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

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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

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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)

https://youtu.be/s1lf_Vd4xqw?si=BB5hP5IIQ1B8BQG8

Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening

https://youtu.be/3nHUh_yjLaA?si=-f7J-jFgwc8a30jK

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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.

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In this episode, Sarah and Drew explore the lives of historical figures in LGBTQ+ history. This conversation explores the lives of two remarkable women: Anne Lister, a 19th-century landowner known for her diaries that documented her lesbian relationships, and Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. The discussion delves into Anne's adventurous spirit, her aspirations in architecture, and her tragic death while pursuing her dreams. It also highlights Sally's groundbreaking achievements in the male-dominated field of space exploration, her educational background, and her legacy in inspiring future generations. Both women faced societal challenges and broke barriers, leaving lasting impacts on history and culture.

Sources:

Sally Ride: America's First Woman In Space By Lynn

The Secret Diaries Of Miss Anne Lister Edited By Helena Whitbread

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In this episode of 'These Are the Gays of Our Lives,' hosts Drew and Sarah explore various themes, including the stories of historical figures, media moments that resonate with LGBTQ culture, and the representation of queer identities in film and literature. They discuss the gay undertones in the James Bond film 'Octopussy,' highlight a queer feminist bookstore offering wedding services, and delve into the life of Sir Isaac Newton, portraying him as a misunderstood genius with a complex personality. This conversation delves into the life and achievements of Isaac Newton, exploring his relationships, discoveries in mathematics and physics, and the challenges he faced throughout his career. From his unusual living arrangement with John Wickens to his groundbreaking work in calculus and optics, the discussion highlights Newton's genius and the personal struggles that shaped his legacy. This conversation delves into the life and legacy of Alan Turing, exploring his groundbreaking contributions to computing, his role in World War II cryptanalysis, and the personal struggles he faced due to his sexuality. The discussion highlights Turing's innovative ideas, the impact of the Enigma machine, and the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, ultimately emphasizing his significance in history and technology.

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In this episode, Drew and Sarah dive into the classic holiday film 'White Christmas,' exploring its oddities, the cast, and the cultural impact it has had over the years. They discuss the film's musical numbers, the backgrounds of the main actors, and the subtext that runs throughout the movie, including its connections to LGBTQ themes. The conversation is filled with humor and insightful commentary, making it a delightful listen for fans of the film and newcomers alike. In this conversation, Sarah and Drew delve into the classic film 'White Christmas,' exploring its memorable scenes, musical numbers, and the cultural implications of its content. They discuss the behind-the-scenes aspects, iconic dance sequences, and the controversial minstrel number, while also addressing the romantic dynamics between the characters. The conversation highlights the film's legacy and its place in holiday cinema, filled with humor and critical insights.

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In this episode, Sarah and Drew explore lesser-known figures from the LGBTQIA+ community, discuss media representations that resonate with queer culture, and highlight positive initiatives within the community. They delve into the life and works of Leonardo da Vinci, examining his artistic genius, innovative inventions, and groundbreaking anatomical studies, while also celebrating the cultural impact of Pee-wee Herman. This conversation delves into the lives and works of two of the most renowned artists of the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. It explores their artistic genius, personal struggles, and the historical context in which they created their masterpieces. The discussion highlights their innovative techniques, the complexities of their relationships, and the lasting impact they have had on art and culture.

sources:

youtube: https://youtu.be/fepw_YS28cY?si=x9I5V-Bu9Mx03eE5

Michelangelo: A revolution in art

Leonardo--
Documentary- Leonardo da Vinci by Ken Burns
Amazon Prime Video - Leonardo da Vinci Universal Man

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