Don't Ask, Don't Tell (Part 3)

Hey everyone, welcome to the podcast. This week’s episode closes out a 3-episode arc covering Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. We’re going to cover the eventual repeal of the policy, and uncover some of the societal attitudes—particularly how they’ve shifted over the years.The underlying justifications for DADT have been subjected to increasing suspicion and outright rejection by the early 21st century. Mounting evidence obtained from the integration efforts of foreign militaries, surveys of U.S. military personnel, and studies conducted by the DoD gave credence to the view that the presence of open homosexuals within the military would not be detrimental at all to the armed forces. A DoD study conducted on the behest of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in 2010 supports this most.The DoD working group conducting the study considered the impact that lifting the ban would have on unit cohesion and effectiveness, good order and discipline, and military morale. The study included a survey ...

Don't Ask, Don't Tell (Part 2)

Part 2 of 3 in a series, for Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell (Part 1)

Hear all about the military's ban, and eventual acceptance, of LGBT people. Part 1 of 3.

Tom of Finland

Hear all about the prolific gay visual artist, Touko Laaksonen--better known as Tom of Finland.

Matthew Shepard

The life and murder of Wyoming's Matthew Shepard.

Leelah Alcorn

Hear how one trans teen's death finally drew attention to trans rights.

Daughters of Bilitis

This week, we’ll be taking a look at the esteemed Daughters of Bilitis. In concert with the Mattachine Society, this group led the birth of the modern queer rights movement.

Leonard Matlovich

Leonard Matlovich was one of the early pioneers to fight for acceptance in the military, pre-"Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Paris is Burning

This week, we’ll be investigating a documentary released in 1990 called Paris Is Burning, directed by Jennie Livingston. Filmed in the mid-to-late 1980s, it chronicles the ball culture of New York City and the African-American, Latino, gay, and transgender communities involved in it. Some critics consider the film to be an invaluable documentary of the end of the "Golden Age" of New York City drag balls, and a thoughtful exploration of race, class, gender, and sexuality in America.

Brandon Teena

Learn about the short, tragic life (and legal significance) of a transgender pioneer.