PRIDE

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-healthGrab 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/danowildWatch Giants on Curiosity Stream: https://curiositystream.com/collections/183

Propeller is a community-supported social impact platform– the first of its kind. And they connect non-profit organizations, like the Human Rights Campaign, with artists, festivals, and events, to create marketing campaigns that combine activism with unforgettable experiences. Last year, in 2022 alone, Propeller had over 1.3 million registered users, raised $5 million and inspired 7.6 million actions for causes that matter. Look at what Aly & AJ did, raising over $100,000 for The Trevor Project and To Write Love On Her Arms during their spring headline tour. And Demi Lovato has partnered with Propeller twice to raise money and bring awareness to the organizations they love. Today, we’re talking with Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign, and Brandon Deros, Founder and CEO of Propeller, about how their collaboration is reshaping activism through art and social engagement.Learn more about the Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/Learn more about Propeller: https://www.propeller.la/From Straw Hut Media

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/alionsfearFrom 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.From Straw 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 anddiversity, 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 foran 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.herrinLearn 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.pdfBrought 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 AstonDerrick RumpKelly LovingAshley PaughRaymond VanceProduced 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