This week on Queernundrum, we’re sharpening our swords and polishing our boots—or heels—for a deep dive into one of the campiest cult classics of the early ’80s. We won’t spoil the title (yet), but here’s a hint: it involves twin brothers, capes, color-coordinated costumes, and a whole lot of sass.

We explore how this outrageous comedy flipped the script on traditional heroism, bringing camp, queerness, and coded resistance to the silver screen—whether Hollywood was ready or not. We dig into the layered performance of George Hamilton, the brilliance of Brenda Vaccaro, the menace of Ron Leibman, and the cool glam of Lauren Hutton, tying it all to a time when queer representation had to sneak in through the back door of comedy.

And speaking of injustice—Gary doesn’t hold back when we talk about the recent and infuriating decision to rename the U.S. Navy ship originally dedicated to Harvey Milk. During Pride Month, no less. We reflect on what Milk’s legacy means today, how erasure still shows up in military and political spaces, and why visibility still matters—campy movies included.

Topics Covered:

• Queer-coded characters in 1980s films

• LGBTQ+ cinema history

• George Hamilton and dual roles in comedy

• The cultural impact of Zorro, The Gay Blade

• Camp as resistance

• Pride Month controversies

• Harvey Milk and LGBTQ+

Intro music by Jahzzar “Please Listen Carefully” “Jahzzar (betterwithmusic.com) CC BY-SA” and Outro music by Scott Holmes “Acoustic Indie Folk” @ scottianholmes@live.com.

Editor: H. Greystone via FinalCut Pro

Writer: G. Thoren

🎧 Stream now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your sassy social justice with a side of cinema.

💬 Follow us on BlueSky, Instagram, and Facebook—and don’t forget to guess the movie before the masks come off!

#Queernundrum #QueerCinema #PrideMonth #CampCulture #HarveyMilk #LGBTQHistory #ZorroButMakeItGay #PodcastWithPurpose

This week on Queernundrum, we are dialing into the mystique of the one and only Miss Cleo—the 90s TV psychic icon with a Jamaican accent, dramatic flair, and an unforgettable catchphrase: “Call me now!”

But behind the turbans and tarot cards was Youree Dell Harris, a queer Black woman, actress, and survivor who crafted a character that became both beloved and controversial.

Was Miss Cleo an empowering queer trailblazer or an exploitative figure wrapped in spiritual drag? Or… was she both?

Join us as we unravel:

• Miss Cleo’s true identity and late-in-life coming out
• Her unexpected role in leading Pride parades and representing queer resilience
• The tension between performance and deception in the name of survival
• Her place in the glittering, messy lineage of queer icons, divas, and camp legends

This episode is part queer history, part cultural autopsy, and part love letter to complicated legacies. Grab your crystal ball, press play, and let’s explore the queernundrum that is Miss Cleo.

Was she the oracle we needed? Tune in and find out.

In this episode of Queernundrum, we delve into the captivating story of Liz Carmichael, a transgender entrepreneur who, in the 1970s, promised to revolutionize the auto industry with a three-wheeled car called The Dale. Amid the energy crisis, Liz's Twentieth Century Motor Car Corporation claimed the vehicle would achieve 70 miles per gallon, capturing national attention. However, as media scrutiny intensified, so did questions about the car's viability and Liz's past.

We explore the intricate layers of Liz's life: her transition during a time of widespread transphobia, her run-ins with the law, and the media's obsession with her gender identity over her business dealings. The HBO docuseries The Lady and the Dale sheds light on how Liz's story was sensationalized, often overshadowing the systemic biases she faced as a trans woman in a male-dominated industry.

Join us as we discuss:

• The intersection of gender identity and entrepreneurship
• Media portrayal of trans individuals in the 20th century
• The fine line between innovation and deception

Resources & References:

• The Lady and the Dale – HBO
• Geraldine Elizabeth Carmichael – Wikipedia

This week on Queernundrum, Holly brings a little sparkle — and a little fire — to the mic with a roundup of major LGBTQ+ news:

• The Trump administration proposes cutting LGBTQ+ services from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — what that means for our communities.

• JoJo Siwa’s big "I'm so queer" moment on Celebrity Big Brother UK — and the pop culture fallout.

• Demi Lovato throws a fabulous LGBTQ+ celebration at the opening of The Tryst in Puerto Vallarta.

Meanwhile, Gary shines a spotlight on the incomparable George Takei — Star Trek legend, outspoken activist, and all-around queer icon. From sci-fi to social justice, we dive into what makes him a lasting hero for generations.

⚡ Also! A little housekeeping: Queernundrum is now coming to you bi-weekly — every two weeks — so make sure you're subscribed to catch all the fabulousness.

Listen in for the laughs, the rage, and the celebration — it’s all part of the Queernundrum. 🌈🎙️

Intro music by Jahzzar “Please Listen Carefully” “Jahzzar (betterwithmusic.com) CC BY-SA” and Outro music by Scott Holmes “Acoustic Indie Folk” @ scottianholmes@live.com.

Editor: H. Greystone via FinalCut Pro

Writer: G. Thoren

Good morning, queers and weirdos—

This week, we step aboard a ghost train made of flesh, bones, and brutal truth with our guest Serenity Scarecrow (BlueSky: @serenityscarecrow.bsky.social | Instagram: @sketchypete902)—a horror-loving, boundary-pushing creator whose storytelling is as visceral as it is visionary.

Intro music by Jahzzar “Please Listen Carefully” “Jahzzar (betterwithmusic.com) CC BY-SA” and Outro music by Scott Holmes “Acoustic Indie Folk” @ scottianholmes@live.com.

Editor: H. Greystone via FinalCut Pro

Writer: G. Thoren

Inspired by the classics of horror, Serenity brings us deep into her original concept: a haunted thirteen-car train, crewed by the damned. It’s blood-soaked, metaphor-rich, and unapologetically trans.

We explore the question:

Serenity shares how horror—especially body horror—becomes a space to reclaim narratives often twisted or erased. Through transformation, grotesquery, and survival, trans bodies become sacred, powerful, and defiant.

If you love queer horror, fearless storytelling, or just want to ride a train you’ll never forget, this one’s for you.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your creepy queer content.

💀 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share—because queerness is the final girl energy.

Good Morning, Queers and Weirdos! — The Richard Chamberlain Episode

This week, we're diving deep into the glittering, dramatic, and fiercely private world of one of Hollywood’s most iconic heartthrobs—Richard Chamberlain.

He was the dreamy Dr. Kildare, the king of the miniseries, a swashbuckling movie star, and—surprise—he could sing, too. But behind all that stardom was a man living a hidden truth in an industry that made no space for openly queer leading men.

Join us as Gary shares his long-time crush and personal reflections on growing up watching Chamberlain, while Holly explores his lasting impact on queer culture. From The Thorn Birds to Shogun, The Three Musketeers to The Slipper and the Rose, we celebrate the art and complexity of a man who gave the world beauty, drama, and, eventually, his truth.

• 💔 He made us swoon.
• 🌈 He made us feel seen.
• 🔥 And yes, he’s still sexy.

So pour your tea, fluff your pillows, and get ready—this one’s juicy.

In this episode:

• TV Royalty – From Dr. Kildare to Jason Bourne
• Movie Star Magic – Sword fights, fairy tales, and fire
• Closeted in Hollywood – Surviving and thriving in silence
• Legacy – A queer icon on his own terms

Follow us @queernundrum

In this special episode of Queernundrum, we’re diving into the legacy, allure, and enduring queerness of the one and only Marilyn Monroe. Joining us is the fabulous Jamie Truitt, a longtime friend of our host Gary and a bona fide Monroe aficionado—with a surprising love for Tolstoy to boot!

We kick things off with some heartwarming (and hilarious) memories from Jamie and Gary’s high school days, before launching into an illuminating conversation about Marilyn’s cultural impact, her rumored same-sex trysts, and why she continues to resonate so deeply with queer audiences today.

From Jamie’s personal reflections on Marilyn’s life and misunderstood brilliance to their favorite and most underrated Monroe films, this episode blends Hollywood history, queer theory, and a whole lot of admiration for a woman who was far more than a blonde bombshell.

✨ Questions we explore:

• What made Marilyn such a powerful symbol for the LGBTQ+ community?
• Is there truth to the whispers of her queer relationships?
• What would a posthumous Monroe role look like?
• And what can we still learn from her today?

Whether you're a Monroe superfan or just curious about her legacy through a queer lens, this episode promises glamour, depth, and insight.

Tune in, and fall in love with Marilyn all over again.

Intro music by Jahzzar “Please Listen Carefully” “Jahzzar (betterwithmusic.com) CC BY-SA” and Outro music by Scott Holmes “Acoustic Indie Folk” @ scottianholmes@live.com.

Editor: H. Greystone via FinalCut Pro

Writer: G. Thoren

What happens when you mix the wit and charm of The Golden Girls with a fresh, queer-centric twist? You get Mid-Century Modern! In this episode, we dive into Hulu’s upcoming comedy starring Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, Nathan Lee Graham, and the late, great Linda Lavin. We explore its connections to The Golden Girls, from its ensemble cast to its focus on chosen family and aging with humor, heart, and a little bit of sass.

💬 What We Cover:

✨ A breakdown of Mid-Century Modern—its premise, cast, and why we’re excited.

✨ The legacy of The Golden Girls and its groundbreaking LGBTQ+ representation.

✨ How Mid-Century Modern updates the formula for today’s audience.

✨ Our hopes for queer storytelling in modern sitcoms.

👀 Why You Should Listen:

If you love smart, heartfelt comedies with strong queer representation—or just want to hear us gush about our love for The Golden Girls—this episode is for you!

🎧 Tune in now! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Queernundrum wherever you get your podcasts!

Show Sponsors:

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