Shows
Kickass QueersOscar Wilde, Part 2: The Rise and Fall of Oscar WildeAs we come to the dizzying and heartwrenching conclusion of Oscar Wilde's life story, we find him on the verge of creating a flurry of masterworks... and meeting the demon twink (do we still say demon twink?) who will be his undoing.Larry has the story, Rachel has the snappy commentary.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming, and otherwise queer people.Learn More & Support the ShowEmail: kickassqueers@gmail.com | larry@kickassqueers.com | rachel@kickassqueers.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook...2024-11-091h 27
Kickass QueersOscar Wilde, Part 1: The Inevitable Oscar Wilde EpisodeThe story of Oscar Wilde weaves together many threads that have run through these episodes. Before things go really crazy in part 2, we're going to look at his life before he created his masterworks... and landed in prison.Larry has the first half of this wild, Wilde story.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming, and otherwise queer people.Learn More & Support the ShowEmail: kickassqueers@gmail.com | larry@kickassqueers.com | rachel@kickassqueers.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueers2024-10-0950 min
Kickass QueersBarbara Jordan, America's ConscienceBarbara Jordan was a powerhouse in American politics and a trailblazer for civil rights. She helped bring down President Nixon. President Johnson wanted her to be Vice President. President Clinton wanted her to be a Supreme Court Justice. Progressive MS and her closeted sexuality made both options impossible.Rachel has all the details.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming, and otherwise queer people.Learn More & Support the CastLearn More & Support the ShowEmail: kickassqueers@gmail.com | larry...2024-08-2638 min
Kickass QueersLucy Hicks Anderson Turns Up the HeatLucy Hicks Anderson was a businesswoman, socialite, philanthropist, madam and occasionally bootlegger who lived by her own rules, until a court-ordered medical examination made national headlines. After that, she... still kinda did.You won't believe the hilarious and pointedly human ways Lucy chose to fight back.And, did we mention she was also a famous cook?Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your...2024-08-0830 min
Kickass QueersOctavia E. Butler: 'This Ain't It, I'm a Hermit'Octavia E. Butler was a pioneer of science fiction and a trailblazer for Afrofuturism. From her early days as a shy, introverted bookworm to becoming the first science fiction writer to receive a MacArthur "Genius" Grant, Butler's work has left an indelible mark on the literary world.She also was... anything but heterosexual? Friends claimed she was a lesbian. Butler proclaimed herself a hermit. We'll get between the covers and not under the sheets with Butler as we find out more about her life, legacy and mysterious personal life.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life...2024-07-3159 min
Kickass QueersBonus: Fine, Let's Talk PoliticsWe couldn't help but notice that a few happened on the political front over the last couple weeks, and we don't want our thoughts about any of it to detract from any of our KAQ subjects. So, instead, Rachel and Larry will use this bonus episode to do something no one else has ever thought to do: talk about politics... on a podcast! In this bonus episode, we'll be covering the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, his selection of our least-favorite couch surfer as his running mate, and the withdrawal of President Joe Biden from...2024-07-311h 23
Kickass QueersPaul Bartel, Part 2: Divorced, Gay or PainterPaul Bartel was one of the most celebrated cult movie directors and most recognizable character actors of all-time. For two and a half decades, he was the go-to choice for nebbish and pompous supporting players. In the conclusion of his life story, we'll be joined by actress and comedian Susan Saiger, a friend of Bartel who worked with him on a number of projects over the last 20 years of his life. She'll help us fill in the details and keep the story straight (so to speak).Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing...2024-07-0358 min
Kickass QueersPaul Bartel, Part 1: 'He Should Be Standing with His Nose in a Lily'Paul Bartel was one of the most celebrated cult movie directors and most recognizable character actors of all-time. For two and a half decades, he was the go-to choice for nebbish and pompous supporting players. Most would be surprised to learn of the giddy peaks and harrowing valleys that helped shape his trademark dark humor.In the first half of this two-parter, we explore how those circumstances informed his personality and later work. We also talk about the first half of his career, including his work on films like Death Race 2000 and Eating Raoul.In...2024-07-0243 min
Kickass QueersMargaret Mead, Superstar Social ScientistMargaret Mead upended the way people think about sex and gender. By studying Samoans up close (and possibly personal,) she realized that not every society shared the same shame and hang-ups as the rest of us.She was also a rather libertine bisexual, who had a long line of male lovers amid a quarter-century romantic relationship with her female mentor.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.Learn More & Support the CastMargaret Mead and Ruth Benedict: The Kinship of Women...2024-06-261h 09
Kickass QueersBonus: Kickass or Nah?We're trying something different this episode! With a little help from our friends Noah and the Comedatrix Ms. Grey, we're going down a surprise list of contemporary and controversial queer people and deciding on the fly if they are kickass, or... something else entirely!A few of the personalities we'll be covering: An occultist filmmaker who tried to off his leading lady on-screen;An academic even more controversial than Michel Foucault;A lesbian separatist with an enviable sexual history;A trans activist with a history of next-level...2024-04-221h 06
Kickass QueersJohnnie Ray & the Birth of Rock and RollBefore the Beatles, before Elvis (but after Sinatra,) there was Johnnie Ray. Ray overcame partial deafness to become the world's biggest pop idol and inspire generations of songwriters to come. He was also pretty queer! Larry has the whole story.We'll also be talking briefly about two other queer trailblazers who helped shape modern music: Little Richard and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.Learn More & Support the CastThe Best of Johnnie Ray https://amzn.to/4...2024-03-111h 01
Kickass QueersMichel Foucault Part Two: Context and ConsentIn the conclusion of Rachel's very first sprawling epic, we learn about the later life of pop culture's most talked-about philosopher. We'll learn how Foucault's independent thinking led him to be way ahead of the curve on some issues... and tragically wrong on others. We'll also talk about perceptions of his massive impact on contemporary culture and politics.Oh, and, we'll also hear about Larry's brief visit to an adult entertainment convention.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.Learn More & Support the...2024-02-1334 min
Kickass QueersMichel Foucault Part One: The Vertigo of MadnessMichel Foucault was one of the most famous, influential and controversial scholars of the 20th century--and, perhaps, all time. He did it all to impress boys.Rachel walks us through the first four decades of his life and career, with plenty of asides about the bizarre personal predilections that influenced his work for the better... and for the worse. (Don't worry; we'll be talking about that problem in part two.)Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.Learn More & Support the...2024-02-0641 min
Kickass Queers2023 Year in ReviewDid someone say flashback episode?Rachel and Larry revisit the highs, lows and give you the Cliff's Notes versions of all the stories we've told so far! (While they diligently prepare the next batch of kickass stories.)Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show it by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Email: kickassqueers@gmail.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueersLeave a Tip...2024-01-2350 min
Kickass QueersKing James, Part 2: ...And I Have GeorgeIn the conclusion of our King James VI and I Christmas special, we meet poor James soon after he has parted with his first love. We'll talk about his triumphs, his struggles, his lovers, and the man he called his wife. (Among other things.) If only Shakespeare had outlived this guy, right?We'll also encounter a statement so astonishing that even Rachel is shocked.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love...2023-12-2247 min
Kickass QueersKing James, Part 1: Young Men That Lie in His BedchamberHome for the holidays? Ruin Christmas dinner with our very first holiday special, in which we'll be getting to know the king who united Great Britain, commissioned the world's most popular Bible, spared England and Scotland the horrors of a devastating war, and had a succession of male lovers that scandalized his court and privy council.In the first half, Larry walks us through the remarkable circumstances of James' birth and early life, and introduces us to the duke who stole James' heart--and gave him his own, in return.Fair warning: This episode contains witchhunts...2023-12-2240 min
Kickass QueersNancy Garden Writes a Happy EndingIn 1982, YA fantasy novelist Nancy Garden had her most genre-busting idea yet: a love story about two girls who don't die, hate themselves, or even get seduced by vampires. Her book, Annie on My Mind, is a lovely, life-affirming classic of YA and queer literature. It was also one of the most challenged, banned and even burned books of the 20th century. Rachel tells us all about the novel and its lasting impact.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If...2023-12-2039 min
Kickass QueersLawrence v. Texas Part 4: It's About Family, Freedom and/or EqualityWe wrap up our first foray into (probably totally made up) true crime! Larry and Rachel laugh at some bizarre legal briefs, hate on Antonin Scalia and chat with brilliant attorney Paul Smith, who will walk us through his experience arguing the case before the Supreme Court.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people. By the end of this episode, we'll have met or revisited a lot of them.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing...2023-12-051h 38
Kickass QueersLawrence v. Texas Part 3: The Parrot, the Beaver and the LawIn the penultimate installment of our deep dive into the landmark Supreme Court ruling just 20 years ago, we'll meet an eccentric justice of the peace, a closeted lesbian prosecutor, a conspiracy-minded judge, a simple country DA about to make what is sadly not the biggest mistake of his life... and more kickass queer attorneys than you can pile into a courtroom.Lane Lewis will also be joining us again, to walk us through his extraordinary effort to keep the defendants out of the headlines--and out of jail, again.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories...2023-12-051h 07
Kickass QueersLawrence v. Texas Part 2: Three Messy Gays Meet Four Awful CopsIn part two of our four-episode deep dive into the case that made gay sex--and by extension being out of the closet--legal in all 50 states, we'll meet three messy gays, four sus cops and one wunderkind-activist-turned-bartender (guest Lane Lewis) who will make their confrontation a turning point for gay rights and personal freedom. Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people. If you enjoy this episode, please show us some love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the...2023-11-2855 min
Kickass QueersLawrence v. Texas Part 1: The Bad Old DaysJust how homophobic was America in the 90s? Gay sex was still illegal in several US states until this landmark Supreme Court ruling just 20 years ago. This meant that out gay people in those states were seen as criminals. That would sometimes cost them jobs, housing or even custody and visitation of their children. And, even when it didn't, the threat was always over their heads.We're celebrating the anniversary of the end of second-class citizenship for gays and lesbians with a four-episode deep dive into the case, its profound impact on American culture, and the wildly...2023-11-2237 min
Kickass QueersFlorence Nightingale, The First Modern NurseFlorence Nightingale was the creator of modern nursing, a statistician of historic importance, an accomplished scholar, and the reason you wash your hands constantly. Rachel is here to walk us through her astonishing career, as well as her relationships with God, 60 cats and "all the women of Europe."Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the showNotes on...2023-10-311h 01
Kickass QueersHow Gay Drama Started DemocracyEver wonder how the ancient Athenians came to found democracy? According to them, it was simple: gay drama got way out of hand. Larry has all the juicy details about The Tyrant Killers (or Tyranticides,) Harmodius and Aristogeiton!Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the ShowThucydides' account https://amzn.to/3Irt5QzAristotle's https://amzn...2023-10-2430 min
Kickass QueersSylvia Rivera & the Street Transgender Action RevolutionariesSylvia Rivera helped get legal protections for LGBT people and founded the first shelter for homeless trans youth in North America, all while coping with homelessness and drug addiction herself. Rachel leads a discussion of Sylvia's extraordinary life and legacy.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the Show - https://amzn.to/3uZGvAaEmail: kickassqueers@gmail.com2023-10-1746 min
Kickass QueersStormé DeLarverie, SuperheroStormé is often thought to have incited the riot at Stonewall, and that’s barely a footnote in the life of this civil rights icon and legendary entertainer. Larry leads a deep dive through little-known sources to reveal the recently uncovered true life story of this incredible figure.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the ShowStonewall: the Rio...2023-10-121h 21
Kickass QueersWhen Frida Kahlo Met Josephine BakerWe’re not saying that Frida Kahlo definitely had an affair with Josephine Baker in 1939. We’re just saying that a lot of people said that they did at the time, and we really want it to be true. Rachel is here to spill all the hot goss and teach Larry about scissoring.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the Show...2023-10-1122 min
Kickass QueersBrian Stonehouse, A Spy with StyleJames Bond has nothing on Brian Stonehouse, a World War II spy who worked in the French resistance and survived five concentration camps to become an internationally famous Vogue illustrator and the Queen Mother’s GBFF. Larry has the whole story.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the Show - https://amzn.to/3uZGvAaEmail: larry@kickassqueers.com | ra...2023-10-101h 11