Executive produced by The Future Perfect Project, I’m Feeling Queer Today! is a podcast that amplifies the voices of queer youth by exploring current themes and issues through a queer lens. Produced and hosted by a team of 11 young adults from all across North America, IFQT! is a combination of true-storytelling, interviews, trivia and thought-provoking discussions that center queer young voices in the national conversation around LGBTQIA+ rights, culture and activism.
Episode #1: Queerness is Pride, and Pride is Beautiful
In our first episode, hosts Alex and Lily take us on a journey of self-discovery, self-love, and self-confidence that is born from the support of queer community. In their queer identity journey, Alex discovers the labels that work best in describing who they are. Frankie tells the story of their first queer crush, Claire interviews queer elders at New York City Pride, and members of the podcast production team tell us what pride means to them.
Episode #1 Show Notes
📱➡️ Referenced in this episode: Alison Bechdel’s Dykes to Watch Out For?
ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Alex K. Masse (they/them), aka Fairything, is a 23-year old writer, musician, and communications specialist from what is colonially known as British Columbia. They’re also a neurodivergent nonbinary lesbian, which greatly affects their process.
Lily Mueller (they/she/he) is a 19-year-old New England-based writer, artist, and performer. They are a sunlight supporter, nap enthusiast, Doctor Who enjoyer, a proponent of childlike wonder, and a queer media aficionado, currently on the lookout for knowledge, peace, & life's small, beautiful things.
Episode #2: The Label Game
This episode explores the role that labels play within queer identity and how they serve, or don’t serve, queer young people as they grow, change, shift and explore who they are, who they love and who they hope to become.
Episode #2 Show Notes
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️➡️ Interested in Mady G. and Jules Zuckerberg’s A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities? Head to your favorite bookseller or local library, on Amazon or support its creators on Instagram @madygcomics and @juleszuckerberg
ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Lily Mueller (they/she/he) is a 19-year-old New England-based writer, artist, and performer. They are a sunlight supporter, nap enthusiast, Doctor Who enjoyer, a proponent of childlike wonder, and a queer media aficionado, currently on the lookout for knowledge, peace, & life's small, beautiful things.
Alex K. Masse (they/them) , aka Fairything, is a 23-year old writer, musician, and communications specialist from what is colonially known as British Columbia. They’re also a neurodivergent nonbinary lesbian, which greatly affects their process.
Episode #3: Queerness, Blackness, Femininity & Faith
In this episode, 18-year-old Sam and 16-year-old Wallace explore the topic of intersectionality within the spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community, and their own perspectives as Black and mixed-race teenagers, respectively.
Episode #3 Show Notes
💞➡️ Interested in following Z or their band, Gooseflesh? Check Z out on Instagram @zjcosby and their band @gooseflesh1312
ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Samuel Smalls Jr., is a black queer 18-year-old from Fort Lauderdale Florida who is currently studying Acting & Musical Theatre at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He also loves to read, write and advocate for himself and others.
Wallace is a queer 16-year-old student from upstate New York. They enjoy reading, cooking, and producing art in many forms.
Episode #4: Queering Media
In this episode, Eric and Lily explore the lack of representation of queer characters in mainstream media, and how the LGBTQ+ community has had to rely on creating our own media to accurately tell our diverse array of stories.
Episode #4 Show Notes
🎞️ ➡️ The Watermelon Woman, a Cheryl Dunye film, is available to stream through multiple platforms, and may be free to watch through universities or your local library.
📚 ➡️ Looking for more queer zine content? Visit the Queer Zine Archive Project, the Digital Transgender Archive (@digitaltransarc), and the Queer Zine Library (IG: @queerzinelibrary) - also consider checking out your local library, local queer bookstores, community & LGBTQ+ centers, and even museums & physical archives.
💃 ➡️ Interested in the movie & musical that inspired Hesperus? You can stream the movie adaptation of The Prom on Netflix, and find the musical & movie soundtracks on your favorite movie streaming platforms. Also available is a book of the same name, written by Saundra Mitchell with Bob Martin, Chad Beguelin, and Matthew Skylar.
💖 ➡️ More information on poet Andrea Gibson and their poem, "First Love", is available on their website, andreagibson.org (IG: @andreagibson) - you can also find them performing many of their poems on YouTube, or keep up with their day to day writings at andreagibson.substack.com
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Eric Eubank (they/them) is a 17-year-old high school student from La Cresenta, CA. Through participating in The Future Perfect Project "Writer’s Room", they have fallen in love with finding creative ways to explore identity and expression. Through this podcast, they hope to contribute to a space where people feel heard through sharing experiences and forming connections. They enjoy spending their time writing, going on morning hikes, and baking with friends in their spare time.
Lily Mueller (they/she/he) is a 19-year-old New England-based writer, artist, and performer. They are a sunlight supporter, nap enthusiast, Doctor Who enjoyer, a proponent of childlike wonder, and a queer media aficionado, currently on the lookout for knowledge, peace, & life's small, beautiful things.
Episode #5: Coping While Queer
How do queer youth deal with mental health struggles and how do they practice self-care? This episode explores the tools of therapy, finding at least one supportive adult to advocate for you and how, despite the current attacks on their community, LGBTQ+ remain hopeful and resilient. Sonyamia and Cindy find comfort within their friendship; Will’s mom helps him find a new school where he is safe from homophobic attacks; Eric’s friend finds support at a local LGBTQ+ center.
Episode #5 Show Notes
📑 ➡️ References: 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People
🚨 ➡️ Crisis Resources: Please be aware that the following resources are accessible only within the U.S. & are catered to English speakers, unless otherwise noted. These resources are not affiliated with The Future Perfect Project. ✱ indicates a resource that is not LGBTQ+ specific.
-
✱ 24/7 Suicide and crisis lifeline at 988. Counseling available in English & Spanish. Text HOME to 741741, or head to crisistextline.org. If you are a young person of color in crisis, text STEVE to 741741.
-
✱ For international suicide hotlines, head to suicide.org
-
Reach the Trevor Project in the U.S. and Mexico 24/7 via chat, call, or text. Call (866)488-7386, text START to 678-678, or head to thetrevorproject.org for more info. TrevorSpace, a community for LGBTQ people aged 13-24 worldwide
-
The LGBT National Center hotlines serving the U.S. and Canada. (888)843-4564.
-
Trans Lifeline: In the US, dial (877) 565-8860. In Canada, dial (877)330-6366. translifeline.org
🫂 ➡️ Find a mental health practitioner:
-
On psychologytoday.com, you can filter results to specifically find therapists & providers who work with LGBTQ+ patients.
-
Phoenix Rising Centers - There may be an LGBTQ+ focused practice or center near you. PRC is a network of therapists & providers across the U.S. Explore their services at phoenixrisingcenters.org
-
Local LGBTQ+ centers or organizations may also offer counseling services and support groups, often free of charge or at low cost. Search Centerlink’s network of LGBTQ+ centers near you at lgbtqcenters.org/LGBTCenters
-
To search the directory of The Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists, head to aglp.memberclicks.net/aglp-referral.
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Sonyamia Blanco (she/her): Located in the Bay Area, Sonyamia is a 21-year-old creative person who loves songwriting, video editing and writing. Most importantly, she loves having–and creating–community, whether it's with family or friends. She is also a very adventurous person who you could probably take anywhere and find a way to make it a great time.
Eric Eubank (they/them) is a 17-year-old high school student from La Cresenta, CA. Through participating in The Future Perfect Project "Writer’s Room", they have fallen in love with finding creative ways to explore identity and expression. Through this podcast, they hope to contribute to a space where people feel heard through sharing experiences and forming connections. They enjoy spending their time writing, going on morning hikes, and baking with friends in their spare time.
Episode #6: Transness is Irresistible
Hosts Frankie and Zorian share about their trans experience, exploring the spectrum of feelings from shame and resistance to beauty and liberation all in the effort to be their full, true selves.
Episode #6 Show Notes
💬 ➡️ “The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible.”
–Toni Cade Bambara
This quotation is most commonly attributed to a compilation of conversations with Toni Cade Bambara, appropriately titled “Conversations with Toni Cade Bambara,” edited by Thabiti Lewis. More information on this author, documentarian, activist, teacher, and speaker is available online, through libraries & other places of education throughout the world.
🍿➡️ View Kiwi's animated story featured in this episode:
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Frankie Gunn (they/them) is a 24-year-old gender non-conforming transmasc who uses they/them pronouns. They are an interdisciplinary artist and gardener from the Hudson Valley area in New York.
Zorian Edwards (he/they) is 18 years old, identifies as bisexual, and transgender (ftm.) They are a student journalist from Saegertown PA.
BONUS Episode #7: Feed Swap ↔ Queer News with Anna DeShawn
Periodically, the crew at I'm Feeling Queer Today will share episodes from like-minded podcasts that they love. Alex Masse presents our very first feed swap, and we are honored to be sharing a special edition episode from Queer News, an intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture.
This episode is called Change the Pattern: The AIDS Quilt Travels the South with Purpose, first aired on October 4, 2022. You'll get to hear Queer News host, Anna DeShawn share her experience covering the 35th Anniversary of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in San Francisco, and the emotional impact of viewing it up close and personal for the first time.
Feed Swap Show Notes
💬 ➡️ The episode highlights the staggering reality that, while the South comprises only 38% of the US population, it represents over HALF of all new HIV diagnoses.
🤎🖤 ➡️ You’ll also learn about the Call My Name Project, a program that ensures the stories of Black and Brown lives lost to HIV/AIDS are honored with panels on the AIDS Memorial Quilt.
🇺🇲 ➡️ Now you may be asking why the South? The South comprises 38% of the U.S. population but it represents over half, yes over half at 52% of all new HIV diagnoses. Let me drop another stat on you. Out of the 17 states defined as being in the South by the U.S. Census; 13 of them have HIV-Specific Criminal Laws or Statutes on the books & 11 of them have actually prosecuted people for living with HIV. HIV Criminalization is still real. I’m sharing these stats because you need to know. I didn’t know and we must change the pattern.
🏳️🌈✊🏾🏳️⚧️ ➡️ Join the QCrew & Support the Queer News podcast here. We want to hear from you. Tune in and tell us what you think. email us at info@e3radio.fm
ABOUT THE HOST OF E3 QUEER NEWS
Anna DeShawn (she/her) is host of the Ambie award winning Queer News podcast, founder of E3 Radio and co-founder of The Qube. Anna is a Chicago-born social entrepreneur who builds digital media platforms that center & celebrate BIPOC & QTPOC creatives. She received her bachelor's in radio/television production from Drake University and then went on to receive her master’s in communications from Ithaca College. Anna spent 12 years in the digital media space producing webinars and virtual events for government and corporate clients alike. Connect with Anna via her website, Instagram, Tiktok.
BONUS Episode #8: Bring Change 2 Mind with Maddux Eckerling
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Sonyamia chats with LGBTQ student activist and mental health advocate, Maddux Eckerling as well as the work of Bring Change 2 Mind, a non-profit organization that aims to de-stigmatize mental health among young people.
Maddux Eckerling (he/him) is a local LGBTQ+ and mental health activist.
As the former leader of both the Bring Change 2 Mind (BC2M) and Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) clubs at his school, Maddux worked to educate his schoolmates on LGBTQ+ awareness and destigmatizing mental health issues.
Maddux is attending San Francisco State University, where he will earn his BA in Sociology and Political Science and then go on to get a Master's in Social Work. As a queer youth who struggles with anxiety and depression, Maddux’s primary goals are to be a community educator and a policy advocate, fighting for government change to help protect and uplift LGBTQ+ people and those who suffer from mental health challenges.
Show Notes
⚠️ ➡️ CONTENT WARNING: please note this episode makes one mention of attempted suicide. If you are having thoughts of suicide or self harm, you can call the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 or visit 988lifeline. org. For LGBTQ plus specific support, visit thetrevorproject.org or call 1 866 488 7386
💬 ➡️ Learn more about Maddux
💬 ➡️ Visit the organization, Bring Change 2 Mind
🏳️🌈 ➡️ Read about Maddux at the Strength in Pride Event
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Sonyamia Blanco (she/her): Located in the Bay Area, Sonyamia is a 21-year-old creative person who loves songwriting, video editing and writing. Most importantly, she loves having–and creating–community, whether it's with family or friends. She is also a very adventurous person who you could probably take anywhere and find a way to make it a great time. Connect with her on Tiktok / Instagram
BONUS Episode #9: Activating Pride with Jazz Jennings
How do youth celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride? In this episode, special guest Jazz Jennings, American YouTube personality, spokesmodel, television personality, and LGBT rights activist, talks about the importance of Queer Pride and visibility, while playing One-Minute Trivia with Trudy and Claire. Listeners will also get a chance to hear from Paras, a student activist from Iowa and how the IFQT crew celebrates their queerness.
Jazz Jennings is an American YouTube personality, spokesmodel, television personality, and LGBT rights activist. Jennings, one of the youngest publicly documented people to be identified as transgender, co-wrote the 2014 children's book I Am Jazz and in 2016, she published Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen. In 2013, she also founded Purple Rainbow Tails, a company in which she fashions rubber mermaid tails to raise money for transgender children. She is currently starring season 8 of the hit TLC series, I Am Jazz, which documents her and her day to day life with her family and their advocacy for transgender rights. Connect with Jazz on Instagram and TikTok.
Show Notes
🏳️🌈➡️ Read about the full history of Pride and view footage the first Pride March in NYC, Christopher Street Liberation Day 1970. From the Lilli Vincenz Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress → here
🏳️🌈 ➡️ Learn more about Gilbert Baker and the original pride flag
🏳️🌈 ➡️ Check out Harvey Milk’s Gay Freedom Day Speech from June 25, 1978.
🏳️🌈 ➡️ Some tips on how to stay safe for Pride
🏳️🌈 ➡️ Discreet Pride Celebration Ideas here
💞 ➡️ Youth Pride Association Support Programs here.
🎞️ ➡️ Watch episodes of Queer Youth Animated Season 2 (including Paras’ story)
❓➡️ Learn more about Paras Bassuk
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Lily Mueller (they/she/he) is a 19-year-old New England-based writer, artist, and performer. They are a sunlight supporter, nap enthusiast, Doctor Who enjoyer, a proponent of childlike wonder, and a queer media aficionado, currently on the lookout for knowledge, peace, & life's small, beautiful things. Connect with Lily on IG / TikTok
Trudy Poux (they/them) is an 18 year-old agender actor, musician, and comedian based in Upstate NY. In their spare time they like to write music and read books, but mostly wrestle with the conundrums that appear in their head. Connect with Trudy on IG / Youtube / Spotify / TikTok
BONUS Episode #10: Desmond Napoles - Growing up Queer on the East Coast
In this episode, special guest and LGBTQIA+ rights activist, Desmond Napoles aka "Desmond is Amazing" (@desmondisamazing), joins producer Sam Smalls to compare their experiences growing up on opposite ends of the east coast.
Desmond Napoles aka Desmond is Amazing (they/she) is a teenager who is changing the world. They are a multi-awarded LGBTQ+ advocate, genderfluid editorial and runway model, motivational public speaker, performer, fashion and footwear designer, actor, singer, host, social media influencer and published author. Desmond has been featured in major outlets such as The New York Times, NBC News, Teen Vogue, OUT Magazine, among many others. They use their voice and visibility to help break down barriers and create a more inclusive society for LGBTQ+ people everywhere. Learn more and connect with Desmond on their website/IG /Tiktok.
Show Notes
✨ ➡️ Learn more about Desmond Napoles
💋 ➡️ What is Drag? Checkout this Drag 101.
🏳️⚧️ ➡️ About Transgender Day of Visibility
👠 ➡️ The House of Hades, from the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
👠 ➡️ RuPaul and RuPaul’s Drag Race, and Wikipedia and Website
🏳️🌈 ➡️ Magnus Hirschfeld, German-Jewish Sexologist and Queer Rights Activist
🤍 ➡️ Marsha P. Johnson, one of the most prominent figures of the gay rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s in New York City
🏳️🌈 ➡️ Harvey Milk, an American politician and the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California
🎬 ➡️ Billy Porter, queer American actor and singer
💋 ➡️ Crystal LaBeija, an American drag queen and trans woman who co-founded the House of LaBeija in 1968
ABOUT THE HOST
Samuel Smalls Jr. (he/him) is a Black, queer 18-year-old from Fort Lauderdale Florida who is currently studying Acting & Musical Theatre at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He also loves to read, write and advocate for himself and others. Connect with Sam on IG.