Family, I hope you’re taking good care of yourselves. We are living in some wild and wicked times but I’m encouraged because I know we will take care of each other. As we enter the final week of Black History Month I want to share two podcasts I’m listening too that I think you’ll enjoy. Red for Revolution & Our Ancestors Were Messy. If you listen, make sure to reply and tell me what you think.

​Click here to listen!​

​Click here to listen!​

Till next week.

Anna

Listen to this week's episode

Sam Nordquist investigation update ​ ​ ​ Start listening at 3:36 Listen Here

Honoring Elisa Rae Shupe’s legacy & final words ​ ​ ​ Start listening at 5:02 Listen Here

Maine Gov. Janet Mills vs. Trump on trans rights ​ Start listening at 9:52 Listen Here

Carter’s Blog - The Importance (and Nuances) of Queer Resiliency Start listening at 13:14 Listen Here

Raquel Willis’ Time Woman of the Year honor ​ Start listening at 17:30 Listen Here

Brittney Griner’s safety scare at a hotel ​ Start listening at 19:50 Listen Here

Angel Reese’s historic 20-20 game in Unrivaled ​ Start listening at 22:27 Listen Here

Your QCrew Exclusive Video

Watch Your Exclusive unedited Weekly Update from Anna

This week Anna shares her talk about here interview with 2AM Ricky, and the exciting partnership with your favorite Queer public historian, Amanda of Yesterqueers.

Join the QCrew!

As part of the QCrew you'll receive:

• A weekly video from the desk of Anna DeShawn. She talks about everything not on social media ;)
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If you believe in the work we do. If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified. If you love & respect how Anna reports on the news. Join the QCrew! It starts as low as $5/month. That's cheaper than your cup of coffee.

Exclusive Interview

Meet 2AM Ricky, a name you need to know. 🏆 As the first Black trans man to top the charts, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. Ricky opens up about his spiritual journey, how music helped him heal, and why representation in the industry is more important than ever 🎶✨

​
📌 Inside This Episode:

✅ Being the first Black trans male artist to hit #1 📊

✅ The role of faith & spirituality in his music ✨

✅ Losing loved ones & using music as therapy 🎼

✅ The power of representation in the music industry 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

Last Week on Queer News

Last week on Queer News, we honored the lives of Sam and Tahiry, two Black trans individuals whose tragic deaths remind us why we must continue to speak their names and fight for justice. In politics, Lambda Legal secured a major win for gender-affirming care, while the people protested in NYC after transgender and queer identities were erased from the Stonewall Monument website. Plus, Darian Aaron from GLAAD brought us a special report on an upcoming conference supporting gay men who want to have children. And in entertainment, we saw KWN & Kehlani’s latest steamy music video?

Qube News

🚨 New section! Qube News will be an area of the newsletter dedicated to Anna’s podcasting work with The Qube. Over the last four years she’s been on quite the journey working to bring it to life. Well now she’s started a weekly blog called “Founder Life” to document her founder journey. Want to tap in? Subscribe to The Qube’s Substack and watch her first Blog.

SAVE THE DATE

Mar 21, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Nobody's Darling 1744 West Balmoral Avenue Chicago

Ready to discover your next favorite podcast?

This fresh, new monthly event series is designed to help you discover, listen to, and support the best podcasts you can’t find. Join us for an intimate evening of listening with silent headphones creating a truly captivating audio experience.

We’ll feature the best podcasters from across the country in conversation with Chicago’s own award-winning podcast host & producer Anna DeShawn, showcase indy podcasts in a never-before-seen Podcast Open Mic, and be in community where you can make new connections.

The Podcast Salon is for those who love podcasts and those who are ready to find out what the talk is all about.

Did you miss the Qube Reboot?? That's okay because it's on demand for you to check out. Find out in this exclusive webinar how The Qube is being rebooted and reimagined to better serve our mission: to help people discover, listen, and support the best Black and Brown podcasts. This webinar is a must-attend for podcasters, creators, and anyone interested in the future of audio.

Hosted by: DJ Tricey Trice | Featuring: Anna DeShawn

Community Event Feature

Join us on March 8, 2025, from 6:00 to 10:00 PM at Effortless Look HQ for the highly anticipated LBTQ Giving Council of Chicago Foundation for Women's International Women’s Day Dance! The evening will be a celebration of community, featuring delicious appetizers and an open bar as we dance the night away with DJs Gloria and Sandra Suave. Guests can participate in a silent auction and try their luck with a Golden Ticket, with all proceeds directly supporting grants for organizations and programs that uplift lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning women, girls, and gender non-

binary/non-conforming individuals in the Chicago region. Dress to express yourself, whether in casual wear or cocktail attire, and help us make a meaningful impact while celebrating the strength and beauty of our diverse community!

Binge Some Queer Content!

LGBTQ+ Rights in 2025 & Beyond

Some of the brightest lights in the Chicago LGBTQ+ community came together to talk about how we organize, advocate and build coalitions during these hostile times.

The Unrivaled Game Schedule

Anna didn't want to miss a game and

she thought you'd feel the same way. If that's you download the calendar schedule she put together. It's a free gift for all of us that love women's basketball.

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