Gay or Nay: Queering Up History

Rebecca Marquardt
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Comedy Interviews

Historians have long applied a straight, cis narrative to the past because for most of human existence queer terminology has been very limited. In Gay or Nay we attempt to right this wrong by discussing pre-Stonewall historical figures who have queer stories associated with them and discuss where they might have fallen on the gender identity and sexual orientation spectrums today. Hosted by Rebecca Marquardt. Produced by Emily Anderson. Music by Joanna Burns.

Episodes

  1. 01/29/2022

    1800s Bad Ass Revolutionary Frances Willard

    When Frances Willard was alive she was so famous that people put her portrait in their homes next to one of George Washington. She was born in 1839 and dedicated her life to education, temperance (Prohibition) and helping women gain independence. According to the house museum dedicated to her, she was "never married," but she wrote in great detail about several relationships she shared with women including Anna Gordon, with whom she lived for twelve years. It's fitting that Celeste Pechous joins us for a conversation about an incredible woman because she herself is pretty dang great. Celeste is best known as Campbell in Showtime's Work in Progress and has popped up in at least two or three of the shows you've binged recently. She's also an accomplished improviser and will put a gorgeous spin on a custom painting of your dog, cat, or kid. Support us on Patreon to be in the live virtual audience for podcast recordings, follow us on Twitter and Instagram for extra queer + history bits, and follow Celeste on Twitter and Instagram for funny thoughts and pictures of her cute dogs!

  2. 01/29/2022

    S1E1_Bessie_Smith_FINAL

    Desi Waters joins us for a conversation about BESSIE SMITH (1894-1937), the "Empress of Blues." She was once the highest-paid touring artist in the US and released 28 singles her first year as a recording artist. She was also known to carry on affairs with her chorus girls, she enjoyed a nice buffet flat party, and she surprised her second husband by bringing home a newly-adopted son. ​ DESI WATERS is an actor, singer, writer, and director. Her favorite roles include: Mrs. Corry in Mary Poppins, Mabel in Fame: The Musical, The Nurse in Romeo and Juliet, Mariya in Uncle Vanya, and as a vocalist for President Clinton’s Birthday Celebration at Radio City Music Hall. TV credits include The Big Help for Nickelodeon, Broad City, CityKids, Grave Mysteries, Power, and The Blacklist. In 2019 she took on the role and responsibility of being a mom. ​ Read the Transcript or listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, support us on Patreon and get involved behind the scenes. CW: Sex and violence. We reference an interview with Ruby Walker which you can listen to on Spotify or iTunes (the clip we play for Desi runs from 6:58 - 8:47).

  • 2 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Historians have long applied a straight, cis narrative to the past because for most of human existence queer terminology has been very limited. In Gay or Nay we attempt to right this wrong by discussing pre-Stonewall historical figures who have queer stories associated with them and discuss where they might have fallen on the gender identity and sexual orientation spectrums today. Hosted by Rebecca Marquardt. Produced by Emily Anderson. Music by Joanna Burns.

Information

  • Creator
    Rebecca Marquardt
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2022
  • Episodes
    2
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Rebecca Marquardt
  • Show Website
    Gay or Nay: Queering Up History