Zack and Peterson welcome Peter Leeson onto the show this week—do note the distinction between Peterson and Peter LEEson. Our first trans-Atlantic guest! (Shane doesn’t count because he was in the U.S. with us when we recorded.) Peter came out as gay to his wife of 27 years at the age of 53 and decided to maintain his faithfulness to her. He shares with us his story about coming to terms with his identity during andropause and his experiences working with the LGBTQ community while not “acting” on his sexuality. Learn more about his story through the links below!

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» Peter was profiled in The Times (Times subscribers only).

» Peter also shared his story in the short film, “Latecomers.”

» Also mentioned: The Boston Diocese lists all its accused child abusers.

After a little hiatus, the podcast is back with some lighter fare discussion about pop culture, but of course with the brilliant analysis and commentary you expect from the likes of Peterson and Zack. Follow the rambling discussion through Lady Gaga/Jo Calderone, Dancing with the Stars, Torchwood, Mad Men, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Crazy Stupid Love, Laughter in the Dark, and more. Also, you’ll find out just what Peterson was doing during last week’s east coast earthquake. Leave comments and hit us up on Twitter!

This week, Zack and Peterson continue the conversation about ex-gay therapy in the media — in particular, the NPR story that featured Peterson. But though some media portrayals still aren’t getting the message right, a new film paints a better picture. This Is What Love In Action Looks Like follows the story of Zach Stark, the 16-year-old who was forced into Love In Action’s Refuge program by his parents and provided detailed accounts of its rules and “therapies” on his MySpace. By showing how harmful ex-gay therapy can be, this film creates a new opportunity to educate the public on the harms of ex-gay therapy.

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» TP: NPR Misrepresents Ex-Gay Therapy As ‘Controversial’ And Still Up For ‘Debate’
» TP: NPR’s Featured ‘Ex-Gay’ Guest Commits Over $200,000 To Dangerous, Unscientific Ex-Gay ‘Coachings’
» PT: Ex-Gay on NPR. Wrong question & Things unmentioned
» TP: Ten Things NPR Got Wrong Defending The Falsely Balanced Ex-Gay Story

» TP: Profiting Off Stigma: Janet Boynes, Bachmann’s Ex-Gay, Anti-Gay Superstar

» Ex-Gay Watch: Review: This Is What Love in Action Looks Like (Includes Upcoming Screening Dates)

Thanks to Michele Bachmann’s family business, ex-gay therapy is getting mainstream coverage in the news once again. But is it getting the coverage it deserves? Peterson and Zack welcome Christine Robinson back to the podcast to discuss how the media can better respond to the ex-gay movement and challenge the harmful rhetoric that continues to permeate society. Check out the many links below for the latest.

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» Listen back to our November 2010 interview with Christine.

» Citation and abstract for “Genocidal Intentions: Social Death and the Ex-Gay Movement” (Spivey & Robinson, 2010).

» Marcus Bachmann calls gays “barbarians” who need to be “disciplined.” The barbarians protest.

» Young people are more susceptible to ex-gay rhetoric.

» Ex-gay Stephen Bennett on Joy Behar.

Reverend Elizabeth Jeremiah (from the Elizabeth Jeremiah Global Worldwide Ministries in Jesus) stops by (hacks in) to the podcast today to chat with Zack about polygamy. The Brown family from TLC’s “Sister Wives” is suing the state of Utah to overturn the criminal ban on bigamy, and Rev. Jeremiah has some Biblical precedent to support their case. Peterson makes it back into the call to add some context from Dan Savage about being “monogamish.” Is it right to assume that monogamy is the best solution for all relationships? We pull back the curtain a bit on marriage and hope you join the conversation!

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» The family from “Sister Wives” sues Utah over privacy protections.

» Dan Savage talks about being “monogamish” with his husband.

Peterson has wronged Zack; can Zack forgive him? In this fairly sober episode, Zack and Peterson dig into the idea of reconciliation and building bridges between the queer community and those who oppose it. What does it look like to build a bridge between conflicting groups? What kind of sacrifices and compromises need to be made to build it and by whom? There are those who seek to develop a bond of understanding between the groups, but what factors ensure the success of that effort? Once you listen, please feel free to leave your thoughts as a comment or email them to us at zackfordblogs@gmail.com and p2saki@gmail.com.

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» Check out Jane Brazell’s blog. She contributed some great thoughts to our discussion this week.

» The random feminist quote Peterson shared came from Ellen Willis.

» Check out the ABC News coverage of Marcus Bachmann’s reparative therapy clinic.

Zack and Peterson celebrate the recent marriage equality victory in New York, but mourn with Marvin that GENDA still hasn’t passed. After a broader discussion on the role of marriage in the LGBT movement, Zack vents a bit about President Obama’s un”evolving” position on the issue. There are also some shoutouts to some other cool trans and gender-neutral content. Check out the links!

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» Gender neutral pre-school in Sweden.

» Did NY LGBs Win Marriage By Throwing Trans-Friendly GENDA Under The Bus?

» Justin Bond: ‘I think everybody’s trans’

» Catch Kimberly Reed’s story on The Moth Podcast while it’s still up!

» Peterson on the Anarchist Reverend.

» TIMELINE: Tracking Barack Obama’s Position On Marriage Equality

Two episodes in one week! Well, kind of. Not for us. But we’re back, and this week we dive head first into the Anthony Weiner “scandal.” So he showed some PG-13 pics on Twitter, but what did he actually do wrong? Listen as Peterson and Zack consider the matter from a perspective of sexual liberation. And then, we offer some tips on giving great workshops at conferences, with a brief lesson on Howard Gardner’s (not John Gardner’s) multiple intelligences. Peterson has lots of background sounds and Zack sounds like he’s in a submarine and getting everyone’s name wrong (sorry, Sen. Kyl — kind of), but the discussion will be so captivating you won’t even notice!

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» Learn more about Gardner’s multiple intelligences!

It’s the long lost episode! Zack and Peterson remained unraptured, but Zack’s blog definitely took a hit and the podcasting utility was down. But things are right again and the episode is finally up for you to listen! We started recording around 5:50 PM on May 21st and continued the discussion through the non-existent earthquake and Rapture while birds chirped in the background and friends sipped on alcoholic beverages. What’s up with this Rapture thing, and what does it mean for our lives from here on out? Take a listen and then join the discussion by leaving a comment!

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» Interracial marriage polling vs. same-sex marriage polling.

» Tennessee’s ban on nondiscrimination ordinances.

Glen previously joined the podcast for a discussion about gay-for-pay porn actors, but now he’s back to tell us all about his just-published memoir, The Jack Bank. In it, he chronicles growing up gay in Apartheid South Africa and participating in the revolution that led to sexual orientation becoming a protected class in that nation. He shares an excerpt from the book (despite an interruption by cats) and fields questions from Zack and Peterson not only about the content of the book, but the process of writing it and the importance of memoir as a genre. Order your copy of The Jack Bank today!

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» Buy The Jack Bank on Amazon.com.

» Visit Glen Retief’s homepage and blog.

» Peterson on being Glen’s partner: Two are Better than One–Art, Love, & Partnership

After a special monologue by Peterson, we discuss BODIES. How do we talk about bodies? What’s that intersexuality thing? What challenges do trans people still face? We lay it all out on the table and just talk about all our hesitations and yet curiosities with bodies, mixed with some recent news.  Take a listen, and then tell us your hangups and joys when it comes to bodies!

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» Peterson Toscano’s A Musing: Henry Kissinger had a Boob Job!

» Intersex Society of North America

» Abortion not a women’s issue? Feministing: Behind the backlash: what’s so scary about deconstructing the gender binary?

» Malaysia’s got an anti-gay camp for boys, but it’s illegal.

» Texas considers banning trans marriage. But in Texas, different kinds of trans marriages are legal because of Littleton v. Prange.

» PBS’s In The Life highlights transgender Injustice at Every Turn.

After past discussions of sexual fantasies and even an interview with a porn star, Zack and Peterson decided it was time to actually talk about porn. In particular, the conversation addresses two questions: what were folks’ first experience with porn and what role has porn played in folks’ lives? There is sharing all around, including from a number of commenters on Peterson’s blog. We try to tackle the taboo around acknowledging porn’s existence in our lives and celebrate some of the important benefits it can actually offer us. Please feel free to leave your own comments (even if you disagree) and feel free to share your own story as well!

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» Peterson’s invitation to discuss: What about porn?

» This week’s erotic poem: How To Make Love to a Trans Person by Gabe Moses

This week, Zack and Peterson welcome to the show Carl Siciliano, founder and executive director of The Ali Forney Center in New York City, which provides shelter for LGBT homeless youth. Since its founding nearly ten years ago, The Ali Forney Center has been on the forefront of addressing the epidemic of homelessness that impacts young LGBT people at absurdly disproportionate rates. Still, in 2011, the center only can offer 57 of the 200 beds available nationwide for the thousands of LGBT youth living on the streets and fights for the funds to provide even that. Carl shares with us the history of the center and the uphill battle to save our community’s young people.

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» This week’s erotic poem: Sublimation Point by Jason Schneiderman.

» Donate to The Ali Forney Center.

» Sign the Change.org petition to protect LGBT homeless youth in NY.

» Read Carl Siciliano’s open letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo.

» Read more stories from LGBT homeless youth in California (PDF).

Imposing an every-22-episodes tradition, Zack and Peterson are back this week to continue the open conversation about religion that began in Ep. 22, Reeking of Faith. This week, the conversation revolves around the idea of truth and knowledge and the motivations for good deeds. The goal of these episodes is to generate discussion, so please leave your thoughts and ideas in the comments or on our Facebook page. We were able to play nice this week, so you all should too. Enjoy!

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» Go back and listen to Episode 22 – Reeking of Faith

» This week’s possibly-erotic poem: “I Am and I Am Not” by Rumi.

» Sign the petition against the ex-gay therapy iPhone app.

» Read Peterson’s post on “Straight Supremacy.”

» Huffington Post: Congress Considers “In God We Trust”… But Who Is This God?

It’s Zack’s last day in Pennsylvania, and for once, Peterson has come to him! This week, we delve back into the world of ex-gay therapy because Lisa Ling forces us to respond to the Our America exposé of Exodus International on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Almost the entire program was an open platform for ex-gay therapy, with very little challenge or critique or basic reporting about the ineffectiveness and real harm that comes from ex-gay therapy. We address the problems with the special, and invite our special guest Anthony to shed some light on the world of ex-straights, which were not featured at all in the special. ALSO: Zack premieres an original erotic poem! You can read it below.

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» Read Peterson’s response to the Our America ex-gay special.

» Watch Wayne Besen’s response to the Our America ex-gay special (Truth Wins Out).

» Relisten to our interview with Christine Robinson about how ex-gay therapy = genocide.

» Read Zack’s erotic poem:

Puddlejumper

No words or pleasantries expressed,
An expected tolerance for each other’s
temporary company.
Yet moments after take off,
another occurs:
His knee firmly against mine.

Suddenly, I am consumed with all that he is,
But there is nothing more I need know.
The buzz in my thigh is as crisp as his
military haircut.

And though this 47-minute puddlejumper
Leaves little expectation for tolerating more,
I no longer worry about making my connection.

It’s already been made.

Zack and Peterson are back in person with each other, but it might be the last time for a while, as Zack has accepted a job in the DC area! But don’t worry, the podcast isn’t going anywhere! This week we take a trip to Harding University in Arkansas, Flour Bluff School District in Texas, and even Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas! The topic? Free speech and queer identities in education. Take a listen to learn all the latest happenings about how queer people are being erased!

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» This week’s erotic poem: Episode of Hands by Hart Crane.

» Read the Harding University Queer Press, follow them on Twitter, Like them on Facebook, and watch the President’s scathing speech.

» Learn more about the decision to prevent the GSA in Corpus Christi.

» Zack’s response to the Westboro SCOTUS decision and Bill O’Reilley’s discussion with Megyn Kelly.

» Learn more about the “Be Happy, Not Gay” t-shirt controversy.

» OUTspoken 2011

» True Colors 2011

» Adelina Anthony

» Jade Esteban Estrada

Zack’s sick and Peterson’s been busy, so this week’s episode isn’t exactly coherent. The most recent Glee episode gives us plenty to talk about, including bisexuality and anti-gay violence. Plus, there’s that whole Lady Gaga and Target thing. We also honor the passing of a local LGBT activist with the poem that was used in her 1993 wedding program. The episode isn’t over without appearances from Rev. Dr. Meadows and Marvin Bloom. There’s something for everyone in this episode!

Apologies for some of the audio quality; we have some kinks to work out when we use Skype to record like we did today. Kinks don’t scare us in the least.

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» This week’s poem honors Fran McDaniel (1943–2011). It’s XIII from Adrienne Rich’s 21 Love Poems.

» Watch this week’s Glee: Blame It On the Alcohol.

» Learn more about Lady Gaga’s efforts to make Target more LGBT-friendly.

Peterson and Zack are delighted to welcome the fabulous Robyn Ochs to this week’s episode. Robyn is a renowned speaker at conferences and on college campuses and is particularly known for her bisexuality activism. In this episode, we discuss the complicated nature of sexual identities and the history of bisexual advocacy. Robyn also reminds us of the power of the personal narrative with a story of her own. Join in the conversation by leaving a comment here or on our Facebook page!

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» Check out Robyn Ochs’ homepage and Like her on Facebook.

» Find this week’s erotic poem and other bisexual testimonials in Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World.

» Get details on the upcoming central PA GSA Leadership Summit!

Note from Zack: In this episode, we discuss the way various kinds of identities exist independently and yet can intersect. I’ve included the chart below, which I’ve used in classes and presentations before, as a little visual aid for thinking about each of these identities as separate continua. An individual can could have any combination of points on the following five continua, and that would only start to paint the picture of their identity.

Freshly back from Creating Change and AWP, Zack and Peterson are energized to be advocates and writers. This week’s episode focuses on a roundup of news related to the transgender community, including unfunny sketches on Craig Ferguson and SNL, hate crimes, and a big new study that reveals “Injustice at Every Turn” for the trans community. We also share our experiences from our conferences and, of course, an erotic poem!

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» This week’s erotic poem: “Song for a Lakota Woman” by Chrystos (Listen to Chrystos read it.)

» Chris Geidner’s report on Craig Ferguson and SNL

» Murders of transgender people in Honduras

» Sentencing of Ashley Santiago’s Murderer

» Autumn Sandeen speaks out about Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

» The Task Force and NCTE Study: Injustice at Every Turn

» Peterson’s Post about the Trans-Inclusive Commercial from Argentina

» Robyn Ochs!

» Peterson’s Schedule

» The Trans-Ponder Podcast!

]]> http://zackfordblogs.com/2011/02/queer-and-queerer-ep-39-trans-allies-gone-wild/feed/ 3 Freshly back from Creating Change and AWP, Zack and Peterson are energized to be advocates and writers. This week’s episode focuses on a roundup of news related to the transgender community, including unfunny sketches on Craig Ferguson and SNL, hate crimes, and a big new study that reveals “Injustice at Every Turn” for the trans community. We also share our experiences from our conferences and, of course, an erotic poem! Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week: » This week’s erotic poem: “Song for a Lakota Woman” by Chrystos (Listen to Chrystos read it.) » Chris Geidner’s report on Craig Ferguson and SNL » Murders of transgender people in Honduras » Sentencing of Ashley Santiago’s Murderer » Autumn Sandeen speaks out about Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell » The Task Force and NCTE Study: Injustice at Every Turn » Peterson’s Post about the Trans-Inclusive Commercial from Argentina » Robyn Ochs! » Peterson’s Schedule » The Trans-Ponder Podcast! Freshly back from Creating Change and AWP, Zack and Peterson are energized to be advocates and writers. This week’s episode focuses on a roundup of news related to the transgender community, including unfunny sketches on Craig Ferguson and SNL, [...] Zack Ford and Peterson Toscano 38:24 lgbt, gay, lesbian, bi, bisexual, queer, lgbtq, trans, transgender, hate crimes, research, creating change, chrystos, peterson toscano, religion, SNL, Craig Ferguson yes http://zackfordblogs.com/2011/01/queer-and-queerer-ep-38-who-made-you-the-drag-queen-of-the-gay-agenda/ http://zackfordblogs.com/2011/01/queer-and-queerer-ep-38-who-made-you-the-drag-queen-of-the-gay-agenda/#comments Tue, 25 Jan 2011 20:01:18 +0000 ZackFord http://zackfordblogs.com/?p=5711

Alright, so we admit we have an agenda, but what is it? Lots of people, like straight pastors and well-funded Glb(t) political operatives, think they know. Zack and Peterson try to suss out who sets the agenda and what it happens to be today. What are the bars by which we measure the success of the LGBTQ movement? We also talk about folks who are trying to bridge gaps, but might just be helping to maintain them. From Egypt to Hollywood to Washington, D.C., we look at who is shaping the agenda and chime in with our hopes and concerns.

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» This week’s erotic poem: “A Glimpse,” by Walt Whitman.

» HRC’s Trans Job Campaign in Massachusetts

» Egyptian “Gay Rights Activist,” or Ex-Gay Proponent?

» Discussion about Andrew Marin:

Belmont May Change Actions Toward Gay Groups

FriendlyAtheist: “I’m Sorry” Is Not Enough for the Gay Community

» The Second LGBT General Assembly (Facebook Event) – (Saturday, January 20)

» Creating Change in Minneapolis! It’s not too late to register! – (February 2-6)

» A Night with Robyn Ochs at Bucknell University – (Tuesday, February 15)

» See Peterson at Trinity University in San Antonio, TX (February 28-March 1)

Peterson is back with stories to tell about South Africa! But Zack has been monitoring the pulse back in the United States, and their juxtaposed observations about gender and sexuality bring Queer and Queerer back in 2011 with a bang! This week we discuss the public perception of LGBT people nationally and globally and particularly in the media. There are a ton of links below that inform our conversation, so check them all out, and of course, enjoy this week’s erotic poem!

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» This week’s erotic poem: My mouth hovers across your breasts by Adrienne Rich

» Change.org’s campaign against corrective rape.

» The Second LGBT General Assembly (Facebook Event)

» Harrisburg Men’s Chorus (Come to one of our upcoming concerts!)

Gender and Sexuality in South Africa:

» Gender DynamiX

» Museum Africa: Johannesburg Through the Eyes of its gay, lesbian, and transgender residents

» Gay Constitutional Justice: Edwin Cameron

» Book: Trans: Transgender Life Stories from South Africa

» DVD: Exquisite Gender – Digital Stories: Transgender and Intersex people in Africa

» Brian McNaught: A Very Masculine Woman and a Very Effeminate Man Walked into a Bar…

» Richard Chamberlain’s interview with The Advocate in which he discourages actors from coming out.

» The New Gay: Are Out Gay Celebrities Instant Activists?

It’s our first clip show! Peterson is still abroad, so Zack has compiled some humorous moments for your listening pleasure this week! One of the schticks of the show is the fun little moments at the end of each episode when the mic stays on just a few extra seconds. Here are all of those moments from the first 36 episodes. You’ll hear lots of references to food (since we often record in Peterson’s kitchen), as well as Zack’s Ally McBeal giggle, a bad story about a dog, and innuendo out the wazoo. Enjoy!

This week’s episode is in many ways an extension of episode 34, the interview with Devon Hunter. Peterson’s partner, Glen Retief, had a very strong reaction to some of the things Devon discussed, so he makes his first appearance with Zack and Peterson this week to discuss the “gay for pay” issue. Coming from a perspective of promoting sex-positivity based on his experiences as a gay white male living in Apartheid South Africa, Glen feels that it’s judgmental and inappropriate to condemn the idolization of straight men by gay men (in pornography or otherwise). Zack and Peterson still contend that it’s a reinforcement of patriarchy and internalized homophobia—that it is injurious that gay people have preference against members of their own community. This week’s episode just begins to scratch the surface of a complicated issue. Take a listen and leave your own thoughts!

Here’s some more information about what we talked about this week:

» Read Devon Hunter’s blog post on “the unobtainable straight man.”

» Liked today’s erotic poem? Check out Same-Sex Love in India: Readings from Literature and History.

» Pre-Order Glen Retief’s soon-to-be-published memoir, The Jack Bank.

Zack and Peterson gather by the fireside to follow up on DADT repeal, Barack Obama, and the United Nations, and lots of other interesting things happen too. Happy Holidays from the Queer and Queerer Podcast!