PRIDE

Yes, Donald Trump won. And yes, the Republicans took the Senate. But this week, we’re focusing on the bright spots—the key milestones for the LGBTQ+ community that give us hope. Join us as we talk with Ryan Adamczeski from The Advocate about hard-earned progress, from marriage equality protections in state constitutions to history-making victories in Congress. Trailblazers like Sarah McBride, Zooey Zephyr, and others have made their mark, and LGBTQ+ representation in the U.S. House has reached new heights.

In uncertain times, these victories remind us of our resilience and the power we hold as a community. Together, let’s honor these wins and the impact they bring to our journey forward.

Some friendships defy labels—and today’s guests, Chris Renfro and Fin Argus, are living proof. Known for roles in Queer as Folk, The L Word: Generation Q, Clouds, and more, Chris and Fin invite us into their journey of building a “Best Friend Force” and celebrating queer joy through their podcast, One of Us.

Together, we’ll explore what it means to be “platonic lovers,” the role of identity and community in their lives, and how they’re creating space for candid conversations with incredible guests like Dylan Mulvaney and Margaret Cho. Plus, Levi’s African Grey parrot, Suki, makes an appearance, proving she’s just as much a character as Chris and Fin.

Follow One of Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneofus.pod

Follow them on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oneofus.pod

She's a sexy, campy, horror icon and the Mistress of Darkness herself, Elvira. Beloved for her vampire sex appeal and satire, Elvira has been in numerous films and even inspired a comic book character. The woman behind the character, Cassandra Peterson, has been sitting on her throne as the Queen of Halloween for 40 years. But a revelation in Cassandra's memoir had us falling in love with Elvira all over again. Cassandra is queer and has been in a relationship with a woman for decades. Today, We speak with Cassandra about creating the character Elvira, her decision to come out, and how Elvira is celebrating the spooky season. 

Check out Cassandra's book Yours Cruelly, Elvira here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/yours-cruelly-elvira-memoirs-of-the-mistress-of-the-dark-cassandra-peterson/17373922

Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation across platfroms @Pride.

*This episode originally aired in 2021.

In today’s episode of the Pride Podcast, host Levi Chambers sits down with world-renowned medium Tyler Henry to discuss his new Netflix show, Live From the Other Side. Tyler shares how he connects with the other side in real-time, offering healing and closure to celebrities like Billy Porter and Ricki Lake, as well as everyday individuals seeking answers. With Halloween just around the corner, we dive into the spookier aspects of his work and explore whether Tyler ever finds it eerie.

We also touch on Tyler’s thoughts about the classic book Many Lives, Many Masters, the emotional weight of his live readings, and how LGBTQ+ individuals may have a unique connection to the spiritual world. Whether you’ve lost a loved one or are just curious about life after death, this episode will leave you feeling hopeful and inspired.

And remember, you can watch Live From the Other Side now streaming on Netflix.

Today we set sail with an old friend of the pod who originally joined us back in 2019 to teach us all about the queer history of pirates, Dr. Rebecca Simon. This time, Rebecca dives into the lives of two legendary female pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Reed, featured in her new book Pirate Queens. We discuss their journey into piracy, their relationship, and how they subverted traditional gender roles in battle. Plus, Rebecca shares her thoughts on pirate depictions in media today. Come aboard and discover the hidden history of these iconic women pirates!

Learn more about Dr. Rebecca Simon: https://rebecca-simon.com/
Follow Rebecca on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piratebeckalex/

*This episode originally aired on Juny 22, 2022

Professor Andrew Lear is an expert on ancient Greek and Roman sexuality. And that makes him the perfect person to explore the complexities of same-sex relationships in ancient Greece, including the role of pederasty and whether ancient Greece can truly be considered a "gay utopia." 


Learn more about Professor Lear's Oscar Wilde Tours: https://www.oscarwildetours.com/


*This episode originally aired on January 1, 2020

Where do psychedelic drugs and healing trauma converge for the queer community? Mind-altering plants have been used for thousands of years for spiritual and medicinal purposes. And despite the changing regulations in recent history, they’ve made a big comeback. Naturally occurring compounds like psilocybin (magic mushrooms), ayahuasca, and Ketamine, as well as synthetics like LSD and MDMA have been making headlines recently as a possible key to healing from complex trauma and treating anxiety and depression. 

Today, we’re sitting down with writer, professor, and now proponent of psychedelic-assisted therapy, Greg Wrenn. Greg’s book Mothership: A Memoir of Wonder and Crisis follows his journey through unpacking and healing from his own trauma through a mixture of Ayahuasca and exploring coral reefs. Greg explains how these plants– when used responsibly– can be the key to unlocking the help that people need and why we in the LGBTQ+ community should be rethinking our relationship with the planet. 

Learn more about Greg and buy a copy of his book here: https://www.gregwrenn.com/

hen you think about professional sports, you probably don’t think of it as a welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community. And that’s because it hasn’t been. 

But regardless of current underrepresentation, the queer community has always been a part of the sports world. Fast forward to modern day, one man is making sure the queer community has a spot on the field. 

Today on PRIDE, we’re sitting down with the first openly bi-sexual pro-football player, Defensive End for the Dallas Cowboys R. K. Russell. He’ll tell us about what it means to be queer in a space traditionally dominated by hetero-normativity, why we need to be uplifting our queer athletes, and how the simple act of journaling can radically uplift your mental health. 

Get R. K. Russell's Huddle Journal here: https://baronfig.com/products/huddle-mens-journal

If there were a competition for the most difficult to manage space as a queer person, the Mormon church would definitely be a contender. But that hasn’t stopped our guests today from fighting for a world where their faith and relationship can coexist. 

Today on PRIDE, we’re sitting down with Charlie Bird and Ryan Clifford to explore their complex and ever-changing relationship with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Charlie shared the beginning of his story with us back in 2020 and now just a few years later, he’s back and he’s married! 

Together, Charlie and Ryan tell us about how they balance their Mormon identities with their identities as gay men, how their love story has helped foster meaningful conversations with church members, and their recent viral video series honoring the iconic album covers of Taylor Swift. 

Follow Charlie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrcharliebirdFollow Ryan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsryancliffordLearn more about Charlie’s books: https://mrcharliebird.com/

This week on PRIDE, we’re taking a look back to host an encore of our episode with Dr. Daniel Pfau. Daniel is going to tell us about their discoveries about the history of queerness and the place the LGBTQ community has in the scientific world.

Wrestling and the WWE have been the cornerstone of masculinity since their creation. Despite the fancy colors and over-the-top costumes, bulging muscles, and manly screams, the queer community is still a part of this world. So, what would it look like if a former WWE star completed a full trans-feminine journey and returned to the ring? Today on PRIDE, we’re inviting Gabbi Tuft to tell us about what her journey from the ring to high heels has been like, how she is going to return to the ring to compete as the new age villain, and how she started a fitness brand that is helping countless women.

In honor of the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, we’re releasing a special episode with a co-owner of the famous Stonewall Inn Stacy Lentz. In case you didn’t know the Stonewall Inn was the epicenter of the queer liberation movement and is considered a vital piece of history. Around the mid-90s the Stonewall Inn was on the verge of closing its doors for good. However, Stacy and a few other queer activists bought the Inn to keep its story alive. Stacy is going to tell us about why Stonewall is so important to queer culture, how Stonewall is giving back to the community, and what you can do to help support this important mission.

Yvie Oddly took the world by storm when she strutted her way to victory in the eleventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Her unique style and boundary-pushing performances earned her a spot as one of the most influential drag queens, as recognized by New York Magazine in June 2019.

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the wonderfully weird world of Yvie Oddly, whose unconventional drag persona has been described as “the oddest drag queen in history.” Her drag persona, far from being a beacon of femininity, celebrates the strange and the extraordinary, inspiring a generation to embrace their quirks, stand tall in their uniqueness, and dare to be different.

And for all you Yvie Oddly fans out there, get ready to add a new title to your reading list. Her memoir, All About Yvie, Into the Oddity, is out now. 

See more of Yvie and order book here: https://oddlyyvie.com/

Follow Yvie on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/oddlyyvie

In 2022, Donia Kash made a significant mark in television history as the first openly nonbinary actor to lead a Hallmark film, portraying the character of Suzette in The Secrets of Bella Vista. 

This week on PRIDE, they share their insights from that groundbreaking experience. Plus, we delve into Donia's multilingual upbringing, and discuss their personal journey into the world of performing, including their martial arts skills.

We'll also talk to Donia about their new movie on Tubi, Slay, where drag queens take slaying to a whole new level when vampires attack, what it means to be “out” in the industry as an non-binary person, and how we can retell so many characters' stories beyond the binary. 

Keep up with Donia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donia.kash/?hl=en
Watch Slay on Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100017977/slay

Join us on a journey to Roanoke, Virginia, a small city in the Appalachian South with a vibrant, untold queer history. Despite its conservative surroundings, Roanoke stands as a resilient hub for LGBTQ+ life. In this episode, we welcome Dr. Samantha Rosenthal, author of "Living Queer History, Remembrance and Belonging in a Southern City." Through a blend of personal memoir and meticulous historical research, Samantha illuminates the hidden stories of Roanoke's LGBTQ+ community. We'll explore how these local histories enrich our understanding of American queer history and inspire a more inclusive future. Tune in for a compelling narrative of remembrance, resilience, and belonging.

Learn more about Samantha and her work.
Learn more about the Southwest Virginia LGBTQ+ History Project.
Support local book shops and find a copy of Samantha's book.

This week on Pride, we explore the profound journey of surrogacy through the inspiring story of Zarah Hilliard, a young queer mom and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Zarah shares her experiences as she embarks on her second surrogacy journey, helping same-sex couples start families. We also hear from Daryl and Randall, two dads who worked with Zarah to bring their son Caleb into the world. This episode highlights the significance of Surrogacy Awareness Month, the enduring bonds formed through surrogacy, and the power of human connection, support systems, and the diverse paths to parenthood within the LGBTQ+ community. So join us to celebrate the gift of life and the endless forms of family and love.

This week on PRIDE, we get a behind the scenes look at the hit Netflix series, Baby Reindeer with Nava Mau who plays Teri. ​​The darkly funny and intense seven-part series is based on the real story of Richard Gadd, who stars as Donny, a comedian who is relentlessly stalked by a woman after he offers her a free drink at the bar he works at. The series dives into the complex dynamics of obsession and its profound impact on personal identity and security. 

Today, we have the privilege of delving into Nava's dynamic career, her role as Teri in the thought-provoking series 'Baby Reindeer,' and her ongoing work in film and social advocacy. We'll also get a sneak peek into her latest project, All the Words but One, an independent short film she wrote and directed, with the amazing Lilly Wachowski as Executive Producer.

We’ve come a long way, Pride listeners. Six weeks ago, we started on this journey to better understand the queer history of the United States. And re-listening to this series, which we originally aired in 2020, we're reminded of how many extraordinary stories there are. 

We began by looking at the many genders in the indigenous nations of pre-colonial America and their persecution by Western explorers. We looked at the first settlers in the original thirteen colonies, the founding fathers, homoeroticism in the white house, drag shows in Harlem, and the beginning of the term homosexual. 

Today is the final part of our six week series on the Queer History of the United States. We’re back with best-selling author and LGBTQ+ historian Dr. Eric Cervini and we’ll also hear from Michelle Esther O’Brien, a scholar living in New York City who helped organize an amazing exhibit commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots with the New York Public Library back in 2019. 

Last week we learned that the 15th president of the United States, James Buchanan, may have been gay. Unfortunately, we also learned he was kind of garbage, so we’re not going to claim him. 

Today, we forge ahead into Part 5 of our series on the queer history of the United States. Not only is our guide, best-selling author and LGBTQ+ historian Dr. Eric Cervini, back to help us, but we also have John Beynon, professor of Literature at Fresno State University to teach us about the life of Oscar Wilde, and his contribution to the global conversation about same-sex love. 

So to put us in the right era: The civil war is over. It’s the late 1800s. And we’re going to go all the way until just before the Stonewall riots in 1969. That’s about 100 years to cover, so buckle in. 

It’s an election year again. And the first time we aired this series – A Queer History of the United States – was the last election year, 2020. This year, we have a record-breaking choice between the two oldest men in the history of the presidential race. And four years ago, they set that record for the first time. But we’re not here to talk about today’s lackluster presidential choices. 

Historically speaking, there hasn’t been a lot of diversity when it comes to United States presidents. In fact, besides Barack Obama, the position has exclusively gone to older white men. One of those white men (JFK) was Catholic and that was a big deal. He was also one of the youngest at 42. Another old white guy (James Buchanan) was… gay? Maybe. Today we’ll talk about him, his companion, and their relationship in the years just before the Civil War.
 
Best-selling author and LGBTQ+ historian Dr. Eric Cervini is with us again this week as we dive into part 4 of our series on The Queer History of the United States. 

If you think about it, it’s kind of funny that almost everything we know about the personal lives of historical figures we learned by snooping in their letters and diaries. Without phones and email and DMs, the things that weren’t said out loud were only written down on paper and lucky for us, sometimes saved for posterity. 

Today on Pride, we’ll read some things that were written between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. There are some surprisingly suggestive letters between Alexander Hamilton and John Laurens,the diary entries of two women in Vermont in the early 1800s, and also a few pretty explicit letters from early frontiersmen. Best-selling author and LGBTQ+ historian Dr. Eric Cervini is with us again as we dive into part 3 of our series on The Queer History of the United States, which we originally aired in 2020.

When you studied the revolutionary war in school, you probably learned about Paul Revere’s midnight ride, Thomas Paine’s pamphlet “Common Sense,” and the Declaration of Independence. You might have even learned about Baron von Steuben, the Prussian Lieutenant General who whipped the American Troops into shape during the darkest hours of the Revolutionary War. But chances are, your history teachers left out the part where that same Baron von Steuben was probably gay. 

Today on Pride, we’re moving into part 2 of our series on The Queer History of the United States, which originally aired in 2020. Our guide is Dr. Eric Cervini, best-selling author and LGBTQ+ historian.  As we learn about the era of the revolutionary war, we’ll learn about two war heroes who were honored despite their transgressions. And one Lieutenant who was chased out of town.

The history of the United States is probably a bit more queer than you realize. Starting today on the show, we’re revisiting one of our favorite series: a six part deep dive into the queer history of the US, which we originally aired in 2020. 

Our guide throughout this epic journey is none other than Dr. Eric Cervini, the award-winning author, producer, and historian of LGBTQ+ politics. His first book, The Deviant’s War: The Homosexual vs. the United States of America, was a NYT bestseller and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. 

Today, in part 1 of this six part series, we start with the indigenous people of North America with Harlan Pruden, a First Nations Cree scholar and community organizer known for his work in the two-spirit community. From there, we'll move into the Conquistador’s effects on those native people, and finally, end with the British Colonies.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Today on PRIDE, we welcome Julia Turshen, a New York Times best-selling cookbook author and… powerlifter! Like a lot of us, Julia struggled with body image and the societal pressure to take up less space. Powerlifting has helped her learn to love what her body can do. 

We’ll talk about how she became one of the best-known cookbook authors in the US, her cultivation of a queer domestic life through her weekly Zoom cooking classes, and how Roxane Gay helped her share her transformative experience with powerlifting through a new essay collection.

Julia Turshen’s ROXANE GAY & series essay, called “Built for This: The Quiet Strength of Powerlifting” is now available on Everand.com, a digital content subscription.

You can read or listen to it here (this link will automatically apply a promo code that gives you a 60 day free trial to Everand). If you already have an Everand/Scribd account, you can read the essay here or listen to it here.

This week on PRIDE, we sit down with Jim Fielding, former Disney retail president and author of All Pride, No Ego, A Queer Executive's Journey to Living and Leading Authentically. 

Jim breaks down his journey as a queer executive moving through more conservative spaces, how a love for a brand and fictional character isn’t enough to drive growth in your career, and how imperative it is to live an authentic life no matter what.  

Check out Jim's book here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/moments-of-truth-lessons-for-leading-and-living-authentically-jim-fielding/19599749?ean=9781394165285

What’s the cost of entering the public eye as a trans person? As the pendulum starts to swing back on queer rights in the world, we need trans advocates now more than ever. 

We sat down with Mercury Stardust to look back on the last three years of her time in the public eye, from her impact on TikTok to her New York Times Bestselling book Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair. What’s next for Mercury, and would she do it all again? 

Despite the price she pays, Mercury is steadfast in her dedication to trans joy. Together with Jory (alluring skull on TikTok), she will be raising funds for gender-affirming care for the third year running with Point of Pride. 

Donate to Point of Pride here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/point-of-pride/2024-tiktok-a-thon-for-trans-health

Grab a copy of Mercury's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Safe-Sound-Renter-Friendly-Guide-Repair/dp/0744079071 

Learn more about Mercury here: https://mercurystardust.com/

If you don’t know anything about PrEP, the short answer is that it is a preventive medicine that reduces the risks of contracting HIV/AIDS with up to 99% effectiveness. While this is an incredible step in eradicating this disease, the new problem to solve is the distribution and access to the drug. In this episode of PRIDE, we sit down with Tristan Schukraft. He's the CEO of Mistr, one of the largest sexual health companies prescribing PrEP, owner of one of the biggest gay hotels in Puerto Rico, and, as Blade Magazine would describe, the CEO of Everything Gay. We’ll discuss his early career, why he feels that creating and running Mistr is vital to not just the queer community, and some advice to any future entrepreneurs out there.

Learn more about Mistr here: https://heymistr.com/

Today on PRIDE, we uncover the true history of the queer pioneers with Professor of American History at Washington State University Peter Boag. Having dedicated a large portion of his life to studying a broader American history in the West and its intersection with queerness, Peter has unique insight into the life and achievements of the various LGBTQ+ people during the turn of the century.

Read Peter Boag's book, Re-Dressing America's Frontier Past.

Grindr, synonymous with LGBTQ+ casual dating, has reshaped queer community interactions since its 2009 launch by Joel Simkhai. Now with over 13.5 million global users, it's influenced late-night humor and news while facing scandals and critiques for its anonymity feature—intended to protect users in hostile environments, yet sometimes misused for spreading hate or unsolicited content.

This week, Joel Simkhai introduces his new app, Motto, (now active in NYC) aiming to improve the queer dating scene. He discusses learning from Grindr's darker aspects and his vision for enhancing queer dating app reputations worldwide.

Learn about Motto here: https://www.findmotto.com/

Did you know that queerness in the West is at least 140 years old? The original cowboy community was biracial, bilingual, and homosocial. Two men getting married in far-flung places like Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming wasn’t a rarity - it was commonplace.

In this episode of PRIDE, we sit down with Rebecca Scofield, a professor at the University of Idaho who specializes in gender and sexuality in the American West to discuss the origins of Gay Rodeo, how the LGBTQ+ community was integral in settling the Wild West, and how to keep the Rodeo as queer as ever.

You can buy a copy of Slapping Leather: Queer Cowfolx at the Gay Rodeo,the book Rebecca Scofield co-authored with Elyssa Ford here: https://uwapress.uw.edu/book/9780295752136/slapping-leather/

In 2023, roughly 81% of all cannabis retailers were owned by cis white men across all legal states. However, a 2020 study performed at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs showed that the LGBTQ+ community consumes the plant at a much higher rate than the heterosexual community. So why haven’t more queer-owned cannabis retailers opened in the varied legal states?

Green Qween Cannabis in downtown Los Angeles aims to change this narrative. By focusing on the local queer community and supporting the neighborhood, Green Qween has created a new hub for the LGBTQ+ community.

Today, we’re sitting down with the founders, Taylor Bazley and Andrés Rigal to discuss how and why a community-based marijuana business can drive social change and inclusion.

Learn more about Green Qween here: https://thegreenqween.com/
Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopgreenqween/

Have you ever seen a gay explorer on TV going on extreme wildlife adventures and introducing audiences to the wonders of nature? Neither had we, but that’s exactly what Dan O’Neill is changing.
Not only is he a skilled independent filmmaker and presenter, but he is also pursuing a PhD in zoology, specializing in remote expeditions and conservation biology.

Today, Dan will be walking us through his current expedition, as well as reflecting on his recent film projects like “Giants,” which puts audiences face-to-face with the most gigantic animals to ever walk the planet.

So, grab your explorer hats and load up on bug spray as we embark on an exciting journey to explore the incredible life of a wildlife enthusiast who's not just making waves but also sparking positive change in the world of science and natural history television.

Connect with Dan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danowild
Watch Giants on Curiosity Stream: https://curiositystream.com/collections/183

Aydian Dowling first soared into the limelight when he became one of the finalists for Men's Health magazine's "Ultimate Guy" competition, an achievement that echoed far beyond the confines of the publication itself. He ended up as the first trans man to ever appear on the cover. After that, he went on the Ellen Degeneres show and started his career as a speaker, activist, and entrepreneur focused on building community for LGBTQ+ folks everywhere.

Aydian Dowling first soared into the limelight when he became one of the finalists for Men's Health magazine's "Ultimate Guy" competition, an achievement that echoed far beyond the confines of the publication itself. He ended up as the first trans man to ever appear on the cover. After that, he went on the Ellen Degeneres show and started his career as a speaker, activist, and entrepreneur focused on building community for LGBTQ+ folks everywhere.

Learn more about Point of Pride: https://www.pointofpride.org/
Download the Trace app: https://www.thetrace.app/
Follow Aydian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alionsfear

From Straw Hut Media

Step into the vibrant universe of 'Red, White & Royal Blue' with host Levi Chambers in this illuminating episode. We begin by tracing the roots of Casey McQuiston's debut masterpiece — an LGBTQ+ romantic comedy that effortlessly melded politics and royalty, capturing the hearts of readers worldwide. As this modern love story transitions from beloved book to highly anticipated film, Levi examines the nuances of the adaptation process, probing into the challenges and triumphs of transferring a narrative from page to screen. Featuring an in-depth conversation with the film's visionary, playwright, and filmmaker Matthew López, listeners get an exclusive look into the inspirations and aspirations that shaped the cinematic rendition.

But the episode doesn't stop at the film's silver-screen journey. Levi delves deeper, discussing broader themes: the story's role in redefining representation in media, its influence in reshaping perceptions of love in a politically charged environment, and its testament to breaking barriers in the modern romance genre.

A captivating blend of behind-the-scenes insights, profound societal reflections, and a dash of royal charm — this episode offers both fans and newcomers an intimate understanding of the whirlwind journey of 'Red, White & Royal Blue.' Whether you're eager to relive Alex and Prince Henry's enchanting romance or curious about the intersection of love, politics, and film-making, Levi has prepared a royal banquet of insights.

FromStraw Hut Media

Amidst the escalating AIDS crisis of the early 1990s, a wave of homophobia cascaded across the US. LGBTQ-related hate crimes didn't merely rise, they skyrocketed, creating a chilling climate of fear nationwide. And in New York City, the epicenter of culture and

diversity, the queer community found itself locked in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a serial killer who had made gay men his chosen prey.

Based on the book, "Last Call: A True Story of Love, Lust, and Murder in Queer New York" by Elon Green, the new MAX documentary uncovers the unnerving narrative of the murders of gay men in the New York area between 1988 and 1992, unraveling the horrifying mystery of how a relentless killer evaded justice for these heinous crimes for
an eerily protracted span.

This week, we chat with film makers, Howard Gertler and Anthony Caronna to discuss the chilling four-part documentary, Last Call, and hear firsthand experiences from the creative team on what care went into crafting the series, the powerful narratives they wove together, and the current w

When you think of Nascar, you’re probably not thinking about how the sport can contribute to LGBTQ+ rights. But thanks to one young racecar driver, that’s changing for the better.

This week, we talk with NASCAR driver Zach Herrin. In love with racing since the age of 5, he sped towards his dreams and turned pro by 16. As a young person, his most authentic self was constantly challenged by the hypermasculine world of racing. So he opted for a pit stop and stepped away from the sport at just 17. Shifting gears allowed Zach to get in touch with his most authentic self as an out professional athlete. Now, he’s ready for a comeback.

So, buckle up and get ready for queer lap around the track.

Follow Zach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zach.herrin
Learn more about Racing Pride: https://racingpride.com/
Learn more about Lambda Legal: https://lambdalegal.org/

By Straw Hut Media.

This week on Pride, we explore the Culinary Arts Program based out of the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center provides services for more LGBTQ+ people than any other organization in the world. They have nine different locations throughout Los Angeles. And today's story is about something really special happening at the Anita May Rosenstein campus, which made headlines back in 2019 when it first opened both because of the massive fundraising they did and the ambitious nature of the project.

We originally talked with Nick Panepinto, the Director of Culinary Programming at the LA LGBT Center about the importance of mentorship in the LGBTQ+ community. But as we learned more about the program-- an intensive 3-month curriculum that not only trains students in the kitchen but also feeds the community-- we were increasingly inspired and we decided we needed to see it for ourselves.

We talk with Nick about how this amazing program brings people of all ages, backgrounds, and identities – housed and unhoused, cis-gendered and trans and everything is between – how it brings folks together around food.And then, with the help of our Pride Correspondent Kris Reaves-Andrews, we visit the Anita May Rosenstein Campus to try the coffee at Liberation Coffee House, see the kitchen in action, and to meet two graduates of the culinary program.

Learn more about the LA LGBT Center: https://lalgbtcenter.org/

Learn more about the Culinary Program: https://lalgbtcenter.org/images/Youth/CP20_Culinary_Arts_Brochure.pdf


Brought to you by Straw Hut Media.

REDDIT TALK BONUS EPISODE: Please enjoy this recording from our most recent chat with Kevin Aviance, drag performer and club personality, whose hit "Cunty" was sampled on the recent Beyoncé track "Pure/Honey."

We invite you to join live future talks by following the subreddit r/lgbt, and we will continue to share recordings of talks as they become available. We're so excited to have partnered with r/lgbt for live weekly Reddit Talks recapping our episodes and providing a platform for listeners and Redditors alike to ask questions and engage with other LGBTQ+ people.

Your host is Levi Chambers, founder of Rainbo Media Co. You can follow Levi @levichambers across socials.

Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @PRIDE across socials.

Have an LGBTQ+ story to share? Email us at pride@strawhutmedia.com.

PRIDE is produced by Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson, and Brandon Marlo. Edited by Daniel Ferrera.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

We decided to cancel this week’s episode of The Pride Podcast in light of the hateful and violent acts that took place in Colorado Springs at Club Q on Saturday night.
LGBTQ+ people are used to swallowing the indignities, big and small. We accept them as a reality of being LGBTQ+ in this world. If this is you, know that your anger, your fear, and your grief are valid. Do not suffer in silence. Let the people in your life in. Lean on your allies. We need one another now more than ever.
We want to extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
Daniel Aston
Derrick Rump
Kelly Loving
Ashley Paugh
Raymond Vance

Produced by Straw Hut Media

Maybe it’s the movies, maybe it’s the cold weather, or maybe it’s just in our heads... Either way, the holiday season often brings pressure to find romance, and dating as a queer person can sometimes feel like a minefield. Add in a lack of inclusive language on dating apps and the whole prospect can seem overwhelming. Bumble, Hinge, Grindr, HER, Tinder… Though some are more inclusive than others, they often fall short. But one app is trying really hard to improve the dating experience for the LGBTQ+ community.

Almost 20 years ago, OK Cupid introduced online dating to young people. On this week's episode, we’ll hear about OK Cupid’s history of inclusivity and what sets it apart from other dating apps and more from Michael Kaye, the Associate Director of Global Communications at OkCupid.

Send us your stories about online dating as a queer person! We love to hear from you: pride@strawhutmedia.com.

Your host is Levi Chambers, founder of Rainbo Media Co. You can follow Levi @levichambers across socials.

Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @PRIDE across socials.

PRIDE is produced by Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson, and Brandon Marlo. This episode was also produced by Frank Driscoll. It was written and edited by Maggie Boles and Daniel Ferrera.

Do you have a queer story to share? Email us at pride@strawhutmedia.com

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Produced by Straw Hut Media

When Beyoncé released her newest album, Renaissance, a few months ago, she paid homage to a culture that shaped who she became as a performer. In her liner notes she said: “Thank you to all of the pioneers who originate culture, to all of the fallen angels whose contributions have gone unrecognized for far too long. This is a celebration for you.”

Today, we talk to one of those pioneers, Kevin Aviance. We learn how a young boy in Richmond, Virginia went from singing Aretha Franklin in his sister's dress to being inducted into the famed House of Aviance in Washington DC, and later sampled on the biggest album of 2022. We talk about the different schools of drag and how the scene has changed over the last 30 years. Does the mainstreaming of drag make the world a safer place?

Plus, hear the song that Beyoncé lifted up and celebrated on her track Pure/Honey.

Follow Kevin Aviance on instagram: @kevinavianceofficial

Your host is Levi Chambers, founder of Rainbo Media Co. You can follow Levi @levichambers across socials.

Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @PRIDE across socials.

PRIDE is produced by Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson, and Brandon Marlo. Edited by Maggie Boles and Daniel Ferrera.

Do you have a queer story to share? Email us at pride@strawhutmedia.com

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Produced by Straw Hut Media

It’s Spooky Season, Pride listeners! Have you ever heard someone call Halloween Gay Christmas?

To help us explore the very queer origins of Halloween, we’ll spend some time with two experts in the realm of queer history: Michael Bronski and Marc Stein. We’ll look at what exactly it is about Halloween that makes it feel like Gay Christmas and what some of those Halloween celebrations looked like in the middle of the 20th century, specifically in Philadelphia. We’ll also hear from the one and only Tammie Brown, whose Halloween Spectacular is out now on Out TV, about her own experiences with Halloween as a drag queen. And finally, we’ll look at how Halloween can remind us of our power and serve as a tool for activism.

Tammie Brown’s Halloween Spooktacular is out now on OUTtv.com and on AppleTV+ via the OUTtv Channel until October 31st. Watch it here and followTammie on Instagram.

Read Michael Bronski's book, A Queer History of the United States.

Read more from Marc Stein on his faculty page .

Your host is Levi Chambers, founder of Rainbo Media Co. You can follow Levi @levichambers across socials.

Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @PRIDE across socials.

PRIDE is produced by Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson, and Brandon Marlo. It's written by Maggie Boles and edited by Daniel Ferrera.

Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? Email us at pride@strawhutmedia.com

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.
Produced by Straw Hut Media

REDDIT TALK BONUS EPISODE: Please enjoy this recording from our most recent chat with Levi, traveling nurse and activist Brian "PozRN" Thomas, and Reddit's r/lgbt community asnwering all your monkeypox-related questions as a follow up to Episode 5: Monkeypox. We invite you to join live future talks by following the subreddit r/lgbt, and we will continue to share recordings of talks as they become available. We're so excited to have partnered with r/lgbt for live weekly Reddit Talks recapping our episodes and providing a platform for listeners and Redditors alike to ask questions and engage with other LGBTQ+ people.

For more information on the 2022 monkeypox outbreak in the US, please visit: cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox

Your host is Levi Chambers, founder of Rainbo Media Co. You can follow Levi @levichambersacross socials.

Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @PRIDE across socials.

Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website atstrawhutmedia.com.

Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.

PRIDE is produced by Levi Chambers, Frank Driscoll, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson, and Brandon Marlo. Edited by Frank Driscoll and Daniel Ferrera.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.
Produced by Straw Hut Media

Our guest this week is queer comedian and viral content creator Rob Anderson. Rob is best known for his short form sketches, parodies and comedic series "Gay Science", which tackles harmful queer stereotypes by answering questions like: "Why Are Gay Men Terrible Drivers" and "Why Gay Men Can't Sit In a Chair Properly." Amassing over 2 million social media followers, his comedy thoughtfully explores relatable LGBTQ+ issues in unique and sardonic ways.

On today’s episode, we learn how Rob went from small town class clown to big city marketing positions at Grindr, Uber, and The Infatuation to global TikTok sensation, author, musical artist, and stand-up comedian. We also discuss the differences between online and on-stage performance and, his upcoming North American comedy tour “Heartthrob Live,” and why it’s important for him to be a vocal advocate for the queer community.

You can purchase tickets to “Heartthrob Live” at heartthrobanderson.com/tour. They are selling out fast, so don’t wait!

Your host is Levi Chambers, founder of Rainbo Media Co. You can follow Levi@levichambers across socials.

Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @PRIDE across socials.

Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.

PRIDE is produced by Levi Chambers, Frank Driscoll, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson, and Brandon Marlo. Edited by Frank Driscoll and Daniel Ferrera.

Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Produced by Straw Hut Media

Here at PRIDE, we have been feverishly following Guillermo and Nandor’s will-they-won’t-they relationship for the last four seasons of What We Do in the Shadows. So you can imagine how thrilled we were when Guillermo came out as gay in the latest epsiode. We're even more thrilled to have the iconic actor Harvey Guillén join us on today's episode to disucss his character Guillermo's journey to self-actualization over these past four seasons, and how the actor's queer, Mexican-American identity has imbued his character with a depth and authenticity that make Guillermo a true fan-favorite. We also discuss the new companion podcast to the TV show,Behind the Shadows, which Harvey hosts.

Your host is Levi Chambers, founder ofRainbo Media Co. You can follow Levi @levichambers across socials.

Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @PRIDE across socials.

Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.

PRIDE is produced by Levi Chambers, Frank Driscoll, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson, and Brandon Marlo. Edited by Frank Driscoll and Daniel Ferrera.

Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Produced by Straw Hut Media

My guest today, Brian Thomas, is a traveling nurse, activist, openly HIV+ health educator, and one of the 9,500 American’s to test positive for monkeypox so far–a diagnosis he has been sharing openly on his popular TikTok account PozRN, in the hopes of curbing the spread of the virus and stigmatization by raising awareness about the disease, especially given the harmful misinformation that the virus only targets queer men.

On today’s episode, Brian shares critical info about monkeypox and his personal experience with the virus, stresses the need for a stronger national response to the outbreak, and gives safety tips to prevent transmission and spread.

For more information on the 2022 monkeypox outbreak in the US, please visit: cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox

Your host is Levi Chambers, founder ofRainbo Media Co. You can follow Levi @levichambers across socials.

Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @PRIDE across socials.

Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.

PRIDE is produced by Levi Chambers, Frank Driscoll, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson, and Brandon Marlo. Edited by Frank Driscoll and Daniel Ferrera.

Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Produced by Straw Hut Media

Today we set sail with an old friend of the pod who originally joined us back in 2019 to teach us all about the queer history of pirates, Dr. Rebecca Simon. In our previous conversatio, we covered a more general history of pirates and the queerness many male pirates expressed through clothing and sxuality–like the gentleman pirate Captian Stede Bonnet, and the infamous Black Beard. We also discussed her book Why We Love Pirates: The Hunt for Captain Kid and How He Changed Piracy Forever.

During our 2019 discussion, Rebecca also briefly touched on two notable female pirates who dressed like men in battle, subverted they’re femininity into a weapon, and may have even been Lesbian Lovers. These two badass pirates were Anne Bonny and Mary Reed, and they left quite an impression on me and our audience back in 2019. So when I heard that Rebecca had recently written the first full length book on the history of Anne and Mary, I had to have her back on the pod to share her findings, and give Anne, Mary, and all women pirates the platform they deserve. In today’s four part episode, we will learn about how Anne Bonny and Mary Reed became pirates, how their relationship unfolded, the research that went into writing Pirate Queens, and Rebecca's thoughts on depictions of pirates in the media today.

So yee scallywags, come aboard the PRIDE ship, and join us as we uncover the treasures of Anne and Mary’s buried history.

Your host is Levi Chambers, founder of Rainbo Media Co. You can follow Levi @levichambers across socials.

Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @PRIDE across socials.

This episode of PRIDE was produced by Levi Chambers, Frank Driscoll, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson, and Brandon Marlo. Edited by Frank Driscoll and Daniel Ferrera.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Denounce your sexuality or lose your job. That was the ultimatum offered to two athletic coaches at Valor Christian High School in Highland Ranch, Colorado. Inoke Tonga was a coach for the boys volleyball team before he was fired in 2021 for being gay. One year earlier, lacrosse coach Lauren Benner was forced to leave her position for the same reason--her sexuality didn’t align with the school’s beliefs.

In today’s four part episode, Levi speaks with Lauren and Inoke about their positions at Valor, the events that led to their termination, and how this intolerant environment will continue to affect the faculty and students if change doesn’t come soon. We also chat with Lucy Sarkissian, a young but resilient advocate and student of Valor who organized several protests against the school’s policies.

Your host is Levi Chambers, founder of Rainbo Media Co. You can follow Levi@levichambers across socials.

Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @PRIDE across socials.

Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.

PRIDE is produced by Levi Chambers, Frank Driscoll, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson, and Brandon Marlo. Edited by Frank Driscoll and Daniel Ferrera.

Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Would you consider leaving your job, moving across the country, and buying a ranch with no farming experience? It sounds like the making of a Hallmark original movie. But that’s precisely what husbands John Kanell, and Brian Dow did. These two fathers traded their lives in Los Angeles for idyllic country life in Connecticut, running their own farm. They started a YouTube channel where they shared pieces of their lives, which has budded into a hugely successful business and a published cookbook.

Be sure to follow John and Brian on YouTube! And pre-order Preppy Kitchen: Recipes for Seasonal Dishes and Simple Pleasures.Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.Your producers are Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson and Edited by Silvana AlcalaHave an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Pride, we're embracing the Valentine season and chatting with a TikTok power couple who have the ability to make their followers swoon with the press of one upload button. TikTok superstars Nicky Champa and Pierre Boo have amassed an audience of nearly 24 million across their platforms. But being in a same-sex relationship in the public's eye comes with its challenges. Today, Nicky and Pierre share with us their love story, their highs and lows, and how they navigate the pressure to be perfect online. 

Be sure to follow Nicky & Pierre on TikTok!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.
Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.
Your producers are Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson and Edited by Silvana Alcala
Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.
*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coined the "Gen Z Whisperer” by the New York Times and “The Beauty King” by The Guardian, Hyram Yarbro is a beauty influencer with over 12 million followers across his various social handles. Today on Pride, we talk to Hyram about the grueling pressure that comes with giving public beauty advice, his new line of sustainable skincare products, and how to walk the talk when it comes to social issues. But first, we’ll go back to where it all began – with a gay boy in Arizona dreaming of a way out.

Be sure to follow Hyram on TikTok!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation@Pride.
Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.
Your producers are Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson and Edited by Silvana Alcala
Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.
*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Pride, we are speaking with Will Sterling, an actor, writer and director based in Los Angeles, California. Will hosts a podcast called “History Rated R” with his co-host Craig Smith. Throughout this episode, Will is going to share clips taken from their podcast, History Rated R and give us more insight into Craig and how he came to be a walking contradiction in terms of his sexuality, beliefs and political party affiliation.

Be sure to check out History Rated R, out now!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.
Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website atstrawhutmedia.com.
Your producers are Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson and Edited by Silvana Alcala
Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.
*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Pride, we're going to be talking about some seriously misjudged creatures - spiders and scorpions - and how these joint-legged invertebrates sent one scientist on a path towards scientific discovery, conserving natural resources, and uniting the community of LGBTQ+ people in STEM.

Be sure to follow Lauren on Twitter!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.
Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.
Your producers are Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson and Edited by Silvana Alcala
Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.
*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Sponsored by:
Let's Get Checked

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marcos Chin is an artist whose work includes intersectional representation of queer stories and Asian stories. Today we are talking about his body of work. Being a commercial artist, Marcos has had to work in spaces where his artwork may be considered “bad for business”. We talk about how he navigates his career as a professional artist while also being able to stay authentic and true to who he is as an artist.

Be sure to follow Marcos on IG!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.
Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.
Your producers are Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson and Edited by Silvana Alcala
Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.
*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Sponsored by:
Let's Get Checked

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, commercials always have a target audience in mind. They’re thinking about who they have the best chance of selling their product to. Which is a common marketing tactic, but it’s rooted in gender ideologies. Tutus are for little girls, monster trucks are for boys, makeup is for women, you get the idea. Today, we’ve made a lot of gender progress. LEGOs has released lines of toys using only primary colors to prove that anyone can buy their products. Nerf even makes their own line of toy guns advertised just for girls. But it’s a bit lopsided. Why are so few products deemed as feminine being marketed for men? Today, we’re joined by Dr. Megan Mass who breaks down how commercials came to be driven by societal norms and heteronormativity. We’re also joined by Boy Smells co-founder Matthew Herman, who’s candle business celebrates those who challenge the gender binary.

Be sure to check out Boy Smells’ holiday collection of candles as well as their brand new fine fragrances line and their recently restocked collaboration with Kacey Musgraves. And follow them on IG!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.
Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.
Your producers are Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson and Edited by Silvana Alcala
Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.
*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Sponsored by:
Let's Get Checked

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the last 23 years, Linda Warren has put on her shiny red suit with white fur trim and gone around granting the holiday wishes of LGBTQ youth in Denver, Colorado. Once she’s in that costume, she’s no longer Linda. Today, we speak with Linda, a 78-year-old woman who aims to bring holiday cheer to youth regardless of sexuality or gender. Her own experience with abandonment fuels her passion for giving these kids a Christmas they’ll never forget every year. Linda opens up about how her own family’s rejection of her sexuality spurred her desire to create a safe environement for today’s youth and what being Queer Santa is all about. 

Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.
Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.
Your producers are Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson and Edited by Silvana Alcala
Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.
*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Sponsored by:
Let's Get Checked

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we speak to Liz and Jesse Ponce, a couple who met on a blind date in 2015 and became wives in 2017. So when Jesse came out as a transgender man in 2019, a few things changed. But not their feelings for each other or their daughter Riley. Jesse and Liz join us to talk about Jesse’s transition, the fears they both had towards the future of their relationship, and how their love story became the topic of a viral TikTok video. 

Be sure to follow their TikTok and their fertility journey on IG!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.
Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.
Your producers are Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson and Edited by Silvana Alcala
Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.
*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Sponsored by:
Best Fiends

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we talk to James Romm, a historian, and author of the book Sacred Band. James tells the story of the military corp, and how sexual politics influenced the different Greek city-states. There are multiple portrayals of homosexuality in Greece and Rome in modern media, and it has been painted to be a sort of “gay-topia”, but the truth is a bit more complicated. We talk to James about how the Greeks really felt about same-sex relationships, and how sexual relationships between soldiers really showed up as an advantage on the battlefield. 

Be sure to check out The Sacred Band by James Romm.
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.
Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.
Your producers are Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson and Edited by Silvana Alcala
Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.
*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Sponsored by:
First Republic Bank

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1954, Dr. Frederick Wertham's book, Seduction of the Innocent, claimed the comics were depraved and were harmful to children. This led to the creation of the Comics Code Authority, a voluntary yet omnipresent label ensuring comics bearing its sigil would follow many guidelines, one, in particular, being that “Illicit sex relations are neither to be hinted at nor portrayed. Rape scenes, as well as sexual abnormalities, are unacceptable.” This lead to the utilization of queer coding, especially with early work, which was often unflattering. Villains were often the focus of queer coding, which lead directly to villainizing gay people and ideas. Another aspect of queer coding is queerbaiting, which “baits” a queer audience with themes and character interactions that appeal while never delivering on these themes. But Tim Sheridan and Meghan Fitzmartin are two people who are changing the world of comics in 2021.

Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.
Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.
Your producers are Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson and Edited by Silvana Alcala
Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.
*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Sponsored by:

Avocado Green Mattress

First Republic Bank


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People have been terrified by the delights of a horror film since the late 1800s, during the earliest stages of motion-picture film. Since its creation, horror has developed into more than just a genre. It's a space to face our collective fears and explore the unknown. We're drawn to characters like Dracula or Freddy Krueger because they stand out from what is familiar. Otherness is a popular theme within horror films, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.
Today, we chat with Michael Varrati and Brendan Haley, two filmmakers with a special admiration for the genre of horror.
They'll walk us through the queer themes in some of our favorite classic scary movies like "Nightmare on Elm Street 2," what otherness means in cinema, and how queer horror is still evolving today.

Be sure to follow Michael and Brendan!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.
Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.
Your producers are Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson and Edited by Silvana Alcala
Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.
*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Sponsored by:
Avocado Green Mattress

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of "Pride," host Levi Chambers sits down with Hugh Nini, and Neal Treadwell to talk about their new photo book "Loving: A Photographic History of Men in Love, 1850s-1950s." They share how they began collecting old photographs of men in love, their criteria for determining the subjects' relationships, and the unique stories they've uncovered since publishing "Loving." This powerful collection of vintage photos challenges the notion that same-sex intimacy in history was only ever "close friendship" and invites viewers to consider these images as representations of love. Join the conversation as we explore the scattered, but not lost, history of gay love.

Be sure to order "Loving" now!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.
Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.
Your producers are Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson and Edited by Silvana Alcala
Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.
*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She's a sexy, campy, horror icon and the Mistress of Darkness herself, Elvira. Beloved for her vampire sex appeal and satire, Elvira has been in numerous films and even inspired a comic book character. The woman behind the character, Cassandra Peterson, has been sitting on her throne as the Queen of Halloween for 40 years. But a recent revelation in Cassandra's new memoir has us falling in love with Elvira all over again. Cassandra is queer and has been in a relationship with a woman for decades. Today, We speak with Cassandra about creating the character Elvira, her decision to come out, and how Elvira is celebrating the spooky season. 

Be sure to check out Cassandra's new book Yours Cruelly, Elvira!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Today, we’ll chat with Saifa Wall and Dani Coyle, two people who were born intersex. Saifa is a visual artist, public health researcher and the co-founder of the Intersex Justice Project. Dani is a trained graphic designer, INTERface project creator and is known online by her username @inter_sexy. In this episode they’ll open up about the variants of intersex, the conflicts that homophobia, heterosexism and transfobia have on this community and how we can bring change by advancing the conversation.

Be sure to follow Dani and Saifa on IG!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

In honor of LGBTQ History Month, we are revisiting some of our favorite episodes of the podcast. Enjoy our return to Queer Church: Part 2!

In part one of our look at the history of same-sex love in the Catholic Church, we examined how the church’s perspective has changed over the course of 2000 years as a result of shifting social and cultural norms. Today in part two, we’re back with Dr. Lisa McClain exploring which parts of scripture are responsible for the Catholic Church’s stance on same-sex love, and we’re also joined by author Benjamin Brenkert to talk about his first-hand experience as a gay man trying to carve out a place in the church.

Check out A Catechism of the Heart here.
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

In honor of LGBTQ History Month, we are revisiting some of our favorite episodes of the podcast. Enjoy our return to Queer Church: Part 1!

When you think about the Catholic church and its relation to the LGBTQ+ community, either as a believer or a non-believer, it likely isn’t as an ally. But the church’s stance on same-sex love isn’t as cut and dry as you might think. Over the span of two millenia, the church has adapted, however slowly, to a changing world. Today, we’ll start part one of our exploration of the history of same-sex love in the Catholic church, and how the church’s perspective and enforcement has changed over 2000 years.

Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Julian Burzynski is an actor, singer, dancer, comedian, and the unofficial “CEO of Smiles.” You probably know him as the guy on TikTok with the really cool mustache who posts videos recreating iconic moments from film and television. Today, Julian is here to talk about how television became a refuge from teen bullying and the global pandemic and how he turned his passion for movies into a creative outlet - one where he can embrace the masculine and feminine sides of himself.

Be sure to follow Julian on IG and Tik Tok!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

In honor of LGBTQ History Month, we are revisiting some of our favorite episodes of the podcast. Enjoy our return to A History of Gay Pirates!

How do pirates know they’re pirates? They think… therefore they ARRR. Sorry for that terrible joke. But I want us all to get into the space of pirates. The open sea, violence, stealing, run-ins with the law, and above all, freedom -- from the social burdens of the Early Modern Era and -- freedom to love who they loved.
Pirates have been around forever. From the Vikings in the 8th century to Somali pirates in recent years, there is something undeniably exciting about sailing the ocean and taking what you want. My guest today is pirate scholar and aficionado, Rebecca Simon.
The pirates we’ll meet today were way more exciting than eye patches and wooden legs. Get ready for a crash course on the Golden Age of piracy -- the time of Blackbeard and the real Pirates of the Carribean. We’ll meet famous queer pirates like John Swann, Robert Culliford, Ann Bonnie, and Mary Read. And maybe we’ll go home with a few pirate-inspired tips on how to use your style to intimidate.
Be sure to follow Becka on Twitter
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

We want to let you know about our exciting upcoming guests to stay tuned for! Be sure to take this week to catch up our past episodes on both podcast platforms and IGTV. Stay proud!

Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Brandi and Lawrence were close friends who met at work, where the idea of starting a family together casually came up. Nearly four years later, they are raising their two-year-old son Hartley as a blended family that includes Brandi and Lawrence, as well as their respective partners. But what really sets them apart from other families is that Lawrence is gay and Brandi is a lesbian. Today you’ll hear from Brandi and Lawrence about their pregnancy journey, their approach to dating, and why Courtney Cox sent a camera crew to follow them around for nine months. 

Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

*This a guest broadcast 

Trixie Mattel- Elastic Thinking- In this episode of Alec Mapa: Hot Mess with Matthew Dempsey Psychotherapist, Alec and Matthew welcome world-famous drag queen, star of the hit show “UNHhhh” and host of the podcast The Bald and the Beautiful, the hilarious Trixie Mattel. The three have a fascinating conversation on the topic of elastic thinking, what exactly it means and how it can help us to heal. Alec and Matt share how they have overcome trauma in their own lives and the tools they’ve used to build personal resilience. Trixie opens up about her abusive childhood including the surprising story of where the name Trixie originated. Trixie also opens up about the generational and cultural trauma that impacted her upbringing and about being half Ojibwe and yet also feeling culturally white. Trixie shares how her drag persona is her fun vessel that enables her to live the life she has always wanted- dressing up pretty and playing with easy bake ovens. Trixie’s raw honesty and biting humor make this episode a must-hear and she will inspire you with her strong belief that whatever happens to us, we all have the choice to become victims or become survivors and to empower ourselves to create a life we love.


Listen, subscribe and review to Alec Mapa: Hot Mess with Matthew Dempsey Psychotherapist:  http://bit.ly/HotMessAPPLE 

Marvin Cortes was the runner-up on cycle 20 of the modeling competition show, “America’s Next Top Model.” He was always caught flirting with the girls competing on the show and even ended up in a short relationship with Renee Bog-wah-deen at the end of the season. Which is part of the reason why Marvin’s family never suspected that he was anything but straight. But last month, Marvin posted a video telling everyone that he’s bisexual and proud. Today, we catch up with Marvin and talk reality TV, coming out, homophobia, and how modeling helped him find himself.

Be sure to follow Marvin on IG!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Today we’re talking with Saro, spelled s-a-r-o, an LA-based R&B-pop artist. Saro, AKA Evan Windom, is an independent artist who’s moody tracks live up to his name as he belts out lyrics like “love is pain.” Recently, Saro began to openly sing about the men he has dated. Like his recent single, “Daddy I Love Him.” But before he was proudly using male pronouns in his songs, he was using vague lyrics to hide his sexuality. It’s a fear a lot of musicians have. That they’ll lose fans if they don’t conform and sing songs about the opposite sex. But Saro found a way to live authentically and now writes songs about vampires and guys with snake tattoos without a second thought.

Be sure to follow Saro on IG!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

In your head, you probably had an idea, or preconceived notation, or who Raven-Symoné was, which is why many of her fans were surprised when she announced her secret wedding to a woman named Miranda Maday. Today, we talk marriage with Raven and Miranda, the reality of being a young queer actor on Disney, their new YouTube channel, and maybe babies.

Be sure to follow Raven and Miranda on IG and follow their YouTube channel, 8 PM!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

So today, we’re doing something a little different on the Pride podcast. I connect with Anne Heche and Heather Duffy, hosts of the Better Together podcast, who introduce me to Randy Thomas. Randy, one of the subjects of Netflix's "Pray Away", was the former vice-president of Exodus International. Exodus was a nonprofit group under the Christian umbrella that practiced conversion therapy in attempt to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity, using psychological or spiritual interventions. Anne also divulges her own Christian-cult family history, with an appearance from her mother, Nancy Heche, herself.

Resources:

PrayAwayFilm,com

WannaTalkAboutIt.com

Be sure to watch Pray Away on Netflix!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Like many child actors, Alyson has since spoken out about the intense conditions of her childhood and how she barely escaped the toddler-to-trainwreck pipeline. Today, she lives a pretty ordinary life. She’s furniture shopping for her new home, going to the farmers market on the weekends and researching what college she wants to take classes at. She’s even spoken up about falling in love with a woman for the first time. Today, we talk to Alyson about the effects her Hollywood career had on her childhood, her first crush, mental health, and starting fresh. 

Be sure to follow Alyson on IG and Tik Tok!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

When you were little, you probably pictured what your wedding day would look like. So when the day finally arrives to plan your big day, it’s a big deal. If a large celebration is your thing, then you’ll probably look for vendors and color schemes and outfits. This is exactly what Lawrence and Michael went to do, but it wasn’t as magical as they had dreamed. When they went on Pinterest for wedding inspiration, they couldn’t find a single photo of a couple that looked like them. They’re Black and gay and Pinterest boards today don’t have very much representation at all. But luckily, there’s a new wedding platform where minorities can find nothing but representation and love. 

Be sure to check out BlackGayWeddings.com and follow their Youtube!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Based in Los Angeles California, Caleb Marshall found a way to combine his love for pop music and dancing into an actual workout routine. He posts short videos online of him dancing along to some of today’s hottest hits. But a younger Caleb would have never pictured himself as a fitness icon. Today Caleb talks to us about how he started his career making dance videos and the steps he took to ensure he embraces his true, authentic self every day of his life.

Be sure to follow Caleb on IG and TikTok!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Lendale Johnson made headlines as America’s first openly gay professional tennis player. But not everyone saw his coming out as something to be celebrated. Lendale’s sexuality affects his life everyday, on and off the court. And it nearly destroyed his relationship with his mom. Today, Lendale is here to talk about the reality of being an out professional athlete, his family’s journey to acceptance and how his tennis academy inspires the next generation of athletes. 

Be sure to follow Lendale on IG!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

In 2021, we’ve come a long way with queer representation but people are still losing their lives every single day just for being trans. Today we speak to Raquel Willis, a writer, editor and activist for Black, Queer and Transgender communities. She’s the former executive editor of Out magazine, she’s worked with the national organization for Transgender Law Center, and she created the Black Trans flag. 

Be sure to follow Raquel on IG and Twitter!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

He kicked off his singing career and gained national attention when he performed on season 9 of “American Idol.” After making it as far as the semi-finals, he went to the Broadway stage and landed iconic roles like Lola in “Kinky Boots” and Ogie in “Waitress.” He’s collaborated with some of the biggest voices in music today like Taylor Swift, Beyonce and Ariana Grande and has been a regular judge and choreographer on the beloved reality competition “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Today we’re joined by Todrick Hall, a multi-hyphenated creator who went from a small farm town in Texas to creating a home and career in Hollywood. 

Be sure to follow Todrick on IG!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Today we talk with Vincint Cannady, known by the mononym VINCINT, a singer and songwriter who adds some hope to the relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and the religious community. VINCINT was raised Baptist and found allyship and acceptance within his community through his peers but most importantly, his professors. Now, he volunteers with multiple LGBTQ+ organizations to fight for acceptance and end discrimination.

Be sure to follow VINCINT on IG!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Churches can decide to banish someone because of illegal activity, physical abuse, or abandonment. To the church, someone who has been excommunicated has committed a grave offense that caused this person to be separated spiritually from the church. For Stephen Wrabel, it was because he’s gay.
Stephen Wrabel, known mononymously as Wrabel, is a musician, a singer, and a songwriter. Pop icon P!nk called him “one of the greatest singers and songwriters alive today.” His songwriting credits include releases by P!nk, Kesha, Louis Tomlinson, Backstreet Boys, and Marshmello. 

Today, Wrabel is here to share how he found his own path and how he came to discover that Pride isn’t for a day. It isn’t for a month. Pride is life.

Be sure to follow Wrabel on IG!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

In school, they continue to teach history as a way to examine the past and how it has shaped relationships between societies and people. But how much queer history was covered in these lessons? Today, we’re going back in time — again — to explore the rich history of queer people throughout time in the US. This is the first chapter of our six part series on our nation’s queer history. So, if you like what you hear be sure to listen to the rest of the story in our six-part series w/ Dr. Eric Cervani, an American historian with specialized knowledge of LGBTQ+ history in the US.

Be sure to follow Matthew on IG!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.

Where did the idea of pink toys and blue toys come from? And what effect do these different toys have on kids as they grow up? Today we chat with Matthew Ashton, the Vice President of design at LEGO, who helps us walk through the past, present and future of gendered toys.

Be sure to follow Matthew on IG!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.

*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.