Listen Up Girl

Zach Randles-Friedman
  • 4.8 (17)
  • DAILY NEWS
  • UPDATED DAILY

Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman, a seasoned podcaster and communications professional, Listen Up Girl delivers trusted coverage of the stories shaping LGBTQ+ lives today. From breaking political news and cultural moments to personal stories of resilience and pride, every episode is designed to inform, inspire, and connect. With years of experience amplifying diverse voices and building authentic conversations, Zach brings credibility, compassion, and insight to each discussion. Listeners can expect accurate reporting, thoughtful commentary, and a safe space where queer voices are always centered.

  1. Ep. 260: DOJ Trans Records Blocked + PEPFAR Crumbling + NYC Pride Marshals | May 20

    15H AGO

    Ep. 260: DOJ Trans Records Blocked + PEPFAR Crumbling + NYC Pride Marshals | May 20

    Story 1 — Rhode Island Judge Blocks DOJ Trans Youth Records U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy voided a DOJ subpoena demanding six years of medical records from Rhode Island Hospital for trans minor patients. In a 24-page ruling, she called it a "bad faith fishing expedition" and accused the DOJ of misrepresenting facts under oath to a Texas judge. The DOJ immediately appealed to the First Circuit. Eight federal courts have now blocked the administration's subpoena campaign. Sources: Boston Globe, Rhode Island Current, The Hill. Story 2 — Thomas Massie Kentucky Primary The Republican primary in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District — the most expensive House primary in history at $32M+ in ad spend — took place today. A pro-Massie PAC ran an ad calling Gallrein's supporters the "LGBTQ Mafia" and warning "the weirdos will take over." Both candidates are anti-LGBTQ+. Sources: LGBTQ Nation, Metro Weekly, Axios. Story 3 — PEPFAR/CDC Dismantling On May 5, the State Department issued guidance ending CDC support for PEPFAR programs in most countries by September 30, 2026, moving to a "fee for service" model. PEPFAR has saved an estimated 26 million lives since 2003. HIV experts warn the program will crumble. Congress allocated nearly $6 billion for the program this fiscal year; the administration is reportedly withholding funds. Sources: LGBTQ Nation, Science/AAAS, AVAC. Story 4 — Trevor Project 2025 National Survey Released May 6, 2026. Based on 16,000+ LGBTQ+ young people ages 13–24. Key findings: LGBTQ+ youth in accepting communities attempted suicide at less than one-third the rate of those in non-accepting communities; 85% of trans and nonbinary youth say anti-trans legislation debates have negatively impacted their mental health. Crisis support: thetrevorproject.org or call/text 988. Source: The Trevor Project. Story 5 — NYC Pride 2026 Grand Marshals NYC Pride announced its 2026 grand marshals: Peppermint (Drag Race Season 9 runner-up, first out trans woman to originate a principal Broadway role, ACLU's first Artist Ambassador for Trans Justice); Dominique Jackson (Pose, ballroom icon); Bowen Yang (SNL, Las Culturistas, first Chinese-American SNL cast member, Emmy winner); Bernie Wagenblast (voice of the NYC subway); and Gays Against Guns (founded after Pulse massacre, 2016). Theme: "For All of Us." March: June 28, broadcast live on WABC-7. Sources: The Advocate, GLAAD, ABC7 NY. Story 6 — UK Mother Sues School Over Trans Student Joanna Donoghue filed a pre-action letter for judicial review against Beverley High School in East Yorkshire after the school admitted a transgender girl without notifying parents. The school cited GDPR and the Equality Act. Her lawyers argue the admissions policy is unlawful following the 2025 UK Supreme Court ruling defining "sex" as biological sex. Sources: PinkNews, GB News. Story 7 — 517 Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills in 2026 Per the ACLU, at least 517 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced by Republican state legislators in 2026 — before Pride Month. Targets include healthcare, education, sports, legal identity, libraries, drag, and more. Sources: ACLU (via The Advocate/NYC Pride materials).   Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman https://www.listenupgirl.com/ Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/ Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    11 min
  2. Ep. 259: Texas Hospital Forced Into Detransition Clinic + HIV Breakthrough | May 19

    1D AGO

    Ep. 259: Texas Hospital Forced Into Detransition Clinic + HIV Breakthrough | May 19

    Story 1 — Texas Children's Hospital Detransition Clinic Texas Children's Hospital agreed to open the nation's first "detransition clinic," pay $10 million, and fire five physicians as part of a settlement with Texas AG Ken Paxton and the Trump DOJ. The hospital denies wrongdoing and says it settled to avoid ongoing litigation. Sources: Texas Tribune, Axios Houston, Houston Public Media. Story 2 — HIV Functional Cure Breakthrough Three participants in a clinical trial using broadly neutralizing antibodies suppressed HIV for months without antiretroviral therapy. Published May 16, 2026. Source: LGBTQ Nation, aidsmap. Story 3 — Bureau of Prisons Sens. Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) demanded the BOP reverse anti-trans prison policies including bans on gender-affirming care even when self-funded, deadnaming, and forced facility transfers. The BOP rejected the demand. Source: Washington Blade. Story 4 — Kansas Court Win Douglas County Judge Carl Folsom III temporarily blocked Kansas Senate Bill 63, banning gender-affirming care for trans minors, finding it likely violates the Kansas Constitution's equal protection and parental rights guarantees. ACLU filed suit on behalf of two trans teens. AG Kobach to appeal. Case: Loe v. Kansas. Source: ACLU, AP. Story 5 — Japan Non-Binary Ruling The Osaka High Court ruled May 8 that Japan's national family registry (koseki) violates Article 14 of the constitution by offering only male/female gender options. The court called for national legislative reform. Sources: The Japan Times, PinkNews, Them. Story 6 — GLAAD Social Media Safety Index GLAAD's 2026 SMSI found declining safety scores across all major platforms except TikTok. YouTube dropped 11 points to 30; X scored 29; Meta's platforms scored 39–41. Meta's 2025 policy changes allowed anti-LGBTQ rhetoric; YouTube removed gender identity from hate speech protections. Full report: glaad.org/smsi. Sources: GLAAD, The Advocate. Story 7 — IDAHOBIT 2026 The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia was observed worldwide on May 17 under the theme "At the Heart of Democracy." The date marks the 1990 WHO decision to declassify homosexuality as a mental illness. More at may17.org. Source: ILGA World. Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman https://www.listenupgirl.com/ Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/ Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    12 min
  3. Ep. 258: No Pride Flags, No Detransition Clinics, No More Waiting — LGBTQ+ News May 18

    2D AGO

    Ep. 258: No Pride Flags, No Detransition Clinics, No More Waiting — LGBTQ+ News May 18

    King Charles included a trans-inclusive conversion therapy ban in his King's Speech on May 13th — covering both sexual orientation and gender identity. Advocates are cautiously hopeful but note the UK has been promising this since 2018. NYU Langone is facing pressure from elected officials and LGBTQ+ organizers to reject a subpoena seeking medical records of transgender youth. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a $10 million settlement with Texas Children's Hospital that forces the creation of a "Detransition Clinic" and the firing of five doctors who provided gender-affirming care. Japan's Osaka High Court ruled that the country's binary-only gender registration system violates the constitutional equality principle — a major step toward nonbinary legal recognition. Iran's football federation submitted ten demands to FIFA including a ban on Pride flags at World Cup matches, with Iran scheduled to play Egypt in Seattle's designated Pride Match on June 26th — a country where homosexuality is punishable by death. Poland registered its first same-sex marriage in Warsaw following an EU court ruling. Oxford University's rowing body banned trans women from Women's boats in a member vote of 49 against to just one in favor. And Seattle's LGBTQ+ Commission is urging the     00:55 — King Charles promises trans-inclusive conversion therapy ban  02:15 — NYU Langone faces pressure over trans youth medical records subpoena  03:20 — Texas forces "Detransition Clinic" and fires five doctors  04:45 — Japan's Osaka High Court rules binary gender registration unconstitutional  05:30 — Iran demands Pride flag ban at 2026 World Cup  07:00 — Poland registers its first same-sex marriage  07:50 — Oxford University rowing bans trans women from Women's boats  08:55 — Seattle LGBTQ+ Commission calls for civil state of emergency  09:20 — Outro Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman https://www.listenupgirl.com/ Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/ Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    10 min
  4. Ep. 257: LGBTQ+ News: Eurovision Winner, Poland's First Gay Marriage & More | May 17, 2026

    3D AGO

    Ep. 257: LGBTQ+ News: Eurovision Winner, Poland's First Gay Marriage & More | May 17, 2026

    Happy International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia! On Episode 1 of today's Listen Up Girl: Niecy Nash calls for more stories about masculine-identified queer women in parenting roles. Charles Barkley calls out homophobia in sports at the NBA Tip-Off. FKA Twigs is cast as bisexual icon Josephine Baker in a new biopic. Netflix renews Big Mistakes and signs Dan Levy. Russell Tovey and Olivia Colman star in an Alexander McQueen short film directed by Andrew Haigh. Spain tops Europe's LGBTQ+ Rainbow Map. Queen Latifah joins The Voice. And Bulgaria wins Eurovision 2026 amid a historic boycott.  00:00 — Intro & International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia   01:15 — Niecy Nash on queer representation in parenting roles  03:00 — Charles Barkley calls out homophobia in sports  05:00 — FKA Twigs cast as Josephine Baker in new biopic  07:00 — Big Mistakes renewed for season 2 on Netflix  08:00 — Russell Tovey and Olivia Colman in Alexander McQueen short film Wild Bird  9:15 — Spain tops Europe's LGBTQ+ Rainbow Map  10:00 — Queen Latifah joins The Voice as coach  10:20 — Bulgaria wins Eurovision 2026  10:45 — Outro Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman https://www.listenupgirl.com/ Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/ Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    11 min
  5. Ep. 256: Madonna Headlines FIFA World Cup + PA Nondiscrimination Bill Passes | Listen Up Girl

    5D AGO

    Ep. 256: Madonna Headlines FIFA World Cup + PA Nondiscrimination Bill Passes | Listen Up Girl

    Today's episode covers seven stories from across the LGBTQ+ world. The Pennsylvania House passed House Bill 2103 by a razor-thin 101–100 vote, adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the state's Human Relations Act — a victory 22 years in the making. The bill now heads to the Republican-controlled Senate. Botswana formally removed colonial-era anti-sodomy provisions from its Penal Code, following a 2019 High Court ruling and 2021 Court of Appeal decision that had already declared them unconstitutional. A same-sex couple is currently challenging the country's Marriage Act in court, with a hearing scheduled for July. Isaac Ranson, a transgender man and two-time Big West Conference Goalkeeper of the Year, has signed with Minnesota Aurora FC — becoming the first openly transgender player in the club's history. Aurora opens its regular season May 21st. Sam Asghari has partnered with MISTR, a telehealth platform connecting people to PrEP, for a new HIV prevention campaign targeting men who have sex with men. Visit getmistr.com to learn more about PrEP access. RuPaul's advice to "party and dance" in the face of the current political climate sparked a polarized response online — raising real questions about the tension between joy and activism heading into Pride season. The European Commission promised a non-binding recommendation to member states to ban conversion therapy — but delayed that recommendation until next year. FIFA and Global Citizen announced that Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final halftime show on July 19th at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The show is curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and benefits the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Madonna's new album, Confessions II, drops July 3rd. Podcast Chapters 00:00 — Intro 01:05 — Pennsylvania Passes Historic LGBTQ+ Nondiscrimination Bill 03:20 — Botswana Erases Colonial-Era Sodomy Law 05:30 — Trans Man Isaac Ranson Signs with Minnesota Aurora FC 07:25 — Sam Asghari Launches HIV Prevention Campaign with MISTR 08:45 — RuPaul Says "Party and Dance" — Fans Are Divided 10:00 — EU Promises Conversion Therapy Ban (Sort Of) 11:10 — Madonna, Shakira & BTS to Headline First-Ever FIFA World Cup Halftime Show 12:45 — Outro Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman https://www.listenupgirl.com/ Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/ Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    9 min
  6. Ep. 255: LGBTQ News: Hobby Lobby Funds Anti-Gay Marriage Push + FBI Pride Flag Firing | Listen Up Girl

    6D AGO

    Ep. 255: LGBTQ News: Hobby Lobby Funds Anti-Gay Marriage Push + FBI Pride Flag Firing | Listen Up Girl

    Today on Listen Up Girl: Hobby Lobby's founder is bankrolling a 47-organization campaign to overturn marriage equality. A Canadian university is denying trans students hormone therapy out of fear of Trump's executive orders. A Pennsylvania county official refuses to resign after sending a transphobic campaign mailer — and the trans community isn't having it. The UK's major doctors union reverses course on trans healthcare. LGBTQ+ Catholics complete a historic pilgrimage to Rome. And a 16-year FBI employee is suing after being fired for keeping a Pride flag at his desk. Listen Up Girl is your daily LGBTQ+ news podcast — keeping you informed, connected, and in the fight. 🎙️ Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman https://www.listenupgirl.com/ Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/ Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    9 min
  7. Ep. 255: Jason Collins Dies + Trans Student Killed + GLAAD's Scary Social Media Report | 5/13/26

    MAY 13

    Ep. 255: Jason Collins Dies + Trans Student Killed + GLAAD's Scary Social Media Report | 5/13/26

    Today's episode covers seven stories from May 12–13, 2026. Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, passed away yesterday at 47 after an eight-month battle with glioblastoma. A 19-year-old trans student was stabbed and killed at the University of Washington; Turning Point USA postponed a campus event days later following widespread student backlash. GLAAD released its 2026 Social Media Safety Index, showing historic safety lows across Meta, YouTube, and X — TikTok was the only platform that did not decline. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk pledged to recognize same-sex EU marriages and issued a rare public apology to same-sex couples for years of state-sanctioned rejection. Comedian Margaret Cho revealed she turned down her original role on Heated Rivalry due to fear of ICE detention at the US-Canada border. The Pulse nightclub in Orlando is being demolished to make way for a permanent memorial, against the backdrop of Florida's erasure of the Pulse rainbow crosswalk last year. And Spain claimed the top spot on ILGA-Europe's 2026 Rainbow Map — even as anti-LGBTQ+ violence in the country has sharply increased. Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman https://www.listenupgirl.com/ Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/ Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    12 min
  8. Ep. 254: Gay Husband Home After 150 Days in ICE + Hayden Comes Out + Trevor Project Report | May 12

    MAY 12

    Ep. 254: Gay Husband Home After 150 Days in ICE + Hayden Comes Out + Trevor Project Report | May 12

    Today on Listen Up Girl: A gay husband is finally free after 150 days in ICE detention. Hayden Panettiere publicly comes out as bisexual ahead of her new memoir. The Trevor Project releases alarming new data on LGBTQ+ youth mental health and suicide risk. A Wisconsin school board votes today on banning students from playing a piece of music honoring Marsha P. Johnson. And the Vatican sends mixed signals about LGBTQ+ inclusion under new Pope Leo XIV. Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman https://www.listenupgirl.com/ Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/ Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    10 min
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4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman, a seasoned podcaster and communications professional, Listen Up Girl delivers trusted coverage of the stories shaping LGBTQ+ lives today. From breaking political news and cultural moments to personal stories of resilience and pride, every episode is designed to inform, inspire, and connect. With years of experience amplifying diverse voices and building authentic conversations, Zach brings credibility, compassion, and insight to each discussion. Listeners can expect accurate reporting, thoughtful commentary, and a safe space where queer voices are always centered.

Information

  • Creator
    Zach Randles-Friedman
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    263
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Listen Up Girl

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