Ashley Burton’s murderer is found, Brittney Griner harassed in the Dallas Airport, Queers get a win in Florida, the Human Rights Campaign declares a state of emergency, J. Harrison and Alex Newell make history at the Tony’s & The Ultimatum- Monday, June 12, 2023

Now for the news. There is so much to dig into today. We have an update on the murder of Ashley Burton. Brittney Griner and her teammates were harassed in the Dallas airport. A judge in Florida has granted an injunction so trans folks can continue receiving gender-affirming care. HRC declares a state of emergency for LGBTQ folks and history is made at the Tony’s when J. Harrison & Alex Newell became the first nonbinary performers to win a Tony. And how in the world could I end this episode without talking about The Ultimatum.  Let’s go! 

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

1:04 – Donate to the Chicago Independent Media Alliance, https://indiemediachi.org/donate/?ref=42  

2:34 – Top News Stories

3:27 – Intro Music by Aina Bre’Yon

4:07 – Ashley Burton’s murderer is found

5:03 – Brittney Griner harassed in the Dallas Airport

8:37 – A Florida judge grants injunction so trans folks can continue receiving care

10:34 – Subscribe to Rebound Revolution, https://pod.link/reboundrev 

11:07 – Lipstick & Lace White Party Ad, Follow them here, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068303690277 

11:57 – The Human Rights Campaign declares a state of emergency

14:47 – J. Harrison and Alex Newell make history at the Tony’s 

16:13 – The Ultimatum: Queer love is just messy enough

17:55 – Anna’s Word

19:41 – Outro

Things for you to check out

Support the Chicago Independent Media Alliance

Press Release about Florida Win for Queer Rights

https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/federal-court-halts-enforcement-of-florida-transgender-health-ban-against-challengers

Leave Queer News a voicemail for PRIDE 🌈

Listen & Subscribe to Rebound Revolution

Watch the full interview

Tre’vell Anderson talks Black Trans Life in TV & Film with Anna DeShawn

Order Tre’vell’s Book Today!

Queer News Pride Specials – Get You An Ad Today

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The Blog Post by Chat GPT

Greetings, beloved family! It’s your favorite queer radio personality, Anna DeShawn, and I am thrilled to wish you a very happy Pride Month. Throughout this month, I want to hear from each and every one of you. Share with us why you love being queer, why you embrace being an ally or a comrade to the LGBTQ+ community. Let us come together and celebrate our magic as beautifully and wonderfully made humans. Don’t forget to check the show notes for a link where you can leave us a voicemail. I truly hope to hear from all of you.

Now, before we dive into the exciting news of the day, I want to make sure you mark your calendars or make a mental note. If you’re driving, remember to come back to this later. If you’re at your computer, set a calendar reminder, so you don’t miss out. Alright, let’s take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate our incredible sponsors who make this podcast possible. We love them dearly.

Top Stories: Ashley Burton’s Murder Update & Brittney Griner’s Harassment Incident Today, we have two major stories that deserve our attention. First, let’s start with an update on the tragic murder of Ashley Burton, a Black trans woman whose life was taken from us too soon. You might recall me reporting on her story in our April 17th episode. Recently, the Atlanta police made progress in the case by booking and charging Darius Mills with armed robbery and murder. We continue to follow this story closely, hoping that justice brings some solace to Ashley’s grieving family.

Moving on to another distressing incident, we turn our attention to Brittney Griner and her teammates from the Phoenix Mercury. During their journey through the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, they faced harassment that no one should ever endure. Alex Stein, a Blaze Media YouTube personality, decided to confront them, pushing his right-wing beliefs and invading their privacy. This incident sheds light on the urgent need for improved safety measures and support for players in the WNBA. While the league has made strides in providing chartered flights for certain games, incidents like these remind us of the work that still needs to be done to ensure player well-being.

A Victory for Trans Rights in Florida: Now, let’s shift our focus to a positive development in the realm of trans rights. Judge Robert Hinkle in Florida has granted a preliminary injunction against a ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth. This is a significant win for the community as the judge recognized that denying access to hormones and other treatments would cause irreparable harm to trans individuals. While the fight is far from over, this ruling allows trans folks in Florida to continue receiving the care they need during the ongoing legal process.

HRC’s Declaration of a State of Emergency: In response to the alarming rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the United States, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has taken an unprecedented step by declaring a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans. This declaration comes after the enactment of over 75 anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ+ bills this year alone, more than double the number from the previous year. HRC’s report, titled “LGBTQ+ Americans Under Attack,” exposes the discriminatory nature of these laws and highlights their detrimental impact on LGBTQ+ individuals and families. It’s crucial for all of us to recognize the gravity of this moment and commit ourselves to fight for freedom and equality.

Celebrating Nonbinary Representation in Entertainment: Now, let’s celebrate a historic moment in the entertainment industry. J. Harrison and Alex Newell have made history by becoming the first nonbinary individuals to be nominated for and win Tony Awards. J. Harrison won the award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for their role in “Some Like it Hot,” while Alex Newell won Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for their extraordinary performance in “Shucked.” These victories mark a significant step toward greater inclusion and representation of nonbinary individuals in the performing arts, paving the way for more diverse storytelling and opportunities.

“The Ultimatum: Queer Love” on Netflix: Before we wrap up today’s episode, I have to mention the popular Netflix show, “The Ultimatum: Queer Love.” This captivating reality series takes us on a rollercoaster ride as queer couples navigate the challenges of giving ultimatums and temporarily swapping partners. While the show certainly has its fair share of drama, it also provides a platform for queer representation and visibility, further expanding the range of LGBTQ+ stories told on screen.

Conclusion: As we come to the end of this week’s podcast episode, I want to leave you with the words of adrienne maree brown: “Every day we are given the option of love.” Pride Month serves as a powerful reminder for us to choose love and joy in our lives. We celebrate the victories, stand united against injustice, and honor the resilience of those who have faced adversity. Remember to share your stories with us, as we continue to uplift and amplify the voices and experiences of our beloved community. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes throughout this Pride Month. Until next time, keep shining and loving fiercely.

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Transcript

Family, it’s your favorite queer radio personality Anna DeShawn and it’s pride. Happy freaking pride month. This month I want to hear from you. Tell us why you love being queer. Why you love being an ally or a comrade to the LGBTQ community. I want to share them this month and remind us why we are magical humans who are beautifully and wonderfully made.

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. 

Now for the news. There is so much to dig into today. We have an update on the murder of Ashley Burton. Brittney Griner and her teammates were harassed in the Dallas airport. A judge in Florida has granted an injunction so trans folks can continue receiving gender-affirming care. HRC declares a state of emergency for LGBTQ folks. J. Harrison & Alex Newell are the first nonbinary individuals nominated for Tonys and how can I end this episode without talking about The Ultimatum. Let’s go! 

Family, we have two top stories today. I’ve never done this before but it was necessary. First, we start with an update on Ashley Burton. Maybe you remember Ashley’s story. I reported about her tragic murder back In our April 17th episode. Ashley was a Black trans woman who was found tragically murdered outside of her apartment complex in Atlanta. According to her cousin Ivory, Ashley was a talented hairstylist and aspiring makeup artist who had recently relocated to Atlanta to grow her career. This past week Atlanta police booked and charged Darius Mills with armed robbery and murder. We will keep following the story and I do hope this gives her family a little peace. 

Our next top story is about Brittney Griner and the harassment she faced alongside her Phoenix Mercury teammates on Saturday going through the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. The team was headed to Indiana when Alex Stein, a Blaze Media YouTube personality, decided to turn on his phone and do what he does. He’s known for confronting politicians, yelling questions, pushing his right wing beliefs, and posting on social. Well that’s what he did on Saturday. I posted the video on TikTok & IG if you want to check it out. Prior to the season started lots of folks predicted this would happen. The league and the Phoenix Mercury have a plan in place. BG has been approved to fly chartered flights but she wasn’t on one that day. I bet she hasn’t been on one all season. I can’t tell if it’s because she’s such a team player and doesn’t want to be treated differently or if it’s because Mercury can’t afford it. 

Briana Turner, one of BG’s teammates tweeted, “Player safety while traveling should be at the forefront. People following with cameras saying wild remarks is never acceptable. Excessive harassment. Our team nervously huddled in a corner unsure how to move about. We demand better.”

Now the league has made advancements in this area. They announced earlier this year that they will have chartered flights for all playoff games this season and certain regular-season games that are played on back-to-back days requiring air travel.

The players’ union — the WNBPA — said in a statement Saturday, “Allowing teams to fly charter is ONLY about player health and safety, and until the league and teams take this issue seriously, situations like this will continue to occur. Every commercial flight forced upon our players is a threat to their health and safety. We implore the league and the teams not to wait another day to change the rule regarding travel.”

Unfortunately, we know this one incident will spur others to do the same. It will give others like Alex Stein opportunities to push their agenda and ultimately make these players feel unsafe. Players who are predominantly black and queer. That’s just the fact of the matter. BG is now the most recognizable player ever to play in the WNBA. Her profile supersedes WNBA fans. She has a big target on her back from right wing extremists. The WNBA profile has grown tremendously and sadly faster than the money coming in to support it. I think it’s changing but these moments are bound to happen until the league and these teams can afford to treat these players like the world class athletes that they are. 

In political news, the queer’s won a battle in Florida. Judge Robert Hinkle has granted a preliminary injunction against a ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth. Now its not a complete injunction for minors who may wish to obtain treatment but it does allow for trans folks in Florida to continue receiving care while all this gets sorted in the courts. 

The judge said, trans folks would “suffer irreparable harm” if they were not allowed to continue access to hormones and other types of treatment. He wrote a 44-page ruling on the matter and said the decision to pursue the ban on puberty blockers and hormonal treatment a political decision and not a “legitimate state interest.” 

The case is being brought by families of transgender youth represented by Southern Legal Counsel, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and the Human Rights Campaign. Their full release found in the show notes.

One of the parents challenging the ban said, “Today my entire family is breathing a huge sigh of relief knowing we can now access the treatment that we know will keep Susan healthy and allow her to continue being the happy, confident child she has been.” 

That is what this is about. The fight is for her. I think this is a great time to take a break and hear from our sponsors. 

In culture news, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has officially declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans in the United States. This is the first time in HRC’s 40 year history that they’ve ever declared such a thing. This declaration comes in response to an alarming surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, with over 75 anti-trans & anti-LGBTQ bills signed into law this year alone, more than double the number from the previous year. 

HRC’s report, titled “LGBTQ+ Americans Under Attack,” exposes the discriminatory nature of these laws and their adverse impact on LGBTQ+ individuals and families. The report reveals a significant increase in anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in state legislatures, reaching over 500 in 2023. Over 220 of these bills specifically target transgender individuals. 2023 is the worst year on record for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida said, “The assault on freedom is not limited to one state but permeates across America. The erosion of civil liberties by extremists to further their own political ambitions poses a direct threat to the health and safety of LGBTQ individuals. It is imperative for all of us to recognize the gravity of this moment and commit ourselves to being on the frontlines, unwavering in our fight for freedom.” I saw Nadine speak at the Equality Illinois gala last year and she is a powerful force. Maybe one day I’ll get a chance to chat with her on this podcast. 

In entertainment news, history was made Sunday when J. Harrison & Alex Newell became the first nonbinary identifying performers to be nominated for a Tony and now they are also the first to win. J. Harrison won for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical Some Like It Hot. While Alex won for best performance by an actor in a featured role in a musical for Shucked. J. said, “For every trans, nonbinary, gender nonconforming human who was ever told you couldn’t be seen, this is for you,” Alex in their acceptance speech said, Alex said, “Thank you for seeing me, Broadway. I should not be up here as a queer nonbinary fat Black lil baby from Massachusetts..To anyone that thinks they can’t do it, I’m going to look you dead in your face [and say] that you can do anything you put your mind to.” Both of them looked amazing on the red carpet. Just beaming. I love that both of them owned their moment. Congratulations family, congratulations. 

And I couldn’t end this podcast without talking about The Ultimatum: Queer Love. If you aren’t familiar it’s a show currently running on Netflix that takes 5 queer couples where one person of each couple has given an ultimatum; either marry me or I’m out. Over the course of the show they get temporarily set up with another partner to live with for like 30 days. Supposedly with no contact with the person they started the show with. Now given how the reunion went that’s not how it went down for everyone. By the end all of the couples left the show engaged but one. A year later when filming the reunion only 2 were still together. After the reunion only one is left standing, Sam & Aussie. This show is so messy and let me tell you I watched it. Some parts I have to fast-forward through because I get uncomfortable but that’s totally normal for me. So if nothing else Rae, Lexi, Xander, Vanessa, Yoly, Mal, Tiff, Mildred, Sam & Aussie made some great television. So if you’re looking for some queer reality drama this show is definitely for you. 

Now for my word today. On Sunday I produced a pride service with my two favorite pastors. The service is called Resist! Reclaim! Rejoice! It was such a beautiful and divine time. My favorite drag queen Cleopockalipps performed the readings and we played musical clips like mother Nina Simone’s Feeling Good. Queer folks deserve spaces of worship that affirm their humanity in the world. One of the most beautiful parts of the service was the closing. They read a poem together by adrienne maree brown called spell for reclaiming the moment. I want to read you the last portion because it touched me. It goes, 

“even now

we can anticipate harvest
be shocked by the thunderclap, the storm
laugh at the abundance of our grief
and our earnest attempt to avoid the inevitable

we are a delight
we could be another’s blessing
with our brief and epic lives
where every day
we are given the option
of love”

Everyday we are given the option. Choose joy. Choose love. 

 Till next week, peace. 

Sources

Man arrested over the death of Black trans woman Ashley Burton. She was just 37

https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/06/07/ashley-burton-trans-murder-atlanta-arrest-darius-mills

Brittney Griner, Mercury confronted by ‘provocateur’ at airport

https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/37832325/brittney-griner-mercury-confronted-dallas-airport

Federal judge rips into Florida’s ban on gender-affirming care for kids

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/06/florida-gender-affirming-care-ruling-00100387#:~:text=Florida-,Federal%20judge%20rips%20into%20Florida’s%20ban%20on%20gender%2Daffirming%20care,a%20%E2%80%9Clegitimate%20state%20interest.%E2%80%9D

Federal Court Halts Anti-Transgender Healthcare Ban, Protects Children’s Rights

https://eqfl.org/gender-affirming-care-ban-injunction?emci=f900a2da-5805-ee11-907c-00224832eb73&emdi=ac8e12a9-6705-ee11-907c-00224832eb73&ceid=5153061

For the First Time Ever, Human Rights Campaign Officially Declares ‘State of Emergency’ for LGBTQ+ Americans; Issues National Warning and Guidebook to Ensure Safety for LGBTQ+ Residents and Travelers

https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/for-the-first-time-ever-human-rights-campaign-officially-declares-state-of-emergency-for-lgbtq-americans-issues-national-warning-and-guidebook-to-ensure-safety-for-lgbtq-residents-and-travelers

Here’s where the cast of The Ultimatum: Queer Love is now

https://ew.com/tv/the-ultimatum-queer-love-now-who-broke-up-after-reunion/

Are Xander and Yoly Together After ‘The Ultimatum: Queer Love’?

https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/tv-shows/are-xander-and-yoly-together-the-ultimatum-queer-love/

Alex Newell and J Harrison Ghee make history as first openly non-binary actors to win a Tony Award

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/news/tony-non-binary-alex-newell-j-harrison-ghee-b2355651.html 

spell for reclaiming the moment
https://www.splitthisrock.org/poetry-database/poem/spell-for-reclaiming-the-moment