This week on Queer News: we look at how BET honors Black LGBTQ leaders, Noah’s Arc returns & the Jussie Smollett saga comes to an end .
In this week’s episode of Queer News, we remember the legacy of Harvey Milk and the power of hope in the fight for liberation. We take you inside BET’s Black & Iconic Soirée with a special report from contributor Benjamin Coy, get all the nostalgic tea on the 20-year comeback of Noah’s Arc, and unpack the final chapter of the Jussie Smollett saga. Plus, Da Brat and Jessica Betts are teaming up for a musical duet just in time for Pride, and Chicago Sky legends Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley celebrate the arrival of their first child. Oh—and don’t forget, I’ll be repping Queer News at World Pride DC 2025 with panels, podcast activations, and my very first brand deal with Kirrin Finch. Let’s get into it, family.
🌈 Culture & Entertainment
Anna Heads to World Pride DC 2025 I’ll be moderating and speaking at the Human Rights Conference, reppin’ Queer News, and styled by Kirrin Finch in my first brand deal!
BET’s Black & Iconic Soirée Honors Black Queer Legacy Contributor Benjamin Coy gives us an inside look at this stunning celebration of Black LGBTQ+ brilliance.
Photo credit: Benjamin Coy
Noah’s Arc Returns for 20-Year Anniversary Special The iconic Black queer series is back—Noah, Wade, twins(!), and all—with a timely revival for a new generation.
Jussie Smollett Saga Comes to a Close with Settlement After six years of controversy, Jussie reaches a resolution with the City of Chicago and donates to a local youth arts nonprofit.
Da Brat & Jessica Betts Drop New Pride Anthem The Chicago-based duo releases “Have U 2 Myself,” their first official collab and a major independent moment for Da Brat.
Chicago Sky Legends Welcome Baby Girl WNBA champs and married couple Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley introduce the world to baby Jana Christine.
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00:26 Welcome to Queer News
02:39 Leave a Queer News Tip, Email info at e3radio.fm or leave a message e https://www.speakpipe.com/msg/s/243669/19/rc6z5z67pp1op502
03:50 Queer News Headlines
04:43 BET’s Black & Iconic Soirée Honors Black Queer Legacy
08:16 Noah’s Arc Returns for 20-Year Anniversary Special
10:13 Support Queer News Coverage at World Pride 2025, https://bit.ly/WorldPride2025 & Meet us there, https://worldpridedc.org/
11:23 Jussie Smollett Saga Comes to a Close with Settlement
13:47 Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical lth Coverage, https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html
14:18 Da Brat & Jessica Betts Drop New Pride Anthem
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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.
