This week on Queer News: we discuss how Iowa’s Don’t Say Gay law is blocked, Scott Evans wins a Webby & Big Freedia mourns her partner of 20 years.
Family, it’s your favorite queer radio personality Anna DeShawn, and this week on Queer News, we’re bringing you the stories that matter most to our community. From legal wins in Texas and Iowa to updates on Jazlynn Johnson’s case, we’re spotlighting courage, progress, and resilience. Plus, we’re celebrating powerful moments in culture—from Scott Evans’ Webby win to groundbreaking representation on MSNBC. Pod in, because this episode is full of truth, hope, and pride.
🗳️ Politics
🏛️ Texas Takes a Stand: Repealing the Anti-Gay Law
In a surprising and hopeful move, 12 Republicans in Texas joined Democrats to vote in favor of repealing a 1973 law that criminalized homosexual conduct. This historic vote marks the first step in a broader effort to bring state law in line with constitutional protections for LGBTQ+ people.
📚 Victory in Iowa: Blocking the “Don’t Say Gay” Clone
Iowa activists and legal advocates have successfully blocked several key components of SF 496—a bill modeled after Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law. Thanks to a federal court ruling, GSAs remain protected, LGBTQ books stay on shelves, and teachers can speak freely about LGBTQ identities. This is a powerful win for students, families, and educators across the state.
🕯️ Justice for Jazlynn Johnson: A Mother’s Mission
A year after the tragic loss of 18-year-old trans woman Jazlynn Johnson, her mother Susan provides a heartfelt update on the case. The shooter has been sentenced, but Susan’s journey continues as she turns her grief into action by launching Jazlynn’s Legacy, a scholarship and advocacy effort for families affected by violence.
🎭 Culture & Entertainment
🏆 Scott Evans Wins a Webby: House Guest Gets Its Flowers
Emmy-nominated journalist and host Scott Evans secures a Webby Award for his series House Guest. With engaging interviews and authentic storytelling, Scott is representing Black queer excellence on national platforms—and we are here for it.
🗞️ Windy City Times x Queer News: Media Collaboration in Action
Our growing partnership with Windy City Times kicks off with contributor stories from Jake Witich and Jerry Nunn, covering Brave Space Alliance’s “Partners in Dignity” gala and the Critics Choice LGBTQ+ TV & Cinema celebration. We’re building bridges and sharing our stories, together.
📺 History on MSNBC: Two Black Gay Men Anchor “The Weekend”
MSNBC breaks new ground with The Weekend, co-hosted by Jonathan Capehart and Eugene Daniels—making them the first Black gay male duo to anchor a network news program. This is a major milestone in media representation.
💔 Sending Love to Big Freedia
We close this week honoring Big Freedia, who recently lost her partner of 20 years, Devon Hurst, to complications from diabetes. Our hearts are with her and all who loved Devon during this time.
🌈✊🏾🏳️⚧️✨
00:26 Welcome to Queer News
02:48 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message here https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502
03:07 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew
03:32 Queer News Headlines
04:08 Texas Takes a Stand: Repealing the Anti-Gay Law
05:42 Victory in Iowa: Blocking the “Don’t Say Gay” Clone
08:30 Justice for Jazlynn Johnson: A Mother’s Mission
11:41 Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage, https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html
12:10 Support Queer News Coverage at World Pride 2025, https://bit.ly/QNPWorldPride2025 & Meet us there, https://worldpridedc.org/
12:43 Learn more about the Help Stop Hate Campaign, https://ilstophate.org
13:14 Scott Evans Wins a Webby: House Guest Gets Its Flowers
14:42 Windy City Times x Queer News: Media Collaboration in Action
19:25 History on MSNBC: Two Black Gay Men Anchor “The Weekend”
Follow Anna @annadeshawn on social for the latest queer news updates!
Rate, review, and share this episode to help amplify LGBTQ+ voices.
🎧 We are Queer News Done Right.
🌈✊🏾🏳️⚧️✨
About Queer News
An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod every Monday by 7am CT.
Edited by Ryan Woodhall.
Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.
