Richard Burns has been a pillar of the American LGBTQ+ rights movement. He helped organize the first National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1979. Later, he became the executive director of the NYC LGBTQ Center when New York was the epicenter for AIDS. Here, he discusses his role in history and why that history must be protected and passed down to young people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derek Hodel, former executive director of the New York Buyer's Club, shares gripping insights from his days smuggling life-saving AIDS medications in the 80s and 90s. He reflects on the systemic barriers faced by HIV/AIDS patients and the emotional weight of the epidemic on the LGBTQ+ community. Hodel's journey highlights the profound impact of grassroots activism, the personal transformations spurred by crisis, and the eventual breakthroughs in treatment. His powerful stories reveal resilience, compassion, and the urgent need for community support.

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.

Michael Willhoite, a cartoonist and author, discusses his groundbreaking children's book 'Daddy's Roommate,' which became the second most challenged book of the 1990s. He reflects on the unexpected culture war it ignited and how he never intended to be political. Michael shares his journey of identity and self-discovery as a gay man in a conservative environment, emphasizing the importance of diverse narratives in children's literature. The conversation delves into the impact of censorship and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ representation in stories for children.

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.

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.

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.

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." Celeste recounts how the film was actually based on his own life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Susan Stryker, a historian renowned for uncovering pivotal moments in LGBTQ+ history, dives deep into the Compton's Cafeteria Riot of 1966. She shares gripping details of this first known full-scale queer riot, highlighting its significance in the fight against systemic police harassment. The discussion emphasizes the resilience of the trans community and their struggles for dignity. Stryker reflects on how this groundbreaking event shaped her life and contributed to the broader narrative of queer rights leading up to Stonewall.

Luis Camacho Xtravaganza, a ballroom dancer and choreographer known for his work on Madonna's 'Vogue,' shares riveting stories about the rise of voguing. He discusses how this dance form offered a path to self-expression for many marginalized individuals. Luis reflects on the exhilarating yet challenging transition from underground culture to global fame, including the struggles with addiction and family acceptance. He emphasizes the lasting impact of voguing on identity and community support, celebrating its role in promoting LGBTQ+ visibility.