Life Through a Queer Lens
Life Through a Queer Lens is where queer history, lived experience, and cultural critique collide, unapologetically and with heart.
Co-hosted by Jenene (she/they) and Kit (he/they/it)—two queer activists from different generations with shared values and distinct voices. This podcast brings raw, nuanced conversations to life through a blend of education, storytelling, intersectionality, and just the right amount of sass.
Together, we unpack the complexity of queerness in today’s world while honoring the legacies and liberation work that brought us here. We dive into topics like evolving queer language, body autonomy, disability justice, gender euphoria, artistic expression, grief, protest, neurodivergence, and chosen family. Whether it’s deep-diving into queer-coded characters in the arts, spotlighting underrepresented voices in our LGBTQIA+ umbrella, or making sense of headlines and harmful legislation, we’re here to ask the hard questions and hold space for real answers.
Kit brings firsthand insights as a disabled, autistic, trans masc non-binary person; Jenene brings an artistic and strategic lens from their work in queer performance spaces and nonprofit leadership. Together, we hold a commitment to uplift all marginalized communities, knowing that no one is free until we all are.
We speak to those who’ve lived it, those who are living it, and those ready to listen deeply. No rainbow capitalism here. Just real, messy, brilliant queer truths. If you’re craving layered conversations that honor the past, question the present, and dream toward liberation, pull up a chair.
This is radical, curious, layered, liberatory queer storytelling.
Queer, allied, learning, unlearning, or somewhere in between, you’re welcome here.
This is Life Through a Queer Lens. Welcome.
Episodes
72 episodes
EP73: The Pink Triangle's Legacy
The pink triangle, a symbol of Nazi persecution of homosexuals, has been reclaimed and transformed into powerful monuments worldwide, from Amsterdam to San Francisco to Paris.• Amsterdam's Homomonument (1987) was the world's first and l...
EP72: Triangle of Terror, Symbol of Strength: The Pink Triangle
The pink triangle evolved from a symbol of Nazi persecution to an emblem of queer liberation and activism. This episode traces its journey from concentration camps through the AIDS crisis to modern Pride celebrations, revealing how it was recla...
EP71: Queerness Before Gravity, Sir Francis Bacon's Hidden Story
Sir Francis Bacon, born in 1561, was the Lord Chancellor of England, a philosopher, author, statesman, and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community who developed what we now call the scientific method. His story demonstrates that queerness isn't ...
EP70: The Dance is What We're Fighting For
Joy is a powerful form of resistance during difficult times, especially when combined with community care and practical safety measures. Survival itself becomes an act of defiance when we remember that what we're fighting for is the right to ex...
EP69: The Education Underground; Navigating Dept. of Ed. Dismantling
We explore accessible educational alternatives in response to the executive order dismantling the Department of Education, focusing on resources families can use immediately to support learning outside traditional school settings.• Admi...
EP68: Solidarity Not Charity; Why Mutual Aid Is Essential for Our Collective Future
Mutual aid represents the foundation of human civilization, beginning with our ancestors' willingness to care for each other and continuing through indigenous practices that have existed for centuries before the concept was formally named.<...
EP67: When They Say They've Seen This Before, We Should Listen; Learning From Our Queer Elders
Our queer elders have crucial wisdom to share about navigating difficult times, having been through similar challenges in previous decades.• Find and get involved with your local LGBTQ center, even in small towns • Build physic...
EP66: Love and Stone; Buried Queer esp Trans & Gender Non-Conforming Folx
Death comes for us all, but as queer people we must take extra steps to ensure our identities are respected after we pass. This episode explores end-of-life planning specifically for LGBTQIA+ individuals with practical guidance on protecting yo...
EP65: Navigating Gender Marker Changes: Safety, Legal Challenges, & Everchanging Regulations
This episode empowers listeners with knowledge about name changes and gender markers, emphasizing the personal and societal significance behind documentation. We discuss the steps to change names legally, the emotional weight of this process, a...
EP64: Planting Seeds of Change: Activism, Queer History, and Challenging Societal Norms
In today's episode, we explore the intersection of privilege and activism, examining how systemic inequalities persist and the importance of discomfort in seeking equity. Our focus shifts from personal experiences to broader societal issues, em...
EP63: Navigating Queer Immigration, Finding Safe Harbors, & International Refugee Rights
Explore the journey of immigration through a queer lens, highlighting the challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals face when seeking refuge in a divided world. We'll compare Uruguay and Paraguay, showcasing Uruguay's progressive laws and firm stance aga...
EP62: Punk Lace Codes
Picture this: our living room, popcorn scattered everywhere, laughter echoing, and a family movie night that turned into a rollercoaster of emotions. The movie adaptation of "Wicked" had us totally spellbound, and with Jeff Goldblum's brilliant...
EP61: Bold Visibility and Smart Self-Defense Strategies
Discover how to express your pride boldly while staying safe in environments that might not always be welcoming. In this episode, we promise you’ll learn creative strategies like designing personalized battle vests and jackets that let you show...
EP60: Lifelines and Liberation: Lessons from Queer Elders and What's Next
Join us as we honor the resilience of queer elders, reflecting on their strength through monumental LGBTQIA+ history, from Stonewall to the 1980s AIDS crisis. Explore curated mental health resources like Trans Lifeline and Thrive Lifeline, alon...
EP59: Post-Election Reflections: Finding Hope in Uncertain Times
In this episode, we navigate the challenges of maintaining relationships with loved ones holding opposing political views, exploring how fear-driven narratives hinder societal progress. We discuss resilience, the power of human connection, and ...
EP58: Capturing the Magic of Euphoria and Queer Joy: Kit's First Drag Experience
Have you ever felt the rush of being truly seen and accepted for who you are? This episode dives into Kit's transformative Halloween night at a drag show, where the dazzling performances of three incredible Queens ignited his passion for captur...
EP57: Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun: Haunted Pixels & Horror Classics
This episode dives into digital romance, a love for Halloween films, and navigating inclusion in horror. From marrying Stardew Valley’s Shane to celebrating horror icons, it's a journey through nostalgia, representation, and real-life Halloween...
EP56: Blood and Gore, by and for, Girls, Gays, and Theys
Join us for a thrilling exploration of queer trans horror recommendations, discussing everything from films and books with positive representation to our mixed feelings about vending at the Scarecrow Festival. We also dive into sta...
EP55: The Harms of Horror: The "Man in a Dress" Trope
!!TRIGGER WARNING!!This episode contains discussions of transphobic media and its impact on transgender people and society's view of queerness and gender nonconformanceSummary:What if horror films are reinforcing ha...
EP54: "I'm a murderer, not a monster:" Chucky and Queer Theming
What if an 8-bit Rocky Horror video game unlocked a retro adventure but was restricted by platform exclusivity? We dive into the possibilities of such a game and lament the barriers that may keep fans from experiencing it. Our conv...
EP53: Kyler Broadus and the Legal Battles for Trans Equality
Curious about how one person can transform transgender rights? Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Kyler Broadus, a pioneering lawyer and trans advocate whose activism has led to significant legal advancements. We'll div...
EP52: The Most Gorgeous, Special Thing on Earth: Venus Xtravaganza
Step into the vibrant world of 1980s New York City’s drag scene with Venus Xtravaganza, a trans femme queen from the House of Xtravaganza, featured in Paris is Burning. We celebrate Venus’s radiant spirit and lasting influence ...
EP51: Achillean, Achilles and Patroclus, & Queer Legacy
Can the love story of two ancient Greek warriors reshape our understanding of modern queer identities? This episode of "Life Through a Queer Lens" dares to challenge the historical narrative by uncovering the profound connection between Achille...
EP50: Sapphic Love & History
How can fictional characters queerbait, yet real people cannot? Join me as I unpack this intriguing distinction and share my personal journey of navigating the world of solo podcasting as an autistic individual. I'll open up about transitioning...
EP49: Bridging Generations: Queer Stories and Parental Growth
Ever wondered how watching a beloved childhood movie, like "The Birdcage," can tie into profound life lessons? Join us as we reminisce about our earliest encounters with queerness and share heartfelt stories of family dynamics, including a touc...