A Bit Fruity with Matt Bernstein

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

Taylor Swift has the power to swing the presidential election. What if nothing else matters?Support me on Patreon!Find Angela on Twitter, not X.Find more of A Bit Fruity.Find more of Matt.Huge thanks to Blueland for sponsoring this episode. Get 15% off a cuter, more sustainable way to clean at www.blueland.com/fruity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast discusses the controversy of a Bud Light marketing partnership, the backlash over a commemorative can, the intersection of big brands with LGBTQ+ rights, comparisons to past brand controversies, and the struggles of online creators in navigating political and corporate backlash.

Is there valor in scamming your way through a system that failed you, even if you hurt people along the way? What is the value of the lies we tell ourselves about ourselves? Can you be morally bankrupt and a camp icon? The questions of America, explored with friend of the show Kat Tenbarge.Find Kat on Twitter and Instagram.Find more of A Bit Fruity.Find more of Matt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast dives into the complexities of detransitioning, highlighting the low rates of regret among those who transition. A poignant discussion with Lucy reveals the challenges faced by detransitioners amidst societal stigma and media sensationalism. Personal narratives emphasize the emotional and medical hurdles encountered throughout transitioning. The conversation critiques harmful media representations, including a controversial documentary and the journey of Ollie London. Overall, the episode urges for empathy and a nuanced understanding of gender identity.

Moe Dabbagh, a gay Palestinian American with family ties in Gaza, explores the intricate ties between queer liberation and Palestinian rights. They tackle the controversial concept of pinkwashing, revealing how LGBTQ+ rights can be manipulated within national narratives. Moe shares personal reflections on family history, the impact of loss, and the ongoing struggle for identity amidst conflict. Additionally, they discuss the absurdity of media portrayals of the Israeli military and advocate for a solidarity that embraces all marginalized communities.

The number of kids being homeschooled today is more than double of what it was four years ago, and nobody is making the rules. While the religious right is convinced that political indoctrination is rampant in public schools, we take a look at where teaching is actually flying off the rails. Huge thanks to Blueland for sponsoring this episode. Get 15% off a cuter, more sustainable way to clean at www.Blueland.com/fruityRead Christina’s and Aaron’s Washington Post story here.Find more of A Bit Fruity.Find more of Matt.Watch the video of this episode on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices