Pop Icons and Vampire Vibes: Taylor Swift’s Philanthropy and What We Do In The Shadows

Welcome back to another fabulous episode of Queernundrum! This week, we’re diving into two seemingly different yet equally fascinating topics: the philanthropic efforts of global superstar Taylor Swift and the wildly entertaining, queer-friendly TV show, What We Do In The Shadows. Get ready to explore how Taylor Swift uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and give back to communities in need, and how a comedy about vampire roommates has become a surprising hit among queer audiences. Grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and join us for a fun and insightful ride!

Episode Highlights:

1. Taylor Swift’s Philanthropy and Support for LGBTQ+ Rights:

• Discover how Taylor Swift evolved from country darling to pop icon and outspoken ally for the LGBTQ+ community.
• We’ll discuss her powerful song “You Need to Calm Down,” which became an anthem for LGBTQ+ pride and advocacy, and her public support for the Equality Act.
• Learn about Taylor’s significant donations to LGBTQ+ organizations, including GLAAD and how her philanthropy extends beyond LGBTQ+ issues to support education, disaster relief, and more.

What We Do In The Shadows: A Queer Delight in the Dark:

• Get ready to laugh as we dive into the hilarious and quirky world of What We Do In The Shadows, the TV series based on the cult-favorite film by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement.
• We’ll explore the show’s unique blend of comedy and horror, its clever satire of modern life, and why it resonates with queer audiences.
• An how Holly has not seen the show...

Intro music by Jahzzar “Please Listen Carefully” “Jahzzar (betterwithmusic.com) CC BY-SA” and Outro music by Scott Holmes “Acoustic Indie Folk” @ scottianholmes@live.com.

Editor: H. Greystone via FinalCut Pro

Writer: G. Thoren

Welcome back to another captivating episode of Queernundrum! Today, we’re celebrating three incredible women who have left an indelible mark on their fields and the world at large: Ilona Maher, Sha'Carri Richardson, and Betty White. Join us as we explore the journeys of these remarkable individuals, highlighting their athletic feats, advocacy for inclusivity, and the unique ways they’ve inspired countless people.

Episode Highlights:

Ilona Maher – Rugby Powerhouse:

• Discover Ilona Maher’s rise in the world of rugby, from her beginnings at Quinnipiac University to becoming a key player on the USA Women’s Rugby Sevens team.
• Explore how Ilona embraces her queer identity and uses her platform to advocate for inclusivity, mental health awareness, and body positivity.
• Learn about Ilona’s vibrant social media presence and how she connects with fans through her humor and authenticity.

Sha'Carri Richardson – Sprinting Sensation:

• Dive into Sha'Carri Richardson’s journey to becoming one of the fastest women in the world, with highlights from her record-breaking performances at the NCAA Championships and the U.S. Olympic Trials.
• Understand the challenges Sha'Carri has faced, including her suspension from the Tokyo Olympics, and how she continues to advocate for equitable treatment of athletes.
• Celebrate Sha'Carri’s openness about her queer identity and her role as a visible and proud LGBTQ+ athlete.

Betty White – Entertainment Icon:

• Celebrate the life and legacy of Betty White, whose career spanned over seven decades, making her a beloved figure in television and film.
• Highlight Betty’s contributions to LGBTQ+ advocacy, including her support for marriage equality and her outspoken stance on inclusivity.
• Reflect on Betty’s unique blend of humor, charm, and kindness that endeared her to fans of all ages and backgrounds.

Quotes to Inspire:

• “Being true to myself has always been my greatest strength, on and off the field.” – Ilona Maher
• “Competing as my authentic self has been a deeply fulfilling experience, even with the challenges that come with it.” – Sha'Carri Richardson
• “It’s your outlook on life that counts. If you take yourself lightly and don’t take yourself too seriously, pretty soon you can find the humor in our everyday lives.” – Betty White

Call to Action:

• Engage with Us: Share your thoughts on today’s episode and how the stories of Ilona Maher, Sha'Carri Richardson, and Betty White have inspired you. Join the conversation on our social media channels and let’s continue to celebrate these incredible women together.
• Support Advocacy: Consider supporting organizations that promote inclusivity and equality in sports and entertainment, such as Athlete Ally, the Human Rights Campaign, and GLAAD.

Resources and Further Reading:

• 2024 LGBTQ Paris Olympic and Paralympic Guide

Closing Remarks:

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Queernundrum. The stories of Ilona Maher, Sha'Carri Richardson, and Betty White remind us of the power of authenticity, resilience, and kindness. Until next time, keep celebrating your unique selves and the incredible contributions of our LGBTQ+ community.

Intro music by Jahzzar “Please Listen Carefully” “Jahzzar (betterwithmusic.com) CC BY-SA” and Outro music by Scott Holmes “Acoustic Indie Folk” @ scottianholmes@live.com.

Editor: H. Greystone via FinalCut...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Queernundrum! In today’s show, we’re exploring the incredible journeys of two trailblazers who have broken barriers and paved the way for greater inclusion in their respective fields: Norman Lear and Lia Thomas. From transforming the television landscape to making history in collegiate swimming, these two icons have significantly impacted the fight for equality and representation.

Episode Highlights:

• Norman Lear's Revolution: Dive into the world of Norman Lear, the legendary television producer behind groundbreaking shows like "All in the Family," "The Jeffersons," and "Maude." Learn how his fearless approach to addressing social issues through comedy challenged societal norms and opened up crucial conversations about race, gender, and sexuality.
• Lia Thomas's Historic Victory: Discover the inspiring story of Lia Thomas, the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA Division I national championship. We’ll discuss her journey, the challenges she’s faced, and the broader implications of her success for transgender athletes worldwide.

“Competing as my authentic self has been a deeply fulfilling experience, even with the challenges that come with it.” – Lia Thomas

“I knew transitioning would be a struggle, but I wanted to live my true self and pursue my passion for swimming.” – Lia Thomas

“Visibility matters. It’s important for young transgender athletes to see that they can compete and succeed as their true selves.” – Lia Thomas

“Norman Lear’s shows did more than entertain; they challenged viewers to think differently about the world around them.” – Queernundrum on the Norman Affect

Intro music by Jahzzar “Please Listen Carefully” “Jahzzar (betterwithmusic.com) CC BY-SA” and Outro music by Scott Holmes “Acoustic Indie Folk” @ scottianholmes@live.com.

Editor: H. Greystone via FinalCut Pro

Writer: G. Thoren