Brittney Griner’s home debut in 585 days, Chicago’s got the queerest city council, Red states pass more anti-trans legislation, a Texas lesbian bar is denied insurance, and Hayley Kiyoko stands up for drag queens in Nashville – Monday, May 22, 2023

Now for the news. Our top story is Brittney Griner. She played in her first home regular season game just yesterday. In politics. What city has the most LGBTQ representation on its city council? Do you know? That’s right, it’s Chicago. I was there to witness them being sworn in and I want to share my experience with you. Yes ,I have more Florida anti-trans legislation to share and its conspirator states have been busy too. In culture, a long standing Texas bar is denied insurance because they’re seen as too big of a risk given the new anti-drag & anti-trans legislation in Texas. In entertainment, Hayley Kiyoko stands up for queer rights during her show against the warning given by an undercover Nashville police officer. For my Anna’s Got a word I talk about how Thursday we’ll be mourning the third anniversary of George Floyd’s murder. Lots to dig into today family. Let’s go! 

00:00 – Leave Queer News a voicemail for PRIDE 🌈, https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/12/a7mpvs34mswsoo7e 

2:14 – Listen to the Lost & Found for Podcasters, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX4ILbD41eQ&list=PLQIXw-_m5vNeQ2XjMPJZj7qYpkpAOhvPs 

2:54 – Top News Stories

4:06 – Intro Music by Aina Bre’Yon

4:46 – Brittney Griner’s home debut in 585 days

6:34 – Chicago’s got the queerest city council

11:04 – Red states pass more anti-trans legislation

13:06 – Buy a Queer News Ad Spot, https://bit.ly/SponsorQueerNews 

13:44 – Subscribe to Rebound Revolution, https://pod.link/reboundrev 

15:03 – a Texas bar is denied insurance

17:03 – Hayley Kiyoko stands up for drag queens in Nashville 

18:55 – Anna’s Word

20:41 – Outro

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The Blog Post by Chat GPT

In this week’s episode of the queer news podcast, hosted by your favorite queer radio personality Anna DeShawn, listeners are treated to a collection of stories that embody pride, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. As Pride Month draws near, Anna encourages her audience to actively engage with the podcast, creating a platform for open dialogue and connection. Let’s explore the top stories covered in this episode, celebrating the strength and magic of the queer community.

Brittney Griner’s Return: After a hiatus lasting 585 days, BG (Brittney Griner) makes a triumphant comeback to the Phoenix Mercury court for a regular season game. Anna enthusiastically shares the exhilaration and emotions surrounding Brittney Griner’s remarkable return. She recounts the electric atmosphere as the WNBA player takes the court, delivering an outstanding performance. Additionally, Anna highlights the heartwarming moment when BG’s wife, Charelle, embraces her after the game, a beautiful display of love and support.

Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Inclusive City Council: The spotlight turns to Chicago’s city council, celebrated as a beacon of LGBTQ+ representation. Anna reflects on her experience attending the swearing-in ceremony of Chicago’s elected city officials, including the new mayor, Brandon Johnson. With an engaging interview featuring Alderwoman Maria Hadden from the 49th ward, Anna emphasizes the significance of LGBTQ+ representation in politics and draws parallels to trailblazers like John Lewis.

Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation in Florida, Texas, and Nebraska: Anna sheds light on the alarming wave of anti-trans legislation sweeping across the United States. Governor DeSantis of Florida signs new laws restricting gender-affirming care for minors and implementing bans on drag shows and inclusive pronoun use in schools. Similarly, Texas and Nebraska have enacted legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Anna highlights the urgent need to resist erasure and protect the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Pearl Bar Houston: Battling Discrimination: Julie Mabry, the founder of Pearl Bar Houston, finds herself confronting discrimination as her lesbian bar is denied insurance coverage due to discriminatory laws in Texas. Anna underscores the importance of supporting LGBTQ+-owned establishments and brings attention to the devastating consequences of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. She emphasizes the need to stand against erasure and foster inclusivity within society.

Hayley Kiyoko’s Stand for Queer Rights: Anna shares the inspiring story of Hayley Kiyoko, an openly queer singer, and her defiance in the face of adversity. Hayley recounts an encounter with an undercover police officer in Nashville who discouraged her from featuring drag queens in her show. Unfazed, Hayley bravely shares the experience with her fans and proceeds with the performance, ensuring a safe space for all attendees. Anna amplifies Hayley’s message of unity and the importance of self-expression, highlighting the significance of creating inclusive environments.

Honoring George Floyd’s Legacy: As the third anniversary of George Floyd’s murder approaches, Anna pays homage to his family’s resilience and dedication to bringing light to their community. The Ward 8 community benevolence fund, initiated by the Floyd family, aims to support local businesses and instill hope in the neighborhood where George tragically lost his life. Anna underscores the power of resilience and the ability to effect positive change.

In this poignant episode of the queer news podcast, Anna DeShawn celebrates the upcoming Pride Month by sharing stories that embody pride, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. From the inspiring return of Brittney Griner to the fight against discriminatory legislation, the podcast underscores the importance of unity and activism in sports.

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Transcript

Family, it’s your favorite queer radio personality Anna DeShawn and it’s almost pride. Yes you heard me. It’s almost pride and yes this isn’t the normal intro so tap cack in and don’t fast forward this part. I want to talk for a quick second.

Can I share something? I want to get to know y’all better. Podcasting can really be such a one way medium unless you are being incredibly intentional for it not to be. This is me being incredibly intentional. I’ve head positive things from podcasters whose listeners leave them voicemails and I want us to try it out. Let me tell you what I have in mind. 

Nearly everywhere I go folks say “Family” back to me and it warms my heart. In leading up to pride I’d love you to tell me why you love being “Family”. Tell us why you love being queer or an ally or a comrade to the LGBTQ community. I want to share them during pride and remind us why we are magical humans who are beautifully and wonderfully made.

The script goes, “I’m family and I love us because… you fill in the blank. Because we’re beautiful and fierce. Because all are welcome. Because we refuse to go back in the closet. Got it? Cool. So you already know a link to leave us a voicemail is in the show notes. I really hope to hear from you. Yes you. I want to hear from you. 

Now, if you’re driving go ahead and make a mental note. If you’re at your computer go ahead and make a calendar reminder so you don’t forget. Alright let’s take a quick break for our sponsors we love so much. 

Welcome back & now for the news. Our top story is Brittney Griner. She played in her first home regular season game just yesterday. In politics. What city has the most LGBTQ representation on its city council? Do you know? That’s right, it’s Chicago. I was there to witness them being sworn in and I want to share my experience with you. Yes, I have more Florida anti-trans legislation to share and its conspirator states have been busy too. In culture, a long standing Texas bar is denied insurance because they’re seen as too big of a risk given the new anti-drag & anti-trans legislation in Texas. In entertainment, Hayley Kiyoko stands up for queer rights during her show against the warning given by an undercover Nashville police officer. For my Anna’s Got a word I talk about how Thursday we’ll be mourning the third anniversary of George Floyd’s murder. Lots to dig into today family. Let’s go! 

Family, the day finally came. BG back on the Phoenix Mercury court for a regular season game. This hadn’t happened in 585 days. The WNBA intro of BG had me all in my feelings. It was perfectly done. The roar of the crowd was next level. Then it was time for tip-off, BG wins it, they pass it to her, and she hits the shot, gets fouled and hits the free throw. Simple poetic. By the end of the game she racked up 27 points, 10 rebounds, & 4 blocks. She walked off the court into an embrace by her wife Charelle that made my queer heart smile. They were kissing and everything. I loved it. Now my re-engineered Chicago Sky took the win though but that’s not what this story is all about. It’s about BG. BG. Welcome back. 

In politics, last week I had the opportunity to attend the inauguration of Chicago’s elected city officials. The new mayor Brandon Johnson. Our treasure, city clerk and our 50 alders who represent our 77 neighborhoods. Our alders make up our city council and because of the great reporting by Jake at Block Club Chicago we know that our Chicago city council is the gayest city council in the country. I mean we are queerer than Palm Springs. That’s saying a lot. I had an opportunity to ask my friend and alderwoman Maria Hadden of our 49th ward how we got so queer. Hear what she had to say. I couldn’t have said better so I won’t but that is a word and reminds us that this isn’t new. This is how so many of the elected officials we honor started. John Lewis comes to mind, rite. I love this for us here in Chicago and for our midwest siblings who need an escape for a weekend or forever from our surrounding red states.  

I will also say that our first Black woman and lesbian mayor did not win re-election. We saw Lori Lightfoot graciously pass the power to our new mayor Brandon Johnson. We had the opportunity to see politics in action and let me tell you this inauguration was Black church wrapped up as a political event. There was African drumming, the one and only Karen Clark Sheard, and this type of energy. It was a pretty special moment to see our second Black man mayor be sworn in and our first Black first lady. His politics is one of inclusivity so we’ll be watching to see what it does over the next four years. 

In a little more political news, DeSantis has done it again. This time signing more anti-trans legislation into law. He is setting himself up to run for president in the battle for who can hate the most. That’s what it feels like. This time he signed into law new restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors, more about banning drag shows, telling folks which bathrooms they can use and mandates for educators on which pronouns can be used in school. Because of all this anti-lgbtq political climate in Florida Tampa Pride canceled their pride on the river event. Pride is open to people of all ages and with these laws pride activities could be shut down, sanctioned, fined, or worse. Now DeSantis’ co-conspirators in Texas & Nebraska have been busy too. 

The Texas attorney general Ken Paxton is actively investigating two hospitals for allegedly providing gender-affirming care. According to Paxton and Texas this is child abuse. Then in Nebraska their legislature passed a ban on gender-affirming care for people under 19. So I can serve this country at 18 but can’t decide if I want to transition? Make it make sense. 

Now is a good time for us to take a quick break and hear from a couple of our sponsors. We’ll be right back.

Welcome back family. Did that promo get you hyped? We deserve a WNBA podcast for us. Rebound Revolution is it. You need this in your life. I included a link in the show notes so you can subscribe. If you love basketball or you don’t I know you’ll be able to get into this pod. 

Now for our culture & entertainment news, let’s talk about this bar in Houston, Texas called Pearl Bar Houston. Founded by Julie Mabry in 2013, she recognized the need for a safe and welcoming space  that catered to Houston lesbians and the queer community. Having a bar for 10 years is quite an accomplishment and yet it was recently reported by NBC Out that she was denied insurance because her lesbian bar was too big of a risk given the new laws in place in Texas. They literally wrote, “We won’t write the risk”. You can’t have a bar without insurance. I can’t hold a one time event for 100 people without insurance. You have to be 21 to enter the bar anyway but yet here she is fighting for her livelihood. For her bar. There are only a couple dozen lesbian bars left in the country; this is just one of two in the big state of Texas. So, this is exactly what all this anti-lgbtq legislation is meant to do. Erase us & invoke so much fear in others that even if they are following these new hateful laws you still can’t get insurance coverage. God help us. Like that’s the whole prayer. God help us. 

You know last week my word was fight and this story embodies ALL of that. Hayley Kiyoko an out queer singer posted on IG that before her show in Nashville an undercover cop told her shouldn’t have drag queens join her on stage. It upset her so much she shared the experience with her fans. Well she took those tears and turned them into a whole lot of courage. She had already invited a couple of drag queens to join her and when they arrived she shared with them what happened but they showed no fear and wanted to go on with the show. Hayley posted that video too and you can hear all the cheers. In her video she said, “I find pride in making sure my concerts are safe places for ALL…How can I do that if we aren’t allowed to be ourselves, especially at a predominantly queer concert? We deserve to have a safe space to be ourselves while we navigate the evil that is threatening our own existence.” We couldn’t agree more. 

It’s that time of the pod where we end with a word of the day. Today’s word is “Light” and it’s dedicated to the family of George Floyd. His family will be mourning the third anniversary of his murder this week Thursday and the word that came to mind was “light”. Three years ago their light was snuffed out but because of their resilience to not give up they are giving light back to the neighborhood where George was murdered. They’ve started a fund to invest in the businesses that are in that hood. It’s called the Ward 8 community benevolence fund. The family donated half a million dollars to start it and are on the board alongside other community members. They have created a new light for people who need more of it. So family, I challenge you to bring light in places that need it. You may not have $500,000 but you know I believe in time, talent and treasure. Each are valuable. Find out where you can shine a bright light. Till next week family, peace. 

Sources

Chicago Is About To Have The Gayest City Council In The Country

https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/05/03/chicago-is-about-to-have-the-gayest-city-council-in-the-country/

DeSantis signs into law restrictions on trans Floridians’ access to treatments and bathrooms

https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/17/politics/desantis-signs-anti-trans-bill/index.html

Tampa Pride cancels Pride on the River event due to political climate

https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/things-to-do/2023/05/18/tampa-pride-river-canceled-desantis/

Paxton announces second investigation into Texas hospital over youth transgender healthcare

https://www.fox7austin.com/news/paxton-announces-second-investigation-into-texas-hospital-over-youth-transgender-healthcare

Texas AG to investigate Austin children’s hospital over transgender care for minors

https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/texas-ag-investigate-austin-childrens-hospital-transgender-care-minors-rcna82930

Nebraska legislature passes bill to restrict abortions at 12 weeks, gender-affirming care for those under 19

https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/19/politics/nebraska-abortion-gender-affirming-care/index.html

Texas lesbian bar denied insurance for hosting drag shows, owner says

https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/texas-lesbian-bar-denied-insurance-hosting-drag-shows-owner-says-rcna83954

Police Told Hayley Kiyoko She Couldn’t Bring Drag Queens On Stage in Nashville

https://www.them.us/story/hayley-kiyoko-tennessee-drag-nashville-show