Historically, LGBTQ+ storylines in literature, film, and television were confined to predominantly tragic narratives, where heartbreak, loss, or death defined queer characters. Today, that representation is evolving, with authentic, multidimensional portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters navigating complex emotions, relationships, and life stages that reflect real queer experiences.

In this episode, Steven Rowley, New York Times bestselling author of The Guncle, joins us to delve into his newest novel, Take Me with You, and why modern LGBTQ+ stories exploring grief, family, and identity matter.

Related Episodes:

• Listen to Episode 95. Take a Page from #GayBookstagram (with Rod Lujano)
• Listen to Episode 119. Turning the Page on Queer Book Bans (with Alexander Rigby)

Additional Resources:

• Gay Bookstagram: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Literature, Amplifying Diverse Voices, and Advocating for Representation
• The Battle Over Queer Literature: Censorship, Representation, and Resistance
• Learn More About Steven
• Get Your Copy of Take Me with You
• Follow Steven on Instagram
• Check Out Steven’s Bibliography

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International Transgender Day of Visibility is more than a moment of recognition — it’s a celebration of transgender joy, resilience, and the everyday lives that too often go unseen. Observed each year on March 31, the day uplifts trans voices, highlights achievements across culture and community, and calls attention to the discrimination and barriers that still impact transgender people around the world.

In this episode, we’re exploring the history of International Transgender Day of Visibility while reflecting on representation, advocacy, and the ongoing fight for safety, dignity, and equality.

Additional Resources:

• The History Behind International Transgender Day of Visibility
• MSU Alumna Reflects On Establishing Transgender Day of Visibility
• Transgender Leader Rachel Crandall to Receive Prestigious Community Award
• Biden is the First President to Issue Transgender Day of Visibility Proclamation
• International Transgender Day of Visibility (GLAAD)
• Fact Check: Biden Did Not Set Transgender Day of Visibility to Annually Coincide with Easter
• How Are the Dates for Easter, Palm Sunday, and Ash Wednesday Determined?
• 2026 Anti-Trans Bills Tracker
• What Anti-Trans Bills Passed in 2026?
• Protect Trans Care Now
• Take the Pledge: Support Trans Youth Now
• Protect Life-Saving Healthcare for Trans People
• Transgender Law Center
• The Trevor Project

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Previously, we’ve discussed how growing up gay in a world that often misunderstood or rejected us can leave deep emotional scars. In adulthood, these wounds may show up as shame, fear of intimacy, self-doubt, or difficulty trusting both ourselves and others.

In this episode, Chris Tompkins, founder of A Road Trip to Love, joins us to explore how gay men can recognize, nurture, and heal the wounded parts of their inner child to transforming past pain into self-acceptance.

Related Episodes:

• Listen to Episode 121. Unpack Your Gay Emotional Baggage (with Dr. Jason Durant)
• Listen to Episode 146. The Velvet Rage

Additional Resources:

• Gay Men's Mental Health: Navigating Challenges and Finding Support through Therapy
• Unmasking Gay Shame: Identity, Trauma, and the Lessons of The Velvet Rage
• Learn More About Chris
• Follow Chris on Instagram
• Follow Chris on Facebook
• Follow Chris on Twitter
• Read Raising LGBTQ Allies

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