A Bit Fruity with Matt Bernstein

How does a white gay guy from England go from “trans-Korean” troll to a member of the conservative media establishment? It’s easier than you think! Today, Taylor Lorenz helps us unpack the anatomy of the right wing grift — because if all else fails, just become a Fox News star.Support me on Patreon!Huge thanks to the sponsors of today’s show! For a more sustainable, chicer clean, try Blueland. To uncover and cancel the unwanted expenses you’ve forgotten about, try Rocket Money. Find more of A Bit Fruity.Find more of Matt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broey Deschanel discusses the unstable foundation of Amy Schumer's feminist comedy brand. Topics include Amy's impact, controversies, white feminism, Martin Luther King's legacy, media portrayal, and the critique of white feminism in media.

Until a month ago, college students in America were dweeby snowflake liberals, too socially anxious to notify the waiter of an incorrect order. Now, they’re (allegedly) well-connected, well-funded terrorists. Who are the students protesting for Palestine, what do they want, and why is the media obsessed with misrepresenting them?Support me on Patreon! Thanks to Blueland for sponsoring the show. For 15% off a better way to clean, head to www.blueland.com/fruity.Find more of A Bit Fruity. Find more of Matt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Devon Price, author of 'Unmasking Autism' and advocate for queer culture and neurodiversity, tackles the complexities of identity within the LGBTQ+ community. They critique respectability politics, arguing that conformity does not equate to acceptance. The discussion highlights the importance of embracing diverse expressions, while addressing harmful perceptions surrounding trans identities and media representation. Price emphasizes the need for genuine political power over mere tolerance, urging listeners to celebrate imperfections and foster unity.

The new docu-series “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” is shedding light on the abuse that early-2000s child stars faced behind the scenes of our favorite Nickelodeon shows. The doc focuses especially on Drake Bell (of “Drake & Josh” fame), but leaves out half the story. Is a program that claims to be raising awareness about abuse ultimately just perpetuating it?Support me on Patreon! Huge thanks to Blueland for sponsoring today’s show. Get 15% off a cuter, more sustainable way to clean at www.blueland.com/fruityFind more of Kat. Find more of A Bit Fruity. Find more of Matt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ContraPoints and Matt Bernstein discuss J.K. Rowling's controversial transphobic statements, online conflicts, language's role in transphobia, and the link between transphobia and right-wing ideologies. They critique Rowling's harmful claims and delve into the importance of inclusivity and feminism in gender identity debates.

In 2018, I called “Love, Simon” a “gay movie made by a straight woman for straight people.” Today, I tell you why I was wrong.Support me on Patreon! Huge thanks to Blueland for sponsoring today’s show. Get 15% off a cuter, more sustainable way to clean at www.blueland.com/fruityFind more of Becky. Find more of A Bit Fruity. Find more of Matt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A rant.Support me on Patreon! Learn more about Trans Lifeline. Big thanks to Rocket Money for sponsoring today’s show. Save more and get your life together at www.rocketmoney.com/fruity.Find more of A Bit Fruity. Find more of Matt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I get called a “groomer” on Twitter every day — which is weird, because I want nothing to do with your kids. What is it with queers and kids that gets conservatives so livid? Today, we explore The Gay Agenda’s exhausting past — beginning with the present. First, UK drag queen Crystal tells us how she successfully sued a right-wing activist who defamed her as a “paed*phile.” Then, Chelsey Weber-Smith (of American Hysteria) takes us through the last century of American history, where myths about the Scary Queer Predator pop up again and again, and again.Support me on Patreon!Listen to Chelsey’s podcast, American Hysteria.Find more of Crystal.Huge thanks to Blueland for sponsoring this episode! Get 15% off a cuter, more sustainable way to clean at www.blueland.com/fruityFind more of A Bit Fruity.Find more of Matt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peter Staley was a 24-year-old, closeted finance guy when he was diagnosed with HIV. Having been handed a death sentence, he quit his job and devoted what life he had left to fighting the homophobic governments that were letting him and his friends die. Peter tells us about living through the darkest years of gay history, the pivotal role of lesbians in the AIDS movement, and the silent mental health and drug battles he grappled with after realizing he was going to survive. Support me on Patreon!Find more of A Bit Fruity.Find more of Matt.Try Rocket Money and start cutting your unwanted expenses!Try HelloFresh for a timesaving, budget-friendly approach to home cooking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices