Iowa’s Don’t Say Gay law is blocked, Scott Evans wins a Webby & Big Freedia mourns her partner of 20 years - May 19, 2025

Family, it’s your favorite queer radio personality Anna DeShawn, and this week on Queer News, we’re bringing you the stories that matter most to our community. From legal wins in Texas and Iowa to updates on Jazlynn Johnson’s case, we’re spotlighting courage, progress, and resilience. Plus, we’re celebrating powerful moments in culture—from Scott Evans’ Webby win to groundbreaking representation on MSNBC. Pod in, because this episode is full of truth, hope, and pride.

00:26 Welcome to Queer News  

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03:07 Join the QCrew, https://bit.ly/JoinQCrew  

03:32 Queer News Headlines    

04:08 Texas Takes a Stand: Repealing the Anti-Gay Law  

05:42 Victory in Iowa: Blocking the “Don’t Say Gay” Clone  

08:30 Justice for Jazlynn Johnson: A Mother’s Mission  

11:41 Your Mental Health Coverage Is Just As Important As Your Physical Health Coverage, https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html

12:50 Support Queer News Coverage at World Pride 2025, https://bit.ly/QNPWorldPride2025 & Meet us there, https://worldpridedc.org/

13:23 Learn more about the Help Stop Hate Campaign, https://ilstophate.org

13:54 Scott Evans Wins a Webby: House Guest Gets Its Flowers  

15:22 Windy City Times x Queer News: Media Collaboration in Action  

19:55 History on MSNBC: Two Black Gay Men Anchor “The Weekend”  

23:16 Sending Love to Big Freedia  

23:54 Anna's Got A Word

 

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🗳️ Politics

🏛️ Texas Takes a Stand: Repealing the Anti-Gay Law

In a surprising and hopeful move, 12 Republicans in Texas joined Democrats to vote in favor of repealing a 1973 law that criminalized homosexual conduct. This historic vote marks the first step in a broader effort to bring state law in line with constitutional protections for LGBTQ+ people.

📚 Victory in Iowa: Blocking the “Don’t Say Gay” Clone

Iowa activists and legal advocates have successfully blocked several key components of SF 496—a bill modeled after Florida’s "Don’t Say Gay" law. Thanks to a federal court ruling, GSAs remain protected, LGBTQ books stay on shelves, and teachers can speak freely about LGBTQ identities. This is a powerful win for students, families, and educators across the state.

🕯️ Justice for Jazlynn Johnson: A Mother’s Mission

A year after the tragic loss of 18-year-old trans woman Jazlynn Johnson, her mother Susan provides a heartfelt update on the case. The shooter has been sentenced, but Susan’s journey continues as she turns her grief into action by launching Jazlynn’s Legacy, a scholarship and advocacy effort for families affected by violence.

 

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🎭 Culture & Entertainment

🏆 Scott Evans Wins a Webby: House Guest Gets Its Flowers

Emmy-nominated journalist and host Scott Evans secures a Webby Award for his series House Guest. With engaging interviews and authentic storytelling, Scott is representing Black queer excellence on national platforms—and we are here for it.

🗞️ Windy City Times x Queer News: Media Collaboration in Action

Our growing partnership with Windy City Times kicks off with contributor stories from Jake Witich and Jerry Nunn, covering Brave Space Alliance’s “Partners in Dignity” gala and the Critics Choice LGBTQ+ TV & Cinema celebration. We’re building bridges and sharing our stories, together.

📺 History on MSNBC: Two Black Gay Men Anchor “The Weekend”

MSNBC breaks new ground with The Weekend, co-hosted by Jonathan Capehart and Eugene Daniels—making them the first Black gay male duo to anchor a network news program. This is a major milestone in media representation.

💔 Sending Love to Big Freedia

We close this week honoring Big Freedia, who recently lost her partner of 20 years, Devon Hurst, to complications from diabetes. Our hearts are with her and all who loved Devon during this time.

 

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About Queer News

An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities. Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod every Monday by 9am CT. 

 

Edited by Ryan Woodhall. 

Brought to you by E3 Radio, and distributed on The Qube.