
Rainbow History Class
The show where Rudy Jean Rigg and Hannah McElhinney teach you the queer and trans history you don’t get in school. Just remember, not everything is gay but there is gay in everything!
Latest episodes

Apr 29, 2024 • 53min
Marie Antoinette and the Secret Lesbian Society
This week in class we're discussing how Marie Antoinette and her close female friends featured in many erotic political illustrations during her time as Queen of France.
Talking points: Bridgerton LARPing, Did Anyone Actually Ever Eat Cake?, Hallmark Better Watch It, Pink Pigeon Direct Messaging Service, Lesbians Have Mad Chats
Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
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Find us on Instagram, TikTok and Patreon.

Apr 22, 2024 • 44min
Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other
This week in class we're discussing how gay the wild west truly was (spoilers: it was very gay).
Talking points: Dungeons and Dragons: Sex and the City Edition, Vocal Warm-ups, Vibrating with God, Leave Your Chaps at the Door and Back in New England (again).
Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our Patreon and find us on Instagram and TikTok.

Apr 15, 2024 • 47min
How IKEA Accidentally Made a Transgender Mascot
Delve into the surprising journey of Blåhaj, IKEA's plush shark, and how it became a beloved mascot for the transgender community. Explore the quirky debates on seasonal cooking while navigating humorous references to pop culture sharks. Witness the transition of Blåhaj from an overlooked toy to a comforting symbol amidst the pandemic, reflecting themes of identity and community. Enjoy playful banter and personal anecdotes that celebrate the joy of embracing one's unique self through the connections formed around this iconic plushie.

Apr 8, 2024 • 58min
J.K. Rowling’s Transgender History Fact Check
This week in class we're discussing J.K. Rowling's most recent anti-trans statement - a reply to an X / tweet where she insinuates that Nazis did not burn books on transgender knowledge and history.
Talking points: J.K Rowling - Eat That!, Nazis Hate Books, Anything Can Be Sodomy If You Think About It, I Would Steal, Legal Silly Goose and Lesbians Are 'Bubies' (boo-bees).
Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our Patreon and find us on Instagram and TikTok.

Apr 1, 2024 • 49min
The Plain White T-shirt
This week in class we're discussing how the plain white tee came to be a queer wardrobe staple.
Talking points: Fashion Math, Bisexual Union Suits, 1960's Nipple Chaffing, Being Effortless is a Privilege and Hygienic Sweat Rags
Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/RainbowHistoryClass

Mar 25, 2024 • 1h 1min
The Public Universal Friend
This week in class we're discussing the curious life of The Public Universal Friend. They were a New England Quaker who, after a near death experience and short conversation with two archangels, defied gender norms and preached progressive ideas across America.
Talking points: Dried Fruit Children, Heaven's Mansions, Does Your Death Need to be Watched?, S.P.I.C.E.S and Hozier is an Honorary Lesbian
Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/RainbowHistoryClass

Mar 18, 2024 • 52min
Taylor Swift and Emily Dickinson: The Two Tortured Poets
This week in class we're discussing the relation between Taylor Swift and the 19th Century Poet, Emily Dickinson. Perhaps there's more than just family ties that bond these two together.
Talking points: Platonic Revenge, New England Family Drama, The Mysterious Master, Sapphic Despair, Take that Linen Paper Away From Her and Mr. Swiftington
Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/RainbowHistoryClass

Mar 11, 2024 • 43min
A History of Gay Whales and Other Animals
This week in class we're discussing homosexuality in the animal kingdom. Where did it come from? And more importantly, why are animals so, so, so gay?
Talking points: Land Rights for Gay Whales, Depraved Penguins, Darwin's Theory of (gay) Evolution and Lesbian Salmon Sashimi
Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/RainbowHistoryClass

Feb 26, 2024 • 45min
The Mothman is Everyone's Gay Boyfriend
This week in class we're discussing the phenomenon of CLQ's (cryptid loving queers) by unpacking the story of the internet's favourite man-that's-also-a-moth, The Mothman.
Talking points: Are NFTs and Blockchains a Pseudoscience?, Taylor Swift is a Cryptid, Tumblr Strikes Again and White Men with Moustaches.
Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/RainbowHistoryClass

Feb 19, 2024 • 37min
All The Things WE Said: A History of t.A.T.u
This week in class we're talking about the coveted early 2000's Russian girl-band, t.A.T.u. They might have burned bright and fast but the music video to "All The Things She Said" will always live in our hearts.
Talking points: Russian Hi-Five, The (Gay) Crime Pyramid, Mom Music, Dental Naps and the Rebranding of Sapphic Content
Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/RainbowHistoryClass