Family,

Happy New Year!

It's 2025 and I have officially launched season 4 of the Queer News podcast. This podcast has taken me on such an incredible journey over the last 4 years. Thank you for being on the ride with me.

I'm currently preparing myself for the unrelenting news cycle that is inevitably coming our way. It's going to be full of the good, bad, and the very ugly. This means we MUST be informed and I'm committed to continue delivering Queer News with insight, care & some laughter because our lives serve joy too!

Family, remember our humanity is not up for compromise.

Talk soon,
Anna

Ohhh Quick Question

Are you going to Creating Change? If so, reply so we can connect in Vegas! I'd love to make IRL connections in 2025.

This Week on Queer News

Welcome to Season 4!

While Anna takes time to reflect and recharge, we’re revisiting a vital conversation with Mony Ruiz Velasco, Deputy Director of Equality Illinois.

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In this replay episode, Mony breaks down the actionable steps LGBTQ+ folks can take to safeguard their rights, families, and futures in an increasingly hostile environment.

Key Highlights

• 🔒 Legal protections for queer families: wills, beneficiaries, powers of attorney
• 🏥 Safeguarding healthcare privacy and access
• 🛡️ Preparing for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and attacks
• 🌍 Supporting displaced LGBTQ+ individuals seeking safety in Illinois
• 🤝 The power of community: time, talent, and treasure in the fight for equity

👉🏽 Visit Equality Illinois for resources and ways to get involved.

Get Your Family Merch

Anna's Weekly QCrew Video Update

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.

Anna reflects on 2024, shares her goals for the podcast in 2025, and how she plans on spending New Years Eve.

Last week on Queer News

As we close out 2024, our host Anna DeShawn takes us on a reflective journey through a year filled with triumphs, challenges, and moments that defined our community.

Binge December Interviews

Jordan Alexander, the breakout star of HBO Max's Gossip Girl reboot, describes herself as an unrelenting artist, blazing her own path in music and entertainment!

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Anna also has an inspiring interview with a trailblazing LGBTQ+ advocate and military service member, Isaiah Wilkins.

December Special Edition

In this episode, we confront a critical yet under-discussed issue: the impact of HIV on Black women. Through heartfelt storytelling, historical context, and expert voices, Anna shines a light on systemic inequalities, cultural stigmas, and the resilience of Black women in the face of an epidemic.

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