These Are The Gays Of Our Lives

Sarah Nelson, Drew Ishii

Drew and Sarah are college friends who share a love of pop culture from 80s music, old Hollywood movies, iconic closeted characters, and campy TV shows. Countless LGBTQ+ stories remain hidden in history, but deserve to be in the spotlight. Drew and Sarah explore the memorable and the not-so-well-known LGBTQ+ people that influenced both their lives and society. Peppered in every story are their hot takes and sass. Listen in, learn, and laugh along as they humorously and affectionately tell the life stories of the many gays of our lives.

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Top 10 These Are The Gays Of Our Lives Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best These Are The Gays Of Our Lives episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to These Are The Gays Of Our Lives for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite These Are The Gays Of Our Lives episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

23: Tennessee Williams And Walt Whitman

These Are The Gays Of Our Lives

06/06/25 • 99 min

In this episode of 'These Are The Gays of Our Lives,' hosts Drew and Sarah explore various themes related to LGBTQ history and representation. This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Walt Whitman, exploring his early challenges, innovative teaching methods, and eventual transition to writing. It highlights his struggles with alcoholism, his activism for social issues, and the profound impact of his experiences in New Orleans on his work. The discussion also covers the evolution of his seminal work, Leaves of Grass, and his bohemian lifestyle, culminating in his experiences during the Civil War and his later life health decline. Ultimately, it reflects on Whitman's lasting influence on poetry and social justice.

This conversation also delves into the lives and works of Tennessee Williams. The discussion highlights key themes such as the influence of family, the complexities of his relationship, and the darker aspects of his work. It also touches on the adaptations of Tennessee's plays into films and the challenges he faced in his career, culminating in their legacies as iconic American writer.

Sources:

Walt Whitman

https://whitmanarchive.org/whitmans-life/biography

Tennessee Williams:

Truman and Tennessee, An Intimate conversation. Documentary, 2020.

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19: Musician Series: Billy Preston And Dusty Springfield

These Are The Gays Of Our Lives

04/11/25 • 81 min

In this episode of 'These Are the Gays of Our Lives', hosts Sarah and Drew delve into the world of musicians, focusing on lesser-known figures like Sister Rosetta Tharp and the cultural impact of rock and roll icons. They discuss the evolution of media representation, particularly in relation to LGBTQ themes, and reflect on classic comedy's role in shaping societal norms. The conversation also highlights community resistance against censorship and the importance of preserving diverse narratives, culminating in a spotlight on the life and legacy of Dusty Springfield. This conversation delves into the life and career of Dusty Springfield, exploring her early life, struggles with identity, transformation into a music icon, activism, personal challenges, and her eventual comeback. The discussion highlights her unique voice, her impact on music, and the complexities of her personal life, including her relationships and battles with addiction and health issues. This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Billy Preston, a musical genius known for his incredible talent as an organ player and singer. The discussion covers his early beginnings, rise to fame, collaborations with iconic artists, struggles with trauma and substance abuse, and his eventual downfall. The hosts reflect on the impact of his music and the challenges he faced throughout his life, culminating in his posthumous recognition in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Sources:

Dusty Springfield

Just Dusty: https://youtu.be/FwqzaHEh2_4?si=QJVIbcZfO2TLJ4ob

Unsung: Billy Preston

https://youtu.be/9PLKhfu4PfU?si=zsZDAfb4Z_4BOlgk

18: Musician Series- Esquerita And Sister Rosetta Tharpe

These Are The Gays Of Our Lives

03/28/25 • 76 min

In this episode of 'These Are The Gays of Our Lives,' Drew and Sarah explore the rich history of LGBTQ+ musicians, highlighting the importance of representation in music and media. The episode culminates in a tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharp, the godmother of rock and roll, whose influence on music is profound and often overlooked. This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Rosetta Tharpe, a pioneering figure in gospel music who significantly influenced the development of rock and roll. The discussion covers her early life, rise to fame, personal struggles, and the cultural impact she had on music and society. Despite her groundbreaking contributions, Tharpe faced numerous challenges, including societal expectations and personal relationships, ultimately leading to a complex legacy that deserves recognition. This conversation explores the legacies of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Esquerida, two influential yet often overlooked figures in the history of rock and roll. The discussion highlights their contributions to music, their struggles with identity and acceptance, and the impact they had on future generations of musicians. Through anecdotes and historical context, the speakers delve into the complexities of their lives, their artistry, and the societal challenges they faced, ultimately shedding light on their rightful places in music history.

Sources-

The Godmother of Rock n Roll - Sister Rosetta Tharpe

https://youtu.be/FKK_EQ4pj9A?si=5VcEpdo6xvqcGa0z

Esquerita

https://www.bluesandrhythm.co.uk/documents/BR270-Esquerita.pdf

11: Historical Figures: Hatshepsut And Alexander The Great

These Are The Gays Of Our Lives

12/20/24 • 90 min

In this episode of 'These Are The Gays of Our Lives', hosts Drew and Sarah explore various themes related to LGBTQ+ representation in media and history.. In this conversation, Drew and Sarah delve into the fascinating life of Hatshepsut, the longest-reigning female pharaoh of ancient Egypt. They explore the fluid concepts of gender in ancient Egyptian culture, the unique challenges Hatshepsut faced in a male-dominated society, and her strategic rise to power. The discussion highlights the complexities of her reign, her androgynous imagery, and the societal perceptions of women in leadership roles throughout history. This conversation explores the legacies of two significant historical figures: Hatshepsut, the female pharaoh of ancient Egypt, and Alexander the Great, the renowned conqueror. The discussion delves into Hatshepsut's achievements, including her monumental constructions and economic contributions, as well as the challenges she faced during her reign. The conversation then shifts to Alexander's rise to power, his military strategies, and his relentless pursuit of conquest, culminating in his mysterious death and the impact of his relationships on his legacy.
Sources for Hapshetsut

A FEMINIST AND QUEER THEORY TAKE ON THE LEGITIMIZATION OF HATSHEPSUT AS KING Derian L. Dalton

When Women ruled the world:Six Queens of Egypt, Kara Cooney
Alexander The Great:

7: Halloween Spooktacular

These Are The Gays Of Our Lives

10/31/24 • 72 min

It's our first annual Halloween Special! Sarah and Drew discuss LGTBQ Halloween, with special focus on Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Paul Lynde Halloween Special. Both Sarah and Drew give their top ten gay moments in Halloween TV and movies.

5: Vintage Hollywood: Cary Grant

These Are The Gays Of Our Lives

10/13/24 • 67 min

Drew and Sarah BOTH tell the story of legendary actor Cary Grant. Grant was married 5 times (to women) but had a long time relationship with a fellow actor. His extreme good looks and unique sense of humor made him a leading man in Hollywood for decades. He always seemed to struggle with love until he had his daughter late in life.
Sources:
The Hollywood Collection: Cary Grant: The Leading Man
Cary Grant and Randolph Scott’s Hollywood Story: “Our Souls Did Touch” | Vanity Fair, January 18, 2024.

16: Bayard Rustin And Nell Carter

These Are The Gays Of Our Lives

02/28/25 • 94 min

In this episode of 'These Are The Gays of Our Lives', Drew and Sarah explore the stories of LGBTQ figures, focusing on the legacy of Prince, the campy nature of Batman films, and recent positive developments for the LGBTQ community. They also share surprising experiences from Kansas City, highlighting its unexpected inclusivity and representation. This conversation delves into the life and activism of Bayard Rustin, a key figure in the civil rights movement. The speakers discuss Rustin's early life, his philosophy of nonviolence, his significant contributions to the March on Washington, and the challenges he faced due to his sexual orientation. They highlight his legacy as a courageous activist who fought for social justice and equality, emphasizing the importance of his work in the context of both civil rights and LGBTQ history. This conversation delves into the life of Nell Carter, exploring her tragic childhood, rise to fame, struggles with addiction, personal relationships, health crises, and her legacy. The discussion highlights the complexities of her character, her impact on television, and the challenges she faced throughout her life, ultimately painting a portrait of a talented yet troubled individual.

Sources:

E True Hollywood Story : Nell Carter

Brother Outsider: The life of BYard Rustin. 2003.

21: THE GRACE JONES PART 2

These Are The Gays Of Our Lives

05/09/25 • 112 min

In this episode, Drew and Sarah delve into the life and legacy of Grace Jones, exploring her journey from Jamaica to becoming a disco icon. They discuss her relationships, the impact of her Jamaican roots on her identity and music, and the challenges she faced during her pregnancy. The conversation highlights Grace's unique persona, her influence on pop culture, and the personal stories that shaped her career. In this segment, Drew and Sarah delve into the multifaceted life of Grace Jones, exploring her relationships, creative collaborations, and the impact of her music and persona on pop culture. They discuss her experiences as a mother, the challenges of censorship in her lyrics, and the complexities of her relationships, particularly with Jean-Paul Goude and Dolph Lundgren. The conversation also touches on her iconic music videos and the public's perception of her controversial moments, including a live TV incident that became a defining moment in her career. This conversation delves into the life and career of Grace Jones, exploring her relationships, her experiences at the Grammy Awards, and her significant impact on film and pop culture. The discussion highlights her iconic roles, particularly in 'Boomerang' and 'A View to a Kill', and reflects on the challenges she faced as a female creator in a male-dominated industry, as well as the personal struggles during the AIDS crisis.

Source:

I'll Never Write My Memoirs By Grace Jones

22: Truman Capote And Oscar Wilde

These Are The Gays Of Our Lives

05/23/25 • 103 min

In this episode of 'These Are the Gays of Our Lives', hosts Sarah and Drew explore the lives of LGBTQ authors, focusing on Oscar Wilde. They discuss various media representations of gay culture, share positive news for the community, and delve into Wilde's literary contributions and personal struggles with identity. The conversation highlights the importance of representation in media and the ongoing journey of the LGBTQ community. This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Truman Capote, exploring his rise to fame, his relationships within high society, and the impact of his work, particularly 'In Cold Blood.' The discussion highlights Capote's complex personality, his struggles with addiction, and the eventual downfall that came with his controversial writings. The hosts reflect on the tragic elements of his life, including his childhood trauma and the consequences of his actions on his friendships and career.

Sources:

Oscar Wilde

https://youtu.be/oxZudaO67Fg?si=ovor2Y2Rn28abtw6

Truman Capote: The Capote Tapes (movie 2019) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10826972/

17 Musician Series: Bessie Smith And Josephine Baker

These Are The Gays Of Our Lives

03/14/25 • 86 min

In this episode, Sarah and Drew explore the lives of LGBTQ musicians, starting with Bessie Smith and Josephine Baker. This conversation delves into the life of Bessie Smith, a pioneering blues singer known for her complex personality, turbulent relationships, and significant impact on music and culture. The discussion highlights her rise to fame, struggles with family and marriage, exploration of sexuality, confrontations with racism, and the powerful messages in her lyrics. Bessie's legacy is marked by her boldness and defiance, as well as her tragic end, which left a lasting impression on the music world. This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Josephine Baker, exploring her journey from a poor upbringing in St. Louis to becoming a celebrated performer in Paris. The discussion highlights her struggles with race and identity, her impact on civil rights, and her lasting influence on culture and society. Baker's bold performances and her role as a spy during World War II are also examined, showcasing her multifaceted contributions to art and activism.

Sources

Bessie Smith: The woman who sang the blues

https://youtu.be/o-TqtAIc21M?si=9IPG74mWk3m26y6I

Blues legacies and Black feminism : Gertrude "Ma" Rainey, Bessie Smith, and Billie Holiday

by Anglea Davis (1998)