This News is So Gay

LGBTQ+ youth continue to face a myriad of challenges in living their authentic lives. What are some of the latest challenges being covered out there? Representation of LGBTQ+ characters in film and TV is under fire yet again; what is the FCC trying to do now? Plus: corporate support at Pride. How do Americans really feel about brands getting in on the Pride action? This week’s roundtable: Investigative journalist and lead designer at Uncloseted Media, Sam Donndelinger Senior Director of local news for the U.S. South for GLAAD, Darian Aaron It  is the Buckeye Flame’s 6th birthday and we are celebrating all month. We need your support to keep the Buckeye Flame burning bright, so become a recurring donor to our scrappy queer nonprofit newsroom and it will support our journalism, which includes This News is So Gay. To donate, go  to thebuckeyeflame.com Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re covering highlights from a recent report on 2025 weekday evening news coverage of LGBTQ issues; including how trans and gender-nonconforming people were rarely featured in the coverage. While Pride Month has us celebrating in the present, it’s important to take a look back to  history. This week’s roundtable: Deputy Research Director for Special Projects and former LGBTQ program director at Media Matters, Brennan Suen Writer, editor, fact checker, and former senior politics editor at The Advocate, Trudy Ring Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Pride Month with events aplenty! How does that affect the life of queer journalists? GLAAD released their Social Media Safety Index & Platform Scorecard – is there good news to be found there? And it’s not just Pride Month – it’s also summer! What queer culture content should you be watching and reading this summer? This week’s roundtable: Managing director and editor of News is Out, Dana Piccoli Host of The Gaily Show, John Parker Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There was some very helpful LGBTQ+ public health information online provided by the CDC – and now it’s gone. Why has it disappeared? Plus, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation continues to be introduced with mixed results all over the country – what’s the latest you need to know? And of course, where are we finding queer joy in the news right now? This week’s guest is Christopher Wiggins, politics and news editor at The Advocate, leading national coverage at the intersection of public policy, politics, and LGBTQ+ lives. Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Extra Extra is an opportunity to hear more from the individuals who have helped define our field and continue to shape possibilities for the LGBTQ+ media landscape. V is the creator and host of Under the Desk News, with recognitions that include everything from the Time 100 list to the Outstanding Independent Journalism Award from GLAAD. V shares their journey from culinary arts to becoming a prominent LGBTQ+ journalist and content creator. They discuss how their authentic storytelling approach came to be, along with the importance of community and collaboration in journalism. Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How are gayborhoods faring across the United States? Ken speaks with Jake Wittich and Jason Villemez to discuss the current drama in Philadelphia’s Washington Square West regarding its historical designation, as well as Chicago’s Boystown rebranding to North Halsted and their efforts to increase inclusivity. The panel also explores the different ways that journalists are combating misinformation, including the “Transquake” movement in Chicago. This week’s roundtable: Managing editor for The Windy City Times, Jake Wittich Former editor of and current frequent contributor to Philadelphia Gay News, Jason Villemez Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rainbow flags – they can fly proudly, but they apparently can get banned from coffee shops or burned to the ground. We’re covering the latest drama around rainbow flag displays this week. Also, Mpox is on the rise once again – what do you need to know on that public health issue? This week’s roundtable: Senior staff writer for The Buckeye Flame, H.L. Comeriato California Politics Editor for The Sacramento Bee, Lauren Chapman Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A tale of two legislatures – how are Ohio and Kentucky’s legislative bodies, which are only a few miles from each other, having such vastly different outcomes in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation? There are also countless LGBTQ+ education stories to cover between the states; including a failed bill that attempted to prevent trans Kentuckians from being teachers, and how an Ohio teacher was forced to remove a “Hate Has No Home Here” sign from his classroom because there were LGBTQ+ flags on it. This week’s roundtable: Rural LGBTQ+ beat reporter for The Buckeye Flame and a corps member for Report for America, Ben Jodway Editorial manager for Queer Kentucky, Divya Karthikeyan Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As political attacks continue to escalate, LGBTQ+ people are always looking for places they know can provide refuge. However, drama is still cropping up in safe spaces like coffee shops, libraries, and bars – what are some of those stories? In the realm of health news – there is a new proposed law to mandate a 24-hour waiting period before abortion care. Why is this an LGBTQ+ issue? This week’s roundtable: Reporter for The Ohio Capital Journal, Susan Tebben Training Director at Investigative Reporters and Editors, Adam Rhodes Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

State legislatures continue to prioritize anti-LGBTQ+ legislation over bills that would help us buy groceries and gas – what are folks in other states seeing? As threats to HIV funding continue across the country, where are some regional HIV care providers seeing the effects? And how did the Real Housewives find their way onto This News is So Gay this week? This week’s roundtable: LGBTQ+ Reporter for The 19th, Orion Rummler White House Correspondent for The Washington Blade, Joe Reberkenny Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Supreme Court handed down a major anti-LGBTQ+ decision with their ruling on conversion therapy this week - how bad is it? As Pride season is rapidly approaching, we’ll soon see more rainbow flags flying and LGBTQ+ public displays of art - except in communities where they’re being actively removed or banned. Where are rainbow crosswalks being torn up and… are they dangerous? This week’s roundtable: Senior national reporter for The Advocate, Christopher Wiggins Managing editor of the Dallas Voice, Tammye Nash Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Extra Extra is an opportunity to hear more from the individuals who have helped define our field and continue to shape possibilities for the LGBTQ+ media landscape. Chris Geidner is the legal mind and the pen behind Law Dork, the go-to source for legal reporting and analysis about some of the biggest news stories of our day, from the Supreme Court to the Trump administration to courts and legislatures across the nation. His many accolades include multiple awards from NLGJA, the LGBTQ+ journalist association, including Journalist of the Year and LGBTQ+ Journalist of the way, as well as a GLAAD award for Best Magazine Article. Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we explore how ICE is impacting HIV care for people around the country. Many LGBTQ+ folks are mobilizing and marching for healthcare access  – especially in Georgia’s Pride to the Capitol event. What does success look like for an event like this? And though Valentine’s Day has passed, we’re covering queer love – we should always be talking about queer love. This week’s roundtable: Investigative journalist and lead designer at Uncloseted Media, Sam Donndelinger Senior Director of local news for the U.S. South for GLAAD, Darian Aaron Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Period Poverty. That’s right: period poverty. What is it and what are folks doing to address it? Legislative attacks on our trans siblings are coming fast and furious - where are the latest and what do you need to know? There are some folks out there doing important work that you may not know, but you soon will with our latest discussion. And of course, where is our roundtable finding queer joy in the news right now? This week’s roundtable: Executive Director of Queer Kentucky, Missy Spears Movement journalist, freelance reporter, and writer of The Fourth Estate, Nick Fulton Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Extra, Extra is an opportunity to hear more from the LGBTQ+ journalists who have helped define  the field and continue to shape opportunities for LGBTQ+ journalists. Sarah Kate Ellis was named president and CEO of GLAAD in 2014 after a very successful career as a media executive. She has truly helped define how we look at LGBTQ plus media representation. Her accomplishments include GLAAD's annual Accelerating Acceptance Report, launching the GLAAD Media Institute, executive producing the GLAAD Media Awards, and so many more.  She has appeared in major media outlets, from CNN to MSNBC to the New York Times. Recognition for her work has included being named to the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world, Crain's New York's business, notable LGBTQ plus leaders and executives, Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Out 100, and Guardians World Power Pride List. Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve spent time talking about LGBTQ+ orgs struggling in the current climate, but where are there stories of LGBTQ+ orgs doing pretty darn well? Creative protests – what are folks doing to use their artistic abilities to protest injustice? And of course, where is our roundtable finding queer joy in the news right now? This week’s roundtable: Rural LGBTQ+ beat reporter for The Buckeye Flame and a corps member for Report for America, Ben Jodway Religion and culture reporter at Fresnoland and a corps member for Report for America, Gisselle Medina. Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're returning to our discussion with Anna DeShawn. We'll be back with another reporter's roundtable next week. Extra, Extra is an opportunity to hear more from the LGBTQ+ journalists who have helped define  the field and continue to shape opportunities for LGBTQ+ journalists. Anna DeShawn is a media visionary who creates unique spaces and places for black and indigenous people of color and for queer and trans people of color. In 2009, Anna founded E3 Radio, an online radio station that plays queer music and reports on queer news with a focus on intersectionality. In 2020, Anna co-founded The Qube, a podcast production company and curated platform to discover the best music and podcasts by BIPOC, queer, and trans creatives. Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Activism and journalism; where’s the line between them? Is there a line? Should there be more of a line? There’s a new tool in HIV prevention and care coming out of Philadelphia – what does it look like? Jake Wittich and Jason Villemez discuss how the incredible histories of Windy City Times and Philadelphia Gay News have laid the groundwork for everything we’re going today. Joining us on today’s roundtable: Managing editor for The Windy City Times, Jake Wittich Former editor of and current frequent contributor to Philadelphia Gay News, Jason Villemez Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There were massive layoffs of journalists last week, including more than a third of The Washington Post’s newsrooms – how are journalists responding to that? National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day just passed. Did that get the recognition it needed and deserved? And finally, we’re back to the subject of marriage equality and Kim Davis this week, covering the latest national coalition to overturn marriage equality and how concerned people should be. This week’s roundtable: Senior staff writer for The Buckeye Flame, H.L. Comeriato Managing editor for The Sero Project and Communications Lead for the US People Living with HIV Caucus, Juan Michael Porter II Technology reporter for the 19th, Jasmine Mithani Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis have hit the LGBTQ+ community hard and spawned some questionable media coverage – what’s the latest you need to know? Four individuals were arrested on January 29th in connection to an anti-ICE protest in Minnesota, including independent journalist Georgia Fort and out LGBTQ+ journalist Don Lemon.  Our roundtable this week: Managing Director for News is Out, Dana Piccoli Host of The Gaily Show, John Parker Steve Elkins Fellow and White House Correspondent for The Washington Blade, Joe Reberkenny Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This News is So Gay is partnering with News is Out to publish The Map of Us, a limited podcast series exploring the state of LGBTQ+ media in the U.S. Queer media cannot survive on advertising alone. Tammye Nash of Dallas Voice speaks with Jim Yarbrough (QNotes Carolinas) and Ken Schneck (The Buckeye Flame) about philanthropy, reader support, and the models shaping what comes next for LGBTQ+ journalism. Hosted by Dana Piccoli of News is Out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This News is So Gay is partnering with News is Out to publish The Map of Us, a limited podcast series exploring the state of LGBTQ+ media in the U.S. Ownership and leadership shape which stories are amplified in queer journalism. Jake Wittich of Windy City Times is joined by Anna DeShawn (E3 Radio), Tamara Leigh (Blaqueout), and Joseph Jafaari (Lookout) to discuss leadership, funding barriers, and amplifying the full range of voices already doing the work.. Hosted by Dana Piccoli of News is Out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This News is So Gay is partnering with News is Out to publish The Map of Us, a limited podcast series exploring the state of LGBTQ+ media in the U.S. Collaboration has become a core survival strategy for queer media. Sondra Morris of Tagg Magazine talks with Leo Cusimano of Dallas Voice about shared reporting, pooled resources, and building partnerships that last. Hosted by Dana Piccoli of News is Out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This News is So Gay is partnering with News is Out to publish The Map of Us, a limited podcast series exploring the state of LGBTQ+ media in the U.S. In many parts of the country, no local queer newsroom exists. Jeremy Rodriguez of Philadelphia Gay News speaks with Nicole Nicole Leahy of The Community Center in Boise, Idaho about what it means to live and organize without local LGBTQ+ coverage. Hosted by Dana Piccoli of News is Out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This News is So Gay is partnering with News is Out to publish The Map of Us, a limited podcast series exploring the state of LGBTQ+ media in the U.S. Harassment, doxing, cyberattacks, and political pressure are reshaping how LGBTQ+ journalism gets done. Matthew Bajko and Cynthia Baird of the Bay Area Reporter discuss safety, sourcing, and reporting under sustained threat. Hosted by Dana Piccoli of News is Out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This News is So Gay is partnering with News is Out to publish The Map of Us, a limited podcast series exploring the state of LGBTQ+ media in the U.S. Local LGBTQ+ outlets face shrinking ad revenue and tight budgets, even as audiences grow. Michael Lavers of the Washington Blade talks with Kevin Naff (Washington Blade) and Matt Simonette (Windy City Times) about the financial realities of running queer newsrooms and what it takes to keep publishing. Hosted by Dana Piccoli of News is Out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This News is So Gay is partnering with News is Out to publish The Map of Us, a limited podcast series exploring the state of LGBTQ+ media in the U.S. What does LGBTQ+ local media look like in the U.S. today? In this opening episode, publisher Alexander Rodriguez of the Los Angeles Blade speaks with project director Tracy Baim about the LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project, what the data reveals about queer local media, and how this work fits into the long history of LGBTQ+ journalism. Hosted by Dana Piccoli of News is Out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Developments with ICE most certainly have an LGBTQ+ angle. What is the latest we need to discuss there? The Ten Commandments might soon be coming to a classroom near you – what’s that about? And we’ve mostly avoided Heated Rivalry as a topic on that podcast, but that ends this week. Why is this our queer culture obsession? Our roundtable this week: Reporter for The Ohio Capital Journal, Susan Tebben. Service Journalism Editor for The Sacramento Bee, Lauren Chapman Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Extra Extra is an opportunity to go behind the headlines and learn more about the field and those who shape possibilities for LGBTQ+ journalists and LGBTQ+ news coverage. This week, we’re talking about the organizations that are supporting reporters – which helps the news get to you all! And, as always, we set off a Glitterbomb and find out where our roundtable has seen stories of queer joy lately. This week’s guests: Executive Director of NLGJA, the association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, Adam Pawlus Executive Director of the Trans Journalists Association, Tre’vell Anderson Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The removal of LGBTQ+ public displays is, apparently, still a priority as we head into the new year – what’s the latest on rainbow crosswalks in Texas and Florida? What are some stories from 2025 our roundtable is carrying into 2026? And of course, where is our roundtable finding queer joy right now? This week’s roundtable: Publisher and President of Dallas Voice and OUT North Texas, and co-chair of the National LGBT Media Association, Leo Cusimano Editor-in-Chief of Watermark Out News, Ryan Williams Jent LGBTQ+ Beat reporter at The 19th, Kate Sosin Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2025 was quite the year! What are some stories that we’re carrying with us as we leave the year behind? Where is the latest round of book banning in the United States taking place? And how is HIV stigma affecting online dating? Joining us for these stories and more: Investigative journalist and lead designer at Uncloseted Media, Sam Donndelinger Senior Director of local news for the U.S. South for GLAAD, Darian Aaron. Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re exploring the place of blogs in the LGBTQ+ journalism landscape this week! What space do blogs occupy now as we report the news – and how have they evolved? What are the barriers that come up in blogging, including relationships with “legacy” newsrooms? And what kind of impact can blogs have? Joining us to answer these questions and many more: Creator of Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents, one of The Advocate’s People of the Year and member of the OUT100, Sue Kerr (Instagram: @pghlesbian) Creator of the blog My Fabulous Disease, Outstanding Blog Award winner from GLAAD and member of the OUT100, Mark S. King (Instagram: @mark.s.king) Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and military – we know it’s a tricky space, so what is the latest for our LGBTQ+ siblings serving in the armed forces? From the military to the classrooms, what are the latest LGBTQ+ stories you need to know in the educational sector? And it is, of course, the holiday season – what holiday LGBTQ+ stories do you need to know about? Joining us for these stories and more: Reporter for HuffPost covering LGBTQ+ rights, Levi Kalish Founder and Editor in Chief of Uncloseted Media, Spencer Macnaughton Senior national reporter for The Advocate, Christopher Wiggins Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week we mentioned the Trump administration’s cancellation of the recognition of World AIDS Day, but didn’t really dive into implications. What effects did we actually see? What are some of the intersections between technology and LGBTQ+ issues that have us talking? And falling birthrates: how concerned should we be and how queer of an issue is this? Joining us for these stories and more: Senior staff writer for The Buckeye Flame, H.L. Comeriato Managing editor for The Sero Project and Communications Lead for the US People Living with HIV Caucus, Juan Michael Porter II Data and Technology reporter for The 19th, Jasmine Mithani Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration has canceled recognition of World AIDS Day. Is there anything the administration could do at this point that would actually surprise us? While the 2025 election is over, there are a slew of LGBTQ+ political stories happening across the country. And gender-affirming care and services continue to be a source of drama in the news – what’s the latest? Joining us for these stories and more: Editor-in-chief of The Advocate, Alex Cooper Executive Director of Queer Kentucky, Missy Spears Host of The Gaily Show, airing every weekday on AM950 in Minneapolis, John Parker. Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re covering threats to SNAP benefits. How gay of an issue is this, and who is stepping up to help? It is, of course, never too early for Pride news, so we’ll talk a bit about some developments in both Tucson, Arizona and in Ohio. And as always – where is our roundtable finding queer joy in the news this week? Joining us this week for these stories and more: Editor-in-chief and founder of LOOKOUT, Joseph Darius Jaafari Staff writer for The Buckeye Flame, and a corps member of Report for America, Ben Jodway Pulitzer-Prize-winning enterprise reporter for The Washington Post, Marissa J. Lang Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Extra, Extra is an opportunity to hear more from the LGBTQ+ journalists who have helped define  the field and continue to shape opportunities for LGBTQ+ journalists. Mark Segal founded the Philadelphia Gay News, created and served as president of the National LGBT Newspaper Guild, pioneered in the radio space as an out gay radio host, and is a member of the LGBT Journalist Hall of Fame. Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ohio’s gone through some redistricting – and Susan Tebben is here to update us and share why this is an LGBTQ+ issue. LGBTQ+ organizations across the country are struggling to keep themselves afloat – just how bad is it getting? There are several efforts to restrict names and pronouns across the country, but we want to highlight one initiative that’s actually validating individuals. Oh, and the Supreme Court declined to revisit their decision on same-sex marriage.  Joining us for these stories and more: Reporter for The Ohio Capital Journal, Susan Tebben Training Director at Investigative Reporters and Editors, Adam Rhodes. Digital editor for Indiana Public Broadcasting, Lauren Chapman. Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many local municipalities are taking matters into their own hands to achieve the LGBTQ+ equality that is just not happening nationally. We cover how it’s working in Pennsylvania, look at Illinois’ Equality for Every Family Act, and answer if LGBTQ+ advocates should fully pivot to local approaches in states, like Ohio, with plenty of gerrymandering. And of course, we have to talk about marriage equality. How worried should we be as the Supreme Court decides whether to take Kim Davis’ case this week? Joining us for these stories and more: Editor-in-chief of the Ohio Capital Journal, David DeWitt Managing Editor for The Windy City Times, Jake Wittich Freelance editor and writer, and former editor of the Philadelphia Gay News, Jason Villemez Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NBC News has fired a ton of journalists, including NBC OUT, their LGBTQ+ news vertical. What does that mean for our media ecosystem? And we dive into the experiences of LGBTQ+ elders, a topic far too infrequently discussed in the media.   Joining us for these stories and more: Senior Staff writer for The Buckeye Flame, H.L. Comeriato Managing editor for The Sero Project and Communications Lead for the US PLHIV Caucus, Juan Micheal Porter II Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New research has been released on what the LGBTQ+ community thinks about the issues affecting our lives. Anti-trans policies continue to abound across the country – with consequences that you may not have considered. And despite attacks, there are folks creating safe spaces for our LGBTQ+ siblings – and we’ll be discussing their efforts. Joining us for these stories and more: Data and Technology reporter for the 19th, Jasmine Mithani Investigative Journalist at Uncloseted Media, Hope Pisoni Freelance journalist who has written for everyone from LGBTQ Nation to Pride Source Media and to the Detroit Free Press, Ellen Knoppow Hear some interesting loopholes about Kim Davis’ case in our Sept. 24th episode Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re setting aside dialogue on healthcare bans, conversion therapy, and cuts to crisis resources to talk about queer culture. How do we know it when we see it? How are we doing with representation – and where do we need more than a bit of work? Joining us for this discussion: Membership Director at GALECA and Coordinator of Out On Film, Jim Farmer Interviewer, film journalist, and radio host for POC Culture, Jorgie Rodriguez Professor and James Beard nominated writer, Rax Will Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The cuts to gender-affirming care continue to leave families stranded amid growing uncertainty across the country – including Ohio’s Nationwide Children’s Hospital ending gender affirming care for all patients, including adults. There is so much LGBTQ+ news coming at journalists from every angle. How do they pick the stories they are going to cover? And, of course, where is our roundtable finding queer joy in this news lately? Joining us this week for these stories and more: LGBTQ+ Reporter for The 19th, Orion Rummler Religion and culture reporter at Fresnoland and corps member for Report for America, Gisselle Medina Investigative journalist and lead designer at Uncloseted Media, Sam Donndelinger Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anna DeShawn is a media visionary who creates unique spaces and places for black and indigenous people of color and for queer and trans people of color. In 2009, Anna founded E3 Radio, an online radio station that plays queer music and reports on queer news with a focus on intersectionality. In 2020, Anna co-founded The Qube, a podcast production company and curated platform to discover the best music and podcasts by BIPOC, queer, and trans creatives. Extra, Extra is an opportunity to hear more from the LGBTQ+ journalists who have helped define the field and continue to shape opportunities for LGBTQ+ journalists. Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re seeing the effects of cutting LGBTQ+ specific services for callers to 988, the crisis hotline for queer youth. The absolute horror-show of issues faced by incarcerated trans folks are still getting coverage, but likely not as much as it should. Amidst this, there are stories of resilience and joy in small towns across the country. Plus, we’re somehow already talking about Pride 2026! Joining us for these stories and more: LGBTQ+ Beat Reporter at the 19th, Kate Sosin Training Director at Investigative Reporters and Editors, Adam Rhodes Digital editor for Indiana Public Broadcasting, Lauren Chapman.  Find “Indiana’s Legislative Trail” at https://ipbs.org/projects/civicallyindiana/gov.html  Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been an absolutely wild and dizzying news week. With LGBTQ-related  details around Charlie Kirk’s murder being proven and debunked and referenced again over and over and the LGBTQ+ community getting thrown into the mix – how do we manage the deluge? There is so much happening across the country, and today we’re going to dive into some of the latest. And in the midst of the chaos – where is our roundtable finding queer joy this week? Joining us this week for these stories and more: News and Rapid Response Coordinator for GLAAD, Jacob Reyes Managing Director for News is Out, Dana Piccoli Founder and Editor in Chief of Uncloseted Media, Spencer Macnaughton Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Supreme Court case around conversion therapy is coming up fast. What’s at stake for LGBTQ+ communities across the country? Black Gay Pride celebrations are coming up in cities all across the country. Why are those celebrations so very important? And where’s our roundtable finding queer joy lately? Joining us this week for these stories and more: Staff writer for The Buckeye Flame, a corps member of Report for America, Ben Jodway Executive Director of Queer Kentucky, Missy Spears Award-winning journalist, writer, preacher, co-host of the B4Nine podcast, Mashaun D. Simon Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Extra, Extra is an opportunity to hear more from the LGBTQ+ journalists who have helped define  the field and continue to shape opportunities for LGBTQ+ journalists. Tracy Baim co-founded the Windy City Times in 1985. She’s the author of 14 books, including Gay Press, Gay Power: The Growth of LGBT Newspapers in America and has worked 41 years in local LGBTQ media, and has been inducted into the Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame as well as the Hall of Fame for the Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists.  Tracy currently serves as the executive director of Press Forward Chicago and helped spearhead the LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project. Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration executive order on homelessness, “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets”,  is causing immense concern in the LGBTQ+ community. What are the latest restrictions surrounding queer public life in the United States? And tune in to hear where today’s panelists are finding queer joy in the world this week! Joining us to discuss these stories and more: Reporter for The 19th, Candice Norwood Director of local news for the U.S. South for GLAAD, Darian Aaron Freelance editor and writer and editor of Philadelphia Gay News, Jason Villemez Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have to talk about Kim Davis and marriage equality – how much should we be worried? Is the media coverage fearmongering – what does the data say about it? Yet another report from the Trump Administration appears to have scrubbed LGBTQ+ data – what’s missing? Native leaders are pushing back on gender-affirming care restrictions for tribal citizens – what does this pushback look like? Joining us to discuss these stories and more: Data and Technology Reporter for The 19th, Jasmine Mithani Communications Lead and Spokesperson for the U.S. PLHIV Caucus, host of the HIV Unmuted Podcast, and Managing Editor at The Sero Project, Juan Micheal Porter II. Senior staff writer for The Buckeye Flame, HL Comeriato Keep up with The Buckeye Flame online: Website: https://thebuckeyeflame.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuckeyeflame/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thebuckeyeflame.com Support for This News is So Gay comes from the LGBTQ+ Opportunity Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, leveraging philanthropy to empower LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices