Stay ConnectedThis podcast is for people who feel like they came out of the closet and got placed in a box. It’s time to put the u-haul theory to bed, and connect over being Bad Queers.
Join Kris and Shana, fellow Bad Queers, to discuss breaking stereotypes, owning your identity and their unpopular queer opinions. Bad Queers will leave you both offended and inspired by the news, stories and advice about the very fluid, very real LGBTQ+ experience.
Copyright: ℗ & © 2020 Bad Queers
Come celebrate 5 years of Bad Queers!
We’re throwing down all month long with virtual events and an in-person celebration in Chicago. Don’t miss the chance to connect and toast to five years of this podcast.
This week, we unpack major headlines—from the CDC’s sudden shutdown of key HIV prevention initiatives to Cory Booker’s record-breaking filibuster speech. Plus, a win for the LGBTQ+ community: country artist Tanner Adell comes out as pansexual at the Billboard Women in Music Awards.
In our advice segment, Am I a Bad Queer?, we dig into:
- Is having a “backup bae” while in a relationship ever okay?
- Coming out and feeling like a queer newbie
- Going back in the closet to safely explore sexuality
For Bad Queer Opinions, we’re talking:
Why we need to celebrate positive masculine traits
The hard truth: not everyone in the LGBTQ+ community is a safe space
Shoutouts:
Kris: Shaundel Washington-Spivey - elected first Black and LGBTQ mayor of La Crosse Wis. on Tuesday Washington-Spivey is a former elected school board member and community leader who co-founded Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K.), Inc., a nonprofit organization that supports La Crosse youth through various programs and initiatives.
Shana: Be Steadwell - Author of Chocolate Chip City - Black women and queer people are at the center. It’s got magic, hot sexy scenes, and is grounded in spirit, resistance and dreams. Imagine what DC would look like if we all stepped in our power. Coming out June 3rd - Follow on IG @besteadwell
Episode Notes:
1:16 - Queer Urban Dictionary - AMAB and TINA
5:12 - 5 Years of Bad Queers: Join us for in person and virtual events
10:41 - HIV Prevention Offices Shut Down at CDC
13:19 - Good Trouble: Cory Booker breaks a 68-year-old Senate record with a 25-hour speech
18:06 - Tanner Adell Comes Out as Pansexual
21:30 - Am I a Bad Queer? Advice Segment
36:11 - Bad Queer Opinions
46:38 - Shoutouts
Share your Am I A Bad Queer? here
PATREON: patreon.com/BadQueersPodcast
Subscribe to our Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@BadQueersPodcast
The opinions expressed during this podcast are conversational in nature and expressed only for comedic purposes. Not all of the facts will be correct but we attempt to be as accurate as possible. BQ Media LLC, the hosts, nor any guest host(s) hold no liability over the conversations on this podcast and by using this podcast you understand that it is solely for entertainment purposes.
Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, parody, scholarship and research.
March Madness indeed.
This week, we discuss Signal-gate, Janelle Monáe's upcoming graphic novel, and recap the latest in march madness results.
In Am I A Bad Queer? we share ways to navigate the priority shifts of coupled up friends and walking away from things that don't serve you.
In Bad Queer Opinion, are we too dismissive of hyperfemme lesbian experiences?
Shoutouts:
Kris: The Culture Decides Podcast - new, Black queer music review and commentary hosted by Li. You can catch episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts. Follow on IG: @theculturedecides
Shana: Jonathan Paul Higgins - also known as Doctor Jon Paul on their new book Black. Fat. Femme. Revealing the Power of Visibly Queer Voices in Media and Learning to Love Yourself. It delivers an honest and extraordinary new take on how Jon, and other Black Fat Femmes like them, have come to find and understand their identity. Purchase their book and follow @doctorjonpaul on IG
Episode Notes:
1:16 - Queer Urban Dictionary - WLW and Butch Queen
3:49 - Category Is: DUI Hire Group Chat
14:47 - Category Is: Janelle Monáe Announces Graphic Novel
20:44 - Category Is: March Madness
41:33 - Am I A Bad Queer?
1:00:27 - Bad Queer Opinions
1:09:00 - Shoutouts
Bad Queer Opinion article: https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/03/does-my-hyperfemininity-make-me-a-bad-lesbian/
Share your Am I A Bad Queer? here
PATREON: patreon.com/BadQueersPodcast
Subscribe to our Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@BadQueersPodcast
The opinions expressed during this podcast are conversational in nature and expressed only for comedic purposes. Not all of the facts will be correct but we attempt to be as accurate as possible. BQ Media LLC, the hosts, nor any guest host(s) hold no liability over the conversations on this podcast and by using this podcast you understand that it is solely for entertainment purposes.
Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, parody, scholarship and research.
This week, we’re joined by award-winning professor, writer, and abolitionist Jenn M. Jackson for a conversation that’s as insightful as it is hella sapphic. We dive into their latest book, Black Women Taught Us, and explore their journey growing up queer in the Bay, marriage and parenthood, and, of course, our Bad Queer Opinions.
Shoutouts:
Shana: The Podcast Salon - Hosted by Anna DeShawn, it’s a night of live podcasting, music and community at varying locations that celebrate Black and/or the LGBTQ+ community around Chicago. Keep an eye out, Bad Queers will be coming to the podcast salon soon! Follow and support @thequbeapp
Kris: DykeTv: IG account centering dykes, dolls, femmes, studs, and bullys. Follow @dyketv
Jenn: Jessica Betts & Niecy Nash - I want to be a throuple with me in the middle
Follow and support Jenn below:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jennmjacksonphd/
Substack: https://jennmjacksonphd.substack.com/
Purchase their latest book, Black Women Taught Us An Intimate History of Black Feminism, from a Black-owned bookstore today: https://rep.club/
Episode Notes:
1:04 - Queer Urban Dictionary - Urge to Merge and TGNBI+
2:20 - Jenn M. Jackson Introduction
3:55 - Jenn's Hella Sapphic Journey
17:00 - Growing up in The Bay, Queer Awakening
25:26 - Marriage and Parenthood
37:34 - Breakdown of their latest book, Black Women Taught Us
58:33 - Guilty Pleasures
1:05:22 - Bad Queer Opinions
1:24:30 - Shoutouts
Share your Am I A Bad Queer? here
PATREON: patreon.com/BadQueersPodcast
Subscribe to our Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@BadQueersPodcast
The opinions expressed during this podcast are conversational in nature and expressed only for comedic purposes. Not all of the facts will be correct but we attempt to be as accurate as possible. BQ Media LLC, the hosts, nor any guest host(s) hold no liability over the conversations on this podcast and by using this podcast you understand that it is solely for entertainment purposes.
Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, parody, scholarship and research.
And we're back.
We're picking up right where we left off with a quick circle back to Shana's South Africa trip, her adventures in dating so far, and getting deeper into lovers and friends.
Watch the full video on Patreon here.
Catch up with Heart Life Vol. 1 here.
Share your Am I A Bad Queer? here
PATREON: patreon.com/BadQueersPodcast
Subscribe to our Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@BadQueersPodcast
The opinions expressed during this podcast are conversational in nature and expressed only for comedic purposes. Not all of the facts will be correct but we attempt to be as accurate as possible. BQ Media LLC, the hosts, nor any guest host(s) hold no liability over the conversations on this podcast and by using this podcast you understand that it is solely for entertainment purposes.
Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, parody, scholarship and research.
Harmful and harmless trash best characterizes this week's news. We react to Trump's 99 min address to Congress and the ways the Democrats "resisted". Shana (bravely) recaps Love is Blind and we discuss Cynthia Ervio's night at the Oscars as well as her being named a headliner for World Pride.
Later in the show, we explain when it's ok to avoid coming out to a family member and if pretty privilege should excuse another queer person's ignorance. Plus why you should never judge a stud by her past.
Shoutouts:
Kris: The Bulldagger Chronicles - podcast, show created by A. Toni Young. The Bulldagger Chronicles seeks to center those of us who are masculine: our love, our history, and our transformation from invisible to invincible within the LGBTQIA community but also within professional and commercial enterprises. Follow and support on IG @bulldaggerchronicles
Shana: Black Alphabet - Chicago based LGBTQ+ arts, media and wellness nonprofit. Committed to giving the Black LGBTQ+ Community a voice through arts and media. Black Alphabet is home to the Black Alphabet Film Festival and is Chicago’s first Black LGBTQ film festival. Follow and support on IG @black_alphabet
Episode Notes:
0:50 - Queer Urban Dictionary - Velvet Butch and Weekend Gay
3:05 - Category Is: Reactions to Trump's Speech to Congress
17:49 - Category Is: Love is Blind & Oscars Recap
39:06 - Category Is: World Pride
41:35 - Am I a Bad Queer?
52:25 - Bad Queer Opinion
58:20 - Shoutouts
Share your Am I A Bad Queer? here
PATREON: patreon.com/BadQueersPodcast
Subscribe to our Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@BadQueersPodcast
The opinions expressed during this podcast are conversational in nature and expressed only for comedic purposes. Not all of the facts will be correct but we attempt to be as accurate as possible. BQ Media LLC, the hosts, nor any guest host(s) hold no liability over the conversations on this podcast and by using this podcast you understand that it is solely for entertainment purposes.
Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, parody, scholarship and research.
After the last few weeks of mess in the news, we are bringing positive stories to your eyes and ears. We breakdown the 'Conception Begins at Erection' Bill, Amber Ruffin shares accountability in not coming out sooner and share our favorite highlights from the NAACP Image Awards. In 'Am I a Bad Queer?' we break down the essence of the 'delivered' queer person, being skeptical of your exes behaviors after you breakup and pretending to know the indie queer artists. Would you watch a WNBA Queer Reality TV show? Probably the best idea from our Bad Queer Opinions.
Shoutouts:
Kris: Daniel Thomas- THEE Hairstorian for his hilarious and clever content exploring past and present Black hairstyles and fashion. Follow on IG @danielfunnyashell
Shana: National Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission: An independent human rights institution working for legal policy reforms towards equality and full inclusion of sexual and gender minorities in Kenya - Follow and support their work @nglhrckenya on IG
Episode Notes:
0:49 - Queer Urban Dictionary - 50/50 Myth and Lesbian Boyfriend
3:16 - Category is: Conception Begins at Erection
7:25 - Category is: C'mon Out - Amber Ruffin coming out accountability
14:37 - Category is: NAACP Image Awards
26:17 - Am I a Bad Queer?
43:30 - Bad Queer Opinion
53:07 - Shoutouts
Share your Am I A Bad Queer? here
PATREON: patreon.com/BadQueersPodcast
Subscribe to our Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@BadQueersPodcast
The opinions expressed during this podcast are conversational in nature and expressed only for comedic purposes. Not all of the facts will be correct but we attempt to be as accurate as possible. BQ Media LLC, the hosts, nor any guest host(s) hold no liability over the conversations on this podcast and by using this podcast you understand that it is solely for entertainment purposes.
Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, parody, scholarship and research.
Trigger warnings, politics and culture. Hate to start the episode this way, but we are 30+ days into the Trump Administration, and it's just mess. RIP to Sam Nordquist, the violence against the Trans community needs to end. Then we review Love is Blind season 8, A'Ja Wilson's shoe line, Super Bowl Halftime Show, and Shana attends Unrivaled.
In AIABQ? Shana and Kris fight to keep it together while giving advice on using lube, codependency and coming out journeys. Bad Queer opinions about sticking around for Love is Blind's incredibly small LGBTQ storyline and fighting back in politics.
Shoutouts:
Kris: New Disabled South - nonprofit org working to achieve liberation and justice for disabled people in the South. Follow them on IG @Newdisabledsouth
Shana: Blk N Out - Black and Queer Tech Community. A collective of professionals who are unapologetically Black, out and proud @weareblknout
Episode Notes:
0:49 - Queer Urban Dictionary
3:15 - Trigger Warning: Five arrested for the murder, torture of Sam Nordquist
9:05 - One Month into the Trump Administration
20:55 - Culture Catch up: Super Bowl, A'Ja Wilson's shoe, Love is Blind Season 8, Cynthia Erivo hosting the Tony's, Unrivaled
46:25 - Am I a Bad Queer?
1:02:56 - Bad Queer Opinions
1:07:52 - Shoutouts
Share your Am I A Bad Queer? here
PATREON: patreon.com/BadQueersPodcast
Subscribe to our Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@BadQueersPodcast
The opinions expressed during this podcast are conversational in nature and expressed only for comedic purposes. Not all of the facts will be correct but we attempt to be as accurate as possible. BQ Media LLC, the hosts, nor any guest host(s) hold no liability over the conversations on this podcast and by using this podcast you understand that it is solely for entertainment purposes.
Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, parody, scholarship and research.
In this episode, Shana and Kris from Bad Queers Podcast join Destiny from Closeted History LGBTQ+ Stories of the Past to discuss the incredible LGBTQ+ film, Pariah (2011). Starring Adepero Oduye, Kim Wayans and Aasha Davis. It has won many awards and accolades including the 2012 GLAAD Media Award and a Cinematography Award at the Sundance Festival in 2011.
Episode Notes:
0:01 - Introduction of Pariah Film & Bad Queers
1:18 - Bad Queers thoughts on Pariah
5:41 - Parental impact in Pariah
10:20 - Internalized homophobia and coming out
14:53 - Oversexualization in the LGBTQ+ Community
20:16 - How religion shows up in the LGBTQ+ experience
21:57 - Laura and Lee's relationship
33:04 - How the film portrays first love and heartbreak
37:37 - Gender norms
46:01 - The Mom's in the film
49:58 - Societal expectations of Black womanhood
55:11 - Wrapping up the show!
Follow and support Closeted History LGBTQ+ Stories of the Past
Share your Am I A Bad Queer? here
PATREON: patreon.com/BadQueersPodcast
Subscribe to our Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@BadQueersPodcast
The opinions expressed during this podcast are conversational in nature and expressed only for comedic purposes. Not all of the facts will be correct but we attempt to be as accurate as possible. BQ Media LLC, the hosts, nor any guest host(s) hold no liability over the conversations on this podcast and by using this podcast you understand that it is solely for entertainment purposes.
Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, parody, scholarship and research.
Welcome to Black History Month! We’re kicking things off by asking the real questions—did we actually enjoy the Grammys? Did Beyoncé’s tour announcement revive us? Plus, we break down key headlines impacting the LGBTQ+ community and news to pay attention to. In 'Am I a Bad Queer?', Kris and Shana share advice on astrology ruling your relationship, unproblematic white queers, and the art of the soft launch. And in Bad Queer Opinions, we’re showing love to LGBTQ+ Divine Nine members and making a case for cuddling your queer friends.
Shoutouts:
Kris: Black Farmers Index - Black Farmers Index (The Index), addresses food insecurity, food system failures and inequities in agriculture in our commitment to ensure that Black farmers and growers thrive. Follow on IG @blackfarmersindex
Shana: AU Pro Basketball - Season 4 of 5x5 Basketball begins. This was the original offseason, in the US basketball league. It’s a great time, watch on ESPN+, Fanduel and the WNBA App - Follow @auprobasketball on IG
Episode Notes:
0:49 - Queer Urban Dictionary
2:39 - Grammys
26:54 - Cowboy Carter Tour
36:27 - The World is on Fire - LGBTQ news round up
42:47 - One of Them Days recap and review
46:30 - Am I a Bad Queer?
1:00:18 - Bad Queer Opinions
1:04:49 - Shoutouts
Share your Am I A Bad Queer? here
PATREON: patreon.com/BadQueersPodcast
Subscribe to our Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@BadQueersPodcast
The opinions expressed during this podcast are conversational in nature and expressed only for comedic purposes. Not all of the facts will be correct but we attempt to be as accurate as possible. BQ Media LLC, the hosts, nor any guest host(s) hold no liability over the conversations on this podcast and by using this podcast you understand that it is solely for entertainment purposes.
Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, parody, scholarship and research.
This week, we sit down with legendary content creator, Amber Whittington—aka AmbersCloset—to talk about her journey from YouTube pioneer to TV and her next big move… politics? 👀
We get into the real challenges of staying authentic in the public eye, dating as a creator, friendship breakups, and the real LA.
Plus, Amber weighs in on the bisexual studs debate for this week’s Bad Queer Opinion.
Shoutouts
Kris: Rage: On Being Queer, Black, Brilliant… and Completely Over It - Lester Fabian Brathwaite debut book. Rage is a darkly comedic exploration of Blackness, queerness, and the American Dream, at a time when creative anger feels like the best response to inequality. Now available everywhere you buy books. Follow Lester on IG @lefabrat
Shana: InterConnect Support Group - Intersex support and community organization providing affirming spaces for intersex people, their families and allies - Follow and support on IG @interconnect_support
Amber: Lambda Legal - is a civil rights organization that focuses on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) communities as well as people living with HIV/AIDS (PWAs) through impact litigation, societal education, and public policy work. Support them @lambdalegal
Episode Notes:
0:50 - Queer Urban Dictionary
2:45 - AmbersCloset Introduction
3:40 - Origin Story
8:20 - Queer awakening + First lesbian to come out on Youtube
20:58 - Jump from social media to TV
35:21 - Dating as a content creator, friendship breakups
45:09 - Dealing with negativity online, politics
1:01:18 - Bad Queer Opinions
1:24:30 - Shoutouts
Share your Am I A Bad Queer? here
PATREON: patreon.com/BadQueersPodcast
Subscribe to our Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@BadQueersPodcast
The opinions expressed during this podcast are conversational in nature and expressed only for comedic purposes. Not all of the facts will be correct but we attempt to be as accurate as possible. BQ Media LLC, the hosts, nor any guest host(s) hold no liability over the conversations on this podcast and by using this podcast you understand that it is solely for entertainment purposes.
Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, parody, scholarship and research.
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