Listen Up Girl

2025 was loud, messy, historic, and impossible to ignore.In this year-end roundup, we break down the biggest stories that shaped 2025—from political chaos and culture wars to moments of resilience, resistance, and real progress for the LGBTQ+ community. We revisit the headlines that made us angry, hopeful, heartbroken, and fired up—and talk honestly about what they mean going into 2026.This isn’t just a recap. It’s context, accountability, and a reminder that our stories don’t end when the year does.Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/ Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please complete our audience survey. It helps me learn more about you and what you like most about this show. I am always looking for ways to improve our content/podcast/show. http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=0qI0Tj7TBKvS&ver=standardNew Data Shows LGBTQ+ People Face Widespread Family Rejection and Holiday IsolationMeth Addiction and Party-and-Play Culture Continue to Devastate the Gay Community as Apps Avoid AccountabilityRachel Maddow Says She Has Reconnected With Her Catholic Faith After Decades AwayAndrew Scott to Portray Actor Ian Charleson in AIDS-Era Biopic ElsinoreBishop Mariann Budde, Branded “Nasty” by Trump, Delivers BBC Christmas Message on MercyDancing With the Stars Ireland Makes History With First Female Same-Sex PairingStudy Finds LGBTQ+ Inclusive Workplaces Perform Better on Climate and SustainabilityElliot Page Publishes Open Letter to the Trans Community Amid Political AttacksMariah Carey Credits Her Gay Uncles for Giving Her a Sense of Belonging and JoyCongresswoman Sarah McBride Slams GOP for Prioritizing Anti-Trans Bills Over Healthcare Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nicki Minaj was long embraced as a queer cultural icon — celebrated in clubs, drag culture, and on RuPaul’s Drag Race by LGBTQ+ fans who helped fuel her rise.But her recent appearance in MAGA-aligned political spaces, including Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest, and her silence alongside anti-trans rhetoric have sparked backlash and a wave of unfollows.In this episode of Listen Up Girl, we break down both sides of the story — Nicki’s history with the LGBTQ+ community, why some fans defend her political independence, and why many queer and trans listeners feel hurt and abandonedThis isn’t about canceling.It’s about consequence.Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please complete our audience survey. It helps me learn more about you and what you like most about this show. I am always looking for ways to improve our content/podcast/show. http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=0qI0Tj7TBKvS&ver=standardLeaked Memo Suggests FBI Bounties Targeting Trans ActivistsFederal Law Still Protects LGBTQ+ Workers From Employment DiscriminationBilly Porter Shares Emotional Health Update Following Battle With UrosepsisHeritage Foundation’s Project 2025 Targets LGBTQ+ Rights in 2026FDA Turns Its Attention to Chest Binders Used by Trans and Nonbinary PeopleJournalism Ethics Experts Alarmed by Coverage of Trans High School AthleteAetna Agrees to Cover IVF and Fertility Treatments for Same-Sex Couples NationwideOhio Set to Welcome Its Only Openly LGBTQ Mayor in Cleveland HeightsFollow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/ Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please complete our audience survey. It helps me learn more about you and what you like most about this show. I am always looking for ways to improve our content/podcast/show. http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=0qI0Tj7TBKvS&ver=standardNicki Minaj loses followers after MAGA-aligned AmericaFest appearanceGrindr outages reported during AmericaFest in PhoenixPedro Pascal revealed as Heated Rivalry fanHeated Rivalry nearly censored by executivesSupreme Court considers overturning conversion therapy bansBowen Yang exits Saturday Night LiveRep. Sarah McBride slams GOP focus on anti-trans bills Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please complete our audience survey. It helps me learn more about you and what you like most about this show. I am always looking for ways to improve our content/podcast/show. http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=0qI0Tj7TBKvS&ver=standard Most Sniffies users don’t identify as gay, new 2025 data shows70% of trans Americans fear for their public safety, Pew findsGen Z LGBTQ+ women more likely to identify as bisexual than lesbianFake AI video targets Maine Gov. Janet Mills over trans rightsThree Democrats help pass GOP bill banning trans youth healthcareRussia blocks Rainbow Railroad website, escalates LGBTQ+ crackdownRep. Sarah McBride criticizes GOP as ACA subsidies near expirationNicki Minaj faces backlash over pro-Trump shiftNew Zealand hate crimes linked to Grindr assaults get light sentencesFollow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/ Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please complete our audience survey. It helps me learn more about you and what you like most about this show. I am always looking for ways to improve our content/podcast/show. http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=0qI0Tj7TBKvS&ver=standard  Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton urges residents to report alleged bathroom law violations through an online tip line, raising legal and privacy concernsCMS Administrator Mehmet Oz proposes rules that could end gender-affirming care for trans youth — and draws backlash for bizarre remarks during the announcementRep. Robert Garcia accuses Donald Trump and the Department of Justice of violating federal law in continued Epstein file redactionsFormer All Blacks prop Campbell Johnstone celebrates marriage to longtime partner Ben Thomson in landmark moment for LGBTQ+ visibility in rugbyKennedy Center quietly retires its iconic rainbow sash under Trump-appointed leadership, replacing it with a redesigned medallionActor Tramell Tillman delivers powerful message of solidarity for the LGBTQIA+ community amid rising attacks Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please complete our audience survey. It helps me learn more about you and what you like most about this show. I am always looking for ways to improve our content/podcast/show. http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=0qI0Tj7TBKvS&ver=standard • RFK Jr. announces proposal to ban gender-affirming care for trans youth nationwide• Federal plan would strip Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP funding from hospitals providing trans healthcare• Sniffies releases 2025 user data as Melbourne earns title of global capital of swallowing• Palm Desert City Council overwhelmingly rejects MAGA mayor’s attempt to roll back Pride• Bowen Yang prepares to exit Saturday Night Live after historic run as a queer cast member• Kevin Spacey set to return to television in controversial Italian comedy series• European privacy group accuses TikTok of tracking Grindr users through third-party data services• Trans athlete Cal Calamia pushes boundaries and expands inclusion in elite marathon racing• Anti-trans judicial nominee Justin Olson grilled during Senate Judiciary Committee hearing• UK government doubles funding for GiveOut’s LGBTQI Solidarity Fund to support activists worldwide Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please complete our audience survey. It helps me learn more about you and what you like most about this show. I am always looking for ways to improve our content/podcast/show. http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=0qI0Tj7TBKvS&ver=standardMiles Heizer responds after Netflix cancels BootsHeated Rivalry gay hockey series coming to the UKNoah Schnapp addresses “Byler” rumorsNew Zealand High Court blocks puberty blocker banTexas queer leaders build grassroots care networksDallas church unveils pro-immigrant, pro-trans Nativity sceneFlorida moves to enforce drag ban lawHouse passes bill criminalizing gender-affirming careTrump remains underwater in approval ratingsRep. Angie Craig reflects on fight for LGBTQ+ families Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please complete our audience survey. It helps me learn more about you and what you like most about this show. I am always looking for ways to improve our content/podcast/show. http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=0qI0Tj7TBKvS&ver=standardB.D. Wong apologizes after racist Instagram commentTrump attacks Gov. Jared Polis over Tina Peters pardon refusalSyphilis cases reach highest levels since the 1960sTryst Hospitality announces Wilton Manors luxury gay hotelNetflix cancels Boots after one seasonCardi B celebrates gay best friendsTroye Sivan responds to Bondi Beach terrorist attackBrock McGillis questions Heated Rivalry impact claimsGrindr commits to becoming “AI-first”DOJ labels “radical gender ideology” a terrorist threatD.L. Hughley fires back at Nicki MinajTexas compiles list of trans residentsLSU sextortion case leads to arrestHeritage Foundation hires extremist academicAntisemitism on display at NY Young Republican galaMarjorie Taylor Greene criticizes Trump over Rob Reiner postsSt. Petersburg earns perfect HRC equality scoreArlington Pride suspended over safety concerns Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please complete our audience survey. It helps me learn more about you and what you like most about this show. I am always looking for ways to improve our content/podcast/show. http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=0qI0Tj7TBKvS&ver=standard • Hollywood mourns legendary director and LGBTQ+ rights advocate Rob Reiner as Trump sparks backlash with political comments following his death• Michigan school athletic director Chet Hesson placed on leave after expressing support for a trans student targeted by far-right media• Apple TV+ makes history as Pluribus becomes the streamer’s most-watched show ever, led by a lesbian protagonist• Bishop Mariann Budde to deliver BBC Christmas message after globally praised sermon defending LGBTQ+ people• Culver City makes history with Freddy Puza elected first openly LGBTQ+ mayor and Bubba Fish named vice mayor• Conservative backlash erupts after a Chick-fil-A franchise congratulates a gay couple on their wedding• Kim Petras responds to Nicki Minaj’s transphobic tirade with viral message: “trans kids r healthy btw.”• Trans woman says gender-affirming care helped save her life after late-stage cancer diagnosis• Library board abolished after refusing to ban a children’s book about a trans child• Former anti-LGBTQ+ Arkansas library board chair arrested in alleged kidnapping plot involving her daughter• Trans actress Kevin Ninh’s coming-out moment with her grandmother goes viral for its simplicity and love Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please complete our audience survey. It helps me learn more about you and what you like most about this show. I am always looking for ways to improve our content/podcast/show. http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=0qI0Tj7TBKvS&ver=standardElon Musk escalates feud with Gavin Newsom, deadnames trans daughterArkansas mother charged after allegedly staging daughter’s kidnappingFrankie Grande challenges sex-shaming in queer culture“Fujoshi” fandom resurfaces amid queer media boomNancy Mace sparks backlash over airport remarksGraham Linehan reveals transphobic video game projectRosie O’Donnell reflects on life after moving to IrelandNew recombinant mpox strain detected in EnglandJason Collins reveals Stage 4 glioblastoma diagnosis Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please complete our audience survey. It helps me learn more about you and what you like most about this show. I am always looking for ways to improve our content/podcast/show. http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=0qI0Tj7TBKvS&ver=standardTrans Woman Reports Staff Celebrated Rollback of Prison ProtectionsMedia Firestorm Erupts Over Michigan Trans Teen Athlete‘Heated Rivalry’ Stars Deliver Message of Pride at West Hollywood EventTwo Kids Help Identify Suspect in Pride Flag VandalismNicholas Galitzine Reveals Intense Training for He-Man RoleNew Hampshire Republicans Push One of Nation’s Most Extreme Bathroom BillsTrump Administration Orders States to Remove Gender Identity from Sex EdMissouri Bill Would Ban Social Transition and Force-Expose Trans StudentsBig Queer Wedding Party in Austin Celebrates Love Amid Legal ThreatsWWE Founders Face Lawsuit Alleging Abuse of Underage ‘Ring Boys’Budapest Mayor May Face Charges for Defying LGBTQ+ Event Ban Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Meta accused of widespread censorship of abortion access, LGBTQ+, and reproductive health groupsCBS News faces backlash over collaboration with right-wing outlet criticized for anti-trans misinformationArlington, Texas voters reject reinstatement of LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination ordinanceFaith leaders urge release of gay asylum seeker detained by ICE during green card interviewBritish Ice Skating allows same-sex couples to compete in all national eventsNew Trevor Project data shows pronoun respect significantly lowers suicide risk for trans and non-binary youthUK data reveals sharp rise in bisexual identification among Gen ZU.S. Department of Justice backs lawsuit challenging protections for trans students in Virginia schoolsFlorida attorney general sues major medical organizations over gender-affirming carePolitical drama erupts outside George Santos’ “Santos Claus” holiday partyExtremist Texas pastor urges Christians to use anti-gay slursU.S. military asks court to allow discharge of HIV-positive service membersEuropean Court of Justice rules refusal to recognize same-sex marriages violates EU lawITV presenter Ashley James resigns as Girlguiding ambassador over trans girl banTottenham Hotspur relocates Progress Pride flag ahead of Champions League match Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please complete our audience survey. It helps me learn more about you and what you like most about this show. I am always looking for ways to improve our content/podcast/show. http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=0qI0Tj7TBKvS&ver=standardRobert W. Fieseler’s LGBTQ history work continues to resonateColin Allred challenges Julie Johnson for Texas’ 33rd DistrictSeattle moves forward with World Cup Pride MatchKazakhstan delays anti-LGBTQ “propaganda” billUtah equality advocate Derek Kitchen runs for CongressFederal judge strikes down Georgia’s ban on gender-affirming care for inmatesNetflix renews Japan’s gay dating show The BoyfriendUK AIDS Memorial Quilt returns to ScotlandFlorida AG sues medical groups over gender-affirming careAFL athlete Mitch Brown harassed by reporter over bisexualityChina intensifies LGBTQ media censorshipGrindr reveals top “twink” countriesJohn Waters names his top 10 films of 2025 Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please complete our audience survey. It helps me learn more about you and what you like most about this show. I am always looking for ways to improve our content/podcast/show. http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=0qI0Tj7TBKvS&ver=standardMichigan father files Title IX complaint over trans athleteCynthia Erivo makes Golden Globe historyAmy Madigan celebrates queer love for Aunt GladysGirl Guides Australia reaffirms support for trans girlsSean Avery hopes queer hockey drama paves way for an out NHL playerPattie Gonia raises $1 million on 100-mile drag hikePornhub reports spike in trans & femboy searchesDana International condemns Eurovision boycottsSurvivor of electric shock conversion therapy speaks out Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please complete our audience survey. It helps me learn more about you and what you like most about this show. I am always looking for ways to improve our content/podcast/show. http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=0qI0Tj7TBKvS&ver=standard Heated Rivalry showrunner shuts down speculation about actors’ sexualityRussell Tovey reflects on dating, career, and fatherhood ahead of new seriesChasten Buttigieg shares heartwarming family holiday photosMs. Rachel reaffirms LGBTQ+ inclusion in her classroomHHS deadnames Admiral Rachel Levine on official portraitArizona school board president appears on anti-LGBTQ+ podcastGirl Scouts’ Rainbow Bridge memorial vandalized in suspected hate actLeaked memo reveals Trump plan to roll back protections for trans prisonersBiden condemns GOP for weaponizing LGBTQ+ identityAnti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes hit record highs in Los Angeles Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please complete our audience survey. It helps me learn more about you and what you like most about this show. I am always looking for ways to improve our content/podcast/show. http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=0qI0Tj7TBKvS&ver=standardLilly Wachowski Calls Out Extremists Misusing The MatrixMinnesota Jail Reforms After Wrongful Housing of Trans ManAdvocate Warns LGBTQ+ Federal Workers Face “Lavender Scare 2.0”USTA Quietly Bans Trans Women from Women’s Tennis EventsIrish Activist Enoch Burke to Remain in Jail Over HolidaysCouncil of Europe Moves Toward Ban on Conversion PracticesDrag Icon Joan Jett Blakk Receives Support After StrokeGrindr Supports GOP Age-Verification Bill, Sparking Concerns Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

 Please complete our audience survey. It helps me learn more about you and what you like most about this show. I am always looking for ways to improve our content/podcast/show. http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=0qI0Tj7TBKvS&ver=standardBrandi Carlile to Perform “America the Beautiful” at Super Bowl LXFour Countries Withdraw from Eurovision 2026 Over Israel ParticipationUK Engineer Loses Tribunal Over Trans-Inclusive Bathroom PolicySan Diego Teacher Awarded $700K After Anti-LGBTQ HarassmentKansas Attorney General Targets Trans-Affirming School PoliciesRussia Bans Roblox Over Alleged “LGBT Propaganda”Grindr Unwrapped 2025 Reveals Global Queer TrendsNeil Patrick Harris to Host Netflix’s Chaotic New Game Show ‘What’s in the Box?’  Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Please complete our audience survey. It helps me learn more about you and what you like most about this show. I am always looking for ways to improve our content/podcast/show. http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=0qI0Tj7TBKvS&ver=standard Biden to Receive Top LGBTQ+ Leadership HonorJay Lee Murder Case Ends in 40-Year SentenceDenver LGBTQ+ Youth Center YouthSeen Closes After TheftMariah Carey & GLAAD Fundraise for Trans Media RepresentationDr. Daskalakis Escalates Criticism of RFK Jr.’s HHS LeadershipSarah Paulson Celebrated with Hollywood Walk of Fame StarLyas Medini Stuns Public with Nude Look at Fashion AwardsProvincetown’s Crown & Anchor Relaunches as The Tryst“Heated Rivalry” Creator Rejects Questions About Actors’ SexualityWH Press Secretary Mocked Over Fake News RemarksTrump Defends Ableist, Racist Posts About Gov. WalzBeloved LGBTQ+ Creator Scott Finn Dies at 27Irish Woman Comes Out as Bisexual at Age 5884-Year-Old Wrestler Breaks Global Record Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.