Baby… this episode? A whole mood.

Wilson Cruz dropped into The Cutting Up and we started where all important conversations start: backstage glam. Because if we’re going to talk about surviving late-stage capitalism and political chaos, we’re at least doing it moisturized.

But don’t get it twisted — the kiki got real.

We talked about what it means to trust timing in a career that’s feast‑or‑famine. Wilson’s been in this game for decades, and instead of spiraling when the phone isn’t ringing, he’s cocooning. Nurturing his artistry. Sharpening his activism. Staying ready so he doesn’t have to get ready.

And yes, we got into the work.

From campaigning in the tri-state area to his role as board chair of GLSEN (now Glisten — hello rebrand), we talked strategy, chapters, and the upcoming National Student Climate Survey. Because protecting queer kids is not a side quest. It’s the mission.

We unpacked voter regret. Misinformation. Immigration fear tactics. Political distraction. The way they keep trying to divide and conquer like it’s 1992 and we haven’t read a book.

But here’s the thing — we are not despairing. We are organizing. Locally. Intentionally. In community.

Wilson also gave us tea on new indie projects, theater work, and a play about radicalization (timely much?). We talked about what it means to be a working artist when the industry feels morally… wobbly. How do you build when diversity is backsliding? You build by us. For us.

And through it all? Protect your peace. Escape the algorithm. Touch grass. Fortify your local LGBTQ center. Stay curious. Stay dangerous. Stay moisturized.

This episode is glam and grit. Fishbowl chaos and acceptance speech gratitude.

We laughed. We vented. We plotted.

And as always — we’re cutting up, but we’re not playing.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cutting-up-a-kiki-with-connie-lina/id1849020008

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/200MOk48TaLRPLQvzx2UK0?si=6499dd094f704a10

iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-the-cutting-up-a-kiki-wit-303161901

Write to us at Kiki@TheCuttingUp.com

And follow us on instagram:

@TheLinaBradford

@TheRealConnieGirl

@PrideHouseMedia

The Cutting Up: A Kiki with Connie & Lina is a Pride House Media production.

Producers: Josh Rosenzweig & Matthew Breen.

Graphic Design by Daryl Raymond.

Original Music by 808 BEACH (John “J-C” Carr & Bill Coleman), courtesy of Peace Bisquit.

 Production Design by Darryl Dickens.

Our very special thanks to Jason Kanner for all your support.