In this episode:

• New research highlights disproportionate suicide rates among trans youth and systemic gaps in care
• New Zealand updates blood donation rules to focus on behavior, not identity
• Hungary’s LGBTQ+ law faces a major challenge in the European Union
• A far-right U.S. figure is banned from entering the UK over inflammatory rhetoric
• Russia intensifies its crackdown by labeling LGBTQ+ organizations “extremist”
• Texas Tech introduces restrictions on LGBTQ+ discussions in core courses
• Book bans in the U.S. hit an all-time high, with LGBTQ+ stories heavily targeted
• Ongoing political divisions still show consistent opposition to LGBTQ+ rights

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.

• Joe Locke may be taking on his boldest role yet in a rumored sci-fi horror film exploring controversial themes
• Madonna makes a surprise appearance in West Hollywood and teases new music tied to her iconic Confessions era
• Heated Rivalry wins a Peabody Award, marking a major moment for LGBTQ+ storytelling and representation
• A high-profile Grindr event in Washington, D.C. sparks conversation about queer spaces entering politics
• Drag continues to evolve as a form of resistance and expression in today’s climate
• Book bans reach record highs, with LGBTQ+ stories heavily targeted

💬 This episode explores the intersection of entertainment, identity, and the ongoing fight for visibility.

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.

• Trans sports ban initiative faces lawsuit over invalid signatures
• Senate Democrats block anti-trans voting bill amid internal divisions
• Florida bans public funding for Pride and DEI programs
• Eurovision boycott expands across Europe
• The Onion could take over Infowars in surprising twist
• Caitlyn Jenner opens up about delayed transition
• GLAAD responds to proposed crackdown on trans representation
• UK court convicts man in major HIV transmission case

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.

In this episode:

• Same-sex couple targeted in alleged fake CNN incident
• Federal ruling impacts trans women in prisons
• Oregon settlement highlights abuse in custody
• Laverne Cox speaks out on trans rights and dehumanization
• Andy Cohen responds to anti-trans rhetoric
• FBI involved in trans custody dispute
• Trans woman killed in San Francisco hit-and-run
• Religious backlash at Baylor University
• Pastor pleads guilty to sexual offenses
• Suspect charged in Sam Altman attack

This episode explores the real-world impact of policy, rhetoric, and visibility on the LGBTQ+ community.

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.

In this episode:

• Meryl Streep credits queer culture for shaping fashion and media
• Netflix announces Kylie Minogue documentary
• New queer photo series inspired by Madonna’s SEX era
• Heartstopper Forever finale set for July 17
• NYC appoints Black lesbian archivist Shawn Smith-Cruz
• Former drag performer calls for Pride funding cuts
• John Waters appears on The View with viral Trump comment

This episode explores how LGBTQ+ people continue to shape culture — while also navigating internal debates and evolving identities.

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.

Major LGBTQ+ news updates you need to know right now.

In today’s episode of Listen Up Girl, we break down a HUGE legal win for trans rights as the Montana Supreme Court rules that denying accurate IDs is unconstitutional. We also cover a historic decision from the European Union striking down Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ+ law, and a surprising moment in Nebraska where multiple anti-trans bills failed to pass.

Plus — Apple CEO Tim Cook announces a major leadership transition, a powerful coming out story from Australian billionaire Hamish Douglass, growing global boycotts in the music industry, and key U.S. Supreme Court cases that could impact LGBTQ+ rights.

This episode dives into the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between.

💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support LGBTQ+ independent media.

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.

In this episode of Listen Up Girl, Zach covers:

• Heated Rivalry season 2 shifting from romance to real-life relationship struggles
• Heartstopper Forever casting changes and what it means for the final chapter
• Australia ending discriminatory blood donation restrictions for LGBTQ+ people
• Trans & Intersex Pride Dublin returning as a major protest movement
• Gay teachers in France facing ongoing anti-LGBTQ+ harassment
• Concerns over Google search results leading users to conversion therapy sites
• U.S. Supreme Court taking on a major LGBTQ+ vs religious rights case
• A new gay bar opening in Champaign, Illinois
• Boston LGBTQ+ funding controversy explained
• Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear honored for LGBTQ+ allyship

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.

In today’s Listen Up Girl episode, we break down the biggest LGBTQ+ news stories happening right now — and what they really mean.

From a shocking claim about overturning trans healthcare access, to a viral confrontation in West Hollywood that’s sparking debate across social media, to quiet policy changes in states like Wyoming that could impact transgender rights — this episode covers it all.

We also dive into:

• The politics behind Coachella and where your money goes
• A powerful new neuroinclusive production of RENT
• Trump’s latest budget proposal and its impact on LGBTQ+ communities
• A trans teacher leaving Florida over restrictive laws
• Global LGBTQ+ crackdowns, including a major case in Senegal

This is more than headlines — it’s context, analysis, and real conversation.

🎧 Subscribe for weekly LGBTQ+ news, commentary, and stories that matter.

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.