I'm Feeling Queer Today!

Welcome back to a very special bonus episode of IFQT! where we’re going international!  In season 3, we took a queer road trip all around the U.S. to answer a big question: what is it like to be an LGBTQ+ person where you live? Today, we’re taking a flight to South Africa with the help of our friends at the Radio Workshop podcast. We hear from Noks Simelane, a young trans man in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa who knew who he was at a young age, even when he didn’t have the words to describe it. Trans YouTubers opened up Noks’ world, but most were white and American. Listen to how Noks started his YouTube channel, created the trans South African representation he wished he had, and how viewers from all around the world tuned in and cheered him on. This episode with Noks Simelane, entitled “Here We Are,” was originally published on December 6, 2022 on the Radio Workshop podcast. With permission from Radio Workshop, we are excited to share this impactful episode with our listeners.⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. ⏱️ TIME STAMPS:0:00 “True Pride” poem by Stellan Knowles4:00 Host Intro w Sam Smalls Jr.5:27 Radio Workshop intro 16:52 Outro, credits & gratitude📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcastWe want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/AjlqaD4pqjw 🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to a very special bonus episode of IFQT! Earlier this season, we heard from queer youth in Utah about what it’s like to navigate faith and queer identity within the LDS Mormon community. To continue that conversation, we’re sharing an episode from our friend Persis Abraham’s podcast Room For Us, featuring therapist and theologian Ann Russo. Ann incorporates a Master’s in Theology into her social work practice to help people heal from religious trauma. In this episode, she talks about her own experiences with faith, growing up in a queer household, attending an ex-gay conference, and AMR, the evidence-based approach she’s developed to overcome religious trauma. This interview with Ann was originally published on July 17, 2025 by our friend Persis Abraham on her podcast, Room For Us. With permission from Persis, we are excited to share this impactful episode with our listeners. Hosted by Hannie Saba.⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. ⏱️ TIME STAMPS:0:48 Host, Hannie welcome3:19 Persis introduces Ann Russo4:31 Growing up in queer 80s household15:59 Common queer mental health challenges18:30 Did Ann grow up religious?20:00 Attending queer conversion conference 35:00 Trauma informed care41:16 Training professionals on queer inclusion46:48 Religious institutional harm51:16 Taking care of yourself54:30 Advice to Ann’s younger self56:28 Message to queer folks feeling isolated 58:00 Outro, credits & gratitude📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcastWe want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/zuwFGyGZBxy 🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s part two of our visit to Albert Einstein Academy (AEA), Northeast Ohio’s first LGBTQ+ affirming high school. In this bonus episode of I’m Feeling Queer Today!, we return to Ohio on our queer roadtrip around the country. You’ll hear a roundtable discussion with the trans students at AEA, a brand new segment called “Representation: Putting The Me in Media,” and some original writing. Plus, an intergenerational conversation between one of our episode hosts and his uncle and grandmother, discussing how they each learned about queerness. We suggest listening to Part 1 of this episode first.⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. ⏱️ TIME STAMPS:0:41 Intro0:48 Hosts introduce episode2:15 Trans students: What’s it like attending LGBTQ+ affirming school5:12 Representation: Putting the ME in Media12:40 Caiden & Grandma & Uncle: Intergenerational queer discoveries17:33 Animal Love20:25 “To My Friend” - poem by Oliver21:42 “Ohren” - poem by Bonnie22:43 Outro, credits & gratitude📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcastWe want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/hetJaxo2xxV 🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode of IFQT!, we’re back in Ohio—this time just outside Cleveland—at Albert Einstein Academy (AEA), Northeast Ohio’s first LGBTQ+ affirming public high school. Even in the face of hostile legislation, AEA’s community stands strong, making space to process new house bills together in real time. Hear from co-founder and superintendent Kristen Thomas on how the school began, join a roundtable on gender-affirming care, and listen to students share original poetry and messages of hope for queer youth to come. This is Part 1 of 2 from our visit to Albert Einstein Academy.📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcastWe want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. ⏱️ TIME STAMPS:0:41 Host intro about AEA1:38 HB68 update & reactions3:33 ⚠️ AEA co-founder Kristen Thomas interview w/ Trudy Poux (⚠️ CW: suicide)12:30 “The Moth” original poem by Leo13:24 Roundtable on “gender-affirming care”24:52 Message for next generation of young queers27:46 Outro, credits & gratitude💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/PAlY49MvQKG 🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this very special bonus episode of IFQT, we’re heading back to the place where Season 3 began: Spartanburg, South Carolina! We sat down with Stela Prado-Garrett and her mom, Dani, to talk about what it was like for Stela to come out to her family. Plus, how Dani’s untraditional Southern upbringing impacted her reaction, and why she thinks God has a sense of humor. To meet even more folks from the queer community in Spartanburg, check out Episodes 1 and 2 of Season 3.⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. ⏱️ TIME STAMPS:1:00 Intro w Host Hannie1:27 📞Speakpipe Debut! Listener call-in2:33 Stella and her mom, Dani11:04 Outro, Credits & Gratitude💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/SYd2lg9xrjh 📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcastWe want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re closing out our big queer roadtrip by taking you to the gayest town in America: Provincetown! 🌈In our season finale, we travel to Cape Cod, a peninsula off the southeast part of Massachusetts. You’ll meet some friendly folks who call Cape Cod their home year round. Plus, we’ll introduce you to The Summer of Sass, a local non-profit providing queer youth ages 18-20 the opportunity to spend the summer living and working in Provincetown. Find out why this place is a dream destination for the LGBTQ+ community and the ways that Ptown still needs to grow in order to become a truly intersectional queer utopia. This podcast episode was developed last summer through a workshop at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, MA.📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcastWe want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. ⏱️ TIME STAMPS:0:00 Intro w Hosts Lily & Trinity2:43 Intro to P-Town w Hazel - 14 yo local 6:59 Intro to SASS w Kristen Becker, Founder and Director9:48 House of SASS tour 12:15 Kristen Becker21:41 Ad: The Queer Family Podcast22:55 “Bird Bath” short story by Robby Piper29:20 Cody interviews Patience “growing up summer-camping on the Cape”35:58 Messages for Queer Youth from Ptowners38:52 Outro, Credits & Gratitude💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/w28n3MP1aLh🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s part two of our visit to Columbus, Ohio and we’re back with the queers at the Kaleidoscope Youth Center (KYC), the largest and longest-standing organization in Ohio solely dedicated to serving and supporting LGBTQIA+ youth since 1994. Today’s episode is an ode to special interests: from Dungeons and Dragons to Monster High dolls; from a queer tarot deck to a guitar named Sasha. The youth at KYC show us that our favorite things and hobbies can be portals to exploring and accepting who we are. We suggest listening to Part 1 of this episode first. 📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcastWe want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. ⏱️ TIME STAMPS:0:55 Intro w Hosts Ky & Trudy2:34 Felix’s Advice Column: Queer solutions to losing things5:19 Felix’s Advice Column: Transmasc style tips8:03 Queer Crushes: Nate & Kai10:37 Ad: The Queer Family Podcast11:40 Queer & Tell: Nate’s ukelele14:00 Queer & Tell: Felix’s queer tarot 16:42 Queer & Tell: Blaine’s guitar18:04 DnD interview w Kyros24:57 Outro, Credits & Gratitude🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve made it to the fourth stop on our queer roadtrip: Columbus, OH! In this episode, you’ll meet the queer youth at the Kaleidoscope Youth Center (KYC), the largest and longest-standing organization in Ohio solely dedicated to serving and supporting LGBTQIA+ youth since 1994. You’ll hear directly from the members of KYC’s Summer Institute, a paid program for queer youth to develop as leaders and build community. Learn what it’s really like to be a queer young person living in a “cornfield state.” Plus, an interview between a KYC regular and the center’s Civic Engagement and Advocacy Manager. This is Part 1 of 2 of our visit to Columbus, Ohio.📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast#s3e7We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. ⏱️ TIME STAMPS:0:55 Intro w Hosts Ky & Trudy1:56 Hosts introduce KYC3:19 Youth Random Roundtable7:52 Queer in the Cornfield State9:47 Kaleidoscope Youth Center, an audio tour11:27 Kyros on Growing Up Queer14:55 Politics & Pride w Nate & Mallory25:23 Outro, Credits & Gratitude💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/qJVK8Hwecg3 🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s part two of our visit to Philadelphia, PA and we’re back with the queer youth actors, theater makers, visual artists, and filmmakers at The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA.) You’ll hear original writing about what it’s like being a trans woman in Philly from two of CAPA’s artists. Then, an original poem written by a young trans actor about his experience as a first generation American born to parents who grew up in the Soviet Union. Finally, the CAPA GSA imagines themselves as queer ancestors, and offer messages of hope to the next generation. We suggest listening to Part 1 of this episode first.📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast#s3e6We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. ⏱️ TIME STAMPS:0:00 Intro w Hosts Josephine & Eden1:43 Sam’s Poem: “First”3:55 Sam on getting involved, activism and what trans women want7:29 Brooklyn’s Poem: “The Day I Spoke With Death” ⚠️CW: death, unaliving, suicide themes8:51 Brooklyn on her influences, death  9:35 Midge Poem: “Golubój”13:40 Midge post-poem interview15:29 “I Am An Ancestor Medley” — a message to the people who come after us19:33 Outro, Credits & Gratitude💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/Ipx8a5DyJxC 🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the third stop on our queer roadtrip, Philadelphia, PA! Go Birds! 🦅In this episode, we meet the queer youth actors, theater makers, visual artists, and filmmakers at The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA.) You’ll hear from queer CAPA students in a roundtable discussion about life in Philadelphia at an arts high school. Then, you will hear some original writing from members of CAPA’s theater program and GSA. Finally, we go back into the (costume) closet with a CAPA theater major who has been out as queer since he was nine years old. This is Part 1 of 2 of our visit to Philadelphia, PA. 📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast#s3e5We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. ⏱️ TIME STAMPS:0:00 Intro w Hosts Josephine & Eden1:11 Introducing CAPA 2:55 Roundtable: Queer Life at School & In Philly11:48 Ad: The Queer Family Podcast12:55 Lonnie’s Poem: “Happily Never After”14:02 Lonnie on writing 14:53 Lance & Trudy Talk Theater & Identity21:32 Kodi’s Poem: “She Put The Earrings Down”23:06 Outro, Credits & Gratitude💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/1j0p02Az7YM 🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Part Two of our visit to Provo, Utah and we’re back with the youth of the Encircle Provo house. This week, you’ll meet the superheros who keep the Encircle home up and running, including an assistant program director who’s queering ballroom dance. Plus, listen to a special interview with Encircle BFFs and episode hosts, Peter and Maru, and sit in on a Youth Friendship Circle, a signature Encircle offering that puts the home’s motto, “No Sides, Only Love,” into action. We suggest listening to Part 1 of this episode first.⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. ⏱️ TIME STAMPS:0:00 Intro w Hosts Peter & Siri/Maru3:06 Meet Adults of Encircle: Eryn, Chris, Shem & Macey10:30 Friendship Circle16:03 bffs Maru & Moon on “growing up queer in Provo?”25:13 Queering Competitive Ballroom w Chris27:09 Messages to the Next Gen of Queer Youth in UT29:00 Outro, Credits & Gratitude💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/cm9Na2v2gZd 📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → http://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →IFQT! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the 2nd stop on our queer road trip across the United States: Provo, Utah. In this episode, we’re visiting the home of Encircle Provo, a dedicated drop-in space for queer youth where the motto is “No Sides, Only Love.” With 42% of Utah’s population self-identifying as members of the Church of Latter-day Saints, the queer youth of Encircle have a wide range of experiences when it comes to “The Church.” Listen to original poetry from Encircle’s Writing Night, hear from someone balancing their transness with their faith, and find out how this queer community comes together, religious differences and all. This is Part 1 of 2 of our visit to Provo, Utah.⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. ⏱️ TIME STAMPS:00:00 Intro w hosts Maru & Peter01:44 Being Queer in Mormon Country03:00 LDS Tensions04:41 Finding Faith & Safety: ENCIRCLE as Sacred Space  10:37 Cal’s Share from “Writing Night”12:03 Damon’s Share from “Writing Night”14:06 Names, Faith & Family19:41 Outro, Credits & Gratitude💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/A3UZaPiZ3P2 📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → http://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →http://speakpipe.com/ifqt🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Part 2 of our visit to Spartanburg, South Carolina and we’re back with the youth of Uplift Outreach Center to hear their coming out stories, secret crushes, and messages of hope for the future. Plus, they share their thoughts on the passing of House Bill 4624, which bans gender affirming care for minors across the state. If you’re just joining us, welcome to our queer road trip across the country! We suggest listening to Part 1 of this episode first.⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. ⏱️ TIME STAMPS:01:15 Intro & Welcome to Part 202:35 Find your identity in the LGBTQIA+ Wiki w Valentine  05:26 Queer Crushes7:28 Coming Out stories 12:04 CW⚠️ transphobia & violence12:20 Youth React to SC Bill H4624 (Gender-Affirming Care Ban)  15:10 How Do You Express & Explore Your Queerness?18:16 Ray’s “kinda crappy” Coming Out Story22:15 Finding Belonging & Safety at UPLIFT  23:00 Messages of Hope for Queer Youth of the Future24:30 Outro, Credits & Gratitude25:26 Crisis Resources💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/DOpbRTAMSLF 📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → http://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box → I’m Feeling Queer Today! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Season 3 and the first stop on our queer road trip: Spartanburg, South Carolina. In this episode, you’ll meet the youth at Uplift Outreach Center, an LGBTQ+ safe space behind a baptist church and the only center in the area dedicated to serving queer youth. Find out why folks come from all across the region (“The Upstate”) to spend time at Uplift, take a tour of the center’s gender-affirming free clothing closet, bake dinosaur brownies with the Uplift Program Director, and hear directly from the hearts + minds of young people in the region. This is Part 1 of 2 of our visit to Spartanburg, South Carolina. ⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS:Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. ⏱️ TIME STAMPS:0:53 Intro & Welcome to Season 301:00 Inside the UPLIFT Outreach Center05:00 Youth Speak: Identity, Safety & Everyday Reality09:00 Holding Joy & Building Community in the South14:07 Ad: The Queer Family Podcast15:14 Coming Out, Family Tension & Staying True18:02 Baking Brownies w Jodi, UPLIFT’s program director 25:15 Outro, Credits & Gratitude💬 TRANSCRIPT: https://share.descript.com/view/nnAy4Lah4pm📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:Visit our site for full show notes on local queer info, history, and additional resources mentioned in this episode → http://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box → I’m Feeling Queer Today! Speakpipe - http://speakpipe.com/ifqt🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Season 3 we're going on a queer road trip around the U.S. to answer a big question: What is it like to be an LGBTQ+ person where you live? So buckle your seatbelts–we’re speaking directly to the queer young people in five different U.S. cities: An LGBTQ+ youth center in the basement of a Baptist church in Spartanburg, South Carolina; a home for religious and secular queers alike in Provo, Utah; a high school for the performing arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; the Northern tip of Cape Cod where it’s pride month year round in Provincetown, Massachusetts; and a center opening its doors to the queer youth of Columbus, Ohio since 1994. Forget everything you think you know about these cities and towns, and get ready to hear from the LGBTQ+ youth who call these places home.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our second bonus episode of Season 2, we’re sitting down with the creatives behind the Mount Holyoke College (MHC) production of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. IFQT! producer, host, and the MHC Much Ado About Nothing Assistant Director, Lily Mueller (they/she/he), leads us in a roundtable discussion with this uniquely queer, trans, and neurodiverse cast, crew, and creative team. In this episode, you’ll hear these artists talk about their experiences working on this production, queering the arts, the importance of theater, and some of their visions for a perfect future. As Talia Pott, the production’s director, says, “We can use our voices as young people and our gifts as artists…to share our voice and our humanity out into the world…We are here and we’re not going to go anywhere.” THE MUCH ADO ROUNDTABLE PARTICIPANTSTalia Pott (she/they) Director Izzy Messina (they/he) Beatrice Charlie Watts (she/they) Dogberry, Don John, and UrsulaLily Mueller (they/she/he) Assistant Director ⚠️Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. ⏱️TIME STAMPS:1:21 Introducing the roundtable3:34 Brief synopsis of Much Ado About Nothing 5:30 On queering a "heterosexual" play7:08 Don John is queer-coded9:19 Transmasc Beatrice11:00 The power of theater & experiences being in a mostly trans+neurodiverse cast & crew14:50 Experiences as a queer neurodiverse actor15:54 Costuming flowers17:49 Future theater dreams, w/ unlimited resources 20:55 Lily about their first-time directing experience22:06 Julie Novak tribute📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:MHC Much Ado About Nothing on IG: https://www.instagram.com/muchadomhc/For more about the roundtable participants and other links visit our site→ https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast#s2episode-8🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386🫶 CREDITS:IFQT! is produced by The Future Perfect Project with support from Radio Kingston, WKNY, Kingston, New York. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Periodically, the crew at I'm Feeling Queer Today! will share episodes from like-minded podcasts that they love. IFQT! producer and host, Claire Florence, presents today’s feed swap with The Bi Pod: a podcast on all things bisexual, hosted by Evan Chelsee (they/them) and Christina Brown (she/her). In this episode of The Bipod, “Am I Queer Enough?,” you’ll hear from non-binary artist and writer, Flo Godineau (they/them). 🎧 ABOUT THE EPISODE: "Am I Queer Enough" [originally aired Feb 8, 2024]If you’re looking for the Queer DMV office so you can apply for your queer card and pay your membership dues, you’ve come to the right place!Just kidding, it’s free to be gay! On this week’s episode, we chat with Flo Godineau about what it means to be bisexual enough and nonbinary enough. We also talk about backcountry skiing (as a metaphor about dating), and how Smallville fanfiction can make you queer.Learn more about The Bi Pod: https://thebipod.com/Subscribe to The Bi Pod: https://pod.link/1549505970Follow The Bi Pod on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebipod/Support The Bi Pod on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebipod⚠️Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. ⏱️TIME STAMPS:01:45 Intro3:36 Welcome to The Bipod4:30 Introducing Bipod guest Flo5:58 Flo’s queer identity bi story7:07 Smallville12:00 Feeling “not queer enough?”17:44 Performing queerness24:04 Not feeling bisexual enough, aro-ace spectrum35:00 Dating vs romantic relationship38:00 On being nonbinary44:45 Bisexuality as an internal experience 🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386🫶 CREDITS:IFQT! is produced by The Future Perfect Project with support from Radio Kingston, WKNY, Kingston, New York. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our sixth and final episode of Season 2 explores what queerness can look like across the country: from a transmasculine artist and activist in Nashville, to a queer curriculum advocate in Massachusetts, and even folks from the trans community in rural Pennsylvania. Plus, a conversation with a young queer person in South Carolina who has spent most of their life living on the road. Hosted by Zorian Edwards (he/they) and Trudy Poux (they/them).⚠️CONTENT WARNINGS:Mention of assassination and violence against Black peopleMentions of anti-trans bills and rhetoricPlease note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project⏱️TIME STAMPS:0:00 Evan, 17: Finding community0:46 Meet the hosts: Zorian & Trudy1:45 Fiona, curriculum changes, CT7:40 Zorian highschool activism, PA8:15 Zorian and Neo (they/them) PA15:12 PA updates since this convo18:00 Moving south18:42 Introducing Evan of Memphis, TN20:34 Getting politically involved in TN22:24 Host reflections23:00 Jaye,16 living on the road28:10 Host reflections28:51 “From Here to Now” poem by Evan31:44 🎙️Online voice message box at speakpipe32:00 Crisis resources📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:We've compiled a long list of show notes, resources related to this episode. See below for a sneak peek of the list. For full show notes, resources, links→ https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast#s2episode-6Anti-trans bill trackers.The U.S. Department of Health and Human ServicesOUTMemphis - Memphis, TNUplift LGBTQ+ Outreach Center - Spartanburg, GAWe want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →http://speakpipe.com/ifqt🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386🫶 CREDITS:IFQT! is produced by The Future Perfect Project with support from Radio Kingston, WKNY, Kingston, New York. This episode was produced by Trudy Poux and Zorian Edwards, with special thanks to guests Lily, Evan, Fiona, Neo, and Jaye. Our theme song was composed and performed by Alex Masse and produced by Emma Jayne Seslowsky. Additional music composed by Alex Masse & Epidemic Sound. Episode mixing and mastering by Julie Novak with assistance from Emma Jayne Seslowsky. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our fifth episode of Season 2 is a celebration of LGBTQIA+ authenticity! You’ll hear from a neurodivergent poet, scholar Dr. Joy Ellison on the history of queer disabled folks, another “Queer Crushes” segment, and a hopeful declaration of neurodivergent life. Plus, one queer youth tells the story of their coming out and what it’s like to navigate daily life as a conjoined twin. Hosted by Alex Masse (they/them) and Lily Mueller (they/she/he).⚠️CONTENT WARNINGS:Anti-trans languageDiscussions of violence against transgender, gender nonconforming, and queer peopleDiscussions of enslavement in the U.SDiscussions of lynching and violence against Black people, Indigenous people, and people of colorDiscussions of ableist rhetoricPlease note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project⏱️TIME STAMPS:0:05 Kodi: “A Letter to Queer Youth in the Future”1:31 Meet Alex & Lily3:42 Queer Youth Animated: Nestie’s story6:00 Hosts discuss Nestie's segment 7:03 Dr. Joy Ellison on “Trans histories in the midwest”13:10 Dr. Joy Ellison on building coalitions14:19 Intersection of disabilities and queer studies18:16 Optimistic hope for the world to come24:30 Queer Crushes: Lily26:55 Original piece written & scored by Alex Masse28:28🎙️Online voice message box at speakpipe28:52 Crisis resources📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:We've compiled a fascinating list of show notes, resources related to this episode. See below for a sneak peek of the list. For the full list of links visit→ Learn more about the work of Dr. Joy Michael Ellison!What is “ableism?” What is “transmedicalism?”What is a “TERF?”What is “eugenics?”We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →http://speakpipe.com/ifqtFor show notes, resources, links on our site→ https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast#s2episode-5🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386🫶 CREDITS:IFQT! is produced by The Future Perfect Project with support from Radio Kingston, WKNY, Kingston, New York. This episode was produced by Alex Masse and Lily Mueller. Special thanks to Dr. Joy Ellison for their interview and to Kodi and Nestie for sharing their original work. Our theme song was composed and performed by Alex Masse and produced by Emma Jayne Seslowsky. Additional music composed by Alex Masse and Epidemic Sound. Episode mixing and mastering by Julie Novak with assistance from Emma Jayne Seslowsky. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Transmasc Roundtable, featuring IFQT producers, Ari, Wallace, Lily, and Frankie. In this episode, these queer young people discuss what the trans masculine experience means to them. Plus, original poetry from a trans writer about finding home. Hosted by Eric Eubank (they/them) and Lily Mueller (they/she/he). Part 2 of 2.⚠️Content warnings:Mentions of scars.Mentions of drowning. Brief discussion of eating disorders. Discussion of beauty standards. Discussion of gender dysphoria. Mention of microaggressions. Please note that some resources may contain triggering content and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of, or the definitions used by, The Future Perfect Project. ⏱️TIME STAMPS:0:06 “Home at Last”, by Stellan Knowles3:33 Defining transmasc4:00 IFQT! Transmasc Roundtable   5:27 Are the labels “femme and masc” reductive?   9:02 How has your trans-ness been affected by the beauty standard?   11:21 “You would be so pretty if you JUST…”16:14 🎙️Online voice message box at speakpipe16:30 Crisis resources📝 RESOURCES/SHOW NOTES:We want to hear from you! Send a voice note to our online voice message box →http://speakpipe.com/ifqtLearn more about:What does “transmasc” mean?What is “autism?”What is “white supremacy?”What does it mean to be “able-bodied?” What are “microaggressions?”What is “gender dysphoria?”For show notes, resources, links on our site→ https://thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast#s2episode-4🚨 CRISIS RESOURCES:If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+ specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386🫶 CREDITS:IFQT! is produced by The Future Perfect Project with support from Radio Kingston, WKNY, Kingston, New York. This episode was produced by Eric Eubank and Lily Mueller. Special thanks to guest Stellan Knowles and to roundtable participants Ari, Wallace, Lily, and Frankie. Our theme song was composed and performed by Alex Masse and produced by Emma Jayne Seslowsky. Additional music composed by Alex Masse and Epidemic Sound. Episode mixing and mastering by Julie Novak with assistance from Emma Jayne Seslowsky. Additional thanks to the IFQT! production team Alex Masse, Claire Florence, Trudy Poux, Zorian Edwards, Sam Smalls, and Soniamiya Blanco. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.