Aug 11 2024 36 mins
CONTENT WARNING: This episode touches on the topic of suicide. Please listen with care, and remember to prioritise your well-being.
Welcome to "Let's Be Perfectly Queer," In today's episode we talk about the Lavender Scare, a dark and twisted story from the depths of American history. Have you ever heard of it? If not, you're in for a mind-blowing journey.
Picture this: the 1950s, Washington, DC, and an underground power flowing through the halls of government. But we're not talking about superheroes here, we're talking about supervillains fueled by paranoia and fear of homosexuals infiltrating the government. This was the Lavender Scare.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower even signed an executive order labeling homosexuals as a security risk. Can you believe it? Lives were shattered, careers were destroyed, all because of fear and discrimination.
Join us as we delve into the stories of those affected and explore the parallels between the Lavender Scare and present-day injustices.
Discrimination and hatred still persist, but through knowledge and progress, we can strive for a more inclusive and accepting future. So, join us now as we unlock the secrets of the Lavender Scare and shine a light on a dark chapter in queer history.
Also if you want to be a part of our podcast outro, send us a voice note saying "Perfectly Queer" in your language. Together, let's create a world where being Queer is celebrated, not feared. Let's be Perfectly Queer!
Topics Discussed:
- Kamala Harris and the potential for LGBTQ+ progress
- The Lavender Scare: history, key players, and impact
- LGBTQ+ discrimination and parallels with the present day
Entities Mentioned:
- Kamala Harris
- Senator Joseph McCarthy
- Roy Cohn
- David K Johnson
- Eleanor Roosevelt