:18). Be sure to come back for another serving of small bites on January 4.
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2021-12-211h 05Take the Last BiteJust(ice) joking with Hayden KristalPrepare your diaphragm for some deep belly laughs! Comedian and intersectional accessibility educator Hayden Kristal talks about the craft of writing a good joke, the need for comedy to "punch up" to prevent harm against marginalized communities, and how social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become key tools for content creators to reach wider audiences during the pandemic.
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2021-12-071h 39Take the Last BiteTrans abolitionist vision [redux]The 4th annual Transgender Justice Teach-in brought together T/GQ/Enby folks doing abolition work and organizing around/against state-sanctioned violence. In this week's episode, we revisit a conversation highlighting efforts in the Midwest and emphasize the connections between both queer/trans justice and abolitionist organizing.
2021-11-091h 29Take the Last BiteQueers who make beersToday’s tap list includes: a savory blend of breaking gendered norms in customer service positions and mobilizing service workers to demand affirming working environments. We’re joined by three folks in the craft brewing industry who share how they ventured into the world of beer and some of the rad projects they’re working on to improve labor conditions for marginalized people.
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2021-10-261h 38Take the Last BiteRural v. urban queernessAhh yes, the three genders: cities, college towns, and the farm. We share our personal experiences in rural and urban spaces, the disparate resource allocations to rural areas, and how geography impacts building queer community.
2021-10-121h 31Take the Last BiteQueer death and agingWhy did we receive messaging that "queer death" happens at age 30? Join us as we explore the sacredness of aging, delayed adolescence, and caring for our queer elders.
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2021-09-281h 19Take the Last BiteMidwest niceIt's not just holding the door for strangers and long goodbyes. What is "Midwest nice" and why does it cause barriers to communication, boundaries, and relationships?
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2021-09-141h 06Take the Last BiteServing the last biteWhat is "the last bite"? Why is it the stuff of Midwest social nightmares? And how is it actually a barrier to organizing? Join us as we serve it and flip this whole buffet table. Meet some of our humans and get a preview of what's on our radar.
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2021-08-3151 min