Charlotte Karem Albrecht explores the peddling economy of Arab Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, revealing how ideas about sexuality are intertwined with racial histories. The book proposes a new understanding of Arab American history that centers on sexuality and gender. The podcast also discusses the intersections of queer Arab American history, the labor of peddling, the role of archives in shaping Arab American narratives, and the limitations of historical records. It explores the challenges faced by Arab Americans and queer communities in accessing normativity and belonging.

Today I interview Cecilia Gentili about her new book, Faltas: Letters to Everyone in My Hometown Who Isn’t My Rapist (LittlePuss Press, 2022). In this poignant and powerful and sometimes wickedly hilarious book, Gentili looks back at her childhood in a small town in Argentina and at the people who shaped her life, in ways that are by turns joyous and painful. What emerges, as we read her intimate letters, is the portrait of a person—both then and now—fully and beautifully committed to embracing one’s self, with all our splendor and all our faltas. Enjoy my conversation with the singular Cecilia Gentili.Eric LeMay is on the creative writing faculty at Ohio University. He is the author of five books, most recently Remember Me. He can be reached at eric@ericlemay.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/lgbtq-studies

Raquel Gutiérrez, author of Brown Neon: Essays, talks with Geraldo Cadava and Tasha Sandoval about gentrification, belonging, border walls, and the influence of gay bars and queer spaces. They also explore the significance of Tucson and the Sonoran Desert in their life and writing, as well as the importance of identity and community bonds in shaping one's experiences.

Delving into Iranian Dutch narratives, the podcast explores the complexities of sexuality, belonging, and self-identification. Topics include premarital sex, homosexuality, and cohabitation outside marriage, highlighting the challenges faced by Iranian migrants in integrating into Dutch society while preserving their cultural identity. The discussion also touches on love, politics, and research projects on sex education, offering insights into the intersection of modernity, tradition, and societal expectations.

A deep dive into representations of lesbian mothering in French literature, challenging normative family structures. The podcast explores themes like reconciling lesbianism with mothering, the role of the father, and issues of difference and equality. It sheds light on the changing face of the family in twenty-first-century France through literary texts.

Delve into Rachel Mennies' poetic narrative of love and self-discovery in 'The Naomi Letters'. Explore the emotions, struggles, and joys of the speaker's relationship with Naomi through letters. Discover the significance of unsent letters, the symbolism of a dog, vulnerability in communication, literary influences in queer relationships, and the exploration of self-discovery through writing and identity stripping.

Exploring the visual and textual depictions of sodomy in the Middle Ages through gender and sexuality categories. Analyzing the evolution of sodomy's visibility in medieval literary and visual art. Challenging modern assumptions about gender transgression through the lens of medieval culture. Delving into the complexities of sodomy's intersection with gender, friendship, and animality in historical contexts.

Delving into the complexities of believability and doubt in cases of sexual violence, the podcast explores the role of media in shaping perceptions. It discusses the impact of the Me Too movement on challenging patriarchal norms and the intersection of commodities and media representation in addressing consent and safety. The podcast also examines the problematic portrayal of sexual violence in cop shows and the challenges faced by survivors in media narratives.

Delve into the trans allegories of The Matrix with Tilly Bridges, exploring the journey of Neo's transition to Trinity. Discover the layered symbolism in each movie, the use of color, and the deep representation of the trans experience. Embrace self-discovery, societal challenges, and the importance of representation in art. Explore challenges faced by the speaker, gratitude, and future projects in this insightful and engaging podcast.

Explore queer mysticism in medieval texts through the lens of mystical theology and poetry with Jamie Staples. Discover how mystical experiences in Christianity can offer resources to combat discrimination and hatred. Dive into the unconventional spiritual journey of Margery Kempe and the subversive potential of queer mysticism within Christianity.