I'm Feeling Queer Today!

In this bonus episode, Siena Popiel and Sarah Jones-Popiel from the Queer Kid, Straight Mom podcast join us to talk politics. Hosted by Samuel Smalls Jr. and Trudy Poux, this episode covers our upcoming presidential election in the United States, how political views are shaped by our identity, and feelings that can come up around voting. CONTENT AND WARNINGS:⚠️Please expect to hear “queer” used as an identity term throughout this episode & series. ⚠️🇺🇸Additionally, expect to hear discussions of current events (including the U.S’s 2024 presidential election) and brief mentions of racism, xenophobia, transphobia, sexism, abortion rights, immigrant rights, and climate change, throughout this segment. 00:00 Meet today’s hosts: Sam (he/they/she) & Trudy (they/them)00:37 Meet Siena (they/them) and Sarah (she/her) from the Queer Kid, Straight Mom podcast01:40-03:27 ⚠️Discussions of parental grief & other responses to coming out. 03:34 Has your relationship changed at all through hosting a podcast together?07:11 Experiences of past presidential elections11:00 Has identity affected how you view politics? Has it become more personal for you both?13:45 Is there anything that you feel young or undecided voters should have in mind?14:15-18:05 ⚠️Mentions of genocide perpetrated against Palestine.18:33 Is there anything you’d like to say to straight parents/caregivers?20:37 Get your voice heard - register to vote!21:35 Credits 21:56 Remembering Julie NovakRESOURCES:Like what you heard today? Learn more about Siena, Sarah, and the Queer Kid, Straight Mom podcast at queerkidstraightmom.com,or give them a listen wherever you podcastGet your voice heard! Register to vote in the United States of America by heading to vote.gov. Check usa.gov/who-can-vote for information on your eligibility. Season two of I’m Feeling Queer Today is coming soon! Follow us on your favorite podcast streaming services, or on our social media for updates. After Julie’s passing, some of her coworkers at Radio Kingston, as well as her friends, and loved ones gathered to record a tribute to Julie. You can listen to it at radiokingston.org/en/broadcast/no-one-like/episodes/no-one-like-julie-the-julie-novak-tribute-show CREDITS: I’m Feeling Queer Today is produced by The Future Perfect Project with support from Radio Kingston, WKNY, Kingston, NY.This bonus episode of I’m Feeling Queer Today was hosted by Sam Smalls and Trudy Poux.Special thanks to executive producers and mentors, Celeste Lecesne, and Future Perfect Project team members Ryan Amador, Kiko Wan, and Aliya Jamil. The I’m Feeling Queer Today theme was performed and composed by Alex Masse & produced by Emma Jayne Seslowsky. Episode mixing and mastering by Emma Jayne Seslowsky. 🩷 We are remembering our executive producer and mentor, Julie Novak, who passed away on the last day of August, 2024, after a two-and-a-half year battle with cancer. Julie, we miss you so much. Your legacy will live on in all of us in every episode of this podcast. We’re feeling extra queer today and every day, because of you. We love you. 

In this episode, special guest and LGBTQIA+ rights activist, Desmond Napoles, joins producer Sam Smalls to compare their experiences growing up on opposite ends of the east coast.Content and Content Warnings:00:00:05: Episode Teaser00:00:20: Theme Song00:00:43: Welcome from Samuel Smalls, Jr.00:02:29: Interview with Sam and Desmond Napoles00:06:05-00:10:07: Mentions of people using anti-trans/anti-queer rhetoric00:17:04: Sam post-interview update00:17:31: Outro/CreditsResources: Learn more about Desmond Napoles: ​​https://www.desmondisamazing.com/What is Drag? Checkout this Drag 101:https://antiracismdaily.com/2023/06/20/drag-101-unpacking-drag-shows-and-the-performers/Transgender Day of Visibility:https://glaad.org/tdov/Mentions:The House of Hades, from the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_House_of_HadesRuPaul and RuPaul’s Drag Race:https://rupaul.com/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RuPaul%27s_Drag_RaceMagnus Hirschfeld, German-Jewish Sexologist and Queer Rights Activist:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnus_HirschfeldMarsha P. Johnson, one of the most prominent figures of the gay rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s in New York City:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsha_P._JohnsonHarvey Milk, an American politician and the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_MilkBilly Porter, queer American actor and singer:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_PorterCrystal LaBeija, an American drag queen and trans woman who co-founded the House of LaBeija in 1968:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_LaBeijaCreditsCredits…I’m Feeling Queer Today! is produced by The Future Perfect Project with support from Radio Kingston, WKNY AM1490, FM1079, Kingston, NY.Episode 10 of I’m Feeling Queer Today was produced by Samuel Smalls, Jr. and features Desmond Napoles Executive Producers: Julie Novak and Celeste LecesneThe I’m Feeling Queer Today! theme was composed and performed by Alex Masse & produced by Emma Jayne Seslowsky. Additional music was composed by Alex Masse, Frankie Gunn, and Epidemic Sound. Mixing & mastering by Julie Novak, with assistance from Emma Jayne Seslowsky.LNagPRObn5TZLKltTMkj

How do youth celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride? In this episode, special guest Jazz Jennings, American YouTube personality, spokesmodel, television personality, and LGBT rights activist, talks about the importance of Queer Pride and visibility, while playing One-Minute Trivia with Trudy and Claire. Listeners will also get a chance to hear from Paras, a student activist from Iowa and how the IFQT crew celebrates their queerness.CONTENT AND CONTENT WARNINGS:00:00:05: Trudy: What I hope people get from this podcast00:00:56: Theme Song01:01:03: Welcome from Lily and Trudy00:02:10: Lily and Trudy talk trivia and working with Jazz Jennings00:05:57 One-Minute Trivia Part 1: Queer Celebration with Jazz and Claire00:13:57: Queer Youth Animated: Paras’ Story00:18:39: One-Minute Trivia Part 2: Queer Celebration with Jazz and Claire00:23:27: How we celebrate queerness00:26:58: How can we celebrate pride safely?00:28:23: Coming up next00:28:51: Outro/CreditsRESOURCES:Read about the full history of Pride and view footage the first Pride March in NYC, Christopher Street Liberation Day 1970. From the Lilli Vincenz Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress:https://www.loc.gov/ghe/cascade/index.html?appid=90dcc35abb714a24914c68c9654adb67Learn more about Gilbert Baker and the original pride flag:https://gilbertbaker.com/Information about Iowa’s Anti-Trans Legislation:https://oneiowaaction.org/lgbtqbills2024/Check out Harvey Milk’s Gay Freedom Day Speech from June 25, 1978:https://daily.jstor.org/harvey-milks-gay-freedom-day-speech-annotated/Some tips on how to stay safe for Pride:https://avp.org/2023/06/06/tips-to-stay-safe-during-pride/Discreet Pride Celebration Ideas:https://www.reddit.com/r/lgbt/comments/noz889/discreet_pride_celebration_ideas/Youth Pride Association Support Programs:​​https://www.ypapride.org/programs/virtual-support-groupWatch episodes of Queer Youth Animated Season 2 (including Paras’ story):https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPsMVyhTV_R99GNRfijt-qVRmM1Znf_iuLearn more about Paras Bassuk:https://wsspaper.com/69111/feature/2021s-last-story-paras-bassuk-21/CREDITS:Executive producers: Julie Novak and Celeste Lecesne and The Future Perfect ProjectAudio Mixing and Mastering: Julie Novak and Emma Jayne SeslowkskyTheme Song by Alex Masse, produced by Emma Jayne SeslowskyParas segment:Score and Sound Design: Evan Linsey Dialogue Mixing: Bryn Bliska Sound Mixing: Emma Nicoletti

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Sonyamia chats with LGBTQ student activist and mental health advocate, Maddux Eckerling as well as the work of Bring Change 2 Mind, a non-profit organization that aims to destigmatize mental health among young people.Content and Content Warnings:This episode discusses issues about mental health00:00:05: Episode Teaser00:00:23: Theme Song01:01:03: Welcome from Sonyamia00:02:18: Interview with Maddux Eckerling00:05:46: Mention of attempted suicide00:12:26: Sonyamia post-interview update00:14:08: Contact Sonyamia00:14:36: Coming up next00:15:03: Outro/CreditsResources: Learn more about Maddux: https://www.madduxeckerling.com/Read about Maddux at the Strength in Pride Event: https://www.theunion.com/news/strength-in-pride-event-at-the-miners-foundry/article_fac0699c-b873-11ed-b185-632af36658be.htmlVisit Bring Change 2 Mind: https://www.bringchange2mind.orgVisit The Future Perfect Project: https://www.thefutureperfectproject.orgIf you are having thoughts of suicide or self harm, you can call the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 or visit 988lifeline. org. For LGBTQ plus specific support, visit thetrevorproject. org or call 1 866 488 7386. Credits…I’m Feeling Queer Today! is produced by The Future Perfect Project with support from Radio Kingston, WKNY AM1490, FM1079, Kingston, NY.Episode 8 of I’m Feeling Queer Today was produced by Sonyamia Blanco and features Maddux Eckerling Executive Producers: Julie Novak and Celeste LecesneThe I’m Feeling Queer Today! theme was composed and performed by Alex Masse & produced by Emma Jayne Seslowsky. Additional music was composed by Alex Masse, Frankie Gunn, and Epidemic Sound. Mixing & mastering by Julie Novak, with assistance from Emma Jayne Seslowsky.

Hosts Frankie and Zorian share about their trans experience, exploring the spectrum of feelings from shame and resistance to beauty and liberation all in the effort to be their full, true selves.Contents & Content Warnings…Please expect to hear “queer” used as an identity term throughout this episode & series. 00:00 - Introduction from Zorian - What makes you feel most like yourself?1:16 - Meet Zorian & Frankie 2:02 - Let’s talk HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy7:10 - Ari & Sam In this segment, please expect to hear mentions & discussions of…Shame & internalized biasDesire, sex & sexuality TransphobiaWhite supremacy & racism17:15 - Zorian’s Transition Journey 21:05- 22:20 - Instances of homophobic/transphobic rhetoric 23:30 - What is Gender Dysphoria? What about Gender Euphoria?26:10 - Frankie’s Transition Journey 28:23 - Masculinities & Toxic MasculinityBeginning at 30:40, please expect to hear mentions & discussions of…Death & griefHomelessness & being forced out of one’s homeParental estrangement Homophobia & Transphobia38:52 - Queer Youth Animated: Kiwi40:25 - 40:30 - Instances of hate speech40:30 - 40:47 - Mention of familial conflict, being forced out of one’s home43:28 - Outro 43:26 - Coming up next44:07 - Show notes & resources44:54 - CreditsFPP Information…To learn more about The Future Perfect Project and all of our free arts programming for LGBTQIA+ youth, visit thefutureperfectproject.org or find us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and bandcamp @thefutureperfectprojectCrisis Resources… If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+-specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386.Mentions… “The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible.” - Toni Cade BambaraThis quotation is most commonly attributed to a compilation of conversations with Toni Cade Bambara, appropriately titled “Conversations with Toni Cade Bambara,” edited by Thabiti Lewis. Find more information on this author, documentarian, activist, teacher, and speaker is available online and through libraries & other places of education throughout the world. Keep an eye (and ear) out for season two of I’m Feeling Queer Today, coming September 2024, and look forward to some bonus content in the interim!View Kiwi's animatied story at https://www.youtube.com/@TheFuturePerfectProjectCredits…I’m Feeling Queer Today is produced by The Future Perfect Project with support from Radio Kingston, WKNY AM1490, FM1079, Kingston, NY.Episode six of I’m Feeling Queer Today was produced by Frankie Gunn, Zorian Edwards, and Ari, and features Sam and Kiwi. Special thanks to executive producers and mentors, Julie Novak and Celeste Lecesne, as well as Future Perfect Project team members Ryan Amador, Jon Wan, and Aliya Jamil. Mixing & mastering for I’m Feeling Queer Today by Julie Novak, with assistance from Emma Jayne Seslowsky.Visit the show website at thefutureperfectproject.org/podcast

How do queer youth deal with mental health struggles and how do they practice self-care? This episode explores the tools of therapy, finding at least one supportive adult to advocate for you and how, despite the current attacks on their community, LGBTQ+ remain hopeful and resilient.Contents & Content Warnings…Please expect to hear “queer” used as an identity term throughout this episode & series. Please expect to hear mental health discussed throughout this episode. 00:00 - Sonyamia: What would you say to your younger self?1:30 - Introduction with Eric & Sonyamia2:11-2:49 - Statistics on suicide & mental health 4:17 - Queer Youth Animated: Will 4:57-5:26 - Mentions of slurs & bullying7:15 - Sonyamia & Cindy 14:48 - Two with Trudy Poux: Zorian & Jax17:32-18:03 - Instance of homophobia (hate speech)26:26 - Queer Crushes: Sonyamia30:31 - Outro 30:59 - Coming up next31:25 - Show notes & resources31:58 - CreditsReferencesthetrevorproject.org/survey-2023/Crisis ResourcesPlease be aware that the following resources are accessible only within the U.S. & are catered to English speakers UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. A star (*) indicates a resource that is not LGBTQ+ specific. These resources are not affiliated with The Future Perfect Project. *The suicide and crisis lifeline 24/7 at 988. Counseling available in English & Spanish. Text HOME to 741741, or head to crisistextline.org. If you are a young person of color in crisis, text STEVE to 741741. *For international suicide hotlines, head to suicide.orgReach the Trevor Project in the U.S. and Mexico 24/7 via chat, call, or text. Call (866)488-7386, text START to 678-678, or head to thetrevorproject.org for more info. TrevorSpace, a community for LGBTQ people aged 13-24 worldwide: trevorspace.orgThe LGBT National Center hotlines serving the U.S. and Canada. (888)843-4564.Trans Lifeline: In the US, dial (877)565-8860. In Canada, dial (877)330-6366. translifeline.orgFind a practitioner*On psychologytoday.com, you can filter results to specifically find therapists & providers who work with LGBTQ+ patients. There may also be an LGBTQ+ focused practice or center near you. One example are the Phoenix Rising Centers, a network of therapists & providers across the U.S. - you can explore their services at phoenixrisingcenters.orgLocal LGBTQ+ centers or organizations may also offer counseling services and support groups, often free of charge or at low cost. Search Centerlink’s network of LGBTQ+ centers near you at lgbtqcenters.org/LGBTCenters -To search the directory of The Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists, head to aglp.memberclicks.net/aglp-referral. 

Hosts Eric and Lily explore the lack of representation of queer characters in mainstream media, and how the LGBTQ+ community has had to rely on creating our own media to accurately tell our diverse array of stories.Contents & Content Warnings…Please expect to hear “queer” used as an identity term throughout this episode & series. 00:00 - Frankie & Ari: What Was Your Favorite Queer-Coded TV Character? 2:20 - Introduction with Eric & Lily: What do we mean when we say “Queer-Coded?”4:13 - Zines! With Alex & Claire17:18 - 1-Minute Trivia: Queer Love Edition, with Trudy, Sonyamia & Sam30:15 - Hesperus30:30-30:55 - Discussions of homophobia 35:16 - Outro 35:35 - Coming up next35:49 - Show notes & resources36:27 - CreditsFPP Information…To learn more about The Future Perfect Project and all of our free arts programming for LGBTQIA+ youth, visit thefutureperfectproject.org or find us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and bandcamp @thefutureperfectprojectCrisis Resources… If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+-specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386.Mentions… The Watermelon Woman, a Cheryl Dunye film, is available to stream through multiple platforms, and may be free to watch through universities or your local library. Looking for more queer zine content? Visit the Queer Zine Archive Project at gittings.qzap.org, the Digital Transgender Archive at digitaltransgenderarchive.net or Instagram @digitaltransarc, and the Queer Zine Library at queerzinelibrary.com or on Instagram @queerzinelibrary - also consider checking out your local library, local queer bookstores, community & LGBTQ+ centers, and even museums & physical archives.Interested in the movie & musical that inspired Hesperus? You can stream the movie adaptation of The Prom on Netflix, and find the musical & movie soundtracks on your favorite movie streaming platforms. Also available is a book of the same name, written by Saundra Mitchell with Bob Martin, Chad Beguelin, and Matthew Skylar. More information on poet Andrea Gibson & their poem, First Love, is available on their website, andreagibson.org or on Instagram @andreagibson - you can also find them performing many of their poems on YouTube, or keep up with their day to day writings at andreagibson.substack.comCredits…I’m Feeling Queer Today is produced by The Future Perfect Project with support from Radio Kingston, WKNY AM1490, FM1079, Kingston, NY.Episode four of I’m Feeling Queer Today was produced by Eric Eubank, Lily Mueller, Trudy Poux, and Alex Masse, and features Claire Florence, Sonyamia Blanco, Samuel Smalls Jr., and Hesperus. Special thanks to executive producers and mentors, Julie Novak and Celeste Lecesne, as well as Future Perfect Project team members Ryan Amador, Jon Wan, and Aliya Jamil. The I’m Feeling Queer Today theme was composed and performed by Alex Masse & produced by Emma Jayne Seslowsky. Additional music was composed by Alex Masse, Frankie Gunn, and Epidemic Sound. Mixing & mastering for I’m Feeling Queer Today by Julie Novak, with assistance from Emma Jayne Seslowsky.

In this episode, 18-year-old Sam and 16-year-old Wallace explore the topic of intersectionality within the spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community, and their own perspectives as Black and mixed-race teenagers, respectively.Contents & Content Warnings…Please expect to hear “queer” used as an identity term throughout this episode & series. 00:00 - Introduction from Samuel Smalls Jr./What’s your hope for this podcast?1:36 - Episode intro with Wallace & Samuel Smalls Jr. 2:57 - Samuel Smalls Jr. & Z Cosby -Please expect to hear discussions of trans misogynoir throughout this segment. 10:15-11:00 - Mentions of grooming (stereotype,) book bans & school district restrictions which limit teachings on slavery & other topics. 16:13 - Journaling with Trudy Poux & Samuel Smalls Jr. 21:46 - AdamPlease expect to hear discussions of religion (Christianity) and related homophobia throughout this segment. 22:15-22:22 - Mention of abuse 25:05 - Coming up next 25:17 - Show notes & resources26:09 - Credits FPP Information…To learn more about The Future Perfect Project and all of our free arts programming for LGBTQIA+ youth, visit thefutureperfectproject.org or find us on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and bandcamp  @thefutureperfectprojectFor more information on Future Perfect Records, one of The Future Perfect Project’s programs, check out our website or bandcamp, Stream Not What You Pictured or Divinity on your favorite music streaming platform, or find them @futureperfectrecords on Instagram.Crisis Resources… If you or a young person you know between the ages of 13-24 is currently in crisis, check out thetrevorproject.org for LGBTQIA+-specific support through text and chat, or call 1-866-488-7386.Mentions… Interested in following Z or their band, Gooseflesh? Check Z out on Instagram @zjcosby and look for their band @gooseflesh1312Credits…I’m Feeling Queer Today is produced by The Future Perfect Project with support from Radio Kingston, WKNY AM1490, FM1079, Kingston, NY.Episode three of I’m Feeling Queer Today was produced by Samuel Smalls Jr. and Wallace, and features Z Cosby, Trudy Poux, and Adam. Special thanks to executive producers and mentors, Julie Novak and Celeste Lecesne, as well as Future Perfect Project team members Ryan Amador, Jon Wan, and Aliya Jamil. The I’m Feeling Queer Today theme was composed and performed by Alex Masse & produced by Emma Jayne Seslowsky. Additional music was composed by Alex Masse, Frankie Gunn, and Epidemic Sound. Mixing & mastering for I’m Feeling Queer Today by Julie Novak, with assistance from Emma Jayne Seslowsky.