This week, Hugh and I dive right into ou chat about one of my absolute favorite topics: how queer folks and other marginalized communities turn exclusion into empowerment. You know me — if society tries to shut a door, I’m already sashaying through a window.

We kick things off by talking about what happens when marginalized people — especially queer and trans folks — get pushed out of mainstream spaces. Spoiler: we don’t just survive, we build our own dazzling little universes. From the chosen‑family magic of queer nightlife to mutual‑aid networks that pop up like wildflowers in a sidewalk crack, we find ways to lift each other up when the world tries to push us down.

Hugh and I also get into the history of drawing lines from the so‑called “witches” of old Europe to modern‑day queer youth. And let me tell you, once you start tracing these threads, you see how often people on the margins develop perspectives, creativity, and resilience that the rest of the world could really stand to learn from.

I want to invite everyone listening to take a moment — yes, even you multitasking on the subway — to think about how we move forward together in these wild times. Because even when things feel heavy, our communities have always had the power to transform struggle into something fierce, loving, and revolutionary.

And if you want the play‑by‑play…

00:00 — I introduce the episode and warm up the mic
00:58 — We jump into queer spaces, exclusion, and finding home
02:03 — A whirlwind tour through historical and current marginalization
03:24 — How oppression sparks resistance and reinvention
08:23 — Community, chosen family, and mutual aid
11:44 — Celebrating the power and wisdom of marginalized voices
23:01 — Ad break: Transcendence Tea (darling, the blend is divine)
24:44 — Dreaming bigger: future paradigms and closing thoughts
30:00 — Outro, credits, kisses, and a wink

Click here and get 10% off Peppemints Trancendence Tea

Click here to pre-order Hugh’s new book “My Bad”

Follow us at:

• @peppermint247
• @hughoryan
• @pridehousemedia

Write to us at:

• questions@queer101podcast.com

In this week’s episode, Peppermint and Hugh Ryan explore the vibrant intersection of queer identity and spirituality—a part of queer history that’s often overlooked or misunderstood. They celebrate queerness as an essential thread in the fabric of human culture, diving into everything from holiday‑season consumerism to the deep historical roots of gender variance across the world.

Together, they unpack how spirituality has always played a role in queer life, highlighting traditions and practices that honor and uplift queer and trans people, reflecting on the importance of language, culture, and community.

Ultimately, this episode is a reminder of the power of self‑creation, the resilience of queer existence, and the long, rich history that proves queerness isn’t going anywhere—because it’s always been here.

Click here for more information or to purchase Peppemints Trancendence Tea

Click here to pre-order Hugh’s new book “My Bad”

Follow us at:

• @peppermint247
• @hughoryan
• @pridehousemedia

Write to us at:

• questions@queer101podcast.com

In this episode of Queer 101, Peppermint and Hugh are spilling all the Thanksgiving tea—yes, the gravy‑soaked, chosen‑family, pass‑me-a-biscuit kind. They share their own little holiday traditions, the ones that make Thanksgiving feel fabulously queer and beautifully communal. They also dive into the messy, complicated history of the holiday, because honey, you can’t serve a feast without serving some truth.

Peppermint chats about my plans with her family (both the born and the chosen), my ride‑or‑die favorite Thanksgiving dishes, and the gratitude I’m feeling for our fierce, resilient queer community—especially with everything going on in the world. We’re celebrating queer resistance, queer joy, and the communities that keep us going.

And of course, they share a bit about their latest projects—Hugh’s new book My Bad: A Personal History of the Queer Nineties and Peppermint’s very own Transcendence tea blend. Trust me, they both pair perfectly with a cozy holiday vibe.

(both linked below.)

00:00 Introduction to Queer 101

00:49 Holiday Season and Thanksgiving Plans

01:39 Thanksgiving Traditions and Reflections

08:47 Games and New Traditions

11:35 Expressions of Gratitude

18:24 Closing Remarks and Announcements

Click here for more information or to purchase Peppemints Trancendence Tea

Click here to pre-order Hugh’s new book “My Bad”

Follow us at:

• @peppermint247
• @hughoryan
• @pridehousemedia

Write to us at:

• questions@queer101podcast.com

In this episode of Queer 101, hosts Peppermint and historian Hugh Ryan explore the fascinating crossroads of queer history, spirituality, and witchcraft. They begin by unpacking the Supreme Court’s recent refusal to hear a challenge to same-sex marriage — a reminder that the fight for equality is always evolving.

Amid the discussion, the two celebrate Hugh and his partner’s 15th anniversary, reflecting on love, resilience, and community before diving into their latest book club pick: Bargain Witch by Brooke Palmieri. This collection of essays weaves together queer identity, history, and magic — making complex ideas accessible, empowering, and deeply relevant to today’s queer experiences.

From historical witch trials to modern manifestations of spiritual autonomy, Peppermint and Hugh spotlight how queer people have always used faith, ritual, and resistance to reclaim power. The episode invites listeners to consider what spiritual liberation looks like — and why queer voices are so vital in reimagining it.

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, share, and join future conversations, as Queer 101 continues to uncover how the past informs the fight for freedom, identity, and joy today.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Queer 101
• 01:21 Recent Wins and Ongoing Struggles
• 04:28 Celebrating Personal Milestones
• 05:40 Book of the Month: Bargain Witch
• 10:52 Historical and Modern Witchcraft
• 20:11 Connecting Witchcraft to Queer History
• 24:51 Conclusion and Next Week’s Preview

Follow us at:

• @peppermint247
• @hughoryan
• @pridehousemedia

Write to us at:

• questions@queer101podcast.com

This week on Queer 101, Peppermint and Hugh, the historian with the receipts, are diving into the untold layers of queer history you probably didn’t learn in school. 🌈

They talk in depth about resilience, resistance, and what it really means to hold onto hope. And as always their conversation takes some unexpected and exciting turns — from the results of the New York mayoral election to celebrating the wins of immigrant leaders making real change.

Pep and Hugh also get real about ongoing battles for equality, the importance of self-initiation, and how we can all break free from the boxes society tries to put us in.

It’s smart, heartfelt, and a whole lot of fun — exactly what Queer 101 does best. 💖

00:00 Introduction to Queer 101

01:22 Deep Dive into George Takei's Memoir

01:54 Reflections on Recent Elections

03:17 Challenges to Democracy and Equality

05:33 Historical Oppression and Resistance

14:12 Personal Stories of Resistance

20:13 Reflecting on Historical Injustices

21:02 Connecting Global Struggles

23:38 Celebrity Activism and Crushes

27:13 The Closet and Societal Expectations

34:01 Political Hypocrisy and Elections

36:51 Book Club Announcement

38:47 Podcast Wrap-Up and Farewell

Follow us at:

• @peppermint247
• @hughoryan
• @pridehousemedia

Write to us at:

• questions@queer101podcast.com

In this episode, Peppermint and Hugh the Historian take you on a heartfelt journey through queer history and LGBTQ+ culture, blending humor, honesty, and reflection. They dive into the powerful stories of the past and present — including touching moments from George Takei’s memoir It Rhymes with Takei, which explores the realities of Japanese American internment, his experiences as a closeted actor in Hollywood and ultimates and LGBTQ+ Activist.

Peppermint and Hugh also share personal stories about their first crushes, the challenges queer celebrities face in the entertainment industry, and the ongoing fight for visibility, intersectionality, and equality.

Tune in for uplifting insights, emotional truths, and powerful reminders of why queer voices and activism matter. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and join the conversation to keep celebrating queer history together. 🌈

00:00 Introduction to Queer 101

01:14 Recap of Last Week's Episode with George Takei

02:23 Comic-Con and Queer Representation in Comics

05:53 Personal Stories: First Crushes and Early Queer Experiences

12:57 Celebrity Crushes and Queer Representation in Media

18:01 Impact of Queer Celebrities on Personal Identity

21:21 Celebrity Rumors and Scandals

22:14 Impact of Celebrity Behavior on Public Perception

24:04 Changes in Celebrity Culture and Coming Out

25:19 The Role of Internet and Reality Celebrities

26:43 Challenges and Hypocrisy in Celebrity Coming Out

28:28 Advocacy and Activism in the Queer Community

34:50 Intersectionality in Activism

36:51 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

38:48 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Follow us at:

• @peppermint247
• @hughoryan
• @pridehousemedia

Write to us at:

• questions@queer101podcast.com

In this deeply compelling episode of Queer 101, hosts Peppermint and Hugh Ryan dive deep into the intersection of LGBTQ+ history and culture with none other than the legendary George Takei, live from NYC Comic-Con.

Takei opens up about his childhood experiences in Japanese internment camps during WWII, the challenges of living in the closet, and his transformation into a leading LGBTQ+ activist. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, he shares how resilience shaped his life, advocacy and activism for marriage equality and civil rights, offering powerful insights into both queer history and the ongoing fight for equality.

This episode sheds light on George Takei’s incredible legacy and the importance of sharing these stories with new generations.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00: Introduction to Queer 101
• 01:26: George Takei at NYC Comic-Con
• 02:21: Takei’s Life Journey
• 05:36: Reflections on Japanese Internment Camps
• 11:51: George Takei's They Called Us Enemy graphic memoir
• 39:48: LGBTQ+ Activism and Civil Rights
• 46:02: Marriage Equality Struggle

Follow us at: @peppermint247 and @hughoryan

Write to us at: questions@queer101podcast.com

In this episode of 'Queer 101,' hosts Peppermint and Hugh dive into the rich history of queer trailblazers. They discuss the importance of recognizing unsung heroes in queer history, such as Keoshi Kuromiya, Sylvia Rivera, and local icons like Marti Gould Cummings, Queen Jean and David Lisa. The conversation branches into contemporary issues, including the fight for access to gender-affirming care and the ongoing need to celebrate and remember the lives and contributions of queer individuals. Listeners are encouraged to engage and share their own icons in queer history.

00:00 Introduction to Queer 101

01:32 Reflecting on Marsha P. Johnson

03:19 Unsolved Mysteries and Queer History

06:50 Modern Queer Icons and Activists

08:42 Honoring Local Queer Icons

12:37 Trailblazers in Queer Politics

14:14 Community Activism and Support

16:15 Recognizing Queer Icons and Their Impact

20:49 Historical Erasure and the Fight for Recognition

24:34 The Impact of Media on Historical Narratives

25:28 The Reality of Trailblazers

26:33 Economic Disenfranchisement and Survival

28:12 Kevin Bacon's Financial Struggles

29:59 Sex Work as a Means of Survival

34:12 Gender Affirming Care and Historical Perspectives

40:15 The Importance of Queer Memory and Archiving

42:02 Honoring Queer Icons

43:28 Conclusion and Call to Action

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