Queering the District Podcast

Abby and Ellie Stuckrath and Madalyn Reagan

Queering the District Podcast explores the role, history, and stories “third places” have held across time for the Queer community in Washington, D.C. Join us as we journey as far back as the 19th century and make our way back to the present day to see how various types of Queer “third places,” such as bars, parks, houses, and more, have evolved over time. Each season will focus on one “type” of “third place,” with season one focused on bars. You’ll hear from Queer elders, academic experts, and even that one drunk friend leaving a voicemail in their favorite bar as they share the stories of Queer folks who have and continue to gather in defiance, solidarity, and celebration across the District. Learn more at queeringthedistrictpodcast.com.

Episodes

  1. bonus episode: gays and graves - a live podcasting event

    18/12/2025 · BONUS

    bonus episode: gays and graves - a live podcasting event

    Hey baby, long time no talk. We’re back with a bonus episode from our first live podcasting event in October, Gays and Graves. We partnered with the Congressional Cemetery, which is home to what is affectionately known as the gay corner, a plot where iconic Queer individuals and Queer D.C. residents alike are buried. Jeff Rollins, cemetery docent and gay expert, was kind enough to share with us some of the stories of the individuals buried at the cemetery. Since this was recorded live, the format of this episode will feel very different than our typical content. The event was held outside, so the audio quality is a little lower than normal, and you’ll hear a siren or two and someone blaring their music in their car in the background. You know, the charms of D.C. If you’re new to Queering the District Podcast, might we suggest heading to another episode in season one as your starting point. We also have a video version, the best way to enjoy the episode, available on our YouTube page and our website queeringthedistrictpodcast.com. The video version will include a corresponding powerpoint and graphics with pictures of the people and gravesites we talk about throughout, which helps tie everything together more neatly, so we suggest heading that way now. But, if you prefer to stay here, don’t worry, you can listen to it too! You can find a pdf version of the transcript for this episode here or on our website, as well as transcripts for all of our episodes. We want to thank Jeff, Spark Social, and the Congressional Cemetery for partnering with us on this amazing event. If you’re sad you missed this event, keep your eyes and ears peeled because we may have a new live podcasting event coming your way soon, so be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to stay up to date on all things Queering the District Podcast. Have a story to share? Think we missed something? Give us a call, and bare it all after the beep at 202-753-6570. Audio editing by Abby Stuckrath and Julia Hay

    41 min
  2. after hours with frankie witzenburg

    27/08/2025

    after hours with frankie witzenburg

    This podcast episode was video recorded and will be most enjoyable in that format! You can watch the video on our YouTube channel, here. Welcome to our final episode of the season! After Hours is a fun, historical debrief and game show, where we ask some of the most prominent Queer D.C. icons for their hottest gossip and wise advice. This episode, we are joined by Frankie Witzenburg, DMV local, Community Engagement lead for QueerTalk DC, and co-founder of DMV Dyke Camp. Learn about Frankie’s ​​thoughts on the changing Queer scene in D.C., some of their favorite memories from Phase One, and so much more! You can find a transcript for the episode on our website or in pdf format here. If you want to learn more and stay up to date on all things Queering the District Podcast, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Have a story to share? Think we missed something? Give us a call, and bare it all after the beep at 202-753-6570. Special thanks to the Rainbow History Project, the DC Public Library, and the countless other academics and historians, whether featured in these episodes or not, who helped inspire and guide us through this process. Audio editing by Abby Stuckrath

    30 min
  3. just the beginning

    20/08/2025

    just the beginning

    Welcome to our final historical episode! We’re picking up right where we left off last historical episode, in the mid 2000s with the closing of many beloved Queer spaces in Southeast and new bars trying to fill the gaps left behind by the spaces lost. This episode will journey from the mid-2000s to present day. Featuring the longest running lesbian bar in the District, protest block parties, bars you know and love operating today, and more! Join us this week to learn about some of the District’s most legendary bars. You can find the transcription for the episode on our website. You can also find a version of the transcript with a works cited and in text citations for the episode here. If you want to learn more and stay up to date on all things Queering the District Podcast, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Have a story to share? Think we missed something? Give us a call, and bare it all after the beep at 202-753-6570.Special thanks to the Rainbow History Project, the DC Public Library, and the countless other academics and historians, whether featured in these episodes or not, who helped inspire and guide us through this process. Audio editing by Madalyn Reagan Spanish transcription by Fabianna Rincon

    41 min
  4. after hours with eboné bell

    13/08/2025

    after hours with eboné bell

    This podcast episode was video recorded and will be most enjoyable in that format! You can watch the video on our YouTube channel. After Hours is a fun, historical debrief and game show, where we ask some of the most prominent Queer D.C. icons for their hottest gossip and wise advice. This episode, we are joined by Eboné Bell aka E-Cleff, local Queer advocate, speaker, founder of Tagg Magazine, and Drag King. Hear about Eboné’s ​​favorite memories are of performing, her hot takes on D.C.'s Queer bars, her favorite venue to perform in, and so much more! You can find a transcript for the episode on our website or in pdf format. If you want to learn more and stay up to date on all things Queering the District Podcast, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Have a story to share? Think we missed something? Give us a call, and bare it all after the beep at 202-753-6570. Special thanks to the Rainbow History Project, the DC Public Library, and the countless other academics and historians, whether featured in these episodes or not, who helped inspire and guide us through this process. Audio and video editing by Abby Stuckrath

    34 min
  5. no stage too small

    06/08/2025

    no stage too small

    We’re picking up right where we left off last historical episode, in the late 80s and early 90s, with increased visibility of the Queer community creating more spaces and events centered around Queer joy, especially amongst the AIDS/HIV epidemic. This episode will journey from the late 80s to the mid-2000s, with the opening and closing of various Queer bars. Featuring the longest running Drag King group in the nation, strip clubs in Southeast, Salvadorian food and latin music, and more! Join us this week to learn about some of the District’s most legendary bars. You can find a transcript for the episode on our website. You can also find works cited and in text citations for the episode here. If you want to learn more and stay up to date on all things Queering the District Podcast, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Have a story to share? Think we missed something? Give us a call, and bare it all after the beep at 202-753-6570. Special thanks to the Rainbow History Project, the DC Public Library, and the countless other academics and historians, whether featured in these episodes or not, who helped inspire and guide us through this process. Audio editing by Madalyn Reagan

    40 min
  6. after hours with donnell robinson/ella fitzgerald

    30/07/2025

    after hours with donnell robinson/ella fitzgerald

    This podcast episode was video recorded and will be most enjoyable in that format! You can watch the video on our YouTube channel, here. After Hours is a fun, historical debrief and game show, where we ask some of the most prominent Queer D.C. icons for their hottest gossip and wise advice. This episode, we are joined by Donnell Robinson aka Ella Fitzgerald, legendary Drag Queen and performer. Learn about Ella’s ​​first foray into Drag, the best parts of getting ready with other Drag Queens, tips and tricks for the perfect makeup, and so much more! You can find a transcript for the episode on our website or a pdf version here. If you want to learn more and stay up to date on all things Queering the District Podcast, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Have a story to share? Think we missed something? Give us a call, and bare it all after the beep at 202-753-6570. Special thanks to the Rainbow History Project, the DC Public Library, and the countless other academics and historians, whether featured in these episodes or not, who helped inspire and guide us through this process. Audio editing by Madalyn Reagan Videography by Sam ​​Joachim Video editing by Abby Stuckrath, Madalyn Reagan, and Sam Joachim

    26 min
  7. an ode to the children

    23/07/2025

    an ode to the children

    We’re picking up right where we left off last historical episode, with the first cases of AIDS/HIV and the impact felt far and wide across the Queer community. This episode will journey from the 80s to the 90s, featuring AIDS/HIV activism in bars, video DJs, legendary balls, and more! Join us this week to learn about some of the District’s most iconic bars. You can find a transcript for the episode on our website. You can also find works cited and in text citations for the episode here. If you want to learn more and stay up to date on all things Queering the District Podcast, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Have a story to share? Think we missed something? Give us a call, and bare it all after the beep at 202-753-6570. Special thanks to the Rainbow History Project, the DC Public Library, and the countless other academics and historians, whether featured in these episodes or not, who helped inspire and guide us through this process. Audio editing by Madalyn Reagan

    37 min
  8. after hours with john eddy

    16/07/2025

    after hours with john eddy

    This podcast episode was video recorded and will be most enjoyable in that format! You can watch the video on our YouTube channel, here. After Hours is a fun, historical debrief and game show, where we ask some of the most prominent Queer D.C. icons for their hottest gossip and wise advice. This episode, we are joined by John Eddy, co-founder and president of the Clubhouse, a space created by and for the Black Queer community. Learn about John’s ​​first foray into the D.C. Queer scene, one of his favorite yearly traditions at Clubhouse, what made Clubhouse such a special place, and so much more! You can find a transcript for the episode on our website or in pdf format. If you want to learn more and stay up to date on all things Queering the District Podcast, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Have a story to share? Think we missed something? Give us a call, and bare it all after the beep at 202-753-6570. Special thanks to the Rainbow History Project, the DC Public Library, and the countless other academics and historians, whether featured in these episodes or not, who helped inspire and guide us through this process. Audio editing by Madalyn Reagan

    26 min
  9. no place like home

    09/07/2025

    no place like home

    We’re picking up right where we left off last historical episode, with John Eddy searching for a space for the Metropolitan Capitolites’ first bar. This episode will journey from the 70s to the 80s, where Queer visibility is increasing across the city. Featuring gays lining up in public to dance, lesbian bars with sticky floors, exclusive sound systems and large dance floors, Drag performances, and more, join us to learn about some of the District’s most iconic bars. You can find a transcript for the episode on our website or a pdf version here. You can also find works cited and in text citations for the episode here. If you want to learn more and stay up to date on all things Queering the District Podcast, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Have a story to share? Think we missed something? Give us a call, and bare it all after the beep at 202-753-6570. Special thanks to the Rainbow History Project, the DC Public Library, and the countless other academics and historians, whether featured in these episodes or not, who helped inspire and guide us through this process. Audio editing by Madalyn Reagan

    32 min
  10. after hours with rayceen pendarvis

    02/07/2025

    after hours with rayceen pendarvis

    This podcast episode was video recorded and will be most enjoyable in that format! You can watch the video on our YouTube channel, here. After Hours is a fun, historical debrief and game show, where we ask some of the most prominent Queer D.C. icons for their hottest gossip and wise advice. This episode we are joined with the legendary Mother of the D.C. Community, Rayceen Pendarvis. Learn about Rayceen’s childhood growing up in Ward 5, what a typical night out looked like for Rayceen, Rayceen’s favorite bars, and more. You don’t want to miss Rayceen’s advice on fashion, life, and more in this episode! You can find a transcript for the episode on our website or in pdf format here. If you want to learn more and stay up to date on all things Queering the District Podcast, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Find Rayceen Pendarvis on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky, or follow this link. Have a story to share? Think we missed something? Give us a call, and bare it all after the beep at 202-753-6570. Special thanks to the Rainbow History Project, the DC Public Library, and the countless other academics and historians, whether featured in these episodes or not, who helped inspire and guide us through this process. Audio editing by Madalyn Reagan Videography by Sam Joachim Video editing by Madalyn Reagan and Sam Joachim

    28 min
  11. xoxo ladd forrester

    25/06/2025

    xoxo ladd forrester

    Journey with us from prohibition to the late ‘60s, as we explore how Queer bars have shaped and influenced Queer community in D.C. Featuring Odessa Madre (aka the Lady Al Capone), Black Broadway, the Lavender Scare, the longest-running Black Queer bar in the district, journal entries from Ladd Forrester, and much more, as we explore some noteworthy spots in history and investigate how and why the Queer bar community has changed so much. You can find a transcript for the episode on our website. You can also find works cited and in-text citations for the episode here. If you want to learn more and stay up to date on all things Queering the District Podcast, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube . Have a story to share? Think we missed something? Give us a call, and bare it all after the beep at 202-753-6570. Special thanks to the Rainbow History Project, the DC Public Library, and the countless other academics and historians, whether featured in these episodes or not, who helped inspire and guide us through this process. Audio editing by Madalyn Reagan

    36 min
  12. Season One Trailer: Queer Bars

    SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Season One Trailer: Queer Bars

    There are so many bars that have contributed to building and creating Queer community in DC. Step back in time to the era of Prohibition and journey through the decades to today, as we share the stories of how bars became the beating heart of the Queer life. Find a transcript for the trailer here: https://www.queeringthedistrictpodcast.com/s1trailer-transcript Host and Co-Producer: Abby Stuckrath Co-Producer and Audio Editing: Madalyn Reagan Co-Producer: Ellie Stuckrath

    2 min

Trailer

About

Queering the District Podcast explores the role, history, and stories “third places” have held across time for the Queer community in Washington, D.C. Join us as we journey as far back as the 19th century and make our way back to the present day to see how various types of Queer “third places,” such as bars, parks, houses, and more, have evolved over time. Each season will focus on one “type” of “third place,” with season one focused on bars. You’ll hear from Queer elders, academic experts, and even that one drunk friend leaving a voicemail in their favorite bar as they share the stories of Queer folks who have and continue to gather in defiance, solidarity, and celebration across the District. Learn more at queeringthedistrictpodcast.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Abby and Ellie Stuckrath and Madalyn Reagan
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Abigail and Elizabeth Stuckrath and Madalyn Reagan
  • Show Website
    Queering the District Podcast