Rainbow History Class

A Lesbian Ghost Story Sep 24, 2024

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.

What's So Queer About Indie Twee? Sep 17, 2024

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.

Why Do Queer People Love a Mullet? Sep 10, 2024

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 for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our FREE Discord
Find us on Instagram, TikTok and Patreon.

The Sapphic IT Girl of 1920's Berlin Sep 03, 2024

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 Comme Ca"
Join our FREE Discord
Find us on Instagram, TikTok and Patreon.

The Macaroni Panic Aug 27, 2024

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 "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our FREE Discord
Find us on Instagram, TikTok and Patreon.

A Queer History of Toilets Aug 20, 2024

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 FREE Discord
Find us on Instagram, TikTok and Patreon.

The Problematic Daddy of Modern Occultism: Part Two Aug 13, 2024

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 "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our FREE Discord
Find us on Instagram, TikTok and Patreon.

Is it Really a Brat Summer? Jul 30, 2024

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 that interest us today.
Things can get a little spicy, so make sure to listen all the way through to ensure you get the most out of the conversation.
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.

The Problematic Daddy of Modern Occultism: Part One Jul 23, 2024

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 Magik not Magic and Cod Piece Victory
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.

A Big Bi-ography Jul 16, 2024

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 Metrosexual
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.

Celebrity Cancel Culture and the Dramatic Downfall of Oscar Wilde Jul 09, 2024

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 song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our FREE Discord
Find us on Instagram, TikTok and Patreon.

Are 'Girl' and 'Boy' Gendered Terms? Jul 02, 2024

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 make sure to listen all the way through to ensure you get the most out of the conversation.
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.

How to Speak Gay: Part 2 Jun 25, 2024

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 Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our FREE Discord
Find us on Instagram, TikTok and Patreon.

How to Speak Gay: Part 1 Jun 18, 2024

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 song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our FREE Discord
Find us on Instagram, TikTok and Patreon.

Why Is Fan Fiction So Queer? Jun 11, 2024

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 for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our FREE Discord
Find us on Instagram, TikTok and Patreon.

In Search of Queer Time Jun 04, 2024

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 us on Instagram, TikTok and Patreon.

Crossdressing Pirates and Life at Sea May 28, 2024

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 FREE Discord
Find us on Instagram, TikTok and Patreon.

The Lesbian Master Doc and Compulsory Heterosexuality May 21, 2024

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 PIG and the Plexus Nerve.

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.

The Fashionable History of the Binder May 14, 2024

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 Socks.

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.

JoJo Siwa Invented Gay Pop Music: Detention 01 May 07, 2024

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 her friends and confidants?
Things can get a little spicy in detention so make sure to listen all the way through to ensure you get the most out of the conversation.
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.

Marie Antoinette and the Secret Lesbian Society Apr 30, 2024

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 Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our FREE Discord
Find us on Instagram, TikTok and Patreon.

Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other Apr 23, 2024

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 Patreon and find us on Instagram and TikTok.

How IKEA Accidentally Made a Transgender Mascot Apr 16, 2024

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"
Join our Patreon and find us on Instagram and TikTok.

J.K. Rowling’s Transgender History Fact Check Apr 09, 2024

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 Are 'Bubies' (boo-bees).
Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our Patreon and find us on Instagram and TikTok.

The Plain White T-shirt Apr 02, 2024

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/RainbowHistoryClass

The Public Universal Friend Mar 26, 2024

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 Watched?, S.P.I.C.E.S and Hozier is an Honorary Lesbian
Thank you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/RainbowHistoryClass

Taylor Swift and Emily Dickinson: The Two Tortured Poets Mar 19, 2024

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 you to Terry Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/RainbowHistoryClass

A History of Gay Whales and Other Animals Mar 12, 2024

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"
Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/RainbowHistoryClass

The Mothman is Everyone's Gay Boyfriend Feb 27, 2024

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 our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/RainbowHistoryClass

All The Things WE Said: A History of t.A.T.u Feb 19, 2024

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 Poison for the use of our theme song "Comme Ci Comme Ca"
Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/RainbowHistoryClass

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected