Ep. 321: Rainbow Dinosaur "Grooming" Panic, Hegseth Dodges a Judge | Listen Up Girl

Listen Up Girl — Tuesday, July 28, 2026 A dinosaur book gets called "sexual grooming." A federal judge asks the Pentagon a question it really doesn't want to answer on the record. New research from overseas guts one of the right's favorite talking points. And a trans icon turns an insult from the White House into one of the most powerful things she's ever said. In this episode: 🦕 A Missouri library gets threatened over a rainbow dinosaur book A "Rainbow Story Time" at Columbia's Daniel Boone Regional Library — featuring a picture book about a child in a drag costume and another about a mythical Rainbowsaurus — drew a "sexual grooming" accusation from a state senator and a formal funding-threat letter from the state attorney general's office. Library staff say the event is proceeding as scheduled. ⚖️ A judge questions Pete Hegseth's testosterone double standard A federal judge is demanding the Department of Defense explain why cisgender men can access testosterone treatment and stay in uniform, while trans men on the same treatment for the same medical reason are being flagged for discharge under the same policy. 🔬 New Dutch medical review says gender-affirming care for trans youth is "morally urgent" A major review of the medical literature out of the Netherlands undercuts a common claim from American conservatives that Europe has turned against gender-affirming care — finding the treatment fits within health law, achieves its intended physical effects, shows signs of improved mental health outcomes, and carries low rates of regret. 💍 A failed gubernatorial candidate launches a tour against your marriage Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who lost her 2025 gubernatorial bid by 13 points, is touring the state to campaign against a fall ballot amendment that would protect marriage equality in Virginia's constitution — despite having been constitutionally required to sign marriage equality into state law herself last year. 🎙️ A bodycam recorded five hours the police never meant to share In Norwich, England, activist Gemma Barnes released nearly five hours of audio her own confiscated bodycam accidentally captured of officers making racist and anti-trans comments in 2023. She's now suing Norfolk Constabulary. 📚 An Ohio teacher built the resource nobody else would Middle school teacher Erica Putro launched Honesty for Mahoning Valley Education with the nonprofit Mahoning Valley Queer Action, training fellow teachers on how anti-LGBTQ+ laws affect their students and pushing for real school board policy. 💬 Dylan Mulvaney's response to the White House After being mocked at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Dylan Mulvaney posted a four-minute video turning the insult into a rallying cry for trans and nonbinary people everywhere. 🔗 Follow the show: @TheRealZachRE 🌐 listenupgirl.com New episodes daily. Subscribe, rate, and share if this show keeps you informed. Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.