But We Loved

Dec 11 2024 31 ep. 35 mins 89

But We Loved Podcast artwork

As a gay kid growing up Catholic, in conservative Texas, Jordan Gonsalves knew nothing about queer history. Now, as a journalist, he’s searching for the stories he craved when he was coming of age. Through intimate interviews with LGBTQ+ elders, Jordan uncovers the untold stories of queer history. And in the process, he discovers the role models he always needed and the wisdom they’ve been waiting to pass down.

Society & Culture

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Olympic Diver Greg Louganis On Being A Gay Man In Sports

Dec 11 2024 38 mins

Greg Louganis is often considered the greatest diver of all time. But his sports journey was intertwined with his deep desire to be loved by his parents. He relives the moment when his HIV status, sexual orientation, and diving career all collided at once: the 1988 Summer Olympics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Gay Children’s Book that Inspired a Culture War

Dec 04 2024 26 mins

Michael Willhoite wrote the 2nd most challenged book of the 1990s — a children's book called "Daddy's Roommate." The book set off a cultural and political firestorm in America. But Michael recounts how he never sought out to be political. He just wanted to write a children's book.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Founding of GLAAD

Nov 27 2024 35 mins

Jewelle Gomez co-founded GLAAD, the premier queer media watchdog organization, in 1985. She realized early that media was a tool that could prevent homophobia — or perpetuate it. She recounts why GLAAD was founded and why it's still needed today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Noah's Arc: The 1st Comedy to Center Black Gay Men

Nov 20 2024 36 mins

Patrik Ian-Polk is the creator of Noah's Arc, the first scripted TV show to center Black gay men. The show defied stereotypes and developed a cult following in the 2000s. He discusses the superheroes in his own life that served as his inspirations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Activist Responsible for Life Saving AIDS Drugs

Nov 13 2024 43 mins

Peter Staley was one of the most prominent members of the AIDS activism group ACT-UP. He is largely credited as one of the pioneers responsible for the creation of life-saving AIDS drugs. He recounts the most harrowing times of the AIDS crisis — and how he persevered.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Founder of the Trevor Project on Suicide Prevention

Nov 06 2024 40 mins

This episode contains frank discussion on suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. In 1998, Celeste Lecesne co-founded the Trevor Project, the nation’s leading suicide prevention organization for queer youth. It was born out of an oscar-winning suicide awareness film he wrote called "Trevor

Compton's Cafeteria: The Riot Before Stonewall

Oct 30 2024 33 mins

Susan Stryker is a historian who unearthed the story of Compton's Cafeteria, the first known full-scale queer riot against police harassment in American history. She describes the events of the riot and how her discovery impacted her own life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Voguing Goes Global

Oct 23 2024 40 mins

Luis Camacho Xtravaganza was one of the ballroom dancers who choreographed Madonna's music video for "Vogue." It took voguing from the underground to the mainstream. He relives this complicated time — the rush of stardom and the consequences that came with it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The History of Ballroom Culture

Oct 16 2024 38 mins

Rayceen Pendarvis is an elder in the House of Pendavis. Rayceen recounts the beginnings of ballroom, how it exploded in the early 90s thanks to Madonna and “Paris is Burning,” and how, simultaneously, it began collapsing from within as AIDS ravaged the community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Gay People Die, How Are We Remembered?

Oct 09 2024 38 mins

Larry Colton was profoundly impacted by the AIDS crisis in San Francisco. He reflects on the most difficult loss he endured and what he legacy he was left with. Vote for us to win our first Signal Award here! For "Best LGBTQ+ Podcast Episode." Voting closes Oct. 17th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.