Best Rainbow History Class Podcasts (2025)

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The U.S. Military's Transgender Purge 17:32

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4M ago17:32

17:32

On 25 January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order that launched a new military Purge of America's Transgender servicemen and servicewomen. Trump's Order is based on outdated, bigoted and transphobic tropes that do not hold up to scientific, nor legal scrutiny. In this episode I introduce you to United States Space Force Colo…

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The LGBT Purge Interrogation Room 19:02

5M ago19:02

19:02

In this haunting episode, I explore the chilling discovery of a former Canadian Armed Forces interrogation room used during the LGBT Purge, that's now an ordinary office space. Once a site where gay and lesbian soldiers were questioned and persecuted for their sexuality, this room's dark history has been erased, its walls repainted and repurposed w…

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A Lesbian Ghost Story 29:02

11M ago29:02

29:02

Spooky season is starting early this year! The "Ladies of Llangollen" are the cottage-core lesbian ghosts that (allegedly) haunt an idyllic country retreat in Wales. This is their story. Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca" Join our FREE Discord Find us on Instagram, TikTok and Patreon.…

1
What's So Queer About Indie Twee? 47:02

11M ago47:02

47:02

What if indie sleaze had a crafty and politically active older sibling? Enter: indie twee. In a tale as old as time, we look at a subculture that is older and queerer than it looks. Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca" Join our FREE Discord Find us on Instagram, TikTok and Patreon.…

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Why Do Queer People Love a Mullet? 58:58

11M ago58:58

58:58

The mullet is undeniably one of the most decisive haircuts of the last century but where did it come from, why is it queer and why do some people hate it so much? This week we take a (metaphorical) trip to military bases, hockey stadiums and the Country Music Hall of Fame in an effort to retrace this quirky cut's history. Thank you to Terry Poison …

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The Sapphic IT Girl of 1920's Berlin 46:22

12M ago46:22

46:22

There may not have been sapphic TikTok in the 1920's, but there was a sapphic IT girl. This week in class we tell you about Renée Sintenis, a talent sculptor, the 'most photographic woman of the Weimar Republic' AND the first LGBTQ+ Olympic medalist. She took home a medal for...ART! Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci …

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The Macaroni Panic 53:23

12M ago53:23

53:23

The humble macaroni pasta found its way into the spotlight of 18th Century British society...but not for the reason you may think. From 'Rakes' to 'Fops' and everything in between, we explore just how this naughty noodle sauced its way into redefining homosexuality from an act to an identity. Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song …

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A Queer History of Toilets 1:04:19

1y ago1:04:19

1:04:19

Is the moral panic about transgender people using bathrooms actually because of transphobia? Has anyone else in history been a victim of this damaging rhetoric? From ancient Roman to Donald Trump toilets have always been queer, but not in the way you may think. Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca" Join our FRE…

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The Problematic Daddy of Modern Occultism: Part Two 46:06

1y ago46:06

46:06

From summoning otherworldly deities to world war espionage, is there anything Aleister Crowley can't do? This is part 2 of tell you the story of 'the wickedest man alive'. Talking points: A Mistake on Purpose, Mad Magazine Aliens, 20th Century Andrew Tate, Tooting One's Horn and The Magical V. Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song…

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Is it Really a Brat Summer? 34:51

1y ago34:51

34:51

We can't help but wonder, is it really a Brat Summer if everyone says it is? We're worried that the the quick explosion of Charli XCX's slimy green album has left us feeling too late (and old?) to come to the party. Detention is the Patreon exclusive show where we leave the history books behind and chat more broadly about pop culture and things tha…

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The Problematic Daddy of Modern Occultism: Part One 48:51

1y ago48:51

48:51

With a penchant for poetry and mountaineering, how did he earn the title of the 'most wickedest man in the world'? We deep dive into the SEVERE twists and turns of the the life of Aleister Crowley, the founder of modern occultism. Talking points: I Checked The Map And I've Been There, 1 in 5 Sharehouses, Thank God He Didn't Have A Ukulele, It's Mag…

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A Big Bi-ography 1:04:13

1y ago1:04:13

1:04:13

Bisexuality has been famously described as being the 'layover on the way to Gaytown', but is it? We dive deep into the term's history and get (bi)curious about how bisexuality has been portrayed in the media and pop culture. Talking points: Honorary Brat, First Second and Third Base, Justice for Roommates, Gender: The Directors Cut and Birth of The…

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Legacy Of The LGBT Purge and A Queer Mystery - Pt.8 50:06

1y ago50:06

50:06

The road to justice for LGBT Purge survivors was not an easy one - even after the Government of Canada’s apology. Seeking justice also meant that Purge survivors had to confront and relive some truly terrible memories. The eighth and final episode in our series that tells The True Story Of Canada’s LGBT Purge celebrates victory; seeks accountabilit…

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Celebrity Cancel Culture and the Dramatic Downfall of Oscar Wilde 1:00:46

1y ago1:00:46

1:00:46

What's the most dramatic thing your father-in-law has done in an attempt to break up your relationship? We bet they didn't do what Oscar Wilde's did! Talking points: Defamation is Just Gossip That's True, Never Go Back For Your Hat, Just A Small Town Boy, Sounds Like a Dog and It's A Calling Card. Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme …

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We Demand An Apology - Pt.7 50:16

1y ago50:16

50:16

Before the Government of Canada’s apology and before the LGBT Purge class-action lawsuit, there was a small group of dedicated Canadians who were determined to get justice. This network of Purge survivors, academics, researchers and activists was known as the We Demand An Apology Network (WDAN). The WDAN group was the catalyst that led to the landm…

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Are 'Girl' and 'Boy' Gendered Terms? 24:56

1y ago24:56

24:56

Are there sub genres of gender? If so, what are they? Hannah shares why she feels uncomfortable being called a woman and Rudy offers unsolicited gender therapy. Detention is the Patreon exclusive show where we leave the history books behind and chat more broadly about pop culture and things that interest us today. Things can get a little spicy, so …

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The Ban On Gays In The Military Ends (On Paper) - Pt.6 50:29

1y ago50:29

50:29

By the early 1990s the Conservative government of Brian Mulroney knew it could not continue the military’s anti-homosexuality policies. However, his ministers and military kept looking for loopholes to continue their discrimination against LGB soldiers. Discover the behind-the-scenes legal drama that led to, what many consider to be, the end of the…

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How to Speak Gay: Part 2 50:51

1y ago50:51

50:51

This week in class we're discussing part 2 of why queer folk talk the way they do. We dive into 1980s ball culture and share history of the C word. So yes, there is a language warning! Talking points: Slaying in the Medieval Way, Dumpster Fires Are Real, Serving CEO Realness, Drag Confessions and Does This Make Me a Boomer? Thank you to Terry Poiso…

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Towards Equality For Some - Pt.5 53:29

1y ago53:29

53:29

The 1980s were a pivotal decade in Canadian politics and history, including key battles for queer liberation and rights. You’ll hear about former MP Svend Robinson’s efforts to get homosexuality into the Canadian Human Rights Act and protection under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms; the military and RCMP efforts to undermine the Charter rights o…

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How to Speak Gay: Part 1 41:34

1y ago41:34

41:34

This week in class we're discussing why queer folk talk the way they do. From what we say and how we say it to WHY we talk the way we do. This is part one of the deep dive. Talking points: Hannah's TV Debut, Chappell Roan is Mother, The Horse Says Hay, Lisps Ahoy, Vocal Nodules and France Dance Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme son…

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We Demand and Lesbians In The Military - Pt.4 53:55

1y ago53:55

53:55

Canadian queer resistance emerges in the 1970s and puts a spotlight on the injustices facing gays and lesbians. This caused further police, military and government crackdowns on queers across Canada - particularly in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa in the lead up to the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Lesbians in the Canadian Armed Forces were “walking a tigh…

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Why Is Fan Fiction So Queer? 40:19

1y ago40:19

40:19

This week in class we're discussing why fan fiction, a piece of fiction writing written by a fan of a tv show or movie, is so queer. Ps: The history of it is longer than you think! Talking points: William Shakespeare is a Fanfic Writer, Change Your Wifi, Tears of Blood Down My Pallid Face and Stop! There's Been a Cringery! Thank you to Terry Poison…

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The Fruit Machine and Bedrooms of The Nation - Pt.3 44:14

1y ago44:14

44:14

The Government of Canada and RCMP Intelligence Service engaged in unethical human research experiments on homosexual Canadians throughout the 1960s. Queer Legends' research sheds new light on the origins and timeline of Canada’s so-called "Fruit Machine" project and its clear links to Carleton University; the CIA’s MK Ultra program at McGill; and t…

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In Search of Queer Time 54:07

1y ago54:07

54:07

This week in class we're discussing how LGBTQ+ people experience time differently to straight and/or cisgender people. Talking points: Queer Life Crisis, Ghost Childhood, Heteronormative Spacetime, Pandemic Babies and We've Trademarked Futurity. Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca" Join our FREE Discord Find u…

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How Canada's LGBT Purge Got Started - Pt.2 39:10

1y ago39:10

39:10

This is a true-crime episode. Gripped with paranoia about Soviet spies using ‘human weaknesses’ to steal government secrets, Canada and its allies started hunting for and eliminating homosexuals from government employment. Investigative journalist Dean Beeby tells the incredible story about how the RCMP interrogated a retired Canadian ambassador to…

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Queers of the First and Second World Wars - Pt.1 39:35

1y ago39:35

39:35

Welcome to Season 2 of Queer Legends: The True Story About Canada's LGBT Purge. We begin with amazing new research that has uncovered what life was like for gay and bisexual soldiers during the First World War. From the “gross indecency” laws that imprisoned heroic Canadian queer soldiers, to the military-sanctioned drag shows that made Ross Hamilt…

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Crossdressing Pirates and Life at Sea 54:38

1y ago54:38

54:38

This week in class we're discussing the story of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, two very famous and potentially queer pirates from the 1700s! Talking points: Robust For The Sea, Pirates Aren't Real, The Sloop Scale, Argument Deescalation and Pirate Ship Quick Changes Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca" Join our FR…

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The Lesbian Master Doc and Compulsory Heterosexuality 51:44

1y ago51:44

51:44

This week in class we're discussing the history of the infamous "Lesbian Master Doc", a heavily detailed document that is designed to help you figure out if you're a lesbian. It's widely considered to be a contentious document but we'll let you decide for yourself! Talking points: WebMB Lesbian, Bend It Like Beckham, Just Like That Mika Song, and P…

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The Fashionable History of the Binder 56:36

1+ y ago56:36

56:36

This week in class we're discussing the fashion forward history of the binder, an undergarment used to flatten the chest for both aesthetic and gender affirming reasons. Somehow both Jane Fonda and anime are involved. Talking points: Dog Park Drama, She Wasn't All Snake, Wearing Corsets Is A Service To The Lord, Thank You Wikipedia and Buy Some Soc…

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The True Story of Canada's LGBT Purge - TRAILER 1:48

1+ y ago1:48

1:48

Coming June 1, 2024 | Season 2 of Queer Legends shares The True Story of Canada's LGBT Purge in a landmark, eight part documentary series. This is the first documentary to examine the full extent of Canada's anti-homosexual campaigns using newly declassified documents released by the LGBT Purge Fund. From ridiculous to shocking, you'll hear amazing…

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JoJo Siwa Invented Gay Pop Music: Detention 01 23:24

1+ y ago23:24

23:24

Hey class! This week we're bringing you an episode of Detention, the Patreon exclusive show where we leave the history books behind and chat more broadly about pop culture and things that interest us today. Today we're discussing JoJo Siwa's recent time in the spotlight. Is it possible to escape being seen as a child star unscathed and where are he…

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Marie Antoinette and the Secret Lesbian Society 53:22

1+ y ago53:22

53:22

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 P…

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Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other 44:17

1+ y ago44:17

44:17

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 Patreo…

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How IKEA Accidentally Made a Transgender Mascot 47:01

1+ y ago47:01

47:01

This week in class we're discussing how Blåhaj, a plush toy from IKEA, became a mascot for the transgender community. Talking points: Make a Menu For Yourself, I Don't Know Any South Korean Sharks, On The Edge of Extinction, Between a Rock and Shark Place, The Bed is For All Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca…

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J.K. Rowling’s Transgender History Fact Check 58:27

1+ y ago58:27

58:27

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 …

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The Plain White T-shirt 48:31

1+ y ago48:31

48:31

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/Rain…

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The Public Universal Friend 1:01:16

1+ y ago1:01:16

1:01:16

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 Watc…

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Taylor Swift and Emily Dickinson: The Two Tortured Poets 52:01

1+ y ago52:01

52:01

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 y…

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A History of Gay Whales and Other Animals 43:08

1+ y ago43:08

43:08

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…

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The Mothman is Everyone's Gay Boyfriend 45:16

1+ y ago45:16

45:16

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…

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All The Things WE Said: A History of t.A.T.u 36:58

1+ y ago36:58

36:58

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 …

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Everett Klippert: The only Canadian man imprisoned for life for being gay 13:32

1+ y ago13:32

13:32

The Calgary Gay History Project's Kevin Allen shares his research into an important and reluctant queer legend - Everett George Klippert. Klippert was the only Canadian ever declared a "dangerous sexual offender" by the Supreme Court of Canada and he was sentenced to life in prison for being incurably gay. Public and political outcry over the Klipp…

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Lorraine Segato and the Unexpected Queer Anthem: Rise Up 19:15

1+ y ago19:15

19:15

Meet Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter, social justice activist and Member of the Order of Canada, Lorraine Segato in episode 17 of Queer Legends. As co-founder of The Parachute Club, Segato and her 1980s bandmates struck a chord with Canadians with their top 10 hit Rise Up, which helped inspire a generation of human rights and other activism du…

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Margaret Cho: Comedian, actor, activist and inspiration! 17:42

2y ago17:42

17:42

It was an honour to be invited by the Canadian Labour Congress to host a 'fire-side chat' with comedian, actor, writer and human rights activist, Margaret Cho at their #CLC2023 conference! Hear about Margaret's connection to the labour movement, 2SLGBTQ+ rights, her involvement in anti-racism campaigns and the fight for a more equitable future. “Ev…

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The Only Known Gay Man on the Vimy Memorial 5:02

2+ y ago5:02

5:02

This Queer Legends Quickie introduces you to Sarah Worthman, founder of the Newfoundland and Labrador Queer Research Initiative. Worthman is investigating the persecution of 2SLGBTQ soldiers during the First World War by the Government of Canada and she has uncovered some amazing things. This story is the about a young, queer Canadian hero from Bra…

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The Supersized Episode of 2022! 51:14

2+ y ago51:14

51:14

In this episode of Queer Legends: An Oral History Podcast we're looking back at the legendary people and moments of 2022! Featuring queer activists, artists and community historians on what will be remembered about the “queer that was.” My guests include: Public health expert Michael Kwag, journalist Mel Woods, historian and author Hugh Ryan, recen…

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The amazing Barbada From Barbados drag story! 27:26

3y ago27:26

27:26

This self-made black queen has one of the most fascinating origine stories you've ever heard. "Barbada de Barbades" has been exciting drag and comedy show audiences across Quebec for nearly two decades. She co-hosts Call me Mother across Canada on OUTtv, is always booked for drag story hour and is currently popping up in online French advertising o…

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Police Revenge After The 'Sex Garage' Protests 9:17

3y ago9:17

9:17

Did you know? After the community protests against the violent 1990 raid of the queer loft party 'Sex Garage' (listen to episode 1 for details), Montreal police continued to harass protesters. Linda Dawn Hammond's photos put police brutality against 2SLGBTQ+ Montrealers in the headlines and that made her a police target afterwards. This episode's s…

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Canada's First Gay Prime Minister? 10:50

3y ago10:50

10:50

Did Canada already have its first gay Prime Minister? In Canada's capital, there's a romantic statue of Sir Galahad on Parliament Hill. It was created in 1905 by then future prime minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King, in memory of a heroic act by his dearest friend. Former Member of Parliament, Bill Siksay, the first openly gay man to be elected t…

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Disrupting The 5th International AIDS Conference in 1989 11:26

3y ago11:26

11:26

Montréal, Québec recenlty hosted the 24th International AIDS Conference. It was more inclusive and 'hopeful' and a lot different than the fifth international AIDS conference in Montréal in 1989. In this episode it was a pleasure to speak with athiest-AIDS-activist turned Concordia University professor, Karen Herland, who takes you behind-the-scenes…