by, C. Garrett Keidel, Social Media Editor
Due to public health concern with the status of COVID-19 in New York City, Mayor Bill De Blasio announced in late April that all nonessential public events would be canceled for the city, through the month of June. The mandate includes the canceling of New York City’s 2020 Pride parade and all preceding events. 2020 marks one year since the World Pride celebration(s) of 2019, and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots; not to mention this would have also been the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march in June, 1970.
Manhattan College in 2019 also celebrated its first ever pride week with the help of the MC LGBT Club. With the canceling of on-campus events for the rest of the semester, along with the cancelation of Pride events for New York city through June; many LGBT+ people(s) and allies are seeking an alternative to celebrate. An answer to that during a time of quarantine and social distancing? Podcasts.
If you are looking for ways to connect with the LGBT+ community during this transition period into pride celebrations, here’s some recommendations.
The Deviant’s World, Eric Cervini, Ph.D
Host Eric Cervini is an award-winning LGBTQ+ historian, and graduate of Harvard summa cum laude in 2014; receiving a Ph.D from the University of Cambridge. Episode titles of the podcast include, “In Search of a Lesbian Bar”, “Learning from AIDS in the Age of COVID-19”, and many more. This podcast brings commentary and celebration of LGBT+ historical moment(s). US Senator Tammy Baldwin, reviewed Cervini’s work as “a compelling work that should be on the reading list for everyone who cares about the quest for full civil rights for all Americans.” His work highlights LGBT+ history and culture, and Pride is rooted in that historical background. This podcast should be on everyone’s list(s).
Shame on You, Jordan Power and Brad Price
Best friends, Jordan and Brad set out in March 2019 to “imagine if they were invincible to shame, not just about being gay, but in general. Join [Jordan and Brad] as they spark a revolt against society’s norms. Guests include ex-boyfriends, gay men, and others plagued by messages of shame.” This show can be a bit graphic, but for members of the LGBT+ community, the normalcy of our emotions/feelings is equal above all, and the show starts conversations without stigmas that typically are brought with them. Shame on You is loud, proud, and in your face. This thought and opinion provoking show should be on everyone’s list wishing to celebrate a remote pride this year.
RuPaul: What’s the Tee with Michelle Visage, RuPaul Charles and Michelle Visage
Whether or not you are a fan of the multi-Emmy award winning television show RuPaul’s Drag Race, this podcast offers nearly 6 years of interviews with LGBT+ figures, entertainment celebrities, and allies. Interviews from your favorite contestants on RuPaul’s Drag Race are scattered throughout, and explore the variety of guests on the show. This show has a guest for all audiences including Susanne Bartsch, Vanessa Williams, Adam Lambert, and Bruce Vilanch. From “Ru” and Michelle talking by themselves about life in New York City, to conversations with community icons like Mathu Anderson, and your favorite interviews with contestants on RuPaul’sDrag race; the show offers a modern combination of LGBT+ infotainment that’s perfect for this Pride season.