Family,

This week during Anna’s Got a Word I talk about breathing through the hard times. When we begin to feel overwhelmed to stop ourselves and breathe in, hold, exhale and then think of something you’re grateful for and do it again. Breathe in, hold, exhale and think of something you’re grateful for. Do it over and over till you feel more balanced.

The world is at war, trans rights are under perpetual attack, and so many things just feel upside down. But in the midst of all that there is always something to be grateful for. Even if it's something as simple as waking up this morning. I hope you take this message with you this week. I have found this practice really helps me move through the hardest of times. Take good care of you.
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Till next week,
Anna

Your QCrew Exclusive Video

This week I want to talk about my pivot to put YouTube first and what this means for my social presence on other platforms. I also want to actually show you the St. Petersburg “Global Rainbow”.

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 ;)
• Access to watch our exclusive interviews before they are released to the world
• Bigger discount codes on merch and event tickets

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.

Listen to this week's episode

This week on the Queer News podcast, New York makes queer history appointing Taylor Brown as the first trans woman to lead a city office. St. Petersburg paints the sky rainbow and Chicago's own Sisters in Cinema celebrates their second anniversary.

New York makes queer history appointing Taylor Brown as the first trans woman to lead a city office Start listening at 3:26 Listen Here

You can’t remove crosswalks from the sky. Florida’s rebellion against rainbow crosswalk demolition Start listening at 7:46 Listen Here

Katie Couric and Governor Newsom have a One on One Start listening at 9:54 Listen Here

TS Madison granted court protection from stalker Naquan Palmer Start listening at 17:06 Listen Here

LGBTQIA Business Week returns in 2026 Start listening at 20:24 Listen Here

Sisters in Cinema Celebrates Their Second Anniversary​ Start listening at 22:18 Listen Here

Interview: Senator Mike Simmons' Bold Vision for Congress

This week, Anna DeShawn sits down for an exclusive Season 5 interview with State Senator Mike Simmons to discuss his historic run for U.S. Congress in Illinois’ 9th District. Simmons brings the receipts with 50 bills passed into law and shares how his "People’s Legislative Councils" are using creative protest to fight the affordability crisis and protect trans families. Join us for a candid conversation on authentic representation, the fundraising gap for Black queer candidates, and why lived experience is the tool we need to transform D.C.

Last Week on Queer News

Last week on Queer News, Anna discusses New York Attorney General Letitia James ordering NYU Landon to resume gender-affirming care for minors, LGBTQ+ federal employees suing Trump, and she uplifts the 37th annual GLAAD awards.
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New Episode Shine a Light On It: Black Women, HIV & Its Impact

From "Walking Dead" to Dancing Again: How My "Sisters in the Struggle" Saved My Life

When Latascha was first diagnosed with HIV, she felt like her life was over. "I was so down in a dark spot, I forgot my dreams, my wants, and who I was," she says.

But Chicago had other plans for her.

In our latest episode of Shine A Light On It, Latascha takes us on her journey from a lonely diagnosis in Florida to finding her "Sisters in the Struggle" in Chicago. It’s a story about the gap between medical care and true community care. Today, Latascha isn't just surviving; she’s laughing and dancing her way through life.

Watch the full episode to see Latascha’s incredible spirit (and her line dancing moves!) in action.

Queer News Tip Line

Subscribe to BLACKlines

Windy City Times announced that Anna is the first newsletter coordinator for BLACKlines!

BLACKlines holds a unique place in Chicago’s journalistic history, and Anna is deeply honored to steward this vital publication for a new generation. It’s an incredible opportunity to amplify Black LGBTQ+ voices and stories at a time when they’re needed most.

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