
Outward: Slate's LGBTQ podcast
Outward, Slate's queer podcast, is a whip-smart monthly salon in which hosts and guests deepen the audience’s understanding of queer culture and politics, delight them with unexpected perspectives, and invite listeners into a colorful conversation about the issues animating LGBTQ communities.
Latest episodes

Jul 31, 2024 • 30min
Project 2025 with Orion Rummler
This week Bryan sits down with reporter Orion Rummler to break down Project 2025, conservative 920-page policy blueprint for a second Trump term. Orion’s article ‘What is Project 2025? Here’s the Heritage Foundation’s vision for a second Trump term’ looks at the widespread impact of these ideas for women, LGBTQ+ rights, families, education and the workforce. In this episode, we focus on the impact on LGBTQ rights and the danger of turning transness from a state of being to an ‘ideology’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 24, 2024 • 39min
“Bathroom Bills” Return with Nico Lang
This week Bryan sits down with reporter Nico Lang to break down their recent Slate article ‘Anti-Trans “Bathroom Bills” Are Making a Major Comeback. Where’s the Outrage?.They delve into the concerning return of ‘Bathroom Bills’ and unpack what’s different this time around, why it’s taking root, and the larger strategy of this legislation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 17, 2024 • 42min
Can you love the bigotry away? Queer Advice with Mathew Rodriguez
Queer advice expert Mathew Rodriguez joins hosts Bryan and Jules to tackle tough questions about kids questioning gender, navigating gender stereotypes, handling disinformation, pronouns at work, and balancing inclusivity with personal values. The discussion delves into addressing bigotry within personal relationships and advocating for marginalized communities.

6 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 42min
What's A Gender Doula?
Gender Doula Eli Lawliet discusses offering non-medical support during transition, emphasizing ritual and spirituality. They explore historical trans support networks, the role of gender doulas in trans communities, and the importance of personalized care and spiritual support in trans medicine.

Jul 3, 2024 • 50min
Can Animals Be Queer?
This week Bryan, Christina, and Jules reunite for a classic Outward episode! They share their prides and provocations, set the gay agenda for July, and take on the recent spate of queer animal documentaries that beg the question: Can animals really be queer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 26, 2024 • 36min
A History of Lesbian Fashion with Eleanor Medhurst
This week Christina chats with Eleanor Medhurst, author of “Unsuitable: A History of Lesbian Fashion,” and the blog ‘Dressing Dykes’ to chat about lesbian style from around the world and across time. They dig into the gender-bending styles of the Harlem Renaissance, monocles, and how queer women used their fashions to find each other.Click HERE to support Human Rights Campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 19, 2024 • 50min
Slow Burn: A Hotbed of Homosexuality
A journey through the LGBTQ rights struggle in 1970s San Francisco, with a focus on the Briggs Initiative and the fight against discrimination. Explore the impact of Anita Bryant's anti-gay campaign and the rise of LGBTQ activism amidst societal challenges and political battles.

Jun 12, 2024 • 46min
Iconic Queer Women’s Spaces with June Thomas
Former Outward Producer June Thomas discusses her book 'A Place Of Our Own' exploring iconic queer women's spaces. The conversation covers lesbian bars, bookshops, and women's lands shaping queer identity. Reflecting on historical challenges and rewards, June highlights the importance of community and adaptation in queer spaces.

Jun 5, 2024 • 36min
Disrupting Food & Restaurant Culture with Chala June
This week, Jules chats with Chala June (food writer and former associate editor at Bon Appetit) about what it is to queer food, the labor politics of the food service industry, and the camp of early Food Network programming.Click HERE to support Human Rights Campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 29, 2024 • 34min
The Trans History of the 1936 Olympics with Michael Waters
This week, Bryan dives into the world of sports to talk about the often obscured queer history of the Olympics with writer Michael Waters. Michael’s new book ‘The Other Olympians: Fascism, Queerness, and the Making of Modern Sports’ highlights the gripping true stories of pioneering trans and intersex athletes from the 1936 Olympics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices