Kickass Queers

Rachel Stuart; Larry Womack

Exploring the incredible life stories of trailblazers, innovators and pioneers who also happened to be lesbian, gay, bi, trans, gender-nonconforming or otherwise queer people. read less

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Bonus: Kickass or Nah?

Bonus: Kickass or Nah?

We're trying something different this episode! With a little help from our friends Noah and the Comedatrix Ms. Grey, we're going down a surprise list of contemporary and controversial queer people and deciding on the fly if they are kickass, or... something else entirely!A few of the personalities we'll be covering: An occultist filmmaker who tried to off his leading lady on-screen;An academic even more controversial than Michel Foucault;A lesbian separatist with an enviable sexual history;A trans activist with a history of next-level personal vendettas;The 80s' most-irritating icon;And--most controversial of all--a journalist who once wrote something problematic.Learn More & Support the Show:(Spoilers - Come back to these after you listen to the episode!)Hollywood Babylon, Kenneth Anger's super trashy, mostly false Hollywood tell-all https://amzn.to/4db4Zb2The Films of Kenneth Anger V. 1 https://amzn.to/4dcMoLx & V. 2 https://amzn.to/4d9IlQ3Patricia Highsmith's Ripley Novels https://amzn.to/4d8mWXGThe Price of Salt https://amzn.to/447MCjbCamille Paglia's Provocations https://amzn.to/44iOc1K & Sexual Personae https://amzn.to/3U9pxb1Rubyfruit Jungle https://amzn.to/3xKHQvDFried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe https://amzn.to/3U9VXlYAll of Us Strangers https://amzn.to/3QgGqzoThe Smiths first album https://amzn.to/3xXAeWHPhranc https://www.phranc.la/Lil Nas X documentary https://amzn.to/3WalPk0 & his Crocs because why not? https://amzn.to/3W5LYRbJodie Foster's lion story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRVxLH5EiYs & singing in French https://youtu.be/sBmAuWMEX0I?si=tFwgFLR5utjTXxlgSusan Sontag: Essays of the 60s and 70s https://amzn.to/3QdOqkOIf you love this episode, remember to show it by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends. Or, better yet, leave us a tip at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueersEmail: larry@kickassqueers.com | rachel@kickassqueers.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueersNote: This episode does contain some audio distortion on one track. We're super sorry, but such is the cost of including awesome guests!

Episodes

Bonus: Kickass or Nah?

Bonus: Kickass or Nah?

We're trying something different this episode! With a little help from our friends Noah and the Comedatrix Ms. Grey, we're going down a surprise list of contemporary and controversial queer people and deciding on the fly if they are kickass, or... something else entirely!A few of the personalities we'll be covering: An occultist filmmaker who tried to off his leading lady on-screen;An academic even more controversial than Michel Foucault;A lesbian separatist with an enviable sexual history;A trans activist with a history of next-level personal vendettas;The 80s' most-irritating icon;And--most controversial of all--a journalist who once wrote something problematic.Learn More & Support the Show:(Spoilers - Come back to these after you listen to the episode!)Hollywood Babylon, Kenneth Anger's super trashy, mostly false Hollywood tell-all https://amzn.to/4db4Zb2The Films of Kenneth Anger V. 1 https://amzn.to/4dcMoLx & V. 2 https://amzn.to/4d9IlQ3Patricia Highsmith's Ripley Novels https://amzn.to/4d8mWXGThe Price of Salt https://amzn.to/447MCjbCamille Paglia's Provocations https://amzn.to/44iOc1K & Sexual Personae https://amzn.to/3U9pxb1Rubyfruit Jungle https://amzn.to/3xKHQvDFried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe https://amzn.to/3U9VXlYAll of Us Strangers https://amzn.to/3QgGqzoThe Smiths first album https://amzn.to/3xXAeWHPhranc https://www.phranc.la/Lil Nas X documentary https://amzn.to/3WalPk0 & his Crocs because why not? https://amzn.to/3W5LYRbJodie Foster's lion story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRVxLH5EiYs & singing in French https://youtu.be/sBmAuWMEX0I?si=tFwgFLR5utjTXxlgSusan Sontag: Essays of the 60s and 70s https://amzn.to/3QdOqkOIf you love this episode, remember to show it by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends. Or, better yet, leave us a tip at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueersEmail: larry@kickassqueers.com | rachel@kickassqueers.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueersNote: This episode does contain some audio distortion on one track. We're super sorry, but such is the cost of including awesome guests!

Johnnie Ray & the Birth of Rock and Roll

Johnnie Ray & the Birth of Rock and Roll

Before the Beatles, before Elvis (but after Sinatra,) there was Johnnie Ray. Ray overcame partial deafness to become the world's biggest pop idol and inspire generations of songwriters to come. He was also pretty queer! Larry has the whole story.We'll also be talking briefly about two other queer trailblazers who helped shape modern music: Little Richard and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.Learn More & Support the CastThe Best of Johnnie Ray https://amzn.to/4arHvwfJohnnie Ray Singles Collection https://amzn.to/4a5ueJpRocking the Closet: How Little Richard, Johnnie Ray, Liberace, and Johnny Mathis Queered Pop Music https://amzn.to/4cpDGthOregon Experience: Johnnie Ray documentary https://www.pbs.org/video/johnnie-ray-zatqth/Johnnie Ray in Concert on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PdvMAPZeNoJohnnie and Elvis joke about their perceived rivalry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A_Ort7_aP0If you love this episode, remember to show it by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends. Or, better yet, leave us a tip at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueersEmail: kickassqueers@gmail.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueers

Michel Foucault Part Two: Context and Consent

Michel Foucault Part Two: Context and Consent

In the conclusion of Rachel's very first sprawling epic, we learn about the later life of pop culture's most talked-about philosopher. We'll learn how Foucault's independent thinking led him to be way ahead of the curve on some issues... and tragically wrong on others. We'll also talk about perceptions of his massive impact on contemporary culture and politics.Oh, and, we'll also hear about Larry's brief visit to an adult entertainment convention.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.Learn More & Support the CastBiography by Didier Eribon https://amzn.to/3ItnQQgBooks by Michel Foucault https://amzn.to/3wQPxjnIf you love this episode, remember to show it by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends. Or, better yet, leave us a tip at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueersEmail: kickassqueers@gmail.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueers

Michel Foucault Part One: The Vertigo of Madness

Michel Foucault Part One: The Vertigo of Madness

Michel Foucault was one of the most famous, influential and controversial scholars of the 20th century--and, perhaps, all time. He did it all to impress boys.Rachel walks us through the first four decades of his life and career, with plenty of asides about the bizarre personal predilections that influenced his work for the better... and for the worse. (Don't worry; we'll be talking about that problem in part two.)Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.Learn More & Support the CastBiography by Didier Eribon https://amzn.to/3ItnQQgBooks by Michel Foucault https://amzn.to/3wQPxjnIf you love this episode, remember to show it by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends. Or, better yet, leave us a tip at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueersEmail: kickassqueers@gmail.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueers

2023 Year in Review

2023 Year in Review

Did someone say flashback episode?Rachel and Larry revisit the highs, lows and give you the Cliff's Notes versions of all the stories we've told so far! (While they diligently prepare the next batch of kickass stories.)Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show it by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Email: kickassqueers@gmail.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueersLeave a Tip: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueers

King James, Part 2: ...And I Have George

King James, Part 2: ...And I Have George

In the conclusion of our King James VI and I Christmas special, we meet poor James soon after he has parted with his first love. We'll talk about his triumphs, his struggles, his lovers, and the man he called his wife. (Among other things.) If only Shakespeare had outlived this guy, right?We'll also encounter a statement so astonishing that even Rachel is shocked.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More and Support the CastKing James and the History of Homosexuality https://amzn.to/49DRLl1Email: kickassqueers@gmail.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueersLeave a Tip: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueers

King James, Part 1: Young Men That Lie in His Bedchamber

King James, Part 1: Young Men That Lie in His Bedchamber

Home for the holidays? Ruin Christmas dinner with our very first holiday special, in which we'll be getting to know the king who united Great Britain, commissioned the world's most popular Bible, spared England and Scotland the horrors of a devastating war, and had a succession of male lovers that scandalized his court and privy council.In the first half, Larry walks us through the remarkable circumstances of James' birth and early life, and introduces us to the duke who stole James' heart--and gave him his own, in return.Fair warning: This episode contains witchhunts and bad Jimmy Stewart impressions.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More and Support the CastKing James and the History of Homosexuality https://amzn.to/49DRLl1Email: kickassqueers@gmail.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueersLeave a Tip: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueers

Nancy Garden Writes a Happy Ending

Nancy Garden Writes a Happy Ending

In 1982, YA fantasy novelist Nancy Garden had her most genre-busting idea yet: a love story about two girls who don't die, hate themselves, or even get seduced by vampires. Her book, Annie on My Mind, is a lovely, life-affirming classic of YA and queer literature. It was also one of the most challenged, banned and even burned books of the 20th century. Rachel tells us all about the novel and its lasting impact.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the ShowAnnie on Mind https://amzn.to/3v1ykU0The Year They Banned the Books https://amzn.to/4c6ax68Other books by Nancy Garden https://amzn.to/4a3xYLmEmail: kickassqueers@gmail.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueersLeave a Tip: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueers

Lawrence v. Texas Part 4: It's About Family, Freedom and/or Equality

Lawrence v. Texas Part 4: It's About Family, Freedom and/or Equality

We wrap up our first foray into (probably totally made up) true crime! Larry and Rachel laugh at some bizarre legal briefs, hate on Antonin Scalia and chat with brilliant attorney Paul Smith, who will walk us through his experience arguing the case before the Supreme Court.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people. By the end of this episode, we'll have met or revisited a lot of them.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the ShowFlagrant Conduct by Dale Carpenter https://amzn.to/3Pbi4XcEmail: kickassqueers@gmail.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueersLeave a Tip: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueers

Lawrence v. Texas Part 3: The Parrot, the Beaver and the Law

Lawrence v. Texas Part 3: The Parrot, the Beaver and the Law

In the penultimate installment of our deep dive into the landmark Supreme Court ruling just 20 years ago, we'll meet an eccentric justice of the peace, a closeted lesbian prosecutor, a conspiracy-minded judge, a simple country DA about to make what is sadly not the biggest mistake of his life... and more kickass queer attorneys than you can pile into a courtroom.Lane Lewis will also be joining us again, to walk us through his extraordinary effort to keep the defendants out of the headlines--and out of jail, again.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the ShowFlagrant Conduct by Dale Carpenter https://amzn.to/3Pbi4XcEmail: kickassqueers@gmail.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueersLeave a Tip: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueers

Lawrence v. Texas Part 2: Three Messy Gays Meet Four Awful Cops

Lawrence v. Texas Part 2: Three Messy Gays Meet Four Awful Cops

In part two of our four-episode deep dive into the case that made gay sex--and by extension being out of the closet--legal in all 50 states, we'll meet three messy gays, four sus cops and one wunderkind-activist-turned-bartender (guest Lane Lewis) who will make their confrontation a turning point for gay rights and personal freedom. Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people. If you enjoy this episode, please show us some love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the ShowFlagrant Conduct by Dale Carpenter https://amzn.to/3Pbi4XcEmail: kickassqueers@gmail.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueersLeave a Tip: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueers

Lawrence v. Texas Part 1: The Bad Old Days

Lawrence v. Texas Part 1: The Bad Old Days

Just how homophobic was America in the 90s? Gay sex was still illegal in several US states until this landmark Supreme Court ruling just 20 years ago. This meant that out gay people in those states were seen as criminals. That would sometimes cost them jobs, housing or even custody and visitation of their children. And, even when it didn't, the threat was always over their heads.We're celebrating the anniversary of the end of second-class citizenship for gays and lesbians with a four-episode deep dive into the case, its profound impact on American culture, and the wildly diverse team of amazing people it took to change the world forever (hopefully). Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people. You'll meet many of them in our very first miniseries, right after we set the scene in this installment.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the ShowFlagrant Conduct by Dale Carpenter https://amzn.to/3Pbi4XcEmail: kickassqueers@gmail.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueersLeave a Tip: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueers

Florence Nightingale, The First Modern Nurse

Florence Nightingale, The First Modern Nurse

Florence Nightingale was the creator of modern nursing, a statistician of historic importance, an accomplished scholar, and the reason you wash your hands constantly. Rachel is here to walk us through her astonishing career, as well as her relationships with God, 60 cats and "all the women of Europe."Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the showNotes on Nursing by Florence Nightingale https://amzn.to/48RNlG0Email: kickassqueers@gmail.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueersLeave a Tip: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueers

How Gay Drama Started Democracy

How Gay Drama Started Democracy

Ever wonder how the ancient Athenians came to found democracy? According to them, it was simple: gay drama got way out of hand. Larry has all the juicy details about The Tyrant Killers (or Tyranticides,) Harmodius and Aristogeiton!Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the ShowThucydides' account https://amzn.to/3Irt5QzAristotle's https://amzn.to/3uZXS3TEmail: kickassqueers@gmail.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueersLeave a Tip: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueers

Sylvia Rivera & the Street Transgender Action Revolutionaries

Sylvia Rivera & the Street Transgender Action Revolutionaries

Sylvia Rivera helped get legal protections for LGBT people and founded the first shelter for homeless trans youth in North America, all while coping with homelessness and drug addiction herself. Rachel leads a discussion of Sylvia's extraordinary life and legacy.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the Show - https://amzn.to/3uZGvAaEmail: kickassqueers@gmail.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueersLeave a Tip: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueers

Stormé DeLarverie, Superhero

Stormé DeLarverie, Superhero

Stormé is often thought to have incited the riot at Stonewall, and that’s barely a footnote in the life of this civil rights icon and legendary entertainer. Larry leads a deep dive through little-known sources to reveal the recently uncovered true life story of this incredible figure.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the ShowStonewall: the Riots that Sparked a Revolution https://amzn.to/3TqpQPBEmail: kickassqueers@gmail.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueersLeave a Tip: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueers

When Frida Kahlo Met Josephine Baker

When Frida Kahlo Met Josephine Baker

We’re not saying that Frida Kahlo definitely had an affair with Josephine Baker in 1939. We’re just saying that a lot of people said that they did at the time, and we really want it to be true. Rachel is here to spill all the hot goss and teach Larry about scissoring.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the ShowJosephine Baker: Hungry Heart https://amzn.to/48MjOgyFrida Kahlo: The Masterworks https://amzn.to/3V4NvX6Agent Josephine: https://amzn.to/3VelyMqA collection of Josephine Baker's films https://amzn.to/49YkpwPEmail: kickassqueers@gmail.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueersLeave a Tip: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueers

Brian Stonehouse, A Spy with Style

Brian Stonehouse, A Spy with Style

James Bond has nothing on Brian Stonehouse, a World War II spy who worked in the French resistance and survived five concentration camps to become an internationally famous Vogue illustrator and the Queen Mother’s GBFF. Larry has the whole story.Kickass Queers shares the incredible life stories of amazing lesbian, gay, transgender, gender-nonconforming and otherwise queer people.If you love this episode, remember to show that love by subscribing, rating, reviewing and sharing with your friends.Learn More & Support the Show - https://amzn.to/3uZGvAaEmail: larry@kickassqueers.com | rachel@kickassqueers.comInstagram: @kickassqueerscastFacebook: facebook.com/kickassqueersLeave a Tip: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/kickassqueers